Latest news with #MacAskill
Daily Record
30-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Record
Sandie Peggie trans 'debacle' must be 'wake up call for brainwashed public sector' says ex-minister
Former justice secretary Kenny MacAskill said the landmark discrimination case should be a 'catalyst for change'. A former justice secretary is warning the Sandie Peggie trans 'debacle' over changing rooms must be a 'wake-up call' for Scotland's 'brainwashed' public sector. Kenny MacAskill said the landmark discrimination case should be a 'catalyst for change', insisting public services had a 'duty' to accept the Supreme Court's ruling on biology. He claimed many organisations appeared to be seeking to 'delay or thwart the ruling ' that allows men identifying as female to be banned from women's single sex spaces. MacAskill is also calling for a clear-out of public sector boards claiming chairs and members failed to challenge chief executives and senior management as 'harmful' trans ideology became embedded across Scotland. He said: 'The Supreme Court was clear and unequivocal in their judgment. "The excuses and failures of government and their agencies to respond is simply unacceptable. "The clearest example remains in the absurdity of men self-identifying as women and being classified as women for crimes that women simply cannot perpetrate and resulting in men being placed in the female prison estate.' According to MacAskill, public boards 'were craven in their acceptance of the ideology' as services were 'brainwashed by trans ideology' after bringing in controversial lobbyists such as Stonewall and LGBT Youth Scotland to push their agenda. MacAskill, justice secretary between 2007 and 2014, claimed the ongoing tribunal showed not just the need to roll back 'trans ideology zealots' but to 'expand the catchment for such board memberships'. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. He said: 'The current grouping has failed when they have a duty to challenge as well as to support. "It's time that these individuals went and those we appoint in their place possess common sense and know what a woman is.' Sandie Peggie is taking NHS Fife and trans medic Dr Beth Upton – formerly Theodore– to a tribunal after being suspended following an incident on Christmas Eve 2023 in female changing rooms. The nurse worked at Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy for 30 years before being suspended and asked to work elsewhere after objecting to the presence of a biological male in a female changing facility. The Supreme Court unanimously ruled in April that a woman is defined by biological sex under equalities law meaning trans women – men identifying as female – can be excluded from single sex spaces. A Scottish government spokesperson said: 'The Scottish government has made it clear that it accepts the Supreme Court ruling and since April has been taking forward the detailed work necessary as a consequence of the ruling. 'In addition Police Scotland has published interim guidance on searching of trans-gender people.'
The Herald Scotland
30-07-2025
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
Swinney independence referendum plan 'born of expediency'
Mr Swinney set out his approach in a newspaper article on Monday returning to the approach of former [[SNP]] First Minister Alex Salmond 14 years ago. Mr Salmond secured an outright majority for the [[SNP]] at the 2011 [[Holyrood]] election, a result that led to a joint agreement with the UK Government on a referendum. He was the only party leader to have done so since 1999 with the electoral system for the Scottish Parliament designed to make it more difficult for parties to have an overall majority and to encourage parties working together in coalition governments. READ MORE: In a letter to Mr Swinney, Mr MacAskill says the First Minister must know there is little chance of the SNP winning a majority in the 2026 Holyrood elections. "I note your comments in Monday's press in which you claim that an SNP majority at next year's election is needed to deliver a second independence referendum," he writes. "You must know in your heart of hearts that the chances of you achieving a second overall majority for the SNP is extremely unlikely, in a system that is designed to prevent that from happening. The SNP's success in 2011, in which it achieved an overall majority, was achieved against a very different set of circumstances." Mr MacAskill lists three reasons why the chances are against Mr Swinney's SNP winning a majority next year. Kenny MacAskill with the late Alex Salmond (Image: Colin Mearns) "The SNP [in 2011] were led by a statesman without rival in the Scottish Parliament at the head of a government which had demonstrated a level of competence and delivery in the NHS, education, local government, crime and policing, infrastructure investment and much else," he writes. "Frankly your record and that of your predecessors does not stand comparison with that delivered in the first five years of the SNP's term in office. "A significant gap has opened up between support for the SNP which is running at around 30% and support for independence which runs at around 50%." He accuses Mr Swinney of using the strategy as a way of attempting to get more support for the SNP rather than a way of achieving independence. "People in the country will therefore conclude that you are taking SNP voters for fools, that you are paying lip service to independence and that you are squandering the opportunity of the 2026 election to achieve it," he writes. "Independence supporters will see this for what it is a tactic born of electoral expediency rather than political conviction. It is designed to bolster the SNP vote not to achieve independence." Mr MacAskill goes on to add that "to achieve independence you must first seek the mandate for it" and "to do that you must achieve maximum unity" among all of the independence supporters and pro-independence parties in the country. On Tuesday the [[SNP]] told The National that Mr Swinney is set to call for the 'immediate establishment' of a constitutional convention to 'marshal support' for Scottish independence. The [[SNP]] leader will ask members to support the move in a motion put forward at the party conference in Aberdeen in October. The motion intends to set up a 'Scottish constitutional convention' to 'marshal support for Scotland's right to decide through gathering support from the people of Scotland, civic bodies and international opinion'. The full conference motion, seen by The National and titled 'Winning independence', states: 'Conference believes that the Scottish election in 2026 offers the people of Scotland a fresh start for our nation; that an SNP majority in that election, repeating the precedent of 2011, is the only uncontested route to delivering a new referendum. 'It is essential that, as before, the pro-independence campaign in that referendum should be broad-based and inclusive of the wide range of pro-independence campaigning bodies, representing a cross-section of Scottish society.' In his letter to Mr Swinney, Mr MacAskill adds that he wants all of the parties which support independence to contain a commitment in their manifestos that a majority of votes for pro independence parties at the Holyrood elections, would be a mandate for independence itself - not a second referendum. "That is why I am calling on each of the pro-independence parties to contain a clear and unambiguous commitment in their manifestos that if a majority of votes are cast on the list vote for pro-independence parties that will constitute the mandate for independence, not a second independence referendum," he tells Mr Swinney. "The urgent need to achieve independence and the unity of the independence movement requires you to re-consider your position. I urge you to do so, to put country before party and to call a summit of all of the pro-independence parties, to prepare for a plebiscite election, as a matter of urgency." In a separate press statement, Mr MacAskill welcomed the convention but said it should take place right away rather than waiting until after the SNP's conference in October. 'A Constitutional Convention is to be welcomed. But it must be now as the need is urgent. It must also be the launch pad for a plebiscite election and include all pro-independence parties as the referendum route is doomed to fail. Otherwise it will be a blind alley leading to a political cul de sac," he said. 'Holyrood 2026 must be Scotland's Independence Election where the pro independence parties seek a mandate for independence and agree that a majority of votes cast for pro-independence parties, on the regional list, will constitute that mandate. 'Alba have consistently called for action on independence. The SNP have an opportunity to make this Convention more than symbolic, and instead ensure that it leads directly to a clear, democratic mandate for independence at the next election.' Last month Constitution Secretary Angus Robertson explicitly ruled out holding a convention of independence-supporting parties this summer. SNP depute leader Keith Brown told the party's conference last year that he would support an independence convention that included other Yes-party representatives. A spokesperson for the First Minister said: "Independence is the fresh start that Scotland needs for a better future - and the First Minister is determined to unlock a route that makes it possible. "It is clear from recent electoral history that only an outright SNP majority in an election has delivered a legally-recognised referendum process which would lead to independence. "Compared to 2011, support for independence is much higher, the SNP is a much larger party - with a more formidable campaigning machine - and the case for Westminster control has never been weaker. Over the next few months, the SNP will set out a bold and ambitious vision for an independent Scotland - and we will seek to unite people in Scotland around that SNP vision in the election next May."
The Herald Scotland
06-07-2025
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
Alba's Kenny MacAskill calls for Alex Salmond public inquiry
The Alba Party leader told presenter Bernard Ponsonby: "I think there has to be an inquiry because what happened to Alex Salmond was fundamentally wrong. I think what we are seeing is obfuscation, to put it mildly, by the Scottish Government. "There can be no cover up in Holyrood or in St Andrew's House. We require to know who did what, what was done, if that impacts upon Alex so be it, but I don't believe it does. I believe it will vindicate him because a manifest injustice was done towards him." Mr MacAskill was among the mourners for the former First Minister after his death last autumn. (Image: PA) In an exclusive interview published earlier today, Mr MacAskill had told The Herald on Sunday: "I will not forgive the behaviour of Nicola Sturgeon towards Alex Salmond. And indeed, the lies told by others. 'I've been involved with the independence movement for a long time. Even people in the SNP know that there are individuals who have taken actions that are currently under investigation by the authorities relating to Alex. 'Our position is that we will fully support the authorities in doing their job. That is what it has to be. It doesn't mean you give the SNP a blank cheque. I mean, we rightly criticise." Read more: Alba's Kenny MacAskill on party infighting, independence, and Scotland's energy 'I will never forgive Nicola Sturgeon', former Justice Secretary says 'A 1970s tribute act': Alba faces electoral ruin, former party boss warns Speaking to Mr Ponsonby, Mr MacAskill went on to say that he believed the Scottish Government's stance toward Mr Salmond may have contributed to his untimely death. He said: "There was a political conspiracy to do down Alex Salmond. I have no doubt that was a factor in his early death. "He wasn't even 70 but what he had to endure. But he was vindicated in the civil courts with the Scottish Government chastised in the highest court in our land and in the criminal court a jury of his peers exculpated him." Mr Salmond, 69, died last October while at a conference in North Macedonia. He had bitterly fallen with former SNP colleagues, including former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, after allegations of sexual misconduct were levelled in 2018. Mr Salmond was later cleared of 13 charges in a High Court criminal case in March 2020. A bitter leadership contest between Mr MacAskill and Alba's only MSP Ash Regan resulted in the former being selected for the top spot in March. Speaking to the Herald on Sunday. Mr MacAskill said: 'It's been a testing occasion for us all. Alex's death was tragic back in October, and now we have had to stabilise the ship. 'It was obviously not simply a loss in terms of the political leadership and the inspiration he gave, but he was a personal friend.'
The National
12-05-2025
- Politics
- The National
Scottish care sector chief rips into Keir Starmer's immigration plans
Donald MacAskill has said he is 'profoundly concerned' at proposals set out by the Prime Minister which include cutting overseas care workers. Starmer said the UK risks becoming an 'island of strangers' without further controls on immigration. He also said the Labour Government would 'take back control of our borders' and close the book on a 'squalid chapter' for politics and the economy. The UK Government is set to close the care worker visa route as part of new restrictions which aim to cut the number of low-skilled foreign workers by about 50,000 this year. READ MORE: Keir Starmer to close legal route that allowed Palestinians to settle in UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has said it is "time to end that care worker recruitment from abroad" and rules will change this year - instead requiring firms to hire British nationals or extend visas of overseas workers already in the country. MacAskill said the care sector in Scotland had not been consulted about the announcement. He told The National the language used by Starmer has echoes of Enoch Powell, who in 1968 criticised the rapid influx of immigrants from the Commonwealth to the UK in his 'Rivers of Blood' speech. The Scottish Care CEO said Starmer's approach will create a 'hostile environment' for care workers, making it harder for the sector to hang on to international workers. He told The National: 'The phraseology of the prime minister is extremely negative and almost reaches a level of anti-immigrant rhetoric which is really playing into the hands of some of our more negative voices in the political area. 'That means holding onto the thousands of care workers that come from international communities, who are delivering care and part of our communities today, will be increasingly difficult because it's creating a hostile environment. 'As a bit of student of political history I cannot but conclude that it has echoes of Powell at his worst. It is deeply regrettable that using language that plays into negative stereotypes around the contribution of migrants will lead to a devaluing of their contribution. 'The skills and the abilities of our international colleagues are excellent and we have to hold onto our colleagues. We have to get the UK Government to reconsider. (Image: NQ) 'I want Mr Starmer to answer me – where are we going to get these workers if not internationally?' MacAskill (above) is not the first to make the comparison between Starmer and Powell, with MP Zarah Sultana also saying he "imitated" the Rivers of Blood speech with his words. "That speech fuelled decades of racism and division. Echoing it today is a disgrace," she said. MacAskill said even if every pupil coming out of Scottish schools were to go into the care sector, there would still not be enough people to deliver care and support. The Prime Minister imitating Enoch Powell's 'Rivers of Blood' speech is sickening. That speech fuelled decades of racism and division. Echoing it today is a disgrace. It adds to anti-migrant rhetoric that puts lives at risk. Shame on you, Keir Starmer. — Zarah Sultana MP (@zarahsultana) May 12, 2025 He said the plan announced by Starmer failed to recognise the problem Scotland faces of an ageing workforce, adding it has become clear the nation needs to have powers over immigration. 'The rhetoric which is about at the moment, that all we need to do is train those who are economically inactive, is absolutely naïve,' said MacAskill. 'There is this perception that care is low-skilled any anybody can do it with a bit of training and it's absolutely false.' READ MORE: Keir Starmer branded 'pound shop Farage' in immigration crackdown He went on: 'We need an immigration system which is based on sector need, and that is clearly the case in Scotland, and secondly a system that is based on geographical priorities and I would argue there is a very strong case for a distinct approach in Scotland to the rest of the UK. 'Similar systems exist in Canada and Australia, and very effectively. It's because the question of nationalism becomes associated with this that we haven't got the maturity of political debate to enable a recognition that parts of Scotland, parts of Wales and indeed parts of the south-west of England do need a different approach to immigration.' Immigration expert Emile Chabal, a professor of contemporary history at Edinburgh University, has also said the Labour Government's approach could lead to a dismantling of the care sector. 'The care sector has for a long time relied on cheap foreign labour and this overwhelmingly has come from non-EU migrants in the last two decades,' he told The National. (Image: PA) 'So there's a very real risk of the bottom falling out of that sector. 'The problem is the lag – it takes time to recruit people, it takes time to train people, and if this legislation is implemented it will make it much more difficult for those in the care sector to employ people quickly.' Under the white paper proposals, migrants will have to spend 10 years in the UK before being able to apply for citizenship, but so-called 'high-contributing' individuals such as doctors and nurses could be fast-tracked through the system. Language requirements will be increased for all immigration routes to ensure a higher level of English. Rules will also be laid out for adult dependants, meaning that they will have to demonstrate a basic understanding of the language. READ MORE: UK media given handbooks after 'normalising Israel's genocide in Gaza' Meanwhile, skilled worker visas will require a university degree, and there will be tighter restrictions on recruitment for jobs with skills shortages. Ministers are looking to bring down net migration figures, which stood at 728,000 in the year to mid-2024. Chabal said there is a 'real problem' with how successive UK governments have become 'hostage' to net migration figures, making him doubt if Starmer's plan is realistic. He said: 'I think it's a double edge sword – on the one hand successive governments have been using net migration targets to try and show they are doing something, they're trying to signal 'we can bring this down, we have a metric we can use to show you we're doing something'. 'But by emphasising migration targets that focuses public attention on the figures and actually, those are much more difficult to control than most governments are willing to admit and that's a real problem. 'So whether any of these policies will be effective, I'd be concerned about that.'
The National
03-05-2025
- Politics
- The National
John Swinney urged to join Independence Summit by Alba
Alba party leader Kenny MacAskill has called on the heads of all of the main pro-Scottish independence parties to unite and take part in his party's summit ahead of the All Under One Banner (AOUB) March in Glasgow on Saturday. Earlier in April, Alba MSP Ash Regan called for a convention to be held a year out from the Holyrood elections, insisting that 'energy' needs to be rebuilt if independence is to be a 'realistic proposition' to voters. However, the SNP sidestepped Alba's call, and the Greens poured cold water on the proposal, saying the party has 'significantly different visions about what an independent Scotland would look like'. READ MORE: Anas Sarwar 'shamefully silent' as Labour MPs demand 'change' from Keir Starmer MacAskill has now written to the leaders of each of Scotland's pro-independence parties urging them to reconsider their decision following Reform UK's surge in the English local elections on Friday. He added that by attending the summit, all parties involved can help create a clear way forward for demanding and achieving independence. MacAskill (below) wrote: 'Scotland is crying out for Independence as sky high energy costs and the threat posed to the poorest and weakest in our society from Westminster's benefit cuts clearly demonstrates. (Image: Andy Buchanan/PA Wire) 'In the week when oil refining finally ended at Grangemouth with the loss of 400 jobs and it was revealed that 80,000 children in Scotland are living in severe poverty. And just yesterday, we witnessed the beginning of Farage's march to Downing Street. It is beyond doubt that Westminster rule is failing the people of Scotland. 'An urgent push for Independence is essential. The coming Holyrood election can be Scotland's Independence Election but it requires all pro-Independence parties to come together in a show of unity. 'We can disagree about the why of Independence but we can all agree on the urgent necessity of achieving Independence and begin to discuss and agree how we get there.' AUOB organisers said they expect around 5000 people to join the demonstration this Saturday, which will begin in the city's West End. The march will set off from Kelvin Way at 11.30am, moving through the city centre before ending at Glasgow Green. Organisers have encouraged demonstrators to bring banners, placards, megaphones, flags, pipes, and drums to create a lively and visible display of support for Scottish independence. At the rally, Alba's MacAskill is expected to call on other party leaders to agree to join the independence summit, as he said unity amongst the parties would be the bedrock towards the cause. MacAskill added: 'That is why I am writing to John and the other pro-Independence party leaders asking them to commit to taking part in an Independence Summit. 'Independence offers a better way for Scotland but we need to work together to achieve it. An Independence Summit can be the first step in charting a clear and positive way forward. 'Unity is strength, and must be the bedrock of the Independence cause. Let us unite the movement and come together in a show of unity. If we unite we will win!'
