Latest news with #TheFerret
The National
19 hours ago
- Politics
- The National
Scottish Government challenged to explain Israel relationship
It came despite ministers despite publicly denouncing the atrocities Israel has carried out amid the genocide in Gaza. The details were revealed by The Ferret and the Sunday National after a months-long FoI battle. Green MSP Ross Greer has tabled a written question asking if the [[Scottish Government]] would still describe Scotland as a critical friend of Israel, adding SNP ministers have 'let themselves down' over the lack of transparency on the issue. In August last year, it was revealed that External Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson had met the Israeli ambassador Daniela Grudsky and that the [[Scottish Government]] had tried to set up an earlier meeting with First Minister John Swinney and the ambassador while talking itself up as a 'critical friend' of Israel. Following a 10-month Freedom of Information battle, The Ferret was able to reveal that the Scottish Government had taken the lead from the Israeli government over the lack of transparency from the meeting's minutes between Robertson and Grudsky. READ MORE: Palestine Action gets green light for ban challenge Greer has now challenged the Scottish Government to clarify its relationship with Israel after it 'fought hard' to hide the details of the meeting. The MSP for West Scotland said the SNP Government has said the 'right things' in public but has failed to take meaningful action, like scrapping public funding for companies which sell arms to Israel. (Image: PA) 'It's depressing but not surprising that the Scottish Government fought so hard to hide the details of their meeting with the Israeli embassy,' Greer said. 'The images of Palestinian children starving to death or blown apart are horrific beyond description. 'To suggest that our country could be any sort of 'friend' of the apartheid regime responsible for these crimes is frankly offensive. 'The [[Scottish Government]] has said the right things in public about Israel's genocidal assault on Palestine, but they have let themselves down with what they've said directly to the Israelis, and with their own actions, such as continued public funding for those who sell arms to Israel.' Following public anger around the meeting last year, Swinney said that it had been 'accepted on the basis it would provide an opportunity to convey our consistent position on the killing and suffering of innocent civilians in the region'. However, the Scottish Government had published a statement prior saying that the attendees had also discussed 'areas of mutual interest, including culture, renewable energy, and engaging the country's respective diasporas'. In the redacted minutes much of the section on 'Israel/Scotland relations' was blacked out, The Ferret reported earlier this month. 'The public deserve absolute clarity on what was said at this meeting,' Greer said. 'Does our government really believe that Scotland should be a 'critical friend' to Israel as it commits genocide? If so, who made that decision? If that is no longer the position, when did it change, and what happened in the last 10 months that was somehow worse than the first year of this genocide?' (Image: Hatem Khaled, REUTERS) Following the backlash, Robertson faced calls for him to resign from his ministerial role from SNP members and grassroots campaigners. Greer added that it's not just the public that need to know what happened as he said: 'Many people in the SNP have stood with us in defence of the Palestinian cause for decades. 'I know how deeply upset they were by this meeting. They deserve more answers and less evasion from their leadership.' In response to Greer's comment, Robertson said the Scottish Government is 'unequivocal' that it would not be appropriate to meet with the Israeli Government until progress is made towards peace. He said: 'More than 60,000 people have been killed in Gaza, a truly horrific figure – and many more are now being left to starve at the hands of the Israeli Government. 'Civilians who queue to access what little humanitarian aid is permitted to enter Gaza are frequently shot at and killed by Israeli Defence Forces. We are strongly focused on doing whatever we can to help the people of Gaza and the First Minister discussed the issue with President Trump when he met him this week. (Image: PA) 'We have repeatedly called for the recognition of a sovereign Palestinian state within a two-state solution but recognition should not be conditional and must be backed by sanctions against Israel if the violence continues. 'As the rhetoric of Israeli politicians has become increasingly extreme in recent months, the Scottish Government is unequivocal that it would not be appropriate to meet with the Israeli Government. 'This will remain our position until real progress has been made towards peace and Israel cooperates fully with its international obligations on the investigation of genocide and war crimes.'
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Jonny Clayton 'did not want to play darts' as he makes honest admission after family tragedy
World Matchplay semi-finalist Jonny Clayton has revealed how his motivation for darts was drained after a family tragedy, but he's now targeting a return to the elite Jonny Clayton has said he was on the verge of giving up darts for good following the sudden death of his dad, John. But after a semi-final finish at the World Matchplay, the Welshman is well on the mend and has rediscovered his motivation to compete. 'The Ferret' was due to fly to the other side of the globe for the World Series in July 2023 when he received word of his father's death. And it was then Clayton started to find it difficult to concentrate on his darts commitments. He has since made a return to form after reaching the final of the World Masters in February. That marked his first PDC major final in almost two years, and he came within inches of adding another tournament decider to his record at the Winter Gardens. Clayton, 50, defeated Stephen Bunting 16-7 before falling 20-18 to James Wade in the semis of the World Matchplay. But he has chosen to take the positives from that result after detailing just how close he came to packing it in for good. "I've changed my mind! I've got the hunger back," he said after beating Stephen Bunting to reach the last four in Blackpool. "I don't know what it is. I felt a bit down in darts, but I want to be one of the best. 'It hurts that I've dropped from world No. 5 to nine with the rankings, but I'm climbing back up slowly. I want to be with the elite. "When you're there, people respect you more than what they do when you are further down the rankings. If you're not playing well, no matter your ranking, people pick up on it. But if you're playing well, it's a step in the right direction. I had to do a job against Stephen, and I did." He narrowly missed out on repeating the trick against 'The Machine', fighting back from 16-10 down to lose on a tiebreak. He and Wade now hold the record for the longest semi-final in World Matchplay history. Clayton has opened up in the past about the toll it took to lose his dad, describing the deep bond they shared. But he appears to have finally reached a place of acceptance, and it's showing in his performances at the oche. "We all know two years ago with my dad passing I just did not want to play," he continued. "I have a smile back on my face now, and I have two kids who want me to do well." The former plasterer, who only gave up his day job in 2022, went on to say he doesn't believe he has "hit top gear" just yet and has more to offer. Not only that, but he's back on the practice board, something he hasn't done "for probably a year-and-a-half." It was back in May that Clayton also ended his wait of more than two years for a European Tour title. He clinched the Dutch Darts Championship after coming back from 5-2 down to defeat Niko Springer in Rosmalen and celebrate another landmark moment. He and countryman Gerwyn Price also snagged a silver medal at this year's World Cup of Darts. The Welsh duo finished second to the Northern Irish pairing of Josh Rock and Daryl Gurney, having won the trophy themselves two years prior. The 2021 Premier League champion may have been a late arrival to the PDC after only joining their ranks 10 years ago. But Clayton appears eager to make up for lost time.
The National
5 days ago
- Politics
- The National
Torture survivors condemn new rules from UK Home Office
TORTURE survivors and charities in Scotland have condemned the UK Government's citizenship ban for refugees, arguing it means people with the legal right to live here are now 'second-class' citizens living in fear of deportation. New Home Office rules mean thousands of people who have come to the UK in small boats or hidden in lorries will normally be refused citizenship – even if their claim for political asylum is granted. Most people who enter the UK on small boats to claim political asylum, having escaped war and persecution, are eventually granted refugee status and many claim British citizenship. The new ban could affect at least 71,000 people and it prompted 148 organisations and individuals to write to Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, urging her to reverse the decision. READ MORE: 'He belongs in The Hague': Keir Starmer fiercely criticised over Gaza speech Signatories to the letter claim the new rules break international law and discriminate against refugees, thousands of whom will be denied rights and left living their lives in 'limbo'. Campaigners also argued the ban makes it more difficult for refugees to integrate into society and risks 'playing into toxic politics' which is 'manipulated by the far-right to bring hate and disorder to our streets'. Last summer, rioters in England attacked mosques and tried to burn down hotels housing asylum seekers, and in recent days, protests down south turned violent again after crowds targeted a hotel in Epping, Essex, which houses people seeking sanctuary in the UK. The Government faces a 'powder keg' situation, amid fears that far-right violence targeting migrants could erupt across England again in coming days and weeks. People in Scotland affected by the citizenship ban spoke to The Ferret following debates this month at Westminster over the government's Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill (Borders Bill) which is making its way through the UK Parliament. The UK Government's bill – a response to the small boats crossing issue – is designed to 'strengthen UK border security'. Peers supportive of refugees, however, have tabled amendments to the bill and, if accepted, they would change the new Home Office guidance on citizenship. Citizenship applications The new guidance for Home Office visa and immigration staff update the 'good character' requirement for British citizenship applications. Anyone who arrived without valid entry clearance or electronic travel authorisation after undertaking a 'dangerous journey' – such as crossing the English Channel in small boats or concealed in vehicles – will almost certainly be refused citizenship, critics said. These changes apply to applications made on or after February 10, 2025, but people who came to the UK prior to then are still affected, even though they could have lived in the UK legally for years. The new guidance says: 'A person who applies for citizenship from February 10, 2025 who has previously arrived without a required valid entry clearance or electronic travel authorisation, having made a dangerous journey will normally be refused citizenship.' Critics of the ban say most refugees have no choice but to take irregular routes to reach the UK due to the lack of safe and legal alternatives. They claim the guidance breaches international law, because Article 31 of the UN Refugee Convention protects refugees from penalties for irregular illegal entry. Seeking UK citizenship costs £1735 an application, and there is no right of appeal against a refusal. Borders bill THE Government's Borders Bill has passed through the House of Commons and is now with the House of Lords for consideration. An amendment – tabled by the Bishop of Chelmsford with support from Baroness Lister of Burtersett, Lord German and Lord Kerr of Kinlochard – aims to mitigate the 'most damaging impacts' of the citizenship ban. The new clause would ensure the good character requirement is not applied contrary to the UK's international legal obligations. With Westminster now in summer recess, the bill won't be debated again until September/early October. Once peers have finished examining the draft legislation, any amendments made will be sent back to the House of Commons for agreement or further negotiation – a political process often referred to as 'ping pong'. Reaction Those affected by the ban include Yahya Fasi, a youth football coach with the St Mirren football club charitable foundation who is a refugee from Syria. A former professional football player in Damascus, he has lived in Rothesay, Bute, since 2020, where his family has a barbershop, beautician business and a patisserie. He told The Ferret that he and his family have 'worked hard' towards getting citizenship, and did everything asked of them, adding that the ban is 'heartbreaking'. (Image: SNS) 'To now be told we can't even apply is deeply disappointing. We've built our lives here from nothing. We've always tried to give back to the community and to contribute in any way we can, because Bute feels like home,' Fasi said. 'It's where we finally felt safe, where our children are growing, and where we've started to heal. We don't want to go back to Syria. We have no one left there, no family, no home. Everything we had was destroyed. Even speaking about it brings back painful memories we try to forget.' Gulan, a refugee who came to Scotland with her two children to escape torture in Iraq, said she faced 'horrible and unbearable violence' at home and had 'no choice but to leave', adding that the journey was 'extremely dangerous'. She said: 'Over the years, we have integrated into the community and found happiness. With our skills and experiences, we deserve to be treated with dignity and respect as any citizen. 'We haven't done anything wrong; we shouldn't be punished for taking the only option we had left when other legal ways to survive just weren't available.' Ahlam Souidi, a senior community development worker at Freedom from Torture, a charity in Glasgow that helps refugees, said many of the torture survivors she works with took 'extraordinarily dangerous journeys, compelled by desperation' and with no 'viable alternatives'. 'If the Government really follows through with blocking refugees from getting citizenship, the UK will be taking a huge step backwards,' she argued. 'This approach doesn't align with our values as a compassionate society and will only cause further distress to the survivors I work with every day. We urge the Government to immediately reconsider.' Her views were echoed by Sabir Zazai, chief executive at the Scottish Refugee Council, who claimed the policy change will have a 'significant long-term impact' on many people already in Scotland, who are 'working and contributing' to the economy and culture. 'This change doesn't discriminate between refugees, victims of trafficking, or children,' he said. 'It doesn't consider the unique vulnerabilities and complex backgrounds of people seeking protection, many of whom have fled unthinkable circumstances. 'British citizenship is the beginning of many people's integration journey. Without it, people do not have the right to vote in UK elections. They do not have the freedom to travel, or work in many government jobs. But worst of all, they remain at risk of detention or deportation.' A Home Office spokesperson said: 'Citizenship applications will continue to be considered on a case-by-case basis.' Syrian asylum claims resume It emerged this month that the UK Government would start processing Syrian asylum claims again. Last December, decisions were suspended after President Bashar al-Assad was overthrown by an Islamist militant group called Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, after years of civil war. This left in limbo more than 7000 Syrians in the UK waiting for a decision on an asylum claim. In parts of Syria, the security situation remains unstable and there has been fighting in the province of Suweida between Druze and Bedouin militias, as well as government forces, in recent weeks. The latest violence started last week. A few days later, Israel got involved and launched air strikes, saying it was protecting the Druze against government forces. At time of writing, more than 1100 people are reported to have been killed in Suweida, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which is based in the UK. Meanwhile, the UK Government has published updated guidance for officials to make decisions on Syrian asylum claims. It says that about 60% of the population suffers from food insecurity, millions live in inadequate accommodation, roughly half of the hospitals are non-functional, and millions face issues accessing sufficient clean water and safe sanitation systems. The guidance continues: 'There are approximately 7.4 million internally displaced persons in Syria, with more than two million living in temporary shelter arrangements such as camps, which suffer from severe overcrowding and poor living conditions.' However, there is a caveat that 'the general humanitarian situation in Syria is not so severe that there are substantial grounds for believing that there is a real risk of serious harm' if someone is returned. 'All cases must be considered on their individual facts, with the onus on the person to demonstrate they face persecution or serious harm,' the guidance adds. The Home Office has been asked to comment.
The Herald Scotland
23-07-2025
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
Israel meeting could prove the downfall of SNP government
17 October 2023. I am at the SNP National Conference in Aberdeen, notepad in hand. Humza Yousaf is telling the assembled faithful about the plight of his wife's parents, trapped in Gaza in the wake of the 7 October attacks. That day, Mr Yousaf says: 'We are absolutely clear that the life of a Palestinian is equal to the life of an Israeli. It is right for the world to condemn the actions of Hamas – unequivocally. 'But any form of collective punishment, as we are seeing in Gaza, can never be justified. 2.2m innocent people cannot pay the price for the actions of Hamas.' Indeed, talk of the ongoing conflict, and Mr Yousaf's personal connection, dominates conversation among the press corp and attendees. Mr Yousaf and Nadia el-Nakla pictured at the conference in Aberdeen. (Image: PA) Since assuming the premiership in May 2024, John Swinney has tweeted about [[Gaza]] two dozen times, condemning the 'intolerable' and 'unimaginable' humanitarian suffering caused by the [[Israel]]i invasion. All this to say, the Scottish Government's position on [[Israel]] and Palestine has been clear, at least publicly. Yet, reporting by The Ferret on Sunday laid bare a much different approach, one in which Scottish Government representatives and Israeli diplomats discussed bilateral meetings. A month after Mr Swinney took office, a government official emailed the Israel embassy looking to set up a meeting between the First Minister and ambassador Tzipi Hotovely. And on 8 August, cabinet secretary Angus Robertson met with deputy ambassador Daniela Grudsky. According to The Ferret, minutes from the meeting state: 'The Scottish Government's position remained that the Palestinian people had the right to self-determination and that a secure Israel should be able to live in peace and security. There was value in dialogue between Scotland and Israel as critical friends.' 'Critical friends'? Such a declaration no doubt comes as a surprise to members of the SNP who regularly champion the party's rhetoric on [[Gaza]], especially in the UK Parliament. If the [[SNP]] continues to waffle, don't be shocked if they bleed enough progressive support in 2026 to tip the balance of power to Labour and Anas Sarwar. Already, some voters have been turned off by Mr Swinney's middle-of-the-road approach to independence and close ties to socially conservative Kate Forbes. Read more: In a statement, Mr Robertson told The Ferret that increasingly extreme rhetoric by Israeli politicians and mounting deaths at aid centres were 'abhorrent' and as such, 'the Scottish Government is unequivocal that it would not be appropriate to meet with the Israeli Government.' Yet, on the day he met with Ms Grudsky, 8 August 2024, two schools housing refugees were struck by Israeli munitions, according to Al Jazeera. 15 people were killed and dozens were injured. And by the end of August, according to the United Nations, citing the Hamas-run Ministry of Health, more than 40,000 Palestinians had been killed and 1.9m had been displaced from their homes. One might ask Mr Robertson what changed between August 2024 and now to warrant the government's 'unequivocal' stance. The answer, like that of a child caught with his hand in the cookie jar, has less to do with the number of civilian casualties and more to do with the embarrassment of being found to have rolled out the red carpet for a state which is hated by the governing party's staunchest supporters.
The National
20-07-2025
- Politics
- The National
Greens press SNP over secret Israeli ambassador meeting
It comes after an exclusive report by The Ferret for The National was published, where the secret minutes of a meeting between MSP Angus Robertson and ambassador Daniela Grudsky were revealed. It has come to light that the Scottish Government had called Israel a "critical friend", despite publicly denouncing the atrocities it has carried out amidst the genocide in Gaza. READ MORE: UK Government facing legal action over refusal of medical evacuations from Gaza In response, Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie said to The National: 'Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, yet the SNP still think it's acceptable to be 'critical friends' with a regime that's blatantly committing war crimes against innocent civilians. 'This is beyond shameful. 'This meeting with the Israeli regime stands in stark contrast with the SNP's stated opposition to the occupation of Gaza and the ongoing genocide. 'They rightly criticise the UK Government's disgraceful complicity, but when it comes to taking action in Scotland, time and again they have failed to deliver.' The report follows a 10-month freedom of information (FoI) battle between the Government and The Ferret, where an unnamed Scottish official said: 'Transparency is obviously a good thing, but it takes up such a lot of our time.' READ MORE: Farage wrecked Britain and risks Aberdeen's future, Flynn warns The FoI requests were prompted after Grudsky shared an image on Twitter/X of her and Robertson, which left a 'schism' within the SNP. 'If the Scottish Government truly considers Israel's vicious government as any kind of friend, then why did they spend 10 months trying to keep these minutes from the public?', Harvie continued. 'We urgently need John Swinney and the Scottish Government to explain why their minister was cosying up to Netanyahu's representative in a secret meeting.'
