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Spectator
3 days ago
- Politics
- Spectator
Can Scotland learn to love Farage?
There's not much that's green in Larkhall, Scotland. So staunchly Protestant unionist is the ex-mining town in South Lanarkshire that it has scrubbed itself of anything associated with Irish Catholicism. The local Subway franchise has grey panelling on its front, and local pharmacies have opted for blue signage. The 15,000-strong area has one football team: Rangers FC. Go deeper into Larkhall's suburbia and you'll find Union Jacks on flagpoles interspersed with those bearing the Red Hand of Ulster. Kerbstones have been painted in the colours of the British flag while rumours abound of youths trying to set fire to the grass. 'In our schools, the wains aren't taught that traffic lights are red, amber and green,' one resident chuckled proudly. 'It's red, white and blue.' He was not joking. Some unsuspecting emerald lights were subjected to £17,000 worth of damage many years ago, and they remain boxed off by wire mesh to this day. It is in this town, as well as in neighbouring Stonehouse and Hamilton, that voters will head to the polls on Thursday 5 June to choose their representative in the Scottish Parliament, following the passing of SNP incumbent Christina McKelvie in March.
The National
6 days ago
- Politics
- The National
Only the historically illiterate would think this Union is ‘equal'
To call this a 'union' is akin to a burglar looting the silver and then claiming joint ownership of the house. READ MORE: Here's what's on the agenda at our next independence convention Opponents of Scottish independence – the grim custodians of imperial nostalgia – cling to their myth of 'British unity' with the tenacity of flat-earthers grasping their ancient maps. They wax lyrical about 'shared history' as though history, in this case, were anything other than a record of coerced assimilation – a process in which Scotland's Parliament dissolved itself under duress, its elites bribed and strong-armed into submission, while its people bore witness to their nation being relegated to a provincial outpost of London's ambitions. To deny this is to inhabit a realm of fantasy where the Highland Clearances were merely an invigorating game of musical chairs, and the exploitation of North Sea oil and gas reserves was an act of benevolent Treasury largesse. These Unionist apologists – these parochial zealots swaddled in Union Jacks – would have us believe that sovereignty is a fixed, immutable doctrine, akin to the divine right of kings or the literal truth of Genesis. They quiver at the thought of Scottish self-determination as though it were heresy, a rupture in the cosmic order. Their arguments – when not drowned in syrupy sentimentalism about wartime camaraderie or the Queen's Christmas broadcasts – amount to little more than the petulant wails of a child unwilling to part with a favourite toy. 'But we built the Empire together!' they bleat, as if the moral and economic ruin of that enterprise were not already scrawled in blood across the pages of history. READ MORE: BBC Alba launch search for homegrown talent to play Belladrum festival And what of their vaunted 'United Kingdom', this patchwork of asymmetrical power? It is as contrived and unsustainable as the Ptolemaic model of the universe, requiring ever more elaborate contortions of denial to uphold its fiction. The Unionist's devotion to it is a form of Stockholm syndrome – bizarre loyalty to the machinery of their own cultural diminishment. They are the political equivalent of those who, confronted with Darwin's On the Origin of Species, retreat into murmuring about 'missing links' and the aesthetic perfection of the banana, as if wishful thinking could erase the fossil record. Scotland a colony? The question scarcely requires an answer. Only those afflicted with terminal imperial amnesia – or perhaps the careerist urge to ingratiate themselves with the mandarins of Whitehall – could dismiss the evidence. The sun has long since set on the British Empire; it is high time it ceased to set on the intellect of those who confuse subjugation with solidarity. Alan Hinnrichs Dundee PETER Bell lays out an interesting formula to get us to independence (Letters, May 25). One thing that kept entering my thoughts throughout the piece was: as a colony getting independent status, how would we the people of Scotland and the newly reformed Scottish Parliament get our hands on any of 'our dosh' held at Westminster and how, if at all, would that be calculated? Ken McCartney Hawick
Daily Mirror
7 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Beautiful UK seaside town so popular locals stay away at weekends
The town, which has been dubbed the Pearl of Dorset, is a popular holiday destination throughout the year - but some locals say it has become too busy and expensive Lyme Regis, often described as the 'Pearl of Dorset ', is grappling with the issue of overtourism, leaving a sour taste for some local residents at peak holiday times. While Spanish coastal towns are facing heated protests over the mass influx of sun-seeking Brits, discontent is simmering in this picturesque UK town. As a prime spot with stunning views over the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lyme Regis attracts throngs of visitors to its quaint streets lined with thriving independent shops and tasty little cafes and eateries. Yet, despite the obvious charms and a clear love for the town, locals can't help but feel the pressure from the surge of visitors. Union Jacks flutter above Broad Street's decline, screen-printing the sky with vibrant bursts of colour as people enjoyed their time outside the local haunts. But beneath this idyllic surface, there's a brewing frustration among residents. Local Chris Irving, 72, whose home lies just a stone's throw from the town centre, reflected on his weekly visits: "It's a lovely place but there should be some more ordinary shops - butchers, greengrocers and things like that. I feel sorry for the locals a bit really." Without skipping a beat, when asked whether overtourism is taking a toll on Lyme Regis, Chris said: "Yeah there's too many people. We pick our days. We don't come in on bank holidays, as a rule, and some weekends we avoid it as it's too crowded." During the peak season, Lyme Regis sees its population soar from 4,000 to an estimated 20,000, with day-trippers flocking in on bank holidays and weekends, leading to severe traffic jams and parking woes, reports the Express. The closest railway station is Axminster, situated about six miles away, after Lyme Regis lost its own station on November 29, 1965, following the Beeching Report which led to the axing of many miles of railway deemed unprofitable. Chris refers to car parking as a "delicate issue" while Matthew Blueberry, who runs the Blueberry shop on Broad Street, laments that parking turns into a "nightmare" when summer crowds descend upon the town. "It's a small town and people like the independent shops," he says. "It can get too busy in the summer. The parking is a nightmare - it's too expensive." Lyme Regis boasts a combination of town council-run and privately owned car parks, with hourly rates ranging from £1.50 to £1.90, alongside options for longer stays. Yet, according to Matthew, these car parks simply can't cope with the tourist influx during the high season. The 25 year old points out: "Most people drive in but they can't find parking. They then go 'oh I'm going to go somewhere else'. We then lose potential business. "The main car park is expensive and getting a spot on the road only lasts around 45 minutes to an hour. People also caravan or camp down here, which brings a lot of people in. But overall the town needs to do a lot more to help us out." John Smith, who manages Primary Colours in the town centre, says the summer holidays are "chokka" in Lyme Regis. He also agrees parking is a big issue in the town and said local bus services could be more efficient. The 60 year old says: "There are buses but, like everything else, they're not as good as they could be. Most people just drive in. "It would be lovely if people came without their cars as parking is a big issue in town. There is a park and ride though which operates in the summer. But in the summer holidays the town is just chokka. It can get too busy at times." Lyme Regis Town Council says it has invested in public transport and parking facilities in a bid to relieve the stress of overtourism. According to its website, this includes bus services, a park and ride service and the creation of electric vehicle charging points. Residents and visitors of the charming coastal town of Lyme Regis are voicing their sentiments about living in and visiting what's often described as a quaint, old-fashioned British seaside resort. Mr Smith, a local, described his home with fondness: "It's a quaint, old-fashioned and traditional British seaside resort," he noted. "It's also a great place to visit out of season for the grandparents and older people. We're so lucky to live here." Margaret Quinlan, a frequent visitor from Bedfordshire, expressed her feelings about the bustling nature of Lyme Regis: "It's a lovely place but it does get very busy. It's not that busy today luckily so we can just walk around. We try and come down when it's a bit quieter." She went on to add concerns about accessibility: "As we're getting older, it's not easy to access now. Luckily our flat is the other end of the town so we don't have to use the main car park which always gets full." When discussing the transport links, she mentioned: "Yeah being able to get a train would make it easier." Reflecting on past visits she said: "We've been coming for 20 years and have never been able to get a train in. "If there was a train station we'd definitely consider getting one. We're thinking about getting the bus up the hill which would save us a big walk." Chris Ford, who runs The Old Forge Fossil Shop on Broad Street, touched on the economic benefits of the town's popularity: "I'm not going to complain about how busy it gets. It makes the town a great place all year round. It's a very friendly place to visit for families," he asserted. Chris, a local resident, has expressed his scepticism about the feasibility of adding a train station to attract more visitors to the town. He said: "People don't use the trains to come this far down. We're three hours from London and people can't get across the country or even from Bath. So a lot of people are driving or come to caravan parks." He further added: "I'm sure (a train station) would bring more people down but it's getting the trains down into the valley from Axminster. "I know there's a track but there's a big viaduct they've got to get across. And, it hasn't been well maintained over the years." Lyme Regis Town Council has acknowledged the town's heavy reliance on tourism. They stated that "it must strike a reasonable balance between responsible tourism and protecting the environment". The council also highlighted the various sustainable travel options available to and around the town. They said: "There are many ways to travel sustainably to and around the town, helping to limit the impact on our local environment. "Lyme Regis is accessible by rail, coach, road, air and sea and we would encourage, where possible, use of public transport to help reduce carbon emissions, air pollution and congestion on roads." They further added: "Lyme Regis is a small town and most places are easy to get to on foot or by bike. Many of the streets in the town are narrow and were not originally built for modern vehicles so congestion is an issue and parking can be a challenge. "A park and ride operates on the outskirts of the town during the peak season and is an ideal way to take the hassle out of your visit, while also reducing the amount of vehicles and congestion in the town centre. "The 71 town bus is a convenient way to get around town, stopping off in residential areas, in the town centre and near the medical centre. "Operated by Damory, the service runs from just after 9am until just after 2pm, Mondays to Fridays, except bank holidays."
The Sun
7 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
King Charles Visits Canada Amid Sovereignty Tensions
OTTAWA: George Monastiriakos normally supports abolishing the monarchy, but 'in this moment we're all monarchists,' he said as King Charles III visited Canada during a difficult time marked by deep trade and sovereignty disputes with the United States. The 32-year-old was headed with throngs of others to Landsdowne Park in downtown Ottawa for the first stop in the king and Queen Camilla's brief trip to the Canadian capital, describing it as a 'historic moment.' Thousands showed up for a chance to glimpse the couple, with royal splendor and ceremonial elegance on full display for the king's first visit since his coronation. 'God save the King!' and 'Allo Mark Carney,' the crowd chanted upon their arrival. In addition to the large cheering crowds, the monarchs were to be treated to Indigenous music and military honors, and Prime Minister Carney has invited the king to deliver a speech from the throne, a symbolic pushback against US President Donald Trump's threats to annex Canada. The speech is typically given by the British monarch's representative in Canada, the governor general. 'I think it's important, given the threats to our sovereignty that we're currently facing, to have the actual head of state, not just the governor general, come here and deliver the speech from the throne in person,' said Monastiriakos. 'Trump seems to have a reverence for all things gold and the British monarchy especially. So I think he'll be paying attention, and I think it'll lead him to reduce his talk of annexing Canada,' he added. 'Come Together' Support for the monarchy had been in decline in this British Commonwealth nation but has recently shot up as Canada seeks to differentiate itself from its republican southern neighbor. Kate Punnette and her two daughters were first to show up in the early morning to secure a spot along a fenced perimeter for an up-close look at the king, hoping also to give Camilla a bouquet of flowers to 'match her dress.' 'There're all these kinds of divisions right now in our country and I think these are the moments where we can come together,' she told AFP. Nearby, Audrey Harrington, 88, said she recalled seeing King George VI and a young Princess Elizabeth in 1939 during their train travel through Saskatchewan province. For her, the monarchy represents 'stability.' 'There's so much instability nowadays and we need that comfort,' she said, shielding her brow from a hot sun. Maddie Davis, 26, said the royals 'are a great representation of what the values of Canada are.' The king and queen's visit, she told AFP, 'has probably rejuvenated people's interest in the monarchy.' The monarchs, shortly after landing in Ottawa, mixed with the crowd and talked with artisans. The king also dropped the puck for an exhibition street hockey game for 7-to-13-year-old girls. Vendors and artisans decked out their stalls at the Landsdowne outdoor market with Union Jacks and Canadian flags, offering a mix of British street food and Canadian staples such as maple syrup. 'Obsolete' monarchy At the Hot Potato Company booth, Christina Leese, 61, said the king's visit gave Canadians 'a little lift.' It also sends a message to Trump, she added: 'You're not just picking on us, you're picking on all 56 nations of the British Commonwealth.' Some Canadians, however, were not so pleased. 'I understand the powerful message this visit sends to Trump but are we really proud to be an English dominion?' asked Laurence Wells, 26. The Montrealer said she associates the monarchy 'with the domination' of Canada's francophone minority in Quebec, which has twice held failed referendums to split from the rest of Canada. For her, the monarchy is 'obsolete' and 'far removed from our reality.' Genevieve Tourillon, also in Montreal, added: 'There are other ways to defend ourselves than appealing to the king.'
The Sun
7 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Even Canadian royal abolitionists appear all smiles for king's visit
OTTAWA: George Monastiriakos normally supports abolishing the monarchy, but 'in this moment we're all monarchists,' he said as King Charles III visited Canada during a difficult time marked by deep trade and sovereignty disputes with the United States. The 32-year-old was headed with throngs of others to Landsdowne Park in downtown Ottawa for the first stop in the king and Queen Camilla's brief trip to the Canadian capital, describing it as a 'historic moment.' Thousands showed up for a chance to glimpse the couple, with royal splendor and ceremonial elegance on full display for the king's first visit since his coronation. 'God save the King!' and 'Allo Mark Carney,' the crowd chanted upon their arrival. In addition to the large cheering crowds, the monarchs were to be treated to Indigenous music and military honors, and Prime Minister Carney has invited the king to deliver a speech from the throne, a symbolic pushback against US President Donald Trump's threats to annex Canada. The speech is typically given by the British monarch's representative in Canada, the governor general. 'I think it's important, given the threats to our sovereignty that we're currently facing, to have the actual head of state, not just the governor general, come here and deliver the speech from the throne in person,' said Monastiriakos. 'Trump seems to have a reverence for all things gold and the British monarchy especially. So I think he'll be paying attention, and I think it'll lead him to reduce his talk of annexing Canada,' he added. ' Come Together' Support for the monarchy had been in decline in this British Commonwealth nation but has recently shot up as Canada seeks to differentiate itself from its republican southern neighbor. Kate Punnette and her two daughters were first to show up in the early morning to secure a spot along a fenced perimeter for an up-close look at the king, hoping also to give Camilla a bouquet of flowers to 'match her dress.' 'There're all these kinds of divisions right now in our country and I think these are the moments where we can come together,' she told AFP. Nearby, Audrey Harrington, 88, said she recalled seeing King George VI and a young Princess Elizabeth in 1939 during their train travel through Saskatchewan province. For her, the monarchy represents 'stability.' 'There's so much instability nowadays and we need that comfort,' she said, shielding her brow from a hot sun. Maddie Davis, 26, said the royals 'are a great representation of what the values of Canada are.' The king and queen's visit, she told AFP, 'has probably rejuvenated people's interest in the monarchy.' The monarchs, shortly after landing in Ottawa, mixed with the crowd and talked with artisans. The king also dropped the puck for an exhibition street hockey game for 7-to-13-year-old girls. Vendors and artisans decked out their stalls at the Landsdowne outdoor market with Union Jacks and Canadian flags, offering a mix of British street food and Canadian staples such as maple syrup. 'Obsolete' monarchy At the Hot Potato Company booth, Christina Leese, 61, said the king's visit gave Canadians 'a little lift.' It also sends a message to Trump, she added: 'You're not just picking on us, you're picking on all 56 nations of the British Commonwealth.' Some Canadians, however, were not so pleased. 'I understand the powerful message this visit sends to Trump but are we really proud to be an English dominion?' asked Laurence Wells, 26. The Montrealer said she associates the monarchy 'with the domination' of Canada's francophone minority in Quebec, which has twice held failed referendums to split from the rest of Canada. For her, the monarchy is 'obsolete' and 'far removed from our reality.' Genevieve Tourillon, also in Montreal, added: 'There are other ways to defend ourselves than appealing to the king.'
