Latest news with #referendum
Times
13 hours ago
- Business
- Times
SNP has dropped independence demands, claims Keir Starmer
The SNP has privately dropped demands for a new independence referendum, Sir Keir Starmer has claimed. The prime minister said that John Swinney, the first minister, had not raised the issue with him prominently in their talks, with discussions instead focusing on issues such as jobs, energy, security and the cost of living. Starmer also appeared to rule out any new vote on Scottish statehood while he remains in No 10, regardless of the results of the Holyrood elections next year. He said he could not 'imagine' the circumstances in which he would sanction a new referendum. The prime minister's comments come after a Norstat poll for the Sunday Times, which found that support for independence had risen to 54 per cent — a record high in the series of polls — despite backing for the SNP declining. After entering Bute House last year, Swinney put independence 'front and centre' of the party's manifesto for the general election, in which the party lost 39 of 48 seats. However, there remains a pro-independence majority at Holyrood, which the SNP insists is a democratic mandate for a new vote on separation. 'I think it's really important to focus on the priorities that matter most,' Starmer said, in an interview with the BBC's Good Morning Scotland, when asked about independence. 'We got a big election win last year on the basis that we would stabilise the economy and ensure that on that foundation we built a stronger Scotland in a stronger United Kingdom and that's what I intend to do.' He added: 'Nobody's raising that with me as their first priority, certainly in the discussions I'm having with the first minister. We're talking about jobs, energy, security and dealing with the cost of living crisis.' Asked whether the results of the Holyrood election next year would change his mind, Starmer replied: 'No, it's not a priority.' Swinney has claimed that after he became first minister last year, the SNP needed to regain trust of voters. He suggested he would attempt to build support for independence rather than replicating Nicola Sturgeon's strategy of focusing on the process of a new referendum. • Sturgeon's decision to go to the Supreme Court made clear that the permission of the UK government would be needed for any vote on independence. However, Swinney has said recently that independence would be 'central' to the party's message ahead of the Holyrood elections and that the UK government blocking a new referendum was 'completely unacceptable'. Sir John Curtice, the polling expert, said that Scotland remained 'divided' on the constitution and that the SNP had a problem in that many who said they backed independence do not intend to vote for the party. The Norstat poll published at the weekend found that despite 54 per cent of voters backing independence, only 33 per cent planned to vote for Swinney's party with their first vote at the elections, falling to 28 per cent on the regional list. While the results suggest this would still be enough for the party to return to government as the largest party, this is largely the result of a dramatic decline in support for Labour over the past ten months and fracturing of the unionist vote, rather than a surge in enthusiasm for the SNP. Stephen Gethins, the SNP MP, rejected the suggestion that independence was not a priority for the party leader. 'John Swinney has been a member of the SNP for 30, 40 years, a party that campaigns for and believes in independence,' he said. 'As well as believing in independence, campaigning on independence, he is also first minister. 'That means he's getting on with the job of delivering on issues like the NHS, energy, cost of living and a whole range of other areas. Believe it or not, politicians can do more than one thing, and believe in more than one thing, at once.' Gethins added: 'I have to say it's a bit disappointing and maybe a bit arrogant of the prime minister to think he can speak for everybody. This shouldn't be an issue that's decided by one person at Downing Street or elsewhere. This should be a matter for the people of Scotland.'
RNZ News
2 days ago
- Business
- RNZ News
Porirua residents to decide on super-council, Pacific leaders urge protection of local representation
As Wellington considers regional amalgamation, Pacific leaders caution against losing local voice in a larger system. Photo: Wellington City Council Porirua voters can express their opinion on the potential creation of a Wellington-wide super-council. But Pacific leaders have voiced concerns that the model could dilute local representation unless equity and cultural voices are prioritised. In this year's local elections, Porirua residents will be able to participate in a non-binding referendum that asks whether the city should investigate amalgamating with Wellington, the Hutt Valley, and the Wellington Regional Council into a single entity, while retaining local decision-making. Porirua Mayor Anita Baker says the timing is right for this issue to be brought to voters, adding that the last formal proposal for amalgamation was in 2013 and that the local government landscape has changed significantly since then. Pacific leaders are worried that the move could weaken representation, especially if equity is not prioritised and voter turnout remains low. Councillor Izzy Ford, one of only three Pacific representatives on the Porirua Council, supports the initiative but emphasises the need to respond to community feedback to maintain trust, even though the referendum is non-binding. According to the council's official report, voter turnout in areas of Wellington City, including Mount Cook East, dropped below 30 percent in 2022. In Porirua, turnout was slightly higher at 37 percent. Ford hopes the referendum will provide clear guidance, but she stresses the importance of the council committing to listening to the community. Representation remains a major concern for Ford. She questioned how the council would ensure that all voices in Porirua, particularly those from underrepresented communities, are heard in this process. Ford hopes the referendum will lead to a definitive direction from the people of Porirua. "If they give us a total yes and we don't act on it, then that's going to build more mistrust," she says. "There's always that concern, because our people don't always turn out to vote. "That's a glaring concern, is the underrepresentation of Pasifika around the table." Engagement with Pasifika communities is important, according to Ford. "Having things translated into Pasifika languages, so that it's a bit easier for people to digest, and going into spaces like the churches, where a lot of our Pacific people are, and then it's non-threatening sort of spaces as well, and using our common faces in those common spaces, so that people can see them as non-threatening." Gabriel Tupou, Councillor for Hutt City, is concerned that the amalgamation could reduce Pacific representation. As the only Pasifika councillor in the Hutt Valley, Tupou says the issue must be openly discussed with communities. "In a super-city model, we risk less representation. Currently, we have 12 city councillors and the mayor. That will be greatly reduced. "With the large Pasifika demographic we have, they must have input, just like every other community." Tupou also raised concerns about the referendum regarding Māori ward running alongside the amalgamation question. Tupou highlighted that Hutt City Mayor Campbell Barry plans to present a similar referendum proposal next month. "I think it's important to keep the Māori ward question clean and on its own." Tupou says that from a Pasifika perspective, the challenges of running for election are already significant, as candidates need to have broad appeal. He is also cautious about the financial implications. "We're looking at possibly a cost of hundreds of millions of dollars to carry out the amalgamation. "South Auckland enjoys a larger Pasifika community, and they're able to mobilise their voice and voting power to elect Pasifika councillors," Tupou says. "But we don't have those same concentrations here." Porirua councillors, led by Mayor Anita Baker, back a non-binding referendum asking residents whether to explore forming a super-council. Photo: Porirua City Council / supplied Auimatagai Ken Ah Kuoi, community leader and Kilbirnie-based lawyer, warns that centralising governance could reduce the influence of smaller communities like Porirua, which has a large Pacific population. He says regional solutions may overlook local contexts, adding that a unified council model could offer benefits, but emphasises the need for safeguards. "There's a risk Pacific voices could be diluted in a larger, more bureaucratic system," he says. "What works for Wellington might not suit Porirua or Wainuiomata. Pacific communities often have specific cultural needs that may get overlooked. "A unified council model could benefit Pacific people by improving access to resources and regional influence. But it also carries risks - disconnection, loss of local control, and inequity if not managed carefully. "To ensure Pacific communities benefit, any move toward amalgamation would need guaranteed local representation, strong community consultation, cultural competency across the new structure, and equity-focused service delivery." Petone Community Board member Semi Kuresa says fair representation must be a non-negotiable starting point. Kuresa says while Pasifika make up more than nine percent of Wellington's population, their enrolment and eligibility rates are much lower. He highlighted three key concerns: representation, cost, and the geographic boundaries of a new council. "While amalgamation might seem practical to some, it raises serious questions about representation, particularly for Pacific communities," he says. "The contribution of our Pacific community isn't something that should be reduced to slogans or soundbites. A strong Pacific voice at the table matters. "As someone intending to stand for Hutt City Council, I'm focused on ensuring communities too often overlooked are part of every stage of decision-making. We can't afford to dilute the voices we need to hear more of." Voting for the 2025 local elections in Porirua, Wellington, and the Hutt Valley will take place from 9 September to 11 October. Each council will have its own ballot papers. Porirua will include a non-binding referendum on amalgamation and a binding vote on whether to retain the city's Māori ward. Hutt City is expected to consider a similar referendum proposal in the coming weeks. LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Mahtomedi school board adds second referendum question to fall ballot
Voters in the Mahtomedi school district will be asked to approve two referendum questions during a special election in November. In April, the school board set a referendum for a series of facilities improvements. Now it has voted to approve another referendum question that will ask taxpayers to increase the school district's existing operating levy of $1,570 per student to a larger levy of $2,145 per student. The additional $575 per pupil, which would start in the 2026-27 school year, will help maintain class sizes, sustain academic programming and strengthen financial stability, said Superintendent Barbara Duffrin. 'Like most school districts in Minnesota, we are facing challenging budget times due to multiple budget pressures and inflation,' Duffrin said. Among the increases in costs the district is facing: health insurance premiums for staff have increased by more than 11 percent and bus transportation costs have increased by 25 percent. Other factors: State funding has not addressed increased inflationary costs and partially funded legislative mandates put a demand on already limited funds, district officials said. Staffing, which is about 75 percent of the district's budget, is another budget pressure. 'With the current workforce shortage, we need to remain competitive in retention and hiring,' Duffrin said. Substitute teacher costs also have increased in both inflation and usage, she said. Finally, enrollment in the district has been generally flat, and birth rates in Washington County have decreased, she said. The board in April approved placing a $28 million referendum question on the Nov. 4 ballot. The money would be used to fund facilities improvements that district officials say will benefit safety and security, academics, performing arts and athletics. Among the proposed improvements are a new front entrance at Mahtomedi Middle School and other safety and security improvements. Mahtomedi High School would get a 'hallway circulation' remodel, choir and band classroom improvements, new mechanicals, a weight room addition and safety and security improvements. Athletic Field 1 would get new turf and lights. The referendum also would pay for safety and security improvements to Wildwood and O.H. Anderson elementary schools and disability access and seating improvements at the Chautauqua Fine Arts Center, among other projects. 'Our priority is to ensure that the excellent opportunities in academics, activities, arts and athletics continue,' School Board Chairwoman Stacey Stout said Wednesday. 'We want our students to achieve strong learning outcomes and are well-prepared for success after graduation.' The tax impact will be $200 a year, or $16.66 per month, for Question 1 (operating revenue) and $182 a year, or $15.16 per month, for Question 2 (facility improvements), based on a house valued at $500,000, the average price of a home in the district, according to district estimates. If both measures are approved, property taxes on a $500,000 house would rise about $382 a year. The district, which has about 3,200 students, serves Willernie, Mahtomedi, Dellwood, Pine Springs and portions of Hugo, Lake Elmo, Grant, Oakdale and White Bear Lake. Forest Lake detours begin as MnDOT undertakes $17M Highway 97 reconstruction project Forest Lake School Board hears input on possible contentious policy changes artOPENer Studio Tour hits 19 St. Croix Valley stops Bayport couple found dead in home; natural causes determined Stillwater: Water Street Inn's Chuck Dougherty named Lumberjack Days parade grand marshal Mahtomedi Public Schools officials plan to host six community referendum learning sessions this summer and fall for district residents to learn more about the two-question referendum on the Nov. 4 ballot. The sessions will be at 5:30 p.m. at the Mahtomedi High School Media Center on July 16, Aug. 6, Sept. 9, Sept. 23, Oct. 7 and Oct. 29. For more information, go to
BreakingNews.ie
3 days ago
- Business
- BreakingNews.ie
Bulgarian nationalists protest over government plans to adopt euro currency
Thousands of Bulgarians have taken to the streets of the capital Sofia and other major cities to protest against government plans to adopt the euro and to demand a referendum on the new currency. The protesters, led by civic groups and nationalist parties, sang patriotic songs and shouted slogans like 'Freedom for the Bulgarian lev' and 'The future belongs to sovereign states'. Advertisement The anti-euro rally came four days before the Balkan country is expected to receive the green light from Brussels to enter the eurozone. Demonstrators in Sofia carried flags of the pro-Russian Vazrazhdane party and a huge banner that read 'The battle for the Bulgarian lev is the last battle for Bulgaria'. A protester holding a Russian flag (Valentina Petrova/AP) An increased police presence kept the protest peaceful. Bulgaria joined the European Union in 2007 and remains one of its poorest members, plagued by years of instability which has fuelled Euroscepticism among its 6.4 million citizens. Advertisement Disinformation campaigns from home and abroad have added fears of economic changes that could bring more poverty. President Rumen Radev encouraged the anti-euro voices by proposing earlier this month a referendum on the currency, citing public concerns over inflation and purchasing power. The proposal was turned down by the pro-European majority in parliament, which accused him of acting in favour of Moscow with his last-minute attempt to sabotage the euro adoption, which is aimed at deepening European integration amid growing geopolitical tensions.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Bulgarian nationalists protest over government plans to adopt euro currency
Thousands of Bulgarians have taken to the streets of the capital Sofia and other major cities to protest against government plans to adopt the euro and to demand a referendum on the new currency. The protesters, led by civic groups and nationalist parties, sang patriotic songs and shouted slogans like 'Freedom for the Bulgarian lev' and 'The future belongs to sovereign states'. The anti-euro rally came four days before the Balkan country is expected to receive the green light from Brussels to enter the eurozone. Demonstrators in Sofia carried flags of the pro-Russian Vazrazhdane party and a huge banner that read 'The battle for the Bulgarian lev is the last battle for Bulgaria'. An increased police presence kept the protest peaceful. Bulgaria joined the European Union in 2007 and remains one of its poorest members, plagued by years of instability which has fuelled Euroscepticism among its 6.4 million citizens. Disinformation campaigns from home and abroad have added fears of economic changes that could bring more poverty. President Rumen Radev encouraged the anti-euro voices by proposing earlier this month a referendum on the currency, citing public concerns over inflation and purchasing power. The proposal was turned down by the pro-European majority in parliament, which accused him of acting in favour of Moscow with his last-minute attempt to sabotage the euro adoption, which is aimed at deepening European integration amid growing geopolitical tensions.
