Author Archives: the45

Fat Tory Alex Johnston MSP

Fat Tory does not recognise referendum result!

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Alex Johnston MSP (Conservative list for NE Scotland) does not recognise the Scottish referendum result, he voted against the motion “That the Parliament recognises the result of the independence referendum.” So what does that mean? Does it mean that he wanted independence? Not likely. Does it mean that he believes that the referendum was rigged and that it was not free and fair? Probably.

Why have I picked this particular fat tory for today’s blog I hear you ask? Well it’s because he decided to give his tuppence worth today on the BBC about the nomination of Nicola Sturgeon as leader of the SNP. For the record he said,”We all know how keen the SNP leadership were on keeping the monarchy and that seems to extend to adopting a similar succession model for their new leader.” That’s how elections work Alex, if there is only one candidate then there is not much point in having an election is there? Alex has never won an election, he got his seat as a list MSP.

Just for the record Alex Johnston opposed gay marriage but supported the bedroom tax. He’s a typical fat tory with his snout in the trough.

Keep Calm Learn Your Command Words

The UK Government Commands

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The government has issued its commands to the Smith Commission today, and what a right riveting read it is too. The “Command Paper” was published to “set out the range of proposals that have been made on further devolution.” So what’s it all about?

In a nutshell it re-iterates the main Unionist parties’ preferred options for further devolution to the Scottish Parliament.  Can you remember what went down before the referendum? Each of the main Unionist parties had a wee bit of a get together and , between the champers and caviar, came up with a range of proposals. They then published them:

Scottish Conservatives and Unionist Party: Commission on the Future Governance of Scotland

Scottish Liberal Democrats: Federalism: the best future for Scotland

Scottish Labour Party: Powers for a purpose – Strengthening Accountability and Empowering People

Now, as we all know, the word “Scottish” means nothing in those party names. We know that they take their orders from London. So whatever view is expressed in those papers is the settled view of the Westminster holding party. The commands are therefor issued directly from Westminster. If we think back to composition and remit of the Smith Commission, which was discussed in an earlier post, we can see that it is 60% Unionist – 40% Pro Independence and a consensus has to be reached (in a very short timeframe). Which means that whatever the Unionist parties agree to will be the consensus.

Having had a read of the document that means that Air Passenger Duty will be devolved. Ace, the only increase in tax raising powers will be the ability to vary the rate of tax on air passengers. There are various proposals for the devolution of spending money, but you can’t spend what you haven’t got. But we might be able to borrow a bit from the treasury, if they let us. Of course, the Barnett Formula will be adjusted to reflect the taxes raised in Scotland.

I’m looking forward to the Unionist crow fest tomorrow when the House of Commons will get to shove the referendum result down our throats again. That’ll be just dandy. Oh, don’t forget Gordie Broon’s wee debate on Thursday either. Then we will have to wait until the end of the month for the Smith Commission to report, but I wouldn’t expect anything of substance to come from it. So much for “Devo-Max” Gordie; you’ve been played for a fool and so have the people of Scotland.

 

Liberty & Security

The European Convention on Human Rights, Article 5: Liberty & Security

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Article 5 of the European Convention on Human Rights provides that everyone has the right of liberty and security of the person. The tories want to abolish these rights.

It’s good to know what you’re voting for.

Big Beas Gordie Broon

The Big Beast’s Wee Debate

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One week from today the Big Beast o Labour, Gordie Broon, is holding his well publicised debate in the House of Commons which was part of the much vaunted “Vow”. Our lords and masters in Westminster have set aside valuable commons time in order to fulfil this part of their promise to the people of Scotland. The subject of the debate is the “UK Government’s relationship with Scotland,” and the debate is sponsored by none other than the Right Honourable Gordon Brown MP. The debate will be held at 6pm next Thursday and I for one will be watching it on catch up TV.

But, there had to be a but didn’t there,? But the debate will be held at the end of the commons business for the day. It is a so called “Adjournment Debate“, this is a type of debate which allows “backbench MPs to raise constituency issues or other matters relating to government administration or policy”. But, there’s that word again, there will be NO VOTE. Just a wee chat over the mace, that’s all. Here’s another but, the debate will last for a whole HALF HOUR! Yes, you read that right, 30 minutes to discuss Westminster’s relationship with Scotland then it’s off the club for a spot of dinner on expenses. I’ll bet most of our MPs will already be there before the debate begins.

So that’s all we’re worth to Westminster. 1.6 million Scottish people voted for Independence, countless more voted against after being told that there would be more powers, delivered to a timetable, and all we’re worth is half an hour. Gordie Broon could fill that time with endless waffle himself. So what chance do we have of getting any meaningful powers?