Euro Elections - SNP Success in Scotland

It appears, even from the BBC, that the SNP have performed extremely well tonight in the European elections.  Astonishingly they came equal with labour in Fife, the heartlands of the Prime Minster. Others are live blogging so I shan't start quoting figures.

Well done to all these activists who worked so hard.  Each and every one of you is important to the independence cause.

Our Defenders Deserve Much Better than This

Bob Ainsworth has been promoted to Defence Secretary in Gordon Brown's reshuffle and this morning, on the Politics Show, Charlie Falconer said, "Bob Ainsworth is highly respected by our forces."

I beg to differ.  The military could not be in worse hands.  The man is completely incompetent as Fitaloon's Newnight video shows when Paxman attempts to make him answer a simple question.

Bob Ainsworth is also a liar and his lies cost the lives of our troops.  Fitaloon has another post which details exactly why this man should not even be in charge of a landrover far less thousands of the bravest people in our country.

Richard at EU Referendum summarises the very poorly attended defence debate which took place in the House of Commons on Thursday.  Ainsworth's abilities, or the lack of them, are obvious. It shows further disdain for our forces that 'their' debate was timetabled for a day when it was well known the chamber would be more or less empty.

I know many people have little interest in the day to day business of our troops but I'm sure most notice the vast sums of money being spent on equipment which is completely outdated or inadequate and lives being lost, but we say nothing.  Military families who have lost a loved one, or see the suffering of a loved one's injuries, stoically cope without complaint because they know the civilian public will shrug and say 'they knew what the job was when they joined up.'  If any joined up more than 10 years ago they didn't have a clue they would be involved in fighting wars which had nothing to do with protecting the British people. 

Our military realise politicians use and abuse them solely for their own ends but the troops continue to do their utmost in the name of Queen and country.  Without such dedication none of us would feel as safe as we do but I, for one, feel much less safe today knowing that Bob Ainsworth is now in charge. Watch what happens in the next few weeks - Ainsworth will be out in Afghanistan upsetting the strict army schedules purely for his 'I am in charge' photocall instead of ensuring basic equipment is made and transported immediately. Sickening. 

What the Media Refuse to Mention Today

I've listened and watched both the BBC and Sky News this morning.  The only person to mention the Prime Minister was booed by veterans yesterday was Adam Bolton and his two MP guests remarked they knew nothing about it.  Eh?

Not only was he booed for not inviting the Queen but also because he was nearly one hour late and these distinguished men had to sit and wait for him before their ceremony could commence.  

It's my opinion that it should have started at the time planned with our without the Prime Minister.  What say ye?

Courtesy of Crown Blogspot

Gordon Brown Faces Alan Sugar in the Boardroom

Courtesy of Crown Blogspot

Quote of the Day

QUOTE OF THE DAY

There is no difference between communism and socialism, except in the means of achieving the same ultimate end: communism proposes to enslave men by force,socialism -- by vote. It is merely the difference between murder and suicide.

Ayn Rand, LA Times

I'm the One on the Right

"Gordinette to reform the Subrosa girls"

Courtesy of David Forward

I had to post it didn't I?  Maybe I'm stretching the truth just a wee bit, but I scrubbed up well when but a lass and I did have a beehive and wear solid black eyeliner!  The one in the middle asked if she could join us because she felt unwanted.  Being kind we said yes. We all made mistakes when we were young and stupid didn't we.

For those of you who didn't see the last one David did for me it's here.

I Support Iain Dale

Iain Dale asked earlier if he should have questioned the PM's state of mind on live television when he was reviewing the papers on Sky last night.  Yes he should - we all should.

This afternoon I watched the ceremonies in Normandy and Gordon Brown's body language said a great deal.  I'm no medical person but I am, like many of you too I suspect, a people watcher.  Britain's Prime Minister looked so out of his depth and agitated it was uncomfortable viewing.  In fact he looked highly anxious, not the usual anxiety stress brings, but the type of anxiety that can involve a drop into clinical depression which can result in serious medical problems.  His 'Obama Beach' moment, when he didn't even realise what he'd said, confirmed my thoughts.

Much will be written about him in the Sundays and the fact that he was booed by veterans. They were quite right.  He ought to have ensured the Queen was invited, that is part of his job. Also if he had not hung around at the end of American ceremony just for the sake of a photo with Obama, he may well have been on time and not an hour late, for the British one. 

I would like to think his behaviour was caused by guilt but I doubt that.  Guilt because initially he had no intention attending until he knew his pal Barack would be there. Guilt because Prince Charles was in close proximity for some considerable time and he performed his duty impeccably showing, like Obama, his caring side by talking with veterans. Guilt because he abuses our troops for his own ends. Guilt because he's aware the public think he's incompetent, which of course he is.  No, I doubt he feels guilt. Today he certainly exuded, through his agitation, an arrogance which is growing fast. Does that mean he really does believe his own lies?

Yes Iain, you and every person in the country should question the PM's health.

Update:  Perhaps it is the disclosure of this that is making him so troubled.

65 Years Remembered

One veteran said today to a BBC reporter, "Don't glorify the landings, we were all terrified."

Today and most of this week ceremonies have been held all over Normandy to remember those who set out 65 years ago today to protect our freedom.  The allied troops invaded the shores of Normandy to attack a bitter enemy. Fierce courage and determination drove these men on that day when they knew full well many would not live to see another sunrise.

We owe them more than words can say.  We also owe the fallen of modern wars the same debt. A debt which cannot be paid by words but by action and our action should be to ensure today's military are given the best equipment available.  Let us never forget their sacrifice or their contribution towards our freedom. Some may try to rewrite history but they must always be exposed. Others write history with precision.

Subrosa's Super Seven blogs

Another Side of Lesley Riddoch -  Why can’t Scots kids play outdoors?

Aye We Can -  Never forget

Craig Murray -  The most undemocratic government for over a century

Defence of the Realm -  Another humiliation

Eamonn Butler (Adam Smith Institute) -  Online transparency

Mark Wadsworth -  the EU and ID cards

The Daily Politics - Quangoes, robbing you blind

Fish Suppers to :

David Forward -  Two more for my cabinet

The Lone Voice -  The MCB can take flight as can the gutless BBC

UK Column -  Breakfast with Sir Jock

Editor's Note 15.45:  David Forward is an old friend recycled.

5 June - Have I Got News For You

Courtesy of Daily Politics

The Reason the English NHS is Not Fit for Purpose

This video is about the English NHS which has had 12 Health ministers since 1987 making two a year on average and not a single one has ever worked at the sharp-end of healthcare.  Not one. Here in Scotland we've had 3 in 10 years as far as I remember - Sam Galbraith, Andy Kerr and Nicola Sturgeon. Not a much better rate than England really is it, but in Nicola Sturgeon we have a Health Secretary who is highly regarded by the profession and also respected for the grasp she has of her brief.  May she stay long enough to continue to improve our NHS for all in Scotland.

Do watch the video because it is interesting even although the comparison is with Tesco.  

My thanks to Burning Our Money

Update 8 June:  Sam Galbraith was not Health Secretary once Scotland gained devolution, it was Susan Deacon.  Thanks to my reader for correcting me.

Swine Flu Hits Doctors in Scottish Hospital

I'm as guilty as many of being humorous about swine flu but should we be concerned with the rising number of cases in Scotland?

This week's diagnosed cases seem to be contained to pockets in the west but now that it has reached the front line medics I think we all ought to be aware of the symptoms.

My main reason for this post is to say there are still people who take no responsibility for the health of others and I witnessed a prime example of that when shopping today.  Because of a very heavy hail storm this afternoon I ducked into a shoe shop for shelter.  It was quiet with only one customer trying on shoes.  She was obviously in the medical profession as she was still in uniform but she continually coughed, without covering her mouth, the few minutes I was there. Was I tempted to tell her to think of others and cover her mouth?  You bet I was, but I bit my tongue and left as soon as the worst of the downpour had passed. Now I wish I had told her what I was thinking.

Perhaps it's better we all err on the side of caution rather than complacency now this virus seems to be rather more permanent than first thought, although I must add I have every confidence in Nicola Sturgeon's handling of the matter.

A British Invention and A Must for All Motorcycle Riders

Especially for my friend Baron's Life - aren't Brits wonderful with their inventions?

Mrs Kinnock Returns

You will all know the above woman is Glenys Kinnock, promoted in the labour party only because she was the wife of the ex-leader who lost labour an election.  Of course, along with her husband they have made millions out of politics.  Her husband is a major player in the company which makes our electronic counting machines which, I am weary repeating, should be dumped with immediate effect.  Any computerised system can be manipulated.

She is to be elevated to the House of Lords and her title will be Minister for Europe.  That's now three unelected people (by my count) on Gordon Brown's front bench - Peter Mandelson, the soon to be Lord Sugar of Tate & Lyle and now Glenys Kinnock.  Having the unelected party faithful on the front bench should be banned immediately because it devalues the little amount of democracy left in this country.

I haven't seen the news for the past hour but I understand Caroline Flint has now resigned. This was the woman who was singing Brown's praises less than 24 hours ago. There will be more to this than meets the eye so I shall wait patiently for the six o'clock news.

Afghanistan Deaths Overtake Iraq Toll

The number of our military who have been killed in action in Afghanistan now numbers 137.

During the Iraq operation the number was 136 and that was over a period of 5 years.  The majority of the deaths in the Afghanistan conflict have been over 3 years.

Not one other person should be killed because we have a Prime Minister who will do anything to please the American President and that includes using our troops for his own political ends.

John Reid, "No shot will be fired."  Liar.

Labour Takes Glasgow Council Seat

The SNP lost out to Labour in a by-election for a seat on Glasgow City Council's Drumchapel/Anniesland ward.

Scottish Labour's Anne McTaggart won 2,584 votes, while SNP candidate Martin Docherty came in second with 1,509 votes of the total of 20,138 cast.  Percentage turnout was 26.9%.

The by-election was called after SNP councillor Bill Kidd resigned from the council earlier this year.

Thanks to MekQuarrie on Twitter

The Lights have Gone Out in Downing Street

Courtesy of Crown Blogsport

How Gordon Brown is Spending This Evening

"Tell me again Piers, how do I reinvent myself?"

'I have the greatest respect for our Forces' - Gordon Brown

This afternoon there was a defence debate in the House of Commons.  The photograph is a still of the chamber during the debate.

Shows how much respect and interest there is for our troops doesn't it?

Courtesy of EU Referendum 

Couldn't Resist This One

Brookes from the Times

Courtesy of Crown Blogspot

FMQs 3 June 2009

FMQs was a day early because Holyrood is closed for chamber business today as MSPs are to be out campaigning.   George Foulkes isn't happy but it seems this has become normal practice for the day of the European elections.

Both Ian Gray and Annabel Goldie questioned the First Minister on his refusal, at last week's FMQs, to reveal another person had absconded from the open estate.  All rather tedious really as Alex Salmond answered by reiterating what he said last week plus quoting the Chief Constable of Tayside and various other police agencies which agreed with his stance.

Tavish Scott asked if the First Minister would be present in the chamber next Wednesday for a serious debate or would be be attending Westminster to vote for a general election.  Alex Salmond retorted he would be at Westminster where the libdems supported the nationalist proposal.

One constituency question of importance was asked by Hugh Henry with regard to the 4 people who have been diagnosed with swine flu and are being treated in intensive care.  The FM assured Mr Henry that all health services are co-operating fully and 88 cases of the virus had now been identified in Scotland. Testing is now faster thereby allowing earlier treatment.

At close of play it was Angus McLeod's chance to be referee.  He was surprised Annabel Goldie had questioned on the same subject as Ian Gray but had since discover she had wished her question to be about the First Minister's expenses as an MP.  The Presiding Officer had insisted that would be out of order. Auch well, we all win some and lose some.

Scottish MEPs Don't Give Value for Money

The Dundee Courier has an article today which claims Scottish MEPs are not giving value for money.  According to a damning new TaxPayers' Alliance report now Scottish MEPs have been criticised for their work-effort  - although the Scottish Labour Party has said it is the product of a "shadowy right-wing campaign group."

The TaxPayers Alliance has graded all UK MEPs on the number of parliamentary questions asked, their campaigning activity, voting activity on issues important to the pressure group - such as spending controls and anti-corruption legislation - and the transparency of their expenses to give an overall percentage score.

Only 16 MEPs scored more than 50%.  The highest score of 79% was achieved by Northern Ireland MEP Jim Allister, who was elected as a Democratic Unionist but now sits as an independent.  Two English Tory MEPs came bottom of the survey with 0%.

Scotland's top-ranked MEP, Struan Stevenson, only scored 36% followed by the SNP's Alyn Smith with 35% and Labour MEP Catherine Stihler with 32%.

Labour's David Martin had a score of 25% while Conservative John Purvis achieved 24%. Elspeth Attwooll, Lib Dem, scored 20%. The SNP president Ian Hudghton is the lowest ranked Scottish MEP.  He is joint 67th out of the UK's 78 MEPs with a score of just 11%.

A recent survey conducted by votewatchEU.eu, an independent monitor of European Union politics, found the two SNP MEPs had the worst attendance records of Scotland's sitting MEPs. Ian Hudghton attended 81% of plenary sessions (243 out of a possible 299) while Alyn Smith attended 82% of them.  However, Ms Smith asked 305 questions at the European Parliament between 2004 and this year, second only to Ms Stihler who asked 320.  By comparison Mr Hudghton asked 13 questions.

A spokesman for the Scottish Labour Party said the results of the TayPayers Alliance survey favoured those parties that have similar goals to the press ure group.  He said the votewatchEU.eu survey was a more accurate reflection of the work of his party's MEPs.

A spokesman for the SNP said, "Our campaign is going well.  We are trying to fight a positive campaign."

Reshuffle Underway

According to Sky News the cabinet reshuffle is underway.  A last desperate attempt to hold on to power by the discredited Gordon Brown.

A Few Blogs Which May Help You Decide

EUROPEAN ELECTIONS

I have compiled a short list of blogs which have posts relevant to tomorrow's European elections, just in case anyone still has to decide where to put their cross.

Dan Hannan at the Telegraph

Eurorealist at Blogactiv

Fitaloon at Microshaft Blog

FT Brusselsblog

James at Scot goes Pop

Jeff at SNP Tactical Voting

Jim at Nomoradiaspora

Old Holborn

Spook at Advanced Media Watch

Votematch

Late post :  Malc in the Burgh

Missed post (the writer reminded me) :  Lallands Peat Worrier 

Ian Gray Makes Formal Complaint against First Minister

Lord Steele and George Reid are to investigate a prison escape complaint made by Ian Gray.  The complaint has been referred by the First Minister to a panel comprising of the two former Presiding Officers.

Labour has accused Mr Salmond of an inexcusable failure to mention, in Holyrood exchanges last Thursday, that inmate John Brown, serving life for murder, had absconded the previous day from Castle Huntly open prison near Dundee.  The exchanges concerned an earlier absconding by a different Castle Huntly prisoner who handed himself into police after a week on the run.

In a letter to Mr Gray, Mr Salmond said: "I believe your complaint to be publicity-driven rather than procedural, and pursued without any solid basis whatsoever.  However, I set up the independent procedure for the purpose of referring complaints to the panel of former Presiding Officers.  On that basis I have made the reference that you requested to the panel."

What a waste of public money.  Labour are so devoid of policies that the only way they can substantiate their presence in the Scottish Parliament is by behaving in this immature manner. We know Alex Salmond had complete support from the police service for not making any public statement prior to their own, so what does Ian Gray expect to gain from this?  It certainly can't be votes.

 

Brown's Secret Plans to Join Euro

What was regarded as a slip of the tongue by the European Commission president Jose Manuel Barroso a few months ago now seems to be much more truth than fiction.  Mr Barroso claimed Britain was "closer than ever" to joining the Euro.

Whitehall departments are spending time and taxpayers' money updating their plans for the switch from the pound to the Euro and each department has a named minister in charge of the process.  Detailed talks have taken place in departments about what they would have to do if Britain joined.  They include explaining to the public how the move would affect their council tax and business rate bills and how the BBC would pay for the £10m cost of changing the TV licence fee to Euros.

Details of how the government is paving the way for change were extracted from ministers in answers to Parliamentary questions.  Today a ComRes survey for the Taxpayers' Alliance reveals that just 28% of the public think Britain should join the Euro with 68% opposing the move.

Although I'm not against joining the Euro, this is not the time to even consider taking such action.  Our currency needs to be far more stable for one thing.  Is Gordon Brown thinking taking this action will deflect from the mess he's made of the country's finances?  Weren't we promised a referendum on joining the Euro?  Whatever his motives are, we can now safely assume they are not in the country's interests.

Nationalist Bid to Force an Election

The SNP and Plaid Cymru have joined forces in an effort to try and force a general election.  The two parties are to table a motion next week calling for the dissolution of Parliament.

Gordon Brown has rejected Tory and Lib Dem calls for an election saying he wants to sort out the expenses system.

The motion comes two days before the European and English local elections and in the wake of the scandal of MPs' expenses.  It will be the first time MPs will have a chance to formally express their support for an immediate election and could increase the pressure on Gordon Brown to go to the country.

Gordon Brown is expected to hold on until next year and the latest date he can hold a poll is in June 2010.  Asked at the weekend if there would be an early election, Mr Brown said, "I think what people want is to clean up the system first."

No that's not what people want Mr Brown.  We want the chance to get rid of the thieves, fraudsters and incompetents and replace them with honest, hard-working people. You will not review the salary structure to bring it into line with other public services where people are paid for experience and years of service.  That's what needs to be done along with the cleaning up of the expenses system and a whole new culture introduced into Westminster.

Source: BBC

The Exclusive Ex-MPs Club for just a £25 Joining Fee

Tucked away in today's Independent is a story which should cause fury throughout the country. 

Disgraced MPs forced to step down at the next election as a result of their abuse of expenses, will still be offered the chance to hold on to some of their parliamentary perks after they leave Westminster.

All MPs leaving parliament at the next election will be given the option of keeping hold of a Commons pass, allowing them to mix freely with MPs and use Westminster's publicly subsidised facilities.  The perks are being offered by the Association of Former MPs, a group set up to help MPs cope with life after leaving the Commons.  Any MP who has served a term can pay £25 to join the group and receive a Commons pass.  More than 340 MPs have joined the association, which was set up in 2001 in an attempt to keep "old soldiers of the regiment together".

If that is their aim then shame on them to associate themselves with old soldiers.  The military have a code of ethics and most MPs certainly do not.

The former Speaker Michael Martin, seen above at the state opening of Parliament in December, was instrumental in securing the exclusive passes for former MPs.  Taxpayers are also paying another £6,000 a year for the part-time use of a secretary.

One MP told the organisation that "being given a black bin liner to empty my desk then being escorted out of the building with my pass taken away, is the sort of treatment usually reserved for those ex-employees caught with their hand in the till."  Not necessarily so you anonymous MP, this is happening to more and more people who are losing their jobs because of the mess of our economy.

This club should be disbanded right now and if ex-MPs want a place where they can wheel and deal in comfort, let them buy or rent their own premises and pay the costs the same as any other private club has to do.  Please oh please, we have to stop this abuse of public money.

Thanks to BillyGoat for bringing this to my attention

Brown's Snub to the Queen

Sometimes if I waken in the night I listen to TalkSport, mainly for its soporific value, but on occasion the main topic is quite interesting.  That was the case yesterday morning when Mike Graham's anger was evident.  What was his topic?  The fact that the Queen has not been invited to the 65th commemorations of the D-Day Landings.

He strongly felt that Gordon Brown had acted improperly by ignoring the Royal Family.  As I said in this post, protocol requires the government to invite royalty to such occasions.  No such invitation has been received by Buckingham Palace.

It has been said that Mr Sarkozy wanted the event to be primarily a Franco-American ceremony. Once Mr Brown heard this he ought to have contacted Mr Sarkozy and informed him that British and Canadian forces were the majority and he must include a royal representative from Britain.  It has been reported France said it was not up to France to determine the British representation.  Then, if you remember, when France announced Barack Obama would be present, Gordon Brown decided he would attend.

As some of you may know, I'm not an avid royalist but I am a fervent support of HM Forces and those few remaining veterans who will be attending this ceremony are of a generation which hold the Queen in the highest regard.  That is why I think she should have been invited.

Gordon Brown has proved himself to be possibly the worst PM in history but he'll certainly also be recorded as the least diplomatic.  We pay a fortune for him to have advisers - what do they do for their massive salaries?

Update:  After the intervention of the White House, it now appears Prince Charles will attend and represent the Queen.  Now Brown needs the help of the US with his basic PR.  Shameful.

MEPs and Fiddling Expenses

Danny la Rue 1927 - 2009

In my first career I had the opportunity to meet many famous people including Danny la Rue, who died yesterday having suffered from prostate cancer.

Danny la Rue was no modern 'celeb'.  He had worked his way up the showbiz ladder and he was a stunning example of a true gentleman, a total professional and a fine example of a real showman.  Rather a shy man he never used his fame and his manners were impeccable. I vividly remember the first time I saw one of his shows (I wasn't that keen to go because I thought it would be just a drag show), but I was enthralled and backstage I made some remark about his transformation.  His response was, "Hey I'm the same man but in a frock," and his 'frocks' were utterly divine. Danny may you rest in peace with the knowledge that you gave so much pleasure to millions of people.

The EU and the Over 50s

Having had the misfortune to be forced to stay indoors for the past few days, I decided to do a little research regarding the Euro elections on Thursday.  All of my friends will vote, although one is hesitant, but remember the vast number questioned by me are all in the 50+ age group and more likely to vote than any other group.  My wee survey was answered by all who telephoned or visited to ask after my wellbeing and the number was 15.  Hopefully Jeff will be impressed.

My questions did not include 'which party will you vote for' but were about the EU in general. A few of the main points raised were:

1 Why do we stay in the EU when we're unhappy with the fishing policies and fishing is one of our main industries?

2 We need a referendum on the EU.  

3. The Council of Europe looks far more appropriate for Scotland.

4. What does an MEP actually do?  I've asked mine and what he said had no meaning at all.

Of course the matter of MPs, MEPs and councillors expenses came up during our chats and it was agreed by all that any political person who wishes to put themselves up for election, should provide a detailed CV along with or included in their election material.

 

Second Place is No Shame

Susan Boyle has finally succumbed to the pressure of the media, particularly the tabloid press and has now been taken to the Priory Clinic for rest.  How sad. 

When Simon Cowell met Susan he must have realised she was a vulnerable person with a tremendous talent, but little seems to have been done to protect her.  Susan has been very open about the fact that she was 'slow' at school and that should have alerted the producers of Britain's Got Talent.

Her singing voice is a gift which should be shared in some way by all of us if that is the path she choses.  It is exceptional and many recognised that. Singers, like all musicians, need to practice day and night if they wish to be at the top of their game and Susan Boyle is no different.  For someone to complain she was singing at 2am in the hotel was no fault of hers but the fault of the programme organisers, who should have ensured all musicians were accommodated in a place which gave them enough space to rehearse.

There is a well written article on Digital Journal which explains her disabilities.  I do wish Susan well and hope that she acquires a manager who understands her fragility and vulnerability and who can handle the media wisely.  Scotland should be proud of her as she has done her utmost to fulfill her dream and Scots must show the world we fully support her even though some may not enjoy her singing. 

In many ways I'm pleased she did not win this contest as she will now have space to make decisions and not be part of the BGT machine.  Second place is no shame.  I wish her well.

Update:  I've just heard Gordon Brown on Radio 5 Live saying he'd been speaking to Simon Cowell about her and was concerned.  The last thing the woman needs is the kiss of death from the Prime Minister.  He should be concerning himself with making another futile attempt at running the country.

What is Gordon Brown's 'Presbyterian Conscience'?

I've just managed to read Fraser Nelson's Your Sunday evening Fisk where he analyses Gordon Brown's performance on the Andrew Marr Show yesterday morning.

His first point was "To be honest, what I've seen offends my Presbyterian conscience." and asks if this is the first recorded use of the phrase and what do the Presbyterians think about it.

In reply to his first question all I can say is I've never heard it before although I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong.  In recent months I find it very difficult to watch Gordon Brown on television and nearly as hard to listen to him, but I do my best because information is essential for any debate.

Having been brought up in a presbyterian household myself, I found it very distasteful for the PM to bring religion into his propaganda.  His definition of his 'presbyterian conscience' is certainly not similar to mine and he implies, by omission, that anyone without a presbyterian conscience would not be offended.  That in itself is offensive to me.

Fraser's 3rd point and says it more eloquently:

“Well I've got to tell you, I was brought up in a household where integrity and telling the truth and doing everything honestly was what really mattered.” It’s strange how Brown’s utter lack of any backstory – he’s been a machine politician since his teenage days – means he has to cling on to utterly unremarkable events to try and humanise himself. Most people were brought up in households where lying were frowned upon, and it’s strange that Brown thinks his upbringing was somehow remarkable.