Craig Murray, Democracy and the University and College Union

The photograph is of Matt Waddup, Head of Campaigns, Organising, Recruitment and Training at the newly merged University and College Union (UCU). Impressive title for such a small-minded individual isn't it.

Craig Murray is standing as an Independent in the Norwich North by-election yet he has been denied a place at the hustings which take place this Thursday evening.

The little man with the big title Mark Waddup decided that Craig had not polled enough interest to be invited, although he knew full well that the poll was taken before Craig started campaigning. Not to be invited to a hustings, especially as it is a debate on the future of education, is undemocratic and illegal. Craig Murray is presently rector of Dundee University, one of Scotland's oldest centres of further education.

Mike Smithson also has a post entitled ' Are the rules stacked against any indy challenge' which you may find of interest.

It does seem the establishment is quite determined to keep out those who do not belong to the main parties, aided and abetted by the media of course. Another stain on our democracy.

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Time's Up Mrs Liddell

Helen Liddle's time as Britain's High Commissioner in Australia is drawing to a close. She was the former MP for Airdrie and Shotts and also a former Scottish secretary who is to be replaced by another labour party woman, former Leader of the House of Lords Baronness Valerie Amos.

Gordon Brown paid tribute to Mrs Liddle. Back in 2005 Tom Shields of the Herald also paid tribute to Mrs Liddle on her appointment to the post:

'Helen Liddell may be standing down from parliament, but her Raj lifestyle will continue. Ms Liddell and her family are greatly taken with the wonderful country that is Australia and, by great and good luck, Labour were looking for someone to be high commissioner to this sunny land. Only cynics would point out that Helen's departure was in any way connected to leaving a clear electoral run in North Lanarkshire to Dr John Reid.'
Tom Shields in the Sunday Herald, 10 th April 2005.

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Afghanistan - The Predicament

Another death in Afghanistan was announced today taking the number of military personnel killed in action to 145 and making a total of 174 including those killed in accidents or through illness.

Much has been said and written about Britain's part in this war and whether we should be involved. As I said in a previous post, I've considered to both sides of the argument and my opinion is still set in the 'no' camp.

There are a few excellent blogs such as Defence of the Realm which provides in depth analysis by Richard North and of course frontlinebloggers which is run by the UK Forces Media Ops team. Fitaloon does a great job bringing specific articles to our attention and I have to thank him for this one from Matthew Parris.

One sentence from Matthew's article stands out 'To know more is to know less." What do we know about this war from our politicians or military chiefs? They constantly contradict each other with their mainly positive jargon. Matthew Parris writes from the front line:

Meanwhile, brute force can almost always hold its ground, and an American surge should bring a little more security. But for what? The ground may be cleared by guns, but there is no viable politics here waiting to occupy it. And until what? Until the Americans try to leave.

So the fortunes of war are irrelevant. To save your sanity, your solvency and perhaps your life, it’s important not to grasp the detail, or it will bankrupt you, kill your sons and break your heart. Don’t hunt for truth. Don’t dissect. Don’t delve. Don’t help. Don’t peer at the demented jigsaw puzzle of dollars, capital letters and committees, or shuffle the pieces around: they don’t add up to a country. Push aside your microscope, fetch your telescope and put your eye to the wrong end. The devil is not in the detail. The devil is in the whole damn thing.

So take a look at the whole damn thing; see that occupying Afghanistan was a mistake; then close your mind to further argument or entreaty; because of argument and entreaty there will be no lack, but it will never be conclusive; and in the end we will have to decide. We must harden our hearts against this beautiful country and these handsome, noble, crazy people; and all the rest is noise.

How right he is.

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You're Never Too Old To Play

An elderly couple at a Mayo clinic spotted a piano and produced this impromptu recital. They've been married 62 years and he turned 90 in February. The tune is Old Grey Bonnet. Enjoy!

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The Scottish Futures Trust is Alive and Well

John Swinney, in his weekly Holyrood Matters newsletter to his constituents, gives some interesting facts about schools and the Scottish Futures Trust. Here's an excerpt:

John Swinney has welcomed the announcement that the Scottish Government is to deliver extensive new investment in Scotland's schools through the Scottish Futures Trust. Education Secretary Fiona Hyslop has outlined plans to invest £1.25 billion in Scotland's schools, in order to further reduce the number of pupils in unsuitable school accommodation.

The Scottish Government will provide around two thirds of the funding for new secondary schools and half of the funding for new primary schools. This will make new school construction projects far more affordable for Local Authorities and will deliver around 55 additional new schools.

So it appears the SFT is moving in the right direction. Well done John Swinney, I know it wasn't an easy task. It would have been so much easier to continue with the costly PFI/PPP which labour so loudly acclaim.

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Where is the MPs' Repayment List?

Gordon Brown has repeatedly stated he intends to ensure the Westminster Parliament will be open and transparent with regard to MPs' expenses. His promise seems to have fallen at the first hurdle.

A committee, chaired by the new Speaker John Bercow, has quietly shelved the official list of repayments.

Last month, the Members Estimate Committee, which oversees MPs' pay and allowances, published a list showing that in the wake of the expenses scandal, members had paid back nearly £500,000. The list on the Commons website was up for just 24 hours then it was suspended after 'a couple' of administrative errors. In fact, the list included some MPs who should not have been included because their repayments were not connected to the expenses scandal.

A notice went up on the parliamentary website saying the list was 'being updated', yet references to the list have now been removed.

So much for openness and transparency from Westminster. Are many of us surprised? I doubt it.

Source: The Herald

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Jim Sillar's Article in the SoS

One of my readers has suggested that the article by Jim Sillars in today's Scotland on Sunday deserves wider coverage. I am happy to oblige.

It's not always I agree with Mr Sillars but every word he writes expresses my view and I'm sure the opinions of many others.

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That was Great Peter, We Must Do It Again

With smiles and thanks again to David Forward

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Is the Sacrifice Worth It?

It was announced earlier today that 2 more soldiers have been killed in Afghanistan yesterday. This takes the total to 173 including accidents and illnesses, with 144 directly killed in action.

Two more families and friends have to bear the intense burden of grief which accompanies the death of loved ones, who have died serving and protecting their country. I offer them my sympathy.

As most of my regular readers know I have an interest in defence matters and I've spent some considerable time informing myself about today's conflicts throughout the world.

All things considered, I suggest the west won't win in Afghanistan, not only because of past history, but it appears to be a war where we constantly move a step forward and two back. This is a political war, as was Iraq, and no matter how much I read about the reasons why we should have our troops there, I'm not convinced.

Is the sacrifice worth it? Not to me. Until someone can provide a honest argument, instead of the constant propaganda issued by governments and those in their pay, my opinion will remain against our involvement.

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Rare 20p Coin Fails to Sell at Auction

With my thanks to the lovely DavidForward

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Wealth Can Be Aging

Perhaps it's just me, but Tony Blair looks (even without the back eye), as if he's aged 10 years since he left No 10.

Just goes to show how aging it is accumulating a multi-million pound portfolio.

If you would like to see the chummy photograph of Mandelson presenting Blair with a medal for 'being committed to India and to understanding the dramatic way in which India's place and role in the world has changed in the last 20 years' then it can be viewed here. I couldn't bring myself to putting it with this post.

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JohnCleeseI like collective nouns... Like a spread of sticklebacks... an array of objects... or my favorite for politicians - a waste of time.16 minutes ago from Ping.fm

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Sarah Palin Resigns

Sarah Palin has resigned and is handing over the running of Alaska to her deputy. Toby Harden, the Telegraph's US reporter, can't understand why and nor can I after reading her resignation speech, especially since there are still 16 months of her governorship to go.

My feeling is that the US election was too much for her but I may well be wrong. She's a tough woman by all accounts.

So, don't be surprised if she does put herself forward in the next race to the White House. Forward planning and all that ...

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Subrosa's Super Seven blogs

Aangirfan - Michael Jackson and CIA Mind Control

Kezia Dugdale - Newsnight Scotland producer quits to run for the SNP

Last of the Few - Ramp Ceremony….A disgrace and an insult

LobbyDog - Osborne’s Detractor

Longrider - Well that didn’t take long

Moridura - The Monarchy and Scotland

Scottish Tory Boy - Back to blogging

Fish Suppers to:

Constantly Furious - The Gravy Train heading North?

The Lone Voice - Gordon Brown keeps UK nationals out of work and creates debt

They Work for You - Now data available back to 1935 courtesy of MySociety

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Munro Bagging is so Passe

Hill walkers established Munro bagging as a popular outdoor pursuit. Now, the conquest of Scotland's 284 mountains over 3,000ft, named after the mountaineer Sir Hugh Munro who listed them, faces a challenge from people bagging castles instead.

Historic Scotland, which is responsible for 63 castles in Scotland, has noticed a sharp increase in the number of people who say they are on a quest to visit as many as possible. Many visitors want to bag as many as they can in a day or weekend.

Historic Scotland said one family managed to visit 20 castles in one day, a party of German took in 35 sites in 10 days, while a Spanish couple managed 37 in 14 days. The agency is offering a reward for the family who can bag the most castles in a weekend. The winners will be reimbursed their entry fees.

Of course many of Scotland's castles are not part of Historic Scotland. Here in the east, I can think of 25 castles within an hour's drive and one of my favourites is pictured above - Dunnottar Castle just outside Stonehaven. It reeks of Scottish history and the setting adds to the extraordinary atmosphere.

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Scottish Conservatives and Leadership

The other day I read a blog post from Jeff in which he mentioned it's about time Annabel Goldie stepped aside and gave Derek Brownlie or Murdo Fraser a crack at the leadership.

Having said yesterday I thought Tommy Sheridan was past his sell-by date, I have to agree with Jeff because Annabel is now beginning to drop into her use-by date. Any time she speaks it's never about Scotland without mentioning the union and how strongly the tories support it. Actually she's quite wrong because, as I've said before, many of my tory voting friends are ambivalent about the union.

This week Annabelle wrote, on theblueblog, a post entitled 'Securing Scotland's place in the Union'. Nothing new in it, but I did laugh at this sentence - 'Given my strong and unwavering commitment to the Union, let me be clear that the creation of the (Calman) Commission was not a decision I entered into lightly. If I remember correctly Annabel was at the table before Wendy Alexander managed in the door.

As for Jeff suggesting Murdo Fraser should be given a go at the tory leadership I don't consider him leadership material. He's a very pleasant person but he lacks a sense of authority. Now in Derek Brownlie I can see leadership material and he could be the one to move the tories on from their present standstill.

The photo of Annabel above was taken from the blue blog. Must be at least 20 years old. Any further opinions?

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Tommy the Tan to Stand in Glasgow NE By-election

Tommy Sheridan (commonly known to Scots as Tommy the Tan) has launched a bid to replace former Commons Speaker Michael Martin as MP for Glasgow North-East.

A meeting of Solidarity supporters voted to adopt Mr Sheridan as their prospective candidate earlier this week and he will officially put his name forward in September to stand in the by-election which is now expected to be held in November.

Over the years I have heard Tommy speak on several occasions and admit he is impressive but now my thought is he's past his sell-by date. Dare I suggest he stick to finishing his law degree then put these skills to good use rather than attempt to return to the political scene.

Source: Herald

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The Elizabeth Cross

Today we hear that another two soldiers have been killed in Afghanistan, taking the number to 142 killed in action and a total of 171 killed including accidents and illnesses. My sympathy to their friends and families.

Yesterday it was announced the families of thousands of Armed Forces personnel, who have been killed on operations or died as a result of a terrorist attach since WW11, are to receive a new military award. Around 8,000 families will be eligible for a special silver Elizabeth Cross emblem and a memorial scroll signed by the Queen.

The decision to honour the next of kin of servicemen and women who have died in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as previous wars including Korea, Malaysia, Kenya, the Falklands and Northern Ireland, was in recognition of the "lifetime grief" they had to endure, Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup, the Chief of the Defence Staff, said yesterday.

I welcome this award but it's such a pity it is not also being awarded to those who have been injured during recent conflicts. They too deserve recognition.

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The Private Peer

Michael Martin will receive his peerage in private after fresh public outcry about his elevation to the House of Lords.

The disgraced former Speaker, who prides himself on his working class roots, will not have to join the ordinary recipients of honours at a public ceremony. Instead Royal sources have confirmed he is expected to get the honour behind closed doors to avoid the public spectacle.

This is a man who insists he represented the hard-working classes but he's accepting more trappings of power and he's aided and abetted by his friend Gordon Brown. For the government to arrange a private ceremony is offensive to many I expect and it shows Gordon Brown knows full well that this appointment is wrong and completely against public opinion.

I shouldn't think what the public thinks will worry Mr Martin. His main concern will be ensuring a further generous pension from the House of Lords. Makes a mockery of our so called democracy doesn't it?

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MSPs Snub Their Own Parliament

I have to admit I noticed the rows of empty desks during the official celebrations in the Scottish Parliament yesterday. It seems 48 MSPs decided to stay away and ignore the event.

Magnus Linklater puts it succinctly - 'What a lamentable affair.' Very true indeed. These absentees should be named and shamed. They have their jobs because the public voted them into office (well some of them; others crept in by the back door).

I'm no ardent royalist, but to ignore such an occasion when our 83 year old Queen and her 89 year old husband took the trouble to attend, is downright bad manners. MSPs have no excuse as they knew of yesterday's ceremony as long ago as last October with an update on arrangements issued at the start of April this year.

Of the individual parties 26 out of 47 SNP MSPs were present, labour had 29 out of 46 there, the tories had 13 out of 16 and the libdems 11 out of 16. One of two Green MSPs turned up but the sole independent MSP did not.

Christine Grahame, the SNP MSP, admitted that she had stayed away because of her republican sympathies. She said, "I had no intention of being there and I made my position clear before the event. I do not want to be seen as a hypocrite. I do not believe in the aristocracy running our country."

Ms Grahame, until we have legislation to the contrary, you should conform to the wishes of your electorate and I do hope they're not impressed with your behaviour on this occasion. Of course party spokesmen are verbose with their excuses with one saying, "They were further eight who had already booked their holidays as the Parliament is in recess and it was before we were notified about the Queen's visit." Rubbish. I don't believe eight booked their holidays 8 months in advance.

Some 10 year old children travelled from as far afield as Canada, the US and Germany yet a third of our representatives refused to attend. What a disgrace and a sad day for Scottish politics.

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Council Tax Collection Rates

Scottish councils are due nearly £1 billion in unpaid council tax. Some of the debt dates back to 1983 but £109 million of the total relates to the last financial year alone.

Local authorities were due £1.959 billion in council tax last year and by the end of March had collected £1.85 billion of this. This gave an average collection rate of 94.4% or 0.2% up on the previous year. But within the average, collection rates carried from 90% in Glasgow to 97.6% in Perth and Kinross - the authority with the highest collection rate.

Officials said 13 out of 32 councils had improved collection rates on the previous year, one council stayed the same and 18 showed slight decreases - with 11 of those remaining above the Scottish average.

Since 1993 the total amount of council tax billed in Scotland has been £22.359 billion of which £21.457 billion has been collected.

Wouldn't it be far easier and administratively cheaper to have a tax collected by HMRC? Even a central office for chasing up non-payers would be far more cost effective.

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Life Doesn't Get Better for Gordon

Thanks to Crown Blogspot, those who didn't see PMQs today can watch the latest 'spin', regarding spending cuts, from Gordon Brown. Crown calls it the best PMQ answer ever, I would call it a reflection of Brown's incompetence.

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10 Years On

Ten years ago today there was dancing in the streets of Edinburgh as the Queen made her way to the new Scottish Parliament.

Ten years later it's still there, the Queen is present again and the Parliament celebrates its first decade since it was reconvened.

A low key ceremony, a thoughtful speech from the Queen and a generous speech from Alex Salmond finalised the formal celebrations in the chamber, while Tom Devine and Joyce McMillan commented from within the BBC studio.

Joyce McMillan made the statement that there had been silent revolution in Scotland in the past 10 years and the people were now energised and aware of their identities and culture. Tom Devine concurred but insisted it's a sake of continually progressing to ensure decisions are made in the best interests of Scotland and nowhere else.

Alex Massie's post this morning is worth a read and although he doesn't support independence, it is a fair assessment of the present situation.

Exciting times ahead I hope and certainly I was pleased to hear both commentators mention how competent the SNP is in government. Onwards and upwards!

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My apologies, I should have posted this earlier. It just shows how some of the media are intent on being negative about the lad. Good luck to him for today.

andy_murrayone last thing...i loved playing under the roof even if you've read different! the atmosphere was amazing, just very humid. bedtime for me.about 1 hour ago from web (posted around 11pm 30 June - Ed)

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Newnight Scotland's PP Poll

Last night's Newsnight Scotland had a report on a BBC Scotland poll (Popular Politician) which asked who was the most popular leading politician in the UK.

Good Bad Neither/Didn't know

David Cameron 21% 36% 43%

Gordon Brown 37% 33% 31%

Alex Salmond 52% 18% 30%

The result leaves no doubt that Alex Salmond continues to enjoy the support of over half the Scottish population. It was also interesting to hear the excuses from the unionists who were invited to comment.

Unfortunately, because I use a Mac, I can't download the clip from iPlayer, but perhaps Peter at Moridura may help with that in the next day or so. He's a dab hand at the downloads.

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