Des Browne drawn into talks on more devolution
Des Browne, the Scottish Secretary, was yesterday drawn into cross-party talks about changes to Scottish home rule.
Labour, LibDem and Conservative leaders at Holyrood met for the first time yesterday, and agreed the next stage will be to draw in their Scottish leaders at Westminster.
The inclusion of Mr Browne, who has previously expressed strong resistance to opening up the Scotland Act to further reform, is significant as a rare sign that the UK Government has shown any willingness to think again about current arrangements.
LibDem leader Nicol Stephen is eager to set up a new grouping that would consider further devolution, with suggestions of taxation powers going as far as a Scottish share of North Sea oil revenue.
He angered other parties ahead of yesterday's talks by seeking to push their agreement to talk further than they had agreed. There is opposition to a LibDem plan to set up a Scottish Parliament Committee, with a stress from other parties that progress has to be made by working with Westminster and the public more widely.
| If they can work towards frustrating the SNP, that’s all to the good | |
|
Sources close to Mr Browne lowered any expectation of a new constitutional convention or commission, saying discussions are at a very early stage and there should be no expectation they will move fast or reach any agreement. "If they can work together to frustrate the SNP in stampeding people towards independence, that's all to the good," said a Labour source at Westminster.
While LibDems at their Brighton conference yesterday reaffirmed their support for more powers to be devolved to Holyrood, Scottish Tory leader Annabel Goldie has recently discussed the way ahead with Shadow Chancellor George Osborne and with Shadow Scottish Secretary David Mundell. Tories shifted two years ago to agree there should be a review of devolved powers, while Labour has been most resistant to changing the settlement it introduced in legislation nine years ago.
In a brief statement after Ms Alexander, Miss Goldie and Mr Stephen met yesterday, they said they had held a constructive meeting, and that they are "committed to a strong Scotland within a strong United Kingdom".
It added: "The character of the meeting was exploratory about taking forward a mature and reflective discussion on strengthening devolution. There is complete agreement about this discussion progressing within the framework of the United Kingdom. The next step is engaging with our UK colleagues at Westminster and to that end we propose to meet jointly with Des Browne, David Mundell and (LibDem Orkney & Shetland MP) Alistair Carmichael."
The joint talks have been welcomed by the Scottish National Party, as a sign that its rivals have "signed up" to the argument that parliament needs more powers to be more effective.
First Minister Alex Salmond said: "There's clearly a dynamic at work there. We see that dynamic being very much in the context of the national conversation and look forward to it moving
forward."
© All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without
permission is prohibited.
Posted by: kinghob on 9:48pm Wed 19 Sep 07
Errr....frustrating the SNP, looking after themselves within the UK, status quo, a pretend nod towards what is best for Scotland, all the same thing.
Scottish people are an aside to their UK ambitions, and they don't care about us.
Errr....frustrating the SNP, looking after themselves within the UK, status quo, a pretend nod towards what is best for Scotland, all the same thing.
Scottish people are an aside to their UK ambitions, and they don't care about us.
Posted by: Mac, Dundee on 10:11pm Wed 19 Sep 07
re: ""If they can work together to frustrate the SNP in stampeding people towards independence, that's all to the good," said a Labour source at Westminster."
So the conversation being held by Labour, the Tories and the sorrowful LibDems on new powers for Holyrood is in reality a sham. The can't agree on a suitable forum for discussion. They can't agree on a timetable. They can't even make a single decision or utterance without their London masters say so. What a pathetic bunch Wendy 'Motormouth' Alexander, Anabelle 'Auld Maid' Goldie and Nicol 'No Brains' Stephen now make. Some coversation this is, full of ers, ums and dohs.
re: ""If they can work together to frustrate the SNP in stampeding people towards independence, that's all to the good," said a Labour source at Westminster."
So the conversation being held by Labour, the Tories and the sorrowful LibDems on new powers for Holyrood is in reality a sham. The can't agree on a suitable forum for discussion. They can't agree on a timetable. They can't even make a single decision or utterance without their London masters say so. What a pathetic bunch Wendy 'Motormouth' Alexander, Anabelle 'Auld Maid' Goldie and Nicol 'No Brains' Stephen now make. Some coversation this is, full of ers, ums and dohs.
Posted by: Scotsgait, www.scotsgait.co.uk on 11:05pm Wed 19 Sep 07
The sophisticated Scottish electorate won't fall for the Labdemtories claiming they're the ones putting Scotland's interests to Westminster. All it shows is their pettiness towards the SNP and their continued denial of the true wishes of the Scottish electorate.
__________________
Double jeopardy ? Cast your vote in the Scotsgait poll
The sophisticated Scottish electorate won't fall for the Labdemtories claiming they're the ones putting Scotland's interests to Westminster. All it shows is their pettiness towards the SNP and their continued denial of the true wishes of the Scottish electorate.
__________________
Double jeopardy ? Cast your vote in the Scotsgait poll
Posted by: wee folding bike on 11:20pm Wed 19 Sep 07
Nicol Stephen was just on Newsnight. Is he really as stupid as he comes across?
No referendum on independence because he might not like the answer. Referendum on the EU because he thinks he will like the answer.
Nicol Stephen was just on Newsnight. Is he really as stupid as he comes across?
No referendum on independence because he might not like the answer. Referendum on the EU because he thinks he will like the answer.
Posted by: Jimbo on 11:33pm Wed 19 Sep 07
"The character of the meeting was exploratory about taking forward a mature and reflective discussion on strengthening devolution. There is complete agreement about this discussion progressing within the framework of the United Kingdom."
This unionist cabal should be called the Lobotomies. It seems they'll go to any lengths to hold Scotland back. These will prove to be lengthy talks as each and every one of them will have to discuss with their London masters at every turn about what they are allowed to discuss at their anti Scottish meetings.
"The character of the meeting was exploratory about taking forward a mature and reflective discussion on strengthening devolution. There is complete agreement about this discussion progressing within the framework of the United Kingdom."
This unionist cabal should be called the Lobotomies. It seems they'll go to any lengths to hold Scotland back. These will prove to be lengthy talks as each and every one of them will have to discuss with their London masters at every turn about what they are allowed to discuss at their anti Scottish meetings.
Posted by: Alastair, Aberdeen on Thu 20 Sep 07
[quote][bold]wee folding bike[/bold] wrote:
Nicol Stephen was just on Newsnight. Is he really as stupid as he comes across? No referendum on independence because he might not like the answer. Referendum on the EU because he thinks he will like the answer.[/quote] Yes, in a word!
wee folding bike wrote:
Nicol Stephen was just on Newsnight. Is he really as stupid as he comes across? No referendum on independence because he might not like the answer. Referendum on the EU because he thinks he will like the answer.
Yes, in a word!
Posted by: Tom McAlister on 12:19am Thu 20 Sep 07
.
Window dressing a display of shop soiled goods. Any buyers?
.
.
Window dressing a display of shop soiled goods. Any buyers?
.
Posted by: Edward, Edinburgh on 12:26am Thu 20 Sep 07
[quote][bold]wee folding bike[/bold] wrote:
Nicol Stephen was just on Newsnight. Is he really as stupid as he comes across? No referendum on independence because he might not like the answer. Referendum on the EU because he thinks he will like the answer.[/quote] He cant be that stupid, I mean he did state also on Newsnight Scotland that the three main parties (Labour/Libdem/Tory) had a majority at Westminster!
Not quite sure of the relevance, but it seem to mean something to Nicol Stephen
Yeah your right, he is a smarmy little idiot!
wee folding bike wrote:
Nicol Stephen was just on Newsnight. Is he really as stupid as he comes across? No referendum on independence because he might not like the answer. Referendum on the EU because he thinks he will like the answer.
He cant be that stupid, I mean he did state also on Newsnight Scotland that the three main parties (Labour/Libdem/Tory) had a majority at Westminster!
Not quite sure of the relevance, but it seem to mean something to Nicol Stephen
Yeah your right, he is a smarmy little idiot!
Posted by: Addison De Witt, Spaced out in Drugs and Booze at the Liberal Party Conference on 2:21am Thu 20 Sep 07
''He cant be that Stupid''
correction
He is that Stupid. !!!!
''He cant be that Stupid''
correction
He is that Stupid. !!!!
Posted by: Mike, Edinburgh on 3:10am Thu 20 Sep 07
So they are provong the term London Controlled Political Parties. Remember Oliver "Please Sir Can I Have Some More". No matter what these Anglo Parties do Alex Salmond and the Scottish People win. London determing what is [bold]allowed[/bold] will just inflame Scots and show the London Parties Members here in Scotland how limp their attempts are.
ITS ALL SIMMERING AWAY VERY NICELY. INDEPENDANCE HERE WE COME.
So they are provong the term London Controlled Political Parties. Remember Oliver "Please Sir Can I Have Some More". No matter what these Anglo Parties do Alex Salmond and the Scottish People win. London determing what is
allowed will just inflame Scots and show the London Parties Members here in Scotland how limp their attempts are.
ITS ALL SIMMERING AWAY VERY NICELY. INDEPENDANCE HERE WE COME.
Posted by: Mike, Edinburgh on 3:12am Thu 20 Sep 07
By the way what happens when the likes of Des Browne, Alistair Darling, Douglas Alexander and David Cairns are voted out of Office by Scots at the upcoming election.
By the way what happens when the likes of Des Browne, Alistair Darling, Douglas Alexander and David Cairns are voted out of Office by Scots at the upcoming election.
Posted by: pencildick on 4:44am Thu 20 Sep 07
UK colleagues at Westminster my a*rse
UK BOSSES at Westminster ......FACT.
No amount of unionist piffle will change that.
UK colleagues at Westminster my a*rse
UK BOSSES at Westminster ......FACT.
No amount of unionist piffle will change that.
Posted by: Im not really here on 6:38am Thu 20 Sep 07
"committed to a strong Scotland within a strong United Kingdom". The only problem with that is the assumption that you will have a strong UK. A country living beyond it's means, hell-bent on spending billions to sustain the illusion of prosperity.
"committed to a strong Scotland within a strong United Kingdom". The only problem with that is the assumption that you will have a strong UK. A country living beyond it's means, hell-bent on spending billions to sustain the illusion of prosperity.
Posted by: Bill Mac, Falkirk on 6:49am Thu 20 Sep 07
Giving the Scottish Parliament more powers is akin to paying tribute to fob off the separatist movement. It is maybe fitting that the old imperialist Kipling had it spot on.
"And that is called paying the Dane-geld;
But we’ve proved it again and again,
That if once you have paid him the Dane-geld
You never get rid of the Dane. "
Giving the Scottish Parliament more powers is akin to paying tribute to fob off the separatist movement. It is maybe fitting that the old imperialist Kipling had it spot on.
"And that is called paying the Dane-geld;
But we’ve proved it again and again,
That if once you have paid him the Dane-geld
You never get rid of the Dane. "
Posted by: Im not really here on 7:22am Thu 20 Sep 07
I see from The Scotsman that Alexander has appointed Arthur "black-hole" Midwinter as an economic adviser. No surprise here, as he was also adviser to the Financial Committee in the Lab/LD coalition.
And they did such a fine job didn't they - failing to spend £1.5bn of the Scottish budget, yet at the same time making cuts.
I see from The Scotsman that Alexander has appointed Arthur "black-hole" Midwinter as an economic adviser. No surprise here, as he was also adviser to the Financial Committee in the Lab/LD coalition.
And they did such a fine job didn't they - failing to spend £1.5bn of the Scottish budget, yet at the same time making cuts.
Posted by: megz, glasgow on 9:15am Thu 20 Sep 07
You would think that if the lib-dems support a referendum on EU then surely they should support scotland having a referendum. Bit hypocritical, but then again are they actually liberal as they certainly aren't democratic perhaps a name change is in order.
You would think that if the lib-dems support a referendum on EU then surely they should support scotland having a referendum. Bit hypocritical, but then again are they actually liberal as they certainly aren't democratic perhaps a name change is in order.
Posted by: tearlach, stirling on 9:34am Thu 20 Sep 07
bwahahahaaha oh you realy couldnt right the contradictions and stupidity coming from the Unionists, theese people are the only ones in the entire world to actually try and flog a dead horse......their insane. Whats their sale this time to the Scottish People, 'err we will allow you a wee bit more control over your lives'....then 5 years later ' ok,ok i hear you well heres a wee bit more power over your futures '
In short this feable attempt of Unionism with England becomes clearer by the day, these people are protecting their jobs and fat salaries, they couldnt carew less for Scotland and probably know the future is independence so are posturing now to appeal to their London pay masters, who knows they might get a nice cosey job down south telling the English electorate whats good for them.
bwahahahaaha oh you realy couldnt right the contradictions and stupidity coming from the Unionists, theese people are the only ones in the entire world to actually try and flog a dead horse......their insane. Whats their sale this time to the Scottish People, 'err we will allow you a wee bit more control over your lives'....then 5 years later ' ok,ok i hear you well heres a wee bit more power over your futures '
In short this feable attempt of Unionism with England becomes clearer by the day, these people are protecting their jobs and fat salaries, they couldnt carew less for Scotland and probably know the future is independence so are posturing now to appeal to their London pay masters, who knows they might get a nice cosey job down south telling the English electorate whats good for them.
Posted by: donald, glasgow on 9:59am Thu 20 Sep 07
Broone squirming. "Yeah, but... No but .."
Broone squirming. "Yeah, but... No but .."
Posted by: Douglas Eckhart on 10:10am Thu 20 Sep 07
"If they can work together to frustrate the SNP in stampeding people towards independence, that's all to the good," said a Labour source at Westminster.
--------------------
------------------
Why am I not suprised.
At the next UK general election, please please please do not vote these numpties back into power at Westminster!
I know that people in Scotland generally vote labour in UK general elections, not because they like them greatly, but only in order to keep the tories out.
You have to wake up to the fact that the Westminster Labour party is now AS BAD AS THE TORIES. They do not act in the Scottish interest, only in their own interest, ie keeping the labour party in power in westminster.
Vote these numpties out next time! Vote SNP, even vote LIberal Democrats, but please don't vote Labour because of the perceived 'tory menace' .
You have to ask yourself if a Tory government in Westminster could be any worse than the current labour numpties we have at present. The Labour party is the new Tory party!
"If they can work together to frustrate the SNP in stampeding people towards independence, that's all to the good," said a Labour source at Westminster.
--------------------
------------------
Why am I not suprised.
At the next UK general election, please please please do not vote these numpties back into power at Westminster!
I know that people in Scotland generally vote labour in UK general elections, not because they like them greatly, but only in order to keep the tories out.
You have to wake up to the fact that the Westminster Labour party is now AS BAD AS THE TORIES. They do not act in the Scottish interest, only in their own interest, ie keeping the labour party in power in westminster.
Vote these numpties out next time! Vote SNP, even vote LIberal Democrats, but please don't vote Labour because of the perceived 'tory menace' .
You have to ask yourself if a Tory government in Westminster could be any worse than the current labour numpties we have at present. The Labour party is the new Tory party!
Posted by: Davey Mac, A British Colony North of London on 11:12am Thu 20 Sep 07
"If they can work together to frustrate the SNP in stampeding people towards independence, that's all to the good," said a Labour source at Westminster."
This says a lot if the quote is accurate. It seems 'they' are becoming resigned to Scotland achieving independence its all a matter of time. Script is to hinder, delay or block all attempts at getting it sooner rather than later. The different unionist parties arent yet all 'on message' as to how best slow it down but they will work at it.
Possible Gambits are:
-Agree for early referendum and hope to scare enough or change the rules enough to avoid a high enough yes vote.
- Give minimal new powers to convince enough people to opt for Dev Max insetad of full independence.
- Or both.
In the mean time any and all discusions about the effects or transition to independence must not be discussed. Electorate must be kept as ignorant as possible at all times.
"If they can work together to frustrate the SNP in stampeding people towards independence, that's all to the good," said a Labour source at Westminster."
This says a lot if the quote is accurate. It seems 'they' are becoming resigned to Scotland achieving independence its all a matter of time. Script is to hinder, delay or block all attempts at getting it sooner rather than later. The different unionist parties arent yet all 'on message' as to how best slow it down but they will work at it.
Possible Gambits are:
-Agree for early referendum and hope to scare enough or change the rules enough to avoid a high enough yes vote.
- Give minimal new powers to convince enough people to opt for Dev Max insetad of full independence.
- Or both.
In the mean time any and all discusions about the effects or transition to independence must not be discussed. Electorate must be kept as ignorant as possible at all times.
Posted by: Yeti on 11:26am Thu 20 Sep 07
Some interesting differences and similarities
http://www.msnbc.msn
.com/id/20790114/sit
e/newsweek/
Some interesting differences and similarities
http://www.msnbc.msn
.com/id/20790114/sit
e/newsweek/
Posted by: Rab The Man, Was My Uncle on 11:45am Thu 20 Sep 07
[quote][bold]wee folding bike[/bold] wrote:
Nicol Stephen was just on Newsnight. Is he really as stupid as he comes across? No referendum on independence because he might not like the answer. Referendum on the EU because he thinks he will like the answer.[/quote] WFB
Wots it coming to on these posts,.............
....................
................ when I find you to be 100% right !!!!
wee folding bike wrote:
Nicol Stephen was just on Newsnight. Is he really as stupid as he comes across? No referendum on independence because he might not like the answer. Referendum on the EU because he thinks he will like the answer.
WFB
Wots it coming to on these posts,.............
....................
................ when I find you to be 100% right !!!!
Posted by: Gregor Addison, Scotland on 12:29pm Thu 20 Sep 07
If Labour have a united strategy to take them forward not only to the next Holryood election but to the upcoming Westminster election, then I can't see what it is. Des Browne and Wendy Alexander seem oddly out of touch with one another; although, Des Browne does seem to have climbed down somewhat on the subject of more devolution from his "Just say No" position of recent months.
The problem for Nicol Stephen and others is that they may pre-empt the SNP in the short term but if they cannot deliver what the electorate want then the SNP always remain as an alternative. I sometimes think that, listening to their rhetoric, the opposition parties believe that they can remove the SNP from Scottish politics, even though they have failed over so many years to do so.
Also, the problem with a constitutional convention is that it becomes a private members club for those who are invited, or choose, to take part in it.
If Labour have a united strategy to take them forward not only to the next Holryood election but to the upcoming Westminster election, then I can't see what it is. Des Browne and Wendy Alexander seem oddly out of touch with one another; although, Des Browne does seem to have climbed down somewhat on the subject of more devolution from his "Just say No" position of recent months.
The problem for Nicol Stephen and others is that they may pre-empt the SNP in the short term but if they cannot deliver what the electorate want then the SNP always remain as an alternative. I sometimes think that, listening to their rhetoric, the opposition parties believe that they can remove the SNP from Scottish politics, even though they have failed over so many years to do so.
Also, the problem with a constitutional convention is that it becomes a private members club for those who are invited, or choose, to take part in it.
Posted by: Des 'the Big-Hitter' Browne, The Palace of Westminster on 12:54pm Thu 20 Sep 07
Mmmmm....
....Independence is bad, m'kay.
Mmmmm....
....Independence is bad, m'kay.
Posted by: Gianni on 1:03pm Thu 20 Sep 07
I find it quite ridiculous that Scotland still has a Secretary of State, never mind the fact he combines that role with Defence Minister, who is essentially senior to the FM. So much for democracy.
I find it quite ridiculous that Scotland still has a Secretary of State, never mind the fact he combines that role with Defence Minister, who is essentially senior to the FM. So much for democracy.
Posted by: juan, Edimbra. ETHENPPEE! AND FWEEDOM on 1:13pm Thu 20 Sep 07
Generaly what was expetcted to come. A conspiracy of numpties and bafoons.
[bold]Anabelle "Abseiler", "Thin Lips" stephen and "zippy" Alexander.[/bold]
Looks like the SNP will be here for a long time to come. As they will probably scoop votes from each of them next election!
[bold]A bunch of pious lemmings and lackies destined for the cliff of mediocrity.[/bold]
Generaly what was expetcted to come. A conspiracy of numpties and bafoons.
Anabelle "Abseiler", "Thin Lips" stephen and "zippy" Alexander.
Looks like the SNP will be here for a long time to come. As they will probably scoop votes from each of them next election!
A bunch of pious lemmings and lackies destined for the cliff of mediocrity.
Posted by: John Tanner, Glasgow on 1:19pm Thu 20 Sep 07
[quote][bold]Yeti[/bold] wrote:
Some interesting differences and similarities http://www.msnbc.msn .com/id/20790114/sit e/newsweek/[/quote] Thanks for the highlighting that interesting article. I've been a bit out of touch with current events recently and have been meaning to find more articles about the Belgian situation.
Yeti wrote:
Some interesting differences and similarities http://www.msnbc.msn .com/id/20790114/sit e/newsweek/
Thanks for the highlighting that interesting article. I've been a bit out of touch with current events recently and have been meaning to find more articles about the Belgian situation.
Posted by: Colin B, Bearsden on 1:23pm Thu 20 Sep 07
I wouldn't believe a word Des Browne says - Helicopters, Cockpit videos, armed forces allowances, housing, hospitals, body armour - all lies -Even when he is forced to apologise he just says it wasn't intentional -Des makes Ruth Kelly look effective
I wouldn't believe a word Des Browne says - Helicopters, Cockpit videos, armed forces allowances, housing, hospitals, body armour - all lies -Even when he is forced to apologise he just says it wasn't intentional -Des makes Ruth Kelly look effective
Posted by: kyle, Glasgow on 1:54pm Thu 20 Sep 07
[quote][bold]John Tanner[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Yeti[/bold] wrote:
Some interesting differences and similarities http://www.msnbc.msn .com/id/20790114/sit e/newsweek/[/quote] Thanks for the highlighting that interesting article. I\\\'ve been a bit out of touch with current events recently and have been meaning to find more articles about the Belgian situation.[/quote] I thought this was a very interesting article too - should be required reading, I think. Make's such a change from the usual scaremongering we get over here.
Here's a shorter url for it:
tinyurl.com/2z2s84
(I think tinyurl.com is the order of the day for links on these comment pages, should get round the 20 character word limit..)
John Tanner wrote:
Yeti wrote:
Some interesting differences and similarities http://www.msnbc.msn .com/id/20790114/sit e/newsweek/
Thanks for the highlighting that interesting article. I've been a bit out of touch with current events recently and have been meaning to find more articles about the Belgian situation.
I thought this was a very interesting article too - should be required reading, I think. Make's such a change from the usual scaremongering we get over here.
Here's a shorter url for it:
tinyurl.com/2z2s84
(I think tinyurl.com is the order of the day for links on these comment pages, should get round the 20 character word limit..)
Posted by: wee folding bike on 3:05pm Thu 20 Sep 07
Rab The Man,
Well I haven't changed.
I will change later in the afternoon because it's raining here and I'll get wet on my way home.
Rab The Man,
Well I haven't changed.
I will change later in the afternoon because it's raining here and I'll get wet on my way home.
Posted by: schawaldowris on 4:51pm Thu 20 Sep 07
Douglas Fraser's 2nd paragraph says it all really.
"Labour, Lib Dem and Conservative Scottish leaders at Holyrood met for the first time yesterday and agreed that the next stage will to be to draw in their Scottish leaders at Westminster".
We therefore note, that after these initial deliberations, it will be the purpose of the Holyrood LIBLABCONCOM. to report their findings to their Scottish Leaders at Westminster.
On receipt of this petition from the Holyrood subordinates, the Westminster leaders will then advise the parish pump council on how far they are prepared to go, in order to create a "strong Scotland" provided of course, it does not diminish the "Home Counties" position of priviledge.
Douglas Fraser's 2nd paragraph says it all really.
"Labour, Lib Dem and Conservative Scottish leaders at Holyrood met for the first time yesterday and agreed that the next stage will to be to draw in their Scottish leaders at Westminster".
We therefore note, that after these initial deliberations, it will be the purpose of the Holyrood LIBLABCONCOM. to report their findings to their Scottish Leaders at Westminster.
On receipt of this petition from the Holyrood subordinates, the Westminster leaders will then advise the parish pump council on how far they are prepared to go, in order to create a "strong Scotland" provided of course, it does not diminish the "Home Counties" position of priviledge.
Posted by: tcek, south lanarkshire on 8:49pm Thu 20 Sep 07
Lets start building gallows and just hang the traitors to Scotland. I honestly dont believe many other countries in the world have so many rattlesnakes sticking the knife in their own countrymen, to better another country. Stick your union up your jacksie.
Lets start building gallows and just hang the traitors to Scotland. I honestly dont believe many other countries in the world have so many rattlesnakes sticking the knife in their own countrymen, to better another country. Stick your union up your jacksie.
Posted by: tcek, south lanarkshire on 10:50pm Thu 20 Sep 07
[quote][bold]Davey Mac[/bold] wrote:
"If they can work together to frustrate the SNP in stampeding people towards independence, that's all to the good," said a Labour source at Westminster." This says a lot if the quote is accurate. It seems 'they' are becoming resigned to Scotland achieving independence its all a matter of time. Script is to hinder, delay or block all attempts at getting it sooner rather than later. The different unionist parties arent yet all 'on message' as to how best slow it down but they will work at it. Possible Gambits are: -Agree for early referendum and hope to scare enough or change the rules enough to avoid a high enough yes vote. - Give minimal new powers to convince enough people to opt for Dev Max insetad of full independence. - Or both. In the mean time any and all discusions about the effects or transition to independence must not be discussed. Electorate must be kept as ignorant as possible at all times.[/quote] If they can work together to frustrate the S.N.P. in stampeding people towards independence ,that's all to the good said a labour source at Westminster.!! The reality is dawning on Westminster that the gravy train will soon halt . And if that was not the case as they fall over themselves to point out. WHY DO THEY WANT TO HANG ON TO A COUNTRY THAT AS THEY LIE THAT WE ARE TOO HEAVILLY SUBSIDISED BY THEM WHY IN THAT CASE DONT THEY KICK SCOTLAND OUT OF THE UNION I KOW WHY. NO UNIONIST IN SCOTLAND, ENGLAND, OR WESTMINSTER CAN ANSWER THAT SIMPLE REASONABLE QUESTION.
Davey Mac wrote:
"If they can work together to frustrate the SNP in stampeding people towards independence, that's all to the good," said a Labour source at Westminster." This says a lot if the quote is accurate. It seems 'they' are becoming resigned to Scotland achieving independence its all a matter of time. Script is to hinder, delay or block all attempts at getting it sooner rather than later. The different unionist parties arent yet all 'on message' as to how best slow it down but they will work at it. Possible Gambits are: -Agree for early referendum and hope to scare enough or change the rules enough to avoid a high enough yes vote. - Give minimal new powers to convince enough people to opt for Dev Max insetad of full independence. - Or both. In the mean time any and all discusions about the effects or transition to independence must not be discussed. Electorate must be kept as ignorant as possible at all times.
If they can work together to frustrate the S.N.P. in stampeding people towards independence ,that's all to the good said a labour source at Westminster.!! The reality is dawning on Westminster that the gravy train will soon halt . And if that was not the case as they fall over themselves to point out. WHY DO THEY WANT TO HANG ON TO A COUNTRY THAT AS THEY LIE THAT WE ARE TOO HEAVILLY SUBSIDISED BY THEM WHY IN THAT CASE DONT THEY KICK SCOTLAND OUT OF THE UNION I KOW WHY. NO UNIONIST IN SCOTLAND, ENGLAND, OR WESTMINSTER CAN ANSWER THAT SIMPLE REASONABLE QUESTION.
Posted by: percy, London on 10:07am Fri 21 Sep 07
Gordon Brown is in a state of panic - he now wants a motto for Britain. How about:
"England for the English and Scotland for the Scottish - You know its coming so get on with it"
Gordon Brown is in a state of panic - he now wants a motto for Britain. How about:
"England for the English and Scotland for the Scottish - You know its coming so get on with it"
Posted by: steven latta, saltcoats on 2:11pm Fri 21 Sep 07
who cares? All these balloons and their creation of public sector non-jobs have absolutely gubbed this wee country. Im emigrating. McConnell - McLeish - Salmond is that the best we can do? Is that who is going to fight our battles and help create a better life for Scottish people? Absolutely desperate. I really dont get the independents either - what do you think it will get you other than a fleeting 'Braveheart moment'? If it happens you will be left with a bunch of unemployable no-marks wasting your hard-earned dough the same as labour has. SACK THEM ALL. The govt and public sector could be an eighth of its current size and we wouldnt see a compromise on the quality of REAL public goods (in the true, economic, sense of the term as opposed to everything else the govt has decided to provide with our money through the public sector) and we would all have more cash in our pockets.
who cares? All these balloons and their creation of public sector non-jobs have absolutely gubbed this wee country. Im emigrating. McConnell - McLeish - Salmond is that the best we can do? Is that who is going to fight our battles and help create a better life for Scottish people? Absolutely desperate. I really dont get the independents either - what do you think it will get you other than a fleeting 'Braveheart moment'? If it happens you will be left with a bunch of unemployable no-marks wasting your hard-earned dough the same as labour has. SACK THEM ALL. The govt and public sector could be an eighth of its current size and we wouldnt see a compromise on the quality of REAL public goods (in the true, economic, sense of the term as opposed to everything else the govt has decided to provide with our money through the public sector) and we would all have more cash in our pockets.
Posted by: Gwen Johnson (cowan), canada on 3:40pm Thu 11 Oct 07
[bold]bold[/bold] Is this steven latta , who knew the cowans from canada (from scotland and then immigrated to canada)
Is this steven latta , who knew the cowans from canada (from scotland and then immigrated to canada)
Posted by: Gwen Johnson, canada on 4:36pm Thu 11 Oct 07
[quote][bold]Gwen Johnson (cowan)[/bold] wrote:
[bold]bold[/bold] Is this steven latta , who knew the cowans from canada (from scotland and then immigrated to canada)[/quote] right and if so my email is we4r@cogeco.ca[bold]bold[/bold]
Gwen Johnson (cowan) wrote:
Is this steven latta , who knew the cowans from canada (from scotland and then immigrated to canada)
right and if so my email is we4r@cogeco.ca
Politics
INDEX
Comment | Read Comments (37)
