Smith accused of complacency over gun law
Gun law reform as demanded by Holyrood ministers has been ruled out by Home Secretary Jacqui Smith.
The move prompted her Scottish counterpart, Kenny MacAskill, to accuse her of complacency yesterday after she declined an invitation to co-host a summit on the subject in Scotland.
Mr MacAskill, the Justice Minister, said: "I'm disappointed our invitation has been rejected and concerned that the Home Secretary says a review isn't needed now.
"The most recent figures revealed firearms casualties in Scotland rose by 25% in a year - one in three of them children.
"Communities across Scotland, indeed across the UK, will be alarmed by the apparent complacency."
But Scottish Secretary Des Browne came to the support of his Westminster cabinet colleague, calling the accusation of complacency a "gross distortion" and claiming that SNP ministers had an "obsession" with air weapons.
He said her letter pointed out that the way statistical evidence on air gun offences in Scotland was gathered made it far from clear and he also pointed out that Ms Smith had expressed a willingness to look at any ideas that emerged from Mr MacAskill's summit.
Firearms control is reserved to Westminster but a series of high-profile shootings have given the issue growing prominence in Scotland.
Two-year-old Andrew Morton died in Glasgow three years ago after he was hit in the head by an airgun pellet. Two years ago 32-year-old Graeme Baxter of East Calder was killed when a pellet pierced his heart.
Mr MacAskill said: "We need a robust regime - more efficient for our police to administer and enforce, and above all one that puts greater focus on public safety.
"If Westminster doesn't feel ready or willing to act, we must press ahead with a national summit."
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Posted by: redc;liffe62, brisbane on hols on 12:43am Mon 3 Mar 08
Labour are not being complacent, merely following party protocol that they are to give no credence to the SNP in Edinburgth unless the suggestion has been one from Westminster.
Labour UK cannot be seen to be kow-towing to the agenda of others, no matter whether the idea has validity.
Labour are not being complacent, merely following party protocol that they are to give no credence to the SNP in Edinburgth unless the suggestion has been one from Westminster.
Labour UK cannot be seen to be kow-towing to the agenda of others, no matter whether the idea has validity.
Posted by: Edward, Edinburgh on 3:17am Mon 3 Mar 08
Lets call a spade a spade!
Jacqui Smith is nothing more that a vindictive coniving slimey creep!
She is hopeless in her job in London and just does what Gordon tells her. She has never ever made any effort to cooperate with the Scottish Government, she really is pathetic!
Lets call a spade a spade!
Jacqui Smith is nothing more that a vindictive coniving slimey creep!
She is hopeless in her job in London and just does what Gordon tells her. She has never ever made any effort to cooperate with the Scottish Government, she really is pathetic!
Posted by: redc;liffe62, brisbane on hols on 3:23am Mon 3 Mar 08
The balance between listening to Edinburgh's good ideas and ignoring it as an irrelevance is a fine one, and Brown has not managed to balance on that line.
Smith's comment is predictable, and falls into line with the approach to devolved powers in general.
The balance between listening to Edinburgh's good ideas and ignoring it as an irrelevance is a fine one, and Brown has not managed to balance on that line.
Smith's comment is predictable, and falls into line with the approach to devolved powers in general.
Posted by: Los Angeles, Edinburgh on 7:05am Mon 3 Mar 08
Grahamski Graduates In Hypocricy [quote]Kenny MacAskill's cheap political stunt was exposed for everyone to see on telly yesterday. Again he refused to appear face to face with a representative of the Labour Party.[/quote] This will be the same Labour party that excludes the elected SNP from contributing to the "Commission on delaying powers to the Scottish parliament" and thus insults the people of Scotland?
Grahamski Graduates In Hypocricy
Kenny MacAskill's cheap political stunt was exposed for everyone to see on telly yesterday. Again he refused to appear face to face with a representative of the Labour Party.
This will be the same Labour party that excludes the elected SNP from contributing to the "Commission on delaying powers to the Scottish parliament" and thus insults the people of Scotland?
Posted by: Grahamski, Falkirk on 8:02am Mon 3 Mar 08
LA,
Don't usually respond to your greivances and girning but I'll make this exception. What on earth are you droning on about? The SNP minority administration are perfectly entitled to contribute to the commission - they should because it is the will of the Scottish Parliament and as such, the Scottish people. It is the SNP who are in the huff because nobody takes their ludicrous national conversation seriously.
LA,
Don't usually respond to your greivances and girning but I'll make this exception. What on earth are you droning on about? The SNP minority administration are perfectly entitled to contribute to the commission - they should because it is the will of the Scottish Parliament and as such, the Scottish people. It is the SNP who are in the huff because nobody takes their ludicrous national conversation seriously.
Posted by: spagan, heisker, scotland on 8:37am Mon 3 Mar 08
I though it was a [italic]'review'[/italic] ? That [italic]'commission'[/italic] denoted some kind of serious consideration?
So Pa Broon told me yesterday.
I though it was a
'review' ? That
'commission' denoted some kind of serious consideration?
So Pa Broon told me yesterday.
Posted by: oldmack, Scotland on 8:39am Mon 3 Mar 08
That Jackie Smith has the ability to do her job has always been the main question.
Her naivety in handling the spin-masters within the home office is just as bad as all her predecessors.
As the Secretary of State at the Home Office, her ability to run to her remit has never been in doubt, she has none.
The home office is loaded with group’s pedalling their own agenda’s, with internal fighting like rats in a barrel.
Until an MP is placed in that office with the remit to gut it from top to bottom there will be no progress made in this country. The constant use of the words “National Security” and “Terrorism” as the reasons for all the control agenda’s, which have been run through the Media, are tantamount to psychological and subliminal warfare.
That Jackie Smith has the ability to do her job has always been the main question.
Her naivety in handling the spin-masters within the home office is just as bad as all her predecessors.
As the Secretary of State at the Home Office, her ability to run to her remit has never been in doubt, she has none.
The home office is loaded with group’s pedalling their own agenda’s, with internal fighting like rats in a barrel.
Until an MP is placed in that office with the remit to gut it from top to bottom there will be no progress made in this country. The constant use of the words “National Security” and “Terrorism” as the reasons for all the control agenda’s, which have been run through the Media, are tantamount to psychological and subliminal warfare.
Posted by: Forbes Aiken, Glasgow on 8:46am Mon 3 Mar 08
I have no doubt that we can look forward to many more instances of the SNP Executive grandstanding on issues which are not their responsibility.
The tactic of making a populist, and usually simplistic, demand then blaming the "big boy" down in London for failing to deliver has to be seen for what it is. A deliberate attempt to drive a wedge between Scotland and Westminster.
I have no doubt that we can look forward to many more instances of the SNP Executive grandstanding on issues which are not their responsibility.
The tactic of making a populist, and usually simplistic, demand then blaming the "big boy" down in London for failing to deliver has to be seen for what it is. A deliberate attempt to drive a wedge between Scotland and Westminster.
Posted by: Christina de Kéroualle, Aberdeen on 9:20am Mon 3 Mar 08
It is unfortunate, but London Labour is never going to agree to anything that might make the lives of ordinary Scots better or safer as long as it might be seen to be an SNP initiative. Their annoyance at the SNP's success was quite honestly summed up by Lord Foulkes on Radio Scotland last week:
[bold]The SNP are on a very dangerous tack at the moment. What they are doing is trying to build up a situation in Scotland where the services are manifestly better than south of the Border in a number of areas.[/bold]
It is unfortunate, but London Labour is never going to agree to anything that might make the lives of ordinary Scots better or safer as long as it might be seen to be an SNP initiative. Their annoyance at the SNP's success was quite honestly summed up by Lord Foulkes on Radio Scotland last week:
The SNP are on a very dangerous tack at the moment. What they are doing is trying to build up a situation in Scotland where the services are manifestly better than south of the Border in a number of areas.
Posted by: billalba, Fife on 9:51am Mon 3 Mar 08
Grahamski...did you watch the same program as I did!! your slant on most things seems to be a bit awry..
The SNP are of course welcome to join the unionist convention..but of course they can't as it specifically excludes independence..why are you so scared of a referendum on independence when you say that there isnt support for independence?? baffles me...
Forbes..grandstandin
g by the Scottish government??? Like Grahamski..where are you coming from?? do you not think these things are important?? there are important issues that are and have always been ignored by the Westminster Executive do you think that the Scottish government should ignore them?? These are rhetorical questions as I dont really want to hear the we shouldnt be involved or have a say on important issues we should continue to tug our forelock and bow to our superiors in westminster rubbish that you and grahamski will come out with.
Grahamski...did you watch the same program as I did!! your slant on most things seems to be a bit awry..
The SNP are of course welcome to join the unionist convention..but of course they can't as it specifically excludes independence..why are you so scared of a referendum on independence when you say that there isnt support for independence?? baffles me...
Forbes..grandstandin
g by the Scottish government??? Like Grahamski..where are you coming from?? do you not think these things are important?? there are important issues that are and have always been ignored by the Westminster Executive do you think that the Scottish government should ignore them?? These are rhetorical questions as I dont really want to hear the we shouldnt be involved or have a say on important issues we should continue to tug our forelock and bow to our superiors in westminster rubbish that you and grahamski will come out with.
Posted by: Grahamski, Falkirk on 10:08am Mon 3 Mar 08
billba,
That would be the commission democratically agreed by the majority of the elected representatives of the Scottish people? That's the one the SNP snub, the one the majority of Scots voted for? Unlike the national conversation, a narrow political campaign for the destruction of the UK sponsored by a minority party without the mandate of the Scottish people. Just so as we are clear, eh?
billba,
That would be the commission democratically agreed by the majority of the elected representatives of the Scottish people? That's the one the SNP snub, the one the majority of Scots voted for? Unlike the national conversation, a narrow political campaign for the destruction of the UK sponsored by a minority party without the mandate of the Scottish people. Just so as we are clear, eh?
Posted by: DouglasT, kirkintilloch on 10:19am Mon 3 Mar 08
Of course Jacqui is right to prevent Scotland from addressing the gun problem in Scotland, this is a UK problem and she is already on the case. Scotland will be be brought into line with London where government policy is proving highly successful, their targets have already been achieved for the current year and the government is confidently expects a year on year increase throughout the life of the current parliament - provided noone shoots them during this period. Any volunteers ?
Of course Jacqui is right to prevent Scotland from addressing the gun problem in Scotland, this is a UK problem and she is already on the case. Scotland will be be brought into line with London where government policy is proving highly successful, their targets have already been achieved for the current year and the government is confidently expects a year on year increase throughout the life of the current parliament - provided noone shoots them during this period. Any volunteers ?
Posted by: Forbes Aiken, Glasgow on 10:23am Mon 3 Mar 08
[quote]I dont really want to hear[/quote]
You surprise me, not, billalba. You, along with the two other wise monkeys, are quite typical of the SNP approach to anything resembling reasoned and informed debate.
The fact remains that the Executive should stick to matters which are their sphere of responsibility and not try to pick fights and stir up controversy on areas which are outwith their remit. If the SNP wish to press these issues they have Westminster MPs who are perfectly entitled to raise the matter on the floor of the House.
I dont really want to hear
You surprise me, not, billalba. You, along with the two other wise monkeys, are quite typical of the SNP approach to anything resembling reasoned and informed debate.
The fact remains that the Executive should stick to matters which are their sphere of responsibility and not try to pick fights and stir up controversy on areas which are outwith their remit. If the SNP wish to press these issues they have Westminster MPs who are perfectly entitled to raise the matter on the floor of the House.
Posted by: Disgusted Dorothy, Glasgow on 10:27am Mon 3 Mar 08
And it is quite deliberate , Christina!
Best quote of the week goes to the drunken one!
And it is quite deliberate , Christina!
Best quote of the week goes to the drunken one!
Posted by: Toophingers, Bellshill. on 12:24pm Mon 3 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Forbes Aiken[/bold] wrote:
[quote]I dont really want to hear[/quote] You surprise me, not, billalba. You, along with the two other wise monkeys, are quite typical of the SNP approach to anything resembling reasoned and informed debate. The fact remains that the Executive should stick to matters which are their sphere of responsibility and not try to pick fights and stir up controversy on areas which are outwith their remit. If the SNP wish to press these issues they have Westminster MPs who are perfectly entitled to raise the matter on the floor of the House.[/quote] Aye, Forbes,old chap. Westminster Scottish MPs,including the renegade Scots cabinet - one, the wee yin's brother Dougie who owes Alex Salmond a grovelling apology for deliberately misleading viewers and listeners to Nulabatory's 'Put the boot into Salmond' Oban conference as to MA in Economic and History Alex's economic acumen. Westminster MPs whose political careers-and seats on the Westminster gravy train-will soon disappear in a puff of smoke when we achieve INDEPENDENCE.
Westminster MPs like Mick frae ra Gorbals or wherever whose present media coverage isn't exactly helping his comrade's cause.
Forbes Aiken wrote:
I dont really want to hear
You surprise me, not, billalba. You, along with the two other wise monkeys, are quite typical of the SNP approach to anything resembling reasoned and informed debate. The fact remains that the Executive should stick to matters which are their sphere of responsibility and not try to pick fights and stir up controversy on areas which are outwith their remit. If the SNP wish to press these issues they have Westminster MPs who are perfectly entitled to raise the matter on the floor of the House.
Aye, Forbes,old chap. Westminster Scottish MPs,including the renegade Scots cabinet - one, the wee yin's brother Dougie who owes Alex Salmond a grovelling apology for deliberately misleading viewers and listeners to Nulabatory's 'Put the boot into Salmond' Oban conference as to MA in Economic and History Alex's economic acumen. Westminster MPs whose political careers-and seats on the Westminster gravy train-will soon disappear in a puff of smoke when we achieve INDEPENDENCE.
Westminster MPs like Mick frae ra Gorbals or wherever whose present media coverage isn't exactly helping his comrade's cause.
Posted by: Wardog, Buckie on 1:16pm Mon 3 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Forbes Aiken[/bold] wrote:
[quote]I dont really want to hear[/quote]
You surprise me, not, billalba. You, along with the two other wise monkeys, are quite typical of the SNP approach to anything resembling reasoned and informed debate.
The fact remains that the Executive should stick to matters which are their sphere of responsibility and not try to pick fights and stir up controversy on areas which are outwith their remit. If the SNP wish to press these issues they have Westminster MPs who are perfectly entitled to raise the matter on the floor of the House.[/quote] Forbes obviously doesn't think the epidemic of Air Rifle In juries and Fatalities is an important issue or one which the Scottish Government should take any action over......
How very very unionist
Re-read your comments, your arguing over a point of principal an issue which is affecting peoples health & well being, not to mention their security within their own communities.....
Because of what?
Because the UK Government says that gun crime is dropping in England & Wales but is RISING in Scotland and therefore the UK doesn't need further review to look at a Scotland Only problem.....
Yet another [bold]UNION DIVIDEND[/bold] ....
[italic]Pathetic[/italic]
Forbes Aiken wrote:
I dont really want to hear
You surprise me, not, billalba. You, along with the two other wise monkeys, are quite typical of the SNP approach to anything resembling reasoned and informed debate.
The fact remains that the Executive should stick to matters which are their sphere of responsibility and not try to pick fights and stir up controversy on areas which are outwith their remit. If the SNP wish to press these issues they have Westminster MPs who are perfectly entitled to raise the matter on the floor of the House.
Forbes obviously doesn't think the epidemic of Air Rifle In juries and Fatalities is an important issue or one which the Scottish Government should take any action over......
How very very unionist
Re-read your comments, your arguing over a point of principal an issue which is affecting peoples health & well being, not to mention their security within their own communities.....
Because of what?
Because the UK Government says that gun crime is dropping in England & Wales but is RISING in Scotland and therefore the UK doesn't need further review to look at a Scotland Only problem.....
Yet another
UNION DIVIDEND ....
Pathetic Posted by: Alastair, Aberdeen on 1:17pm Mon 3 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Christina de Kéroualle[/bold] wrote:
It is unfortunate, but London Labour is never going to agree to anything that might make the lives of ordinary Scots better or safer as long as it might be seen to be an SNP initiative. Their annoyance at the SNP's success was quite honestly summed up by Lord Foulkes on Radio Scotland last week: [bold]The SNP are on a very dangerous tack at the moment. What they are doing is trying to build up a situation in Scotland where the services are manifestly better than south of the Border in a number of areas.[/bold] [/quote] [quote]The SNP are on a very dangerous tack at the moment. What they are doing is trying to build up a situation in Scotland where the services are manifestly better than south of the Border in a number of areas.[/quote]
And this would just never do! The SNP create better services than New Labour in England? In a minority government that has to work for every single vote, and can't rely on lobby fodder? God help us!
Christina de Kéroualle wrote:
It is unfortunate, but London Labour is never going to agree to anything that might make the lives of ordinary Scots better or safer as long as it might be seen to be an SNP initiative. Their annoyance at the SNP's success was quite honestly summed up by Lord Foulkes on Radio Scotland last week: The SNP are on a very dangerous tack at the moment. What they are doing is trying to build up a situation in Scotland where the services are manifestly better than south of the Border in a number of areas.
The SNP are on a very dangerous tack at the moment. What they are doing is trying to build up a situation in Scotland where the services are manifestly better than south of the Border in a number of areas.
And this would just never do! The SNP create better services than New Labour in England? In a minority government that has to work for every single vote, and can't rely on lobby fodder? God help us!
Posted by: Alastair, Aberdeen on 1:20pm Mon 3 Mar 08
Correction re. the quote. tried to quote just the good Lord Fooks' nonsense, but quoted Christina's entire post, tried to undo and redo it, and hence the double posting.
Correction re. the quote. tried to quote just the good Lord Fooks' nonsense, but quoted Christina's entire post, tried to undo and redo it, and hence the double posting.
Posted by: TheGlaswegian, Edinburgh on 1:22pm Mon 3 Mar 08
[quote]Grahamski, Falkirk on 10:08am today
billba, That would be the commission democratically agreed by the majority of the elected representatives of the Scottish people? That's the one the SNP snub, the one the majority of Scots voted for? Unlike the national conversation, a narrow political campaign for the destruction of the UK sponsored by a minority party without the mandate of the Scottish people. Just so as we are clear, eh?
[/quote]
LOL. That's the company you keep when you vote labour... Grahamski, thanks for the most incredibly stupid post I think I've ever read here. Labour is just seeping with numpties
Grahamski, Falkirk on 10:08am today
billba, That would be the commission democratically agreed by the majority of the elected representatives of the Scottish people? That's the one the SNP snub, the one the majority of Scots voted for? Unlike the national conversation, a narrow political campaign for the destruction of the UK sponsored by a minority party without the mandate of the Scottish people. Just so as we are clear, eh?
LOL. That's the company you keep when you vote labour... Grahamski, thanks for the most incredibly stupid post I think I've ever read here. Labour is just seeping with numpties
Posted by: Forbes Aiken, Glasgow on 1:39pm Mon 3 Mar 08
I would have no problem in supporting a total ban on ownership or sale of airguns except for those who have a genuine need to use them. I also accept that there misuse is a matter of concern. All the more reason not to turn the matter in to a political football for narrow nationalist advantage.
This is a reserved issue and therefore not within the remit of the Scottish Parliament. Scottish Ministers should not be wasting their time and our money on matters entirely outwith their remit. Mr MacAskill, sadly, is more interested in creating divisions than achieving solutions. Shame on him!
I would have no problem in supporting a total ban on ownership or sale of airguns except for those who have a genuine need to use them. I also accept that there misuse is a matter of concern. All the more reason not to turn the matter in to a political football for narrow nationalist advantage.
This is a reserved issue and therefore not within the remit of the Scottish Parliament. Scottish Ministers should not be wasting their time and our money on matters entirely outwith their remit. Mr MacAskill, sadly, is more interested in creating divisions than achieving solutions. Shame on him!
Posted by: Alastair, Aberdeen on 1:54pm Mon 3 Mar 08
Forbes:
What you are effectively saying here is that it only becomes a UK issue if it effects England and Wales (i.e. if Westminster want to talk about it). Is this what you call an equal partnership? I thought the UK was supposed to an equal partnership of the nations. In other words, if one country wanted to raise an issue that could potentially have a positive effect right across the UK, then in a supposedly equal partnership, there is no reason why this should not happen. All Kenny MacKaskill was seek the opportunity to talk on a UK-wide basis about an issue that was of particular relevance to Scotland but could potential benefit right across the UK. The fact that Jacqui Smith has reacted the way she has reveals much about the true nature of this "partnership" (sic), don't you think?
Forbes:
What you are effectively saying here is that it only becomes a UK issue if it effects England and Wales (i.e. if Westminster want to talk about it). Is this what you call an equal partnership? I thought the UK was supposed to an equal partnership of the nations. In other words, if one country wanted to raise an issue that could potentially have a positive effect right across the UK, then in a supposedly equal partnership, there is no reason why this should not happen. All Kenny MacKaskill was seek the opportunity to talk on a UK-wide basis about an issue that was of particular relevance to Scotland but could potential benefit right across the UK. The fact that Jacqui Smith has reacted the way she has reveals much about the true nature of this "partnership" (sic), don't you think?
Posted by: Forbes Aiken, Glasgow on 2:09pm Mon 3 Mar 08
Alastair, as I mentioned previously, the appropriate way to raise the issue is for Scottish MPs to raise it at Westminster. That includes a number of SNP members who are at perfect liberty to challenge the Home Secretary on the matter.
Alastair, as I mentioned previously, the appropriate way to raise the issue is for Scottish MPs to raise it at Westminster. That includes a number of SNP members who are at perfect liberty to challenge the Home Secretary on the matter.
Posted by: sam, greenock on 2:26pm Mon 3 Mar 08
Graham(ski),
Stick to supporting rendition flights, at least doing that shows you as the NEU LIEBOOR supporter/apologist you really are.
Graham(ski),
Stick to supporting rendition flights, at least doing that shows you as the NEU LIEBOOR supporter/apologist you really are.
Posted by: Grahamski, Falkirk on 2:33pm Mon 3 Mar 08
Well, well well...dirty nationalist lies and the lying liars who tell them, eh?
Well, well well...dirty nationalist lies and the lying liars who tell them, eh?
Posted by: Alastair, Aberdeen on 3:40pm Mon 3 Mar 08
Forbes:
As you well know, it is far easier for the Home Secretary to ignore a back-bench MP from an opposition party than it is to ignore a government minister.
Forbes:
As you well know, it is far easier for the Home Secretary to ignore a back-bench MP from an opposition party than it is to ignore a government minister.
Posted by: Alastair, Aberdeen on 4:13pm Mon 3 Mar 08
None of the Unionists here have touched on Foulkes' rather telling comments in the aforementioned radio interview. I wonder why.......
None of the Unionists here have touched on Foulkes' rather telling comments in the aforementioned radio interview. I wonder why.......
Posted by: Forbes Aiken, Glasgow on 4:39pm Mon 3 Mar 08
Because the subject under discussion is the abuse of his position by Kenny MacAskill, not the reported comments of George Foulkes.
Because the subject under discussion is the abuse of his position by Kenny MacAskill, not the reported comments of George Foulkes.
Posted by: Alastair, Aberdeen on 4:51pm Mon 3 Mar 08
Forbes,
You still haven't answered my point that the Home Secretary can much more easily ignore a back bench MP from an opposition party than a government minister.
Forbes,
You still haven't answered my point that the Home Secretary can much more easily ignore a back bench MP from an opposition party than a government minister.
Posted by: Wallace, Perth on 4:56pm Mon 3 Mar 08
Forbes, I would hardly call concern by Kenny McAskill for the number of Scots killed or injured by airguns (in particular) as an abuse of his position.
It also seems to me that the attitude of the Westminster Government towards the Scottish [bold]Government[/bold] is one of petty obstruction and most of your allegation of "creating divisions rather than finding solutions" is due to the huffy attitude of Gordon Brown - shame on him!
Forbes, I would hardly call concern by Kenny McAskill for the number of Scots killed or injured by airguns (in particular) as an abuse of his position.
It also seems to me that the attitude of the Westminster Government towards the Scottish
Government is one of petty obstruction and most of your allegation of "creating divisions rather than finding solutions" is due to the huffy attitude of Gordon Brown - shame on him!
Posted by: sam, greenock on 5:07pm Mon 3 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Grahamski[/bold] wrote:
Well, well well...dirty nationalist lies and the lying liars who tell them, eh?[/quote] Graham(ski) supports rendition flights
NA NA NANA NA
Graham(ski) supports rendition flights
NA NA NANA NA
Graham(ski) supports rendition flights
NA NA NANA NA
Graham(ski) supports rendition flights
NA NA NANA NA
Grahamski wrote:
Well, well well...dirty nationalist lies and the lying liars who tell them, eh?
Graham(ski) supports rendition flights
NA NA NANA NA
Graham(ski) supports rendition flights
NA NA NANA NA
Graham(ski) supports rendition flights
NA NA NANA NA
Graham(ski) supports rendition flights
NA NA NANA NA
Posted by: Alastair, Aberdeen on 5:07pm Mon 3 Mar 08
Forbes,
For the record, Kenny MacKaskill did NOT abuse his position. Let us disabuse you of that LIE once and for all. It was a perfectly legitimate point to raise. The fact that this is a little inconvenient for you is neither here nor there. You only seem to think so because your lot don't have a direct hotline to your masters in London anymore. Well, London are NOT our masters, and if Kenny MacKaskill wants to raise a legitimate point, he is perfectly entitled to do so, not as some poodle care-taker of the Scottish regional Labour office, but as a grown-up politician with Scotland's national interest at heart. You are no longer in office (and certainly not in power, because that always has come from London). Get used to it. Watch how grown-up politicians work in Scotland's national interest instead of their own personal self-interest. You might learn something. I'll sign off now. Things to do. Once your lot have learned that Scotland under the SNP does not take its orders from London, and you have straightened out your hopeless corruption, then you might have something worthwhile to say, but not by that time your precious Union will be long gone.
Forbes,
For the record, Kenny MacKaskill did NOT abuse his position. Let us disabuse you of that LIE once and for all. It was a perfectly legitimate point to raise. The fact that this is a little inconvenient for you is neither here nor there. You only seem to think so because your lot don't have a direct hotline to your masters in London anymore. Well, London are NOT our masters, and if Kenny MacKaskill wants to raise a legitimate point, he is perfectly entitled to do so, not as some poodle care-taker of the Scottish regional Labour office, but as a grown-up politician with Scotland's national interest at heart. You are no longer in office (and certainly not in power, because that always has come from London). Get used to it. Watch how grown-up politicians work in Scotland's national interest instead of their own personal self-interest. You might learn something. I'll sign off now. Things to do. Once your lot have learned that Scotland under the SNP does not take its orders from London, and you have straightened out your hopeless corruption, then you might have something worthwhile to say, but not by that time your precious Union will be long gone.
Posted by: Wallace, Perth on 5:08pm Mon 3 Mar 08
By the way Forbes, I meant to say welcome to the debate - like I said in a previous post, and I meant it - I like to see genuine debate and opinions opposed to mine, being offered. Hope to hear from you again, and again!
By the way Forbes, I meant to say welcome to the debate - like I said in a previous post, and I meant it - I like to see genuine debate and opinions opposed to mine, being offered. Hope to hear from you again, and again!
Posted by: Los Angeles, Edinburgh on 5:26pm Mon 3 Mar 08
Grahamski The Barbarian[quote]That would be the commission democratically agreed by the majority of the elected representatives of the Scottish people?[/quote] [bold]But without a mandate from the electorate[/bold] to form the commission or deciide on its agenda, nor to break away from the Scottish parliament, exclude the party in government from the so-called commission (denied by Brown) and create a delaying tactric to block more democratic powers for Scotland.
Grahamski The Barbarian
That would be the commission democratically agreed by the majority of the elected representatives of the Scottish people?
But without a mandate from the electorate to form the commission or deciide on its agenda, nor to break away from the Scottish parliament, exclude the party in government from the so-called commission (denied by Brown) and create a delaying tactric to block more democratic powers for Scotland.
Posted by: Los Angeles, Edinburgh on 5:28pm Mon 3 Mar 08
Forbes Aitken & Niven[quote]Because the subject under discussion is the abuse of his position by Kenny MacAskill,[/quote] What abuse?
Forbes Aitken & Niven
Because the subject under discussion is the abuse of his position by Kenny MacAskill,
What abuse?
Posted by: Los Angeles, Edinburgh on 5:30pm Mon 3 Mar 08
Forbes Aitken & Niven[quote]This is a reserved issue and therefore not within the remit of the Scottish Parliament.[/quote] Trident, troops to Iraq and Afghanistan, reforming and relocating of Scottish regiments, taxes, full democracy .... [italic]ad naueam.[/italic]
Forbes Aitken & Niven
This is a reserved issue and therefore not within the remit of the Scottish Parliament.
Trident, troops to Iraq and Afghanistan, reforming and relocating of Scottish regiments, taxes, full democracy ....
ad naueam. Posted by: Forbes Aiken, Glasgow on 6:30pm Mon 3 Mar 08
"Des Browne Invites Scottish University Principals to Summit on Funding Crisis"
Imagine the SNP reaction to such a headline.
You may not like the current devolution settlement but each level of government has its own area of responsibility. Mr MacAskill is well aware of that but chooses to pick fights on populist issues for other political purposes. That is an abuse of his position and a dis-service to those who genuinely wish to champion the cause of tighter firearm legislation.
The bold Kenny should stick to his own job and his own remit.
"Des Browne Invites Scottish University Principals to Summit on Funding Crisis"
Imagine the SNP reaction to such a headline.
You may not like the current devolution settlement but each level of government has its own area of responsibility. Mr MacAskill is well aware of that but chooses to pick fights on populist issues for other political purposes. That is an abuse of his position and a dis-service to those who genuinely wish to champion the cause of tighter firearm legislation.
The bold Kenny should stick to his own job and his own remit.
Posted by: Strathturret, Montrose on 10:22pm Mon 3 Mar 08
This is how nationalist politicians behave Mr Aiken. They are not playing a Westminster game to Westminster rules.
See figures who opposed British rule in their countries; Gandhi, Lee Kwan Yew, etc, etc. The Brits usually lock them up before they lead their country to independence. Alex better watch out.
This is how nationalist politicians behave Mr Aiken. They are not playing a Westminster game to Westminster rules.
See figures who opposed British rule in their countries; Gandhi, Lee Kwan Yew, etc, etc. The Brits usually lock them up before they lead their country to independence. Alex better watch out.
Posted by: Forbes Aiken, Glasgow on 11:30pm Mon 3 Mar 08
To compare the SNP and their policy for an independent Scotland to the great movements or leaders of genuine national liberation struggles is entirely risible.
To compare the SNP and their policy for an independent Scotland to the great movements or leaders of genuine national liberation struggles is entirely risible.
Posted by: Strathturret, Montrose on 11:41pm Mon 3 Mar 08
That's an opinion that only history will answer.
Remove the cringe Aiken. You should be writing for the Torygraph.
That's an opinion that only history will answer.
Remove the cringe Aiken. You should be writing for the Torygraph.
Posted by: George Laird, Glasgow on 3:02pm Tue 4 Mar 08
Dear All
I was pleased to hear Michael Portillo describe Jacqui Smith as useless recently.
She is a non entity in a cabinet of invisible people.
Scotland needs control of it's own gun laws.
Yours sincerely
George Laird
The Campaign for Human Rights at Glasgow University
Dear All
I was pleased to hear Michael Portillo describe Jacqui Smith as useless recently.
She is a non entity in a cabinet of invisible people.
Scotland needs control of it's own gun laws.
Yours sincerely
George Laird
The Campaign for Human Rights at Glasgow University
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