tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-191867532011-09-26T09:50:08.576ZJoe Middleton's Scottish News and Videos blog. Clippings, comment and films on Scottish Independence and Scottish Politics.freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.comBlogger4291100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-65446210249257438102011-09-25T13:34:00.000Z2011-09-25T13:34:03.382Z

British Petroleum has been in the news a lot recently. A massive eleven billion loss will decimate pension funds for future generations. Strangely enough though a similar sum can be found for the London Olympics. Yes this mass extravaganza will be entirely wonderful for everyone (well everyone in London anyway) and please don’t question the enormous cost because we all know that it’s the London

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-34406089851054890582011-09-24T23:25:00.001Z2011-09-24T23:27:16.400Z

Letter to the Editor The Scotsman 24/09/2011 Dear Sir, Your interview with former Secretary of State for Scotland Jim Murphy which was printed today (http://tinyurl.com/3vey85t) was illuminating on a number of points. Firstly his comment: "We need to be where most Scots are - Scottish first, British second." is unlikely to be popular amongst his fellow unionists but it has the whiff of

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-49041806533335452292010-11-18T14:17:00.000Z2010-11-18T14:17:30.789Z

Still true today. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWNmoCFZ3Io

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-90312899328004304642010-10-04T09:17:00.000Z2010-10-04T09:17:55.055Z

Interesting article in the Herald. Certainly the Scots Conservatives would benefit from cutting the ties from London and a change of name. It is their attachment to the union however which is genuinely holding them back. From the nationalist perspective it would help our cause to have more than one party which advocates independence. To have it advocated from both a left and right perspective

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-14997210605076748082010-10-04T08:43:00.000Z2010-10-04T08:43:41.155Z

Quality letter which hits the nail on the head. JOE Referendum role (Recent letter in the Scotsman) The dropping of legislation to hold a referendum on Scottish independence (Comment, 6 September) can surely not be a setback for SNP credibility. Rather, it must be interpreted as terror on the part of the Unionist parties. Otherwise, why should they show their fear by opposing the chance

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-39377907811774057122010-08-10T14:54:00.004Z2010-08-10T15:00:09.723Z

http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2010/aug/10/chris-grayling-defends-plan-credit-rating-agencies-benefitsThe above article in the Guardian features a Conservative party election poster from the UK elections this year. These things were pasted up all over.In fact however people who refuse work ALREADY would get their benefits removed under existing legislation. So why on earth launch such a

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-47299899883456789972010-07-06T15:50:00.001Z2010-07-06T15:52:36.488Z

From The Herald, Monday June 28, a letter from Alex Salmond:Your report on my interview with another newspaper was headlined, in quotation marks, “Independence is not key aim’” (Herald, June 26), despite the fact that no-one – least of all myself – actually said this, and the reference to independence “no longer” being the SNP’s central aim was just silly.I was in fact making exactly the opposite

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-58193432895977772732010-07-05T22:47:00.001Z2010-07-05T22:50:35.345Z

I was watching the BBC programme Dinner with Portillo some time ago (it was discussing Scots independence) and some of the reactions of the English guests were instructive. Rod Liddle initially tried to doubt the existence of Scotland at all, but later admitted that he was really worried an independent Scotland would take away all the Scots Labour MP’s from Westminster. As a leftist of sorts he

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-61379316480958625342010-05-30T07:27:00.004Z2010-05-30T07:34:43.432Z

Scotsman: Lib Dems seek SNP dealhttp://www.scotsman.com/news/Lib-Dems-seek-SNP-deal.6329080.jpTavish fears that his new coalition Government will prove as popular as poison with Scots voters so he obviously now wants to re-position himself and his party.If the unionists set up a "no independence" group ie Calman then it cannot by definition be big enough for the SNP. It was in actual fact an

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-88664163516531805002010-05-20T12:37:00.002Z2010-05-20T12:41:21.064Z

Now asylum children face 'even worse prison than Dungavel'Scotsman report: http://www.scotsman.com/news/Now-asylum-children-face-39even.6306713.jp#5240497In my opinion if someone asks for political asylum they should live in the community until their application is properly processed and be allowed to work and/or claim benefits during that period.Sticking them into prison is barbaric and misses

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-79246632993408953222010-05-20T11:32:00.007Z2010-05-20T12:00:14.636Z

At UK Government level Labour fought the 2010 election on making "deeper and tougher" cuts than Margaret Thatcher.http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2010/mar/25/alistair-darling-cut-deeper-margaret-thatcherGuardian: Alistair Darling admitted tonight that Labour's planned cuts in public spending will be "deeper and tougher" than Margaret Thatcher's in the 1980s, as the country's leading experts on

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-52978159607295774702010-05-18T11:23:00.004Z2010-05-18T12:27:59.659Z

When Gordon Brown stepped down as Prime Minister he left both new and old Labour as a busted flush. Still retaining some loyalty in Scotland and Wales but disliked throughout the rest of the UK.Next Labour? New Labour signalled a sell out to Conservatism. Sticking another adjective in front will just show that Labour still hasn't a clue what the hell it stands for.What we do know is that it is

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-49165886044701237422010-04-27T12:36:00.001Z2010-04-27T12:39:22.350Z

Classic!

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-42783434195122914992010-04-26T15:05:00.000Z2010-04-26T15:05:37.338Z

This is 'great' you can have any party as long as its a British unionist one! Some democratic choice.Party Matcher - UK Elections 2010 - Yahoo! News UK

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-79559645910598683742010-04-15T18:51:00.001Z2010-04-15T18:55:08.003Z

There is a lot of anger about this on Twitter and other social networking sites. No wonder, it is an undemocratic disgrace that the political views of Scotland, Wales and Cornwall can be completely and utterly ignored.

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-29816522244692297842010-04-12T09:53:00.004Z2010-04-12T10:02:09.704Z

Letter to the Editor12/04/2010Dear Sir/Madam,Labour have decided to cut unemployment benefit by restricting all claimants to a maximum claim of two years according to reports at the weekend.In actual fact vast numbers of the unemployed are denied benefit already. Everyone who has paid their full share of NI gets the princely sum of £64.30 a week, but only for six months. After that point, if they

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-74954795353460678052010-03-16T13:00:00.002Z2010-03-16T13:03:30.032Z

16/03/2010Dear Sirs,Thanks for your reply. The problem is that you are providing the UK wide parties with a political advantage over those parties which are only active in one country within the UK.Nonetheless all the UK has an interest in the future independence of any part. Excluding arguments over independence in Scotland and Wales means an important political dimension of the UK general

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-37341935691245548802010-03-13T23:21:00.002Z2010-03-13T23:23:45.621Z

Letter to the Editor(s)Dear Sir or Madam,Given that the UK central bank, the Bank of England, has cut interest rates to 0.5% one might imagine that our bailed out banks would have passed on this change in interest rates to their customers. They certainly have in respect of savings accounts. Most people will have found that their interest rates in that respect have been drastically cut. On

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-18721860118468435462010-03-05T05:47:00.004Z2010-03-05T05:51:59.345Z

BBC Complaints Department (submitted online)05/03/2010Dear Sir/Madam,As a Scottish voter I am deeply concerned that the proposed 'leaders debates' will unfairly exclude the SNP from UK general election coverage.The fact the SNP will only be in regional debates while the Conservatives, Labour and Lib Dems will be featured in both national (UK) debates AND regional debates suggests a clear

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-72144563906903866802010-02-15T10:29:00.004Z2010-02-17T16:08:39.524Z

by Joe MiddletonI was watching the BBC programme Dinner with Portillo the other day, which was discussing Scots independence, and some of the reactions of the English guests were instructive. Rod Liddle initially tried to doubt the existence of Scotland at all, but later admitted that he was really worried an independent Scotland would take away all the Scots Labour MP’s from Westminster. As a

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-36518464485662260382009-12-15T13:15:00.009Z2009-12-15T14:54:38.940Z

Gallery admits portrait isn't Bonnie Prince Charliehttp://www.scotsman.com/scotland/Gallery-admits---portrait.5910975.jpThis story in the Britman raises some doubts in my mind. Let's be clear that Charles was a pivotal figure in British and Scottish history and the present British state have an interest in besmirching his memory by any means possible.Suggesting his most famous portrait is false

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-72812133026717701842009-11-22T18:15:00.000Z2009-11-22T18:16:23.150Z

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-80416489206874180682009-11-20T00:40:00.004Z2009-11-20T00:53:39.571Z

Thoughts on getting to the only sensible choice for Scotland - Independenceby Jim SillarsThe full pamphlet is here:http://www.scottishindependence.com/jim-sillars.pdf

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-17085602408304198882009-11-19T20:21:00.007Z2009-11-22T14:52:14.938Z

Saturday 28 November 200910.30 – 6.00 @ Out of the BlueAs the plans for a referendum on Scottish independence are announced a gathering looking at why we need a Yes vote and what are the positive visions for an independent Scotland?Media, Communication and the Union 11.00 – 12.30Pat Kane on The Democratic Interact: the challenges of social media to Scottish Self -Determination. Pat is a musician,

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-32144748138397581912009-11-10T23:07:00.001Z2009-11-10T23:07:47.961Z

The latest (and hopefully the best!) Glasgow North East by-election video. It took me a long time to get this version uploaded, if you like it then please pass on the link. Video description: It's decision time in the Glasgow North East by-election. After 74 years of Labour the voters have a chance to vote for a change. The Scottish National party (SNP) have an articulate and talented candidate

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-27024467738904696712009-11-09T12:46:00.001Z2009-11-09T12:46:19.327Z

What do the numbers 74 and 59 have to do with the Glasgow North East by-election? Who is David Kerr and what do the SNP stand for? What is the difference between Labour and Tories? Who is best for Glasgow? Who is best for Scotland? All these questions are answered in less than six minutes with the Scottish Independence Guide's overview of the Glasgow North East by-election. (The film uses

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-8351471053358003652009-11-07T14:29:00.003Z2009-11-07T21:20:28.376Z

The decision of the voters in Glasgow North East will have long lasting implications for the cause of Scottish independence. Glasgow can do better than Labour's Baron Springburn and the SNP deserve their chance to represent the constituency at the UK parliament. Scotland's party puts Scotland first and a vision of a free and independent country is a lot bettter than sticking with failed bankrupt

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-80690567452588457352009-11-02T17:25:00.002Z2009-11-02T17:28:37.812Z

Letter to the EditorThe Scotsman02/11/2009Dear Sir,Your correspondent David Maddox's article on Friday claimed that the SNP have ditched their referendum proposal. Nationalists 'give up' on 2010 referendum (31/10/2009). He has not one attributable quote in support of this but says 'senior figures' have revealed this to him. On the eve of a Liberal Democrats conference specifically to discuss the

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-31583382787571672162009-10-31T18:30:00.004Z2009-10-31T18:34:05.523Z

Nationalists 'give up' on 2010 referendumby David Maddoxhttp://www.scotsman.com/latestnews/Nationalists-39give-up39-on-2010.5783424.jpSENIOR figures within the SNP have privately accepted that their hopes of securing a referendum on independence in 2010 are dead, The Scotsman can reveal. While SNP MSPs are still pushing publicly for a vote, there is a growing acceptance in the party hierarchy

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-44611057656264410762009-10-29T12:52:00.006Z2009-10-29T13:08:56.197Z

This is a bit outside the normal preoccupations of this blog but I thought I would share it with you all anyway. I managed to get my first tutor marked assessment done today so I am quite pleased. This isn't related btw, it is a posting/review to my OU group.I thought I might share with the group a recent experience of reading a novel which indicates to me personally what might be achievable when

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-8986916569583087072009-10-27T14:15:00.006Z2009-10-27T15:37:55.124Z

IN THE basement screening room of a New York hotel, a small group of international journalists – Scots, Russians, Japanese, Germans and Australians – is waiting for Mel Gibson to arrive. We've just watched Braveheart (a Blu-ray version will be released on 2 November, exactly 15 years after the original), witnessing Gibson's William Wallace slashing and burning his way through English subjugation

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-1767994827852381952009-10-27T13:39:00.005Z2009-10-27T13:55:05.846Z

British Conservative leader David Cameron's remarks again show his party's irrelevance to Scotland. If Alex Salmond and by extension the SNP are "irrelevant" to a British general election then this shows up the fact that Scotland does not count within the current setup.The SNP are currently Scotland's most popular party. They won the last Scottish election and the last Euro elections with the

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-8401878436638532172009-10-27T13:21:00.001Z2009-10-27T13:23:34.239Z

The Making of A History of Scotland: a debate presented by The Open University in Scotland in this year's Edinburgh Lectures series ¦ Wednesday 11 November 2009, 6.30 pm ¦ The Hub, Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NEA History of Scotland is a landmark ten part television series for BBC1 Scotland, co-produced with The Open University. The series, presented by the writer and archaeologist Neil Oliver, is

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-16823470741144860042009-10-26T11:08:00.003Z2009-10-26T11:12:15.931Z

The National Conversation comes to DalkeithMonday 26 October 2009 – 7.00 pm to 8.00 pmDalkeith Schools Campus, 2 Cousland Road, Dalkeith, EH22 2PSThe National Conversation is the debate on options for Scotland’s future, including independence. The Scottish Government is keen that as many people as possible have a chance to take part in the debate. That is why Government Ministers are holding

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-5843945146076845262009-10-23T22:50:00.003Z2009-10-23T22:59:57.352Z

It was a daft decision by the BBC to show the BNP on question time at all, but the media now needs to show some sense.His squeals of political bias, whether by him or his merry band of skinheads from the English 'defence' league should be ignored.This tube consorts with the KKK yet thinks a few questions equates to a lynch mob!All parties should have maintained a boycott. Either that or pelted

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-80886868031143814812009-10-22T09:13:00.006Z2009-10-22T09:17:20.440Z

Scilla CullenChairmanCampaign for an English ParliamentDear Mr Cullen,http://www.politics.co.uk/opinion-formers/press-releases/legal-and-constitutional/-england-to-dance-to-scotland-s-tune-says-salmond-$1335371$479240.htmYour headline says 'England to dance to Scotland's tune' says Salmond yet you must be aware that Mr Salmond said nothing of the sort.The relevant part of his speech is here:"

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-63461975165229070082009-10-12T22:46:00.004Z2009-10-12T23:16:15.967Z

You have to laugh at the contradictory messages currently coming from the British media. On the one hand David Cameron is trying to dictate whether Alex Salmond gets an invite to the proposed TV debates:David Cameron calls for Alex Salmond to be barred from TV debatesDavid Cameron has said Alex Salmond should be barred from a series of televised general election debates between the main party

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-59285621840954534632009-10-03T21:24:00.019Z2009-10-03T21:36:04.619Z

I am pleased to hear that UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown is going to appear in a Prime Time TV debate. Unfortunately it also appears that broadcasters are attempting to exclude the most popular party in Scotland from that debate! This simply cannot be fair and must be inconsistent with the BBC's position as a politically independent broadcaster.The idea that Scotland's views are irrelevant to a

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-5341012031266367882009-09-30T12:41:00.002Z2009-09-30T12:48:41.774Z

I have decided to answer some of the Questions from someone calling themselves ScotlandsFuture on Twitter about Scots independence:1) Discussion of Scottish independence in chatrooms and forums is always shut down by extreme SNP supportersThat's not my experience, quite the reverse. British unionists own the papers and can block pro-independence comments. I find that the independence side tends

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-74287494972373468692009-09-28T11:27:00.003Z2009-09-28T11:35:43.551Z

Compass think-tank warns that a Cameron victory could mean political oblivion for LabourTory plans for fewer MPs, reforms cutting Labour's link to the unions and Scottish independence would be 'final blow' to the partyby Toby Helm [Whitehall editor The Observer, Sunday 27 September 2009]Gordon Brown could be leading the last-ever Labour government unless he offers people a chance to change the

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-9251051222434254112009-09-23T22:53:00.001Z2009-09-23T22:53:51.181Z

Why Cornwall (Kernow) deserves it's independence just like the other Celtic countries. Some might wish to settle for devolution but devolution only ever get's offered if you put the foot on the pedal for independence. Ignore the most logical option of independence and Britain will give you nothing.

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-57392404197331538982009-09-23T22:49:00.001Z2009-09-23T22:49:41.036Z

This is one of a number of vids where the sound was muted due to a copyright issue, I challenged this and sound has returned, at least for the moment! It's about an international conference for stateless nations and it was very interesting and educational to hear about other countries experiences.

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-54201934221505314332009-09-21T19:12:00.001Z2009-09-21T19:12:46.434Z

I did this video a while ago, soon it will have been viewed by 7000 people.

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-19361905810190535092009-09-20T12:36:00.001Z2009-09-20T12:36:15.277Z

Panel discussion on BBC Radio 5 live just after last elections.

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-66718785788733280052009-09-17T16:42:00.001Z2009-09-17T16:42:48.557Z

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-62732281474418194532009-09-16T23:25:00.001Z2009-09-16T23:25:35.435Z

The New Video!

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-88279536362993605052009-09-12T07:58:00.001Z2009-09-12T07:58:53.583Z

I didn't realise this excellent programme was on youtube, but it is! Until the DVD comes out (or you can hunt up an elusive VHS tape) this is the best option to learn Gaelic.

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-35514092001149518882009-08-11T12:12:00.001Z2009-08-11T12:14:15.360Z

Peter Mandelson's description of himself as 'a Kindly Pussycat' (various reports today) is certainly absurd and ridiculous, however it is no more absurd or ridiculous than a supposed 'Labour' Government using the honour system to advance people above their own elected MP's!

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-44643251052687859142009-08-05T22:02:00.006Z2009-08-05T22:25:49.546Z

Over the years there have been many letters to the Scotsman claiming that the Jacobite rebellion had no connection whatsoever to the struggle for Scottish independence. The facts are however that Charles Stuart and his followers fought under the Saltire while his opponents fought under the Union Jack.Charlie is also remembered for uttering the memorable phrase "I hereby declare the union between

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-28182312646231024052009-06-14T22:52:00.002Z2009-06-14T22:56:26.631Z

An SNP member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) has proposed a motion in the Scottish Parliament congratulating Mebyon Kernow, the Party for Cornwall on their election result in the local authority elections.Kenneth Gibson, a member of the Scottish Nationalist Party (SNP) representing the constituency of Cunninghame North, introduced the motion on the 9th July 2009.The motion also supports MK's

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-38261820178880166572009-06-11T17:16:00.003Z2009-06-11T17:19:09.863Z

Bella Caledonia on a 'British' Football Team."England will run out at Hampden Park representing ‘Britain’ in 2012. What a depressing end to Gordon Browns dreadful attempt to stoke up Britpop-New Labour and the Imperial End Game at the fag-end of Blighty. Thatcher, Blair and now Brown are the haggard smokers outside the pub still heaving away at the last fag of British identity. This is the last

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-1192691324919569052009-06-11T16:56:00.001Z2009-06-11T16:57:56.249Z

Letter to the EditorThe Scotsman11/06/2009Sir,So Sir Kenneth Calman's unionist commission has decided the future ofdevolution. Rather than have a 3p rate that no-one wants to use, insteadwe will get a 10p rate that no-one wants to use. What a visionary manSir Kenneth must be!As we all know Calman's commission was set up by the unionist parties topreserve the status quo. That is exactly what this

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-19707978757307634512009-06-11T16:53:00.001Z2009-06-11T16:55:56.567Z

Letter to the EditorThe Herald11/06/2009Sir,I note that in today's edition of the Herald, when reporting on the SNPand Plaid Cymru's call to dissolve the UK parliament, that your reporterclaims that Labour's Peter Hain "scored a direct hit" on the SNP's PeteWishart when he claimed the real SNP agenda was to get a Torygovernment.You report: Mr Wishart said the last thing Scotland wanted was

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-78782467125407770952009-06-10T18:23:00.004Z2009-06-10T18:34:40.012Z

Mebyon Kernow polls 7% in Cornwall and pushes the Labour Party into sixth placeMebyon Kernow – the Party for Cornwall has achieved its best-ever ‘national’ election result in the elections to the European Parliament. MK polled 11,534 votes (7% of the total) in the Cornwall part of the South West Euro-constituency, pushing the Labour Party into sixth place in the Duchy.In many places in Mid and

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-74372257312257121062009-06-08T17:22:00.004Z2009-06-08T17:41:05.217Z

Ian Hudghton - returned with Alyn Smith as SNP Euro MP's as SNP reach a historic high in terms of the popular vote. from the ScotsmanSNP 321,007 (29.06%)LABOUR 229,853 (20.81%)CON 185,794 (16.82%)LD 127,038 (11.50%)GREEN 80,442 (7.28%)LABOUR suffered a mauling at the hands of the SNP as disastrous European election results across the UK dealt another shattering blow to Gordon Brown's insistence

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-7919387415254384652009-06-06T15:42:00.004Z2009-06-06T16:13:24.804Z

While we await the news of the European elections on Sunday, the council elections in England make interesting reading:LOCAL ELECTION RESULTSParty CouncillorsLAB 176 (-273)CON 1476 (+233)LIB DEM 473 (-4)OTH 167 (+ 37)Labour now control no councils in England, so what was the point of their move to the right 'to convince middle England'? Clearly all Brown's faux British efforts including dressing

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-45524249637980050262009-05-27T19:43:00.002Z2009-05-27T19:50:07.494Z

David Cameron is simply not credible as reform championDear Sir,So David Cameron thinks that suddenly we will believe he intendsgenuine political reform? I'm sorry, but the Conservatives have beenon the wrong side of any political reform for their entire history as apolitical party. The clue is in their name.Mr Cameron may think that simply because he has proved more popularthan his immediate

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-13514843519085739552009-05-25T18:16:00.004Z2009-05-25T18:46:59.124Z

Bob Thomson paints a truly terrible (and accurate) picture of the state of the Labour party in Scotland in this month's Scottish Left Review Here's a sample:Then I was at the Scottish Labour Party Conference in Dundee in March.There were few MPs (perhaps not so surprising) but there were also few MSPs and indeed few ordinary party members present. If it hadn't been for Trade Uniondelegates the

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-53852426899132514692009-05-25T16:34:00.004Z2009-05-25T16:37:19.457Z

I think what is coming across from this article [review of Break up of Britain book here] is that Mr Hassan does not understand the SNP and his past allegiance to Labour has left him with an irrational hatred and fear of all nationalism.I also don’t recognise the description provided of the book ‘Eclipse of Scottish Culture’. This in fact argued that Nairn was to an extent viewing Scotland

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-75707125159602988762009-05-25T15:20:00.001Z2009-05-25T16:39:09.950Z

25/05/2009Dear Mary,I was browsing the BBC iplayer the other day and happened to stumble uponsome coverage of our Scottish parliament in action. The motion in questionwas about student debt and was sponsored by Labour and the Tories withsupport from the Liberal Democrats.This unionist triumvirate, who have been jointly responsible for scrappingthe grant system of education and the principle of

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-61868998144036956392009-05-19T13:55:00.005Z2009-05-19T14:14:20.852Z

So Michael Martin has caved into pressure and decided to resign. Martin's position became untenable when a number of MP's proposed a motion of no-confidence. Martin himself has not been blameless in terms of his own expenses and his wish to pass his Glasgow North East seat onto his son Paul suggests he thought he could treat the voters as an afterthought.No doubt Brown will be pleased to see a

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-83419259391985629642009-05-19T13:24:00.004Z2009-05-19T13:38:02.227Z

Breaking Up Britain: Four Nations after a UnionNew book by Kevin Williamson and others.Information from website:'This brilliant book helps us understand what Scots, Welsh, Irish and English neighbours, freed from an unhappy Union, might look like.'Billy BraggMay 2009 will be the tenth anniversary of the first elections to the Scottish Parliament and Welsh Assembly. This was the beginning of a

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-8922635561656001882009-05-19T13:21:00.002Z2009-05-19T13:24:03.448Z

A guy called Paul Burgin got in touch with me for an interview on his blog and it appears here for anyone who is interested:20 Questions for a fellow Blogger

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-13352210764021932952009-03-09T21:36:00.005Z2009-03-09T21:55:48.115Z

I have just watched the excellent BBC Alba documentary Diomhair (Secret). This programme goes into great detail about British efforts to undermine the Scottish independence and home rule movements. Well worth watching and available here.

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-80091095571488391822009-01-09T18:45:00.006Z2009-01-09T19:07:54.959Z

As many of you will be aware I run a website called the Scottish Independence Guide at http://www.scottishindependence.com/It came as something of a shock therefore to receive an email asking me to put a link up to a new pro-Scottish independence web site at http://www.scottish-independence.com/Now obviously the similar domain name is fine for a pro independence site, but the email also included

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-55655638061056059502008-12-31T05:47:00.003Z2008-12-31T05:49:12.729Z

I see Alf Young (in the Herald) has confessed that he was bullied into giving up on a referendum on independence in the 70's. It's only taken him thirty years to admit it, pity about his actions since then!

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-57820809408582215252008-12-31T05:07:00.003Z2008-12-31T05:10:31.274Z

Alex Salmond has used his new-year message to appeal to Scots to show a “spirit of optimism” that would help to pull the country through the difficult economic times ahead in 2009. The First Minister, in a clear reference to the SNP’s core policy of independence, also expressed the hope that the same optimistic spirit would lead to Scotland “taking its rightful place in the world” as well as

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-17732769076248753962008-12-03T00:17:00.004Z2008-12-03T00:27:46.818Z

Jury forced to give meaningless 'open' verdict or 'lawful (!) killing'When a wholly innocent man is shot dead by armed police in a panic without warning and with numerous gun shots the only logical verdict is murder or at the least 'unlawful killing'. By removing this option the process has became a complete mockery. JOEBrutish injusticeThe jury at the inquest into the death of Jean Charles de

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-67322808265764645742008-11-07T01:11:00.005Z2008-11-07T01:25:01.592Z

Peter Grant - sadly the competent candidate lost!Well after the extraordinary result in Glasgow East earlier this year everyone in the national movement had hoped the SNP might have a repeat performance. Unfortunately it wasn't to be and despite a superior candidate and an excellent campaign by the SNP Labour have held the Glenrothes Westminster seat in today's by-election.The SNP vote rose by

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-20775185237669558582008-11-03T16:31:00.004Z2008-11-03T16:35:31.308Z

Here is what one Labour think-tank has to say about 2012 (thanks to Ray Bell for this - JOE)Quote:"Sport is one of the most powerful tools available to policy makers seeking to entrench the best of British identity. In its elite and mass forms, it reaches into the lives of many millions of people. In the run-up to the 2012 Games, with their focus on children, children are going to be increasingly

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-48478099880906013252008-11-03T16:21:00.004Z2008-11-03T16:29:10.006Z

A bit 'off topic' this but I thought I would mention this new book by Geoff Chandler and Keith Ruxton. Rampant Chess - Over 60 Great Games by Scottish Masters‘Rampant Chess’ is a collection of games played by 13 Scottish Masters annotated with an eye to humour and entertainment value which so many games collections lack. This book sets a style which others are bound to mimic as its approach makes

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-49804659147131994112008-10-30T22:42:00.002Z2008-10-30T22:45:09.800Z

The article "Salmond Slapped down by Norway Minister" in the Daily Mail on 29 October contained several incorrect and misleading statements attributed to Norway's Foreign Minister, Jonas Gahr Støre.Firstly, there is no "growing anger in Norway" over comparisons made between Scotland and Norway during the debate in the United Kingdom against the backdrop of the current global financial

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-61187673514523141422008-10-30T21:53:00.004Z2008-11-03T16:37:16.441Z

Since a British u is attacking my arithmetic here is my reply:Total Number of British MP's at Westminster: 646Scots MP's: 59England on it's own has 529 MP's.This means that English MP's heavily outweigh all the other countries in the British state and it means that the union is highly unequal as a result.A majority of Scottish MP's voted against Trident but the British Government is pushing ahead

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-675906655910910232008-10-19T17:49:00.009Z2008-10-27T14:56:02.922Z

The young patriots celebrate their triumph with John MacCormick (Robert Carlisle)Ian Hamilton QC is something of a legend in nationalist circles. In recent years he has been a highly entertaining and controversial blogger and he enjoyed a sparkling legal career as an advocate but his ultimate moment of triumph was his 1950's heist (with other young Scots nationalists) of the Stone of Destiny.This

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-34905786168910281982008-10-14T12:13:00.000Z2008-10-14T12:14:52.121Z

14/10/2008Dear Sir,I note that all the usual suspects in the media have decided that the current world financial crisis presents definitive proof that Scottish independence is now a hopeless cause. Given that none of them believed in independence in the first place this is no great shock.What has actually happened is that the British parliament has used it's superior financial muscle to buy our

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-764015684640650632008-10-14T12:11:00.002Z2008-10-14T12:13:32.231Z

Scotsman - 14 October 2008MARC COLEMAN claims Scottish Secretary Jim Murphy was wide of the mark with his 'arc of insolvency' remarksI DON'T know which is more shocking about Jim Murphy's recent comments on Ireland's economy. As Secretary of State for Scotland, presumably carrying a degree of responsibility for managing Scotland's economy, the incompetence is staggering. More shocking still is

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-64414237395324450502008-10-05T20:39:00.006Z2008-10-05T21:03:08.583Z

Sarah Palin. Has went way too far by linking Obama with terrorism.I won't confess to having much interest in the US Presidential elections. There is very little difference between the Republicans and Democrats and whoever gets elected is unlikely to substantially change US policy worldwide.The ignorant buffoon Bush has made America unpopular worldwide and yet he was elected for two terms, his

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-501457116838198942008-10-05T00:20:00.002Z2008-10-05T00:24:34.609Z

LABOUR became complacent about its power north of the border and should not have created a 'two jobs' Scottish Secretary, according to the new holder of the post. Jim Murphy, who was appointed to the Cabinet job on Friday, said Gordon Brown made a mistake when he hitched the job onto another Cabinet position...http://scotlandonsunday.scotsman.com/uk/Brown39s-39mistake39-over-Scottish-role.4559852

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-42733820428390070412008-10-03T22:54:00.005Z2008-10-03T23:01:50.636Z

So the media would have us believe that HBOS (Halifax Bank of Scotland) was about to do a Northern Rock and collapse. It needed 'White Knight' Gordon Brown to ride in on his white horse and 'save' the bank by selling it at a tenth of it's value to one of it's major rivals.I'm sorry but I just don't buy it. Luckily it's not over yet. Shareholders can save Bank of Scotland by rejecting this deal.

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-53251531746552625012008-10-03T22:20:00.005Z2008-10-03T22:42:19.871Z

"The creation of the team [GB] has been opposed by the Football Associations of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland who are concerned it may compromise their individual status within Fifa.But he said the BOA, which selects teams for the Games, has decided to press ahead with a football squad despite the opposition.When asked last night about the opposition from the Welsh and Scots, Coe replied

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-32128981254885992192008-09-23T22:22:00.004Z2008-09-23T22:27:37.447Z

Given that this guy is an ultra unionist this is a damning indictment of Gordon Brown's relevance to Scotland:Brown has forgotten his Scottish rootsby Angus Macleod, Scottish Political Editor (Times)Anyone in Glenrothes watching Gordon Brown's big speech yesterday might have been excused for wondering what it had to do with them. Granted there were touches of the well-worn pulpit-thumping Brown

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-25137288800720210042008-09-22T14:00:00.001Z2008-09-22T14:02:36.845Z

Listening to the podcast of the exchanges in the Scottish Parliament on Thursday (18/09) it was obvious that there was wide spread shock and dismay across all parties at the possible final elimination of Bank of Scotland as an independent bank.This process began of course with the merger with Halifax to create HBOS but the Bank had survived that and despite dubious financial speculation by some

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-74693901485048007612008-09-04T19:41:00.001Z2008-09-04T19:43:15.773Z

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Independence First are organising an important debate about the case for and against Scottish independence with MSP speakers from the SNP, Greens and Labour and leading Scottish academics. The debate will be held at the STUC premises, 333 Woodlands Road, Glasgow on Saturday the 13th of September, 1pm - 4pm (registration 12.30pm onwards). Contact Carol Walker for more information.

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-73618837215668512672008-08-29T12:28:00.002Z2008-08-29T12:30:32.968Z

A Scots computer hacker, Gary McKinnon is being deported to the US. McKinnon who suffers from Asbergers syndrome is likely to receive 70 years for 'terrorism' offences.In actual fact all he did was expose some lapses in US security in his search for cover-ups on alien encounters. As a British citizen you would expect McKinnon would receive some support from his home Government.No, Britain decided

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-17010875001563811052008-08-27T14:17:00.002Z2008-08-27T14:22:18.867Z

Exclusive: Scotland can stand alone at Olympics.. with enough investment, says Chris HoyAug 27 2008 By Joanne Curran (Daily Record)TRIPLE gold medal hero Chris Hoy last night said he'd be proud to be part of a Scottish Olympic team. The Edinburgh cyclist rubbished reports that he thought the idea was "ridiculous".Speaking exclusively to the Record, he told of his pride in his home country. And he

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-67432370745427366572008-08-21T15:35:00.003Z2008-08-21T16:48:56.153Z

At the 1906 Athens Games, the Irish Gaelic Athletic Association sent a national Irish team, including Peter O'Connor, whose world record in the long jump stood for 20 years. But when they got to Athens, the British objected to having separate Irish representation and the party were allowed to compete only as part of the British team. However, O'Connor, an Irish patriot, got his own back. At the

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-15209414165393865822008-07-23T19:51:00.001Z2008-07-23T20:14:58.975Z

"The SNP man in Glasgow this time is one John Mason, a local accountant and councillor who has been dubbed John "Whatever-his-name-is" owing to his unimpressive demeanour."Ian MacWhirter, writing in the Guardian.What a shame Ian MacWhirter repeats the same rubbish about John Mason that his colleagues in London have written. Unlike the bitter careerist Curran (whose TV manner is truly awful by the

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-31121273646348625442008-07-23T01:05:00.000Z2008-07-23T01:08:22.331Z

Letter to the Editor (Daily Record and others)Sir,Isn't it ironic that in the same week the Labour party savaged the SNP's John Mason for daring to suggest that there is little difference between their party and the Tories they themselves have provided the direct evidence?Labour have now decided that the long term unemployed should be treated as criminals who must be sent out in work gangs to

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-221142755894508992008-07-20T10:57:00.001Z2008-07-20T11:16:26.275Z

Fantasy East Enders will rewrite the scripthttp://scotlandonsunday.scotsman.com/opinion/Kenny-Farquharson-East-Enders-will.4306214.jpGlasgow East is not about independence (he hopes! by Brian Wilson)http://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/main.jhtml?xml=/opinion/2008/07/20/do2005.xmlRealityThey would have employed a Monkey (inside Labour's campaign - brilliant!)http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-68864395403947032862008-07-18T23:52:00.001Z2008-07-18T23:59:08.564Z

One begins to wonder just how stupid the Labour party think the electors of Glasgow East are. Are they really expected to swallow the enormous lie that Labour are still socialists despite the fact that Labour's every move in Government has been designed to appeal to traditional Conservative voters?The SNP's John Mason said there was little difference between Gordon Brown and Mrs Thatcher, given

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-28425343688212730132008-07-13T02:10:00.000Z2008-07-13T02:19:32.012Z

If Labour had ever wanted to introduce fiscal autonomy they would have done it already. In fact without oil 'fiscal autonomy' would be worthless and would probably be less advantageous than Barnett (even though it is actually designed to squeeze our expenditure not increase it).If you have Oil then it's independence. FA is a useful tool whereby you pretend you want more powers but in fact you

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-77285578252533667572008-07-12T23:09:00.002Z2008-07-12T23:30:04.889Z

The SNP have swamped the Glasgow East by-election with activists and are asking even more people to attend and/or donate money to the campaign if they can.Find out more at http://www.snp.org/

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-34018984396631631292008-07-12T22:27:00.004Z2008-07-12T23:07:59.263Z

Congratulations to my good pal Dougie Blackie on his wedding to Tracey Ballantyne on 5th July 2008. It was a great day and many of my fellow Scots nationalists were there to see Dougie get hitched. Dougie is a great guy and his new wife is a lovely lass. His wee lad James was running about at some speed as well! Congratulations mate. All the best Dougie. JOESAOR ALBA!

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-66516573986496067172008-07-10T19:12:00.000Z2008-07-10T19:24:13.247Z

Davis stood down to force a by-election on the Labour Governments decision to extend pre-trial detention to 42 days. The Liberal Democrats supported his line and did not stand. Labour decided they weren't going to bother standing either. A craven decision which showed their cowardice and their lack of faith in their own position. Has David Davis succeeded in bringing 42 days to the

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-1708760474213054822008-07-09T22:17:00.001Z2008-07-09T22:30:00.486Z

I was watching a couple of TV dramas the other night by Dennis Potter and it occurs to me that if TV ever had a Golden age it is well over.There are no challenging dramas today that come even close to the brilliance of Potter. It's all reality TV, news programmes (usually pretty biased and leading) or bad cop shows, bad hospital shows and shitty soap operas.If we had control over our own

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-45678264479593069692008-07-09T21:24:00.000Z2008-07-09T22:09:44.072Z

Could Romanov support Scotland and reject the Brit establishment which is attacking him? Why not? It's a win, win strategy and many Hearts fans are already supporters of Scottish independence. I am not a football supporter as such. I really enjoy seeing internationals if Scotland are playing and most importantly if they win (sadly they don't that often though I live in hope!) but club

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-55668636019875939452008-07-09T14:47:00.007Z2008-07-09T15:35:30.811Z

Labour's decision to hold a crucial by-election during the traditional Glasgow holiday shows that they prefer to have elections without any candidates and even without any voters if it suits their purposes. If you don't want to be disenfranchised and live in Glasgow East, get a a postal vote. Labour's Margaret Curran strongly attacked Alex Salmond for serving in two parliaments. No doubt they had

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-50135551561067629032008-07-04T09:54:00.000Z2008-07-04T09:56:35.671Z

Spotted this on another blog, ha ha ha!

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-73604136553592845212008-07-02T22:24:00.000Z2008-07-02T22:34:55.496Z

Post on the Scotsman:The Scotsman has claimed that Murray has given up on Scotland but it's not actually true. They've said he's a new 'British bulldog' - don't make me boak. Is the Scotsman that desperate to create a pro-British story? Just because he got pictured with a flag? (probably handed to him by some Unionist hack desperate to get that pic!)Why does he have to make loads of humiliating

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19186753.post-81863974602309823452008-06-29T22:18:00.000Z2008-06-29T22:38:58.125Z

This article (see below) shows the ripe old hypocrisy of the English press. It's conclusions are probably true, Murray will never be truely loved by Britain's tennis fans for the simple fact that he's a Scot first and foremost.That's entirely in his favour. I think it is astonishing that he has to defend himself against accusations of being ant-English (even though as he has felt forced to point

freescotlandnowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01800506464428694606noreply@blogger.com1