We long ago ran out of words to express the magnitude of the contempt in which the SNP now hold the people of Scotland. Which is unfortunate, because this probably calls for the invention of a whole new scale.
Shall we go through just a few of the more crassly insulting holes in this pitiful excuse for a cover story, just to pass the time while we wait for the former First Minister to appear before the COVID inquiry? We don’t know about you, but we’ve got nothing better to do.
(Including but not limited to International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia; International Pronouns Day; International Transgender Day Of Visibility; Transgender Awareness Week and of course the whole of “Pride Month”, which is now an almost entirely trans-focused event).
Citizens of Scotland and the UK were solemnly instructed to “remember the many trans people whose lives have been tragically cut short by violence”, although weirdly none of the politicians issuing the orders actually named any.
However, since we’re endlessly being told that trans people are the most marginalised, oppressed and vulnerable members of our society, and that an actual “trans genocide” is currently in progress, we expect there have been loads.
Once again, we’re dismayed to report that we called it right. Because last night SNP MSP Mairi McAllan, officially representing the party on Question Time, told a weary audience in Fort William that that was precisely the case.
And readers, if ever a policy has been tested in battle and found wanting, it’s that one.
But we’ve subsequently noticed a number of attempts by various people to muddy the story by talking about a “draft” warrant request, implying that there was no improper delay. So we checked up, and thought you might like to know how the process works.
It’s not often we have to correct the figures of an esteemed KC like Joanna Cherry, but she’s made a straight-up mistake in her column for The National today.
Because of course Ash Regan and Kate Forbes did rather better than that.
Today is the last day of Nicola Sturgeon’s record-breaking reign as First Minister of Scotland. In a few hours we’ll know who is to succeed her in the role. She was only the second SNP occupant of Bute House, and the legacy she bequeaths compared to the one she inherited from Alex Salmond is a matter of measureable record.
Tonight’s debate on Sky News between the three SNP leadership candidates was yet another inconclusive low-scoring draw, with each contender taking a few hits (almost all from host Beth Rigby) and also landing the odd blow on each other.
The most notable of the latter was probably when Ash Regan gave Humza Yousaf a rather uncomfortable time over his claiming credit for the Queensferry Crossing when he was Transport Secretary.
As well as frantically trying to deflect by pretending Regan had attacked the SNP’s record on the project in general, Yousaf insisted that he’d played a major role in the bridge’s delivery. So let’s just check the timeline.
Mark Beggan on These Words Are My Own: “It’s the crap they spent the money on that gets people. A national scandal that involves the very highest of…” Jul 18, 02:07
Young Lochinvar on A Matter Of Declinature: “James You got in before me there as I had the 19th noted. Salutations anyway my friend! And correct about…” Jul 18, 01:59
Young Lochinvar on These Words Are My Own: “AH But, but.. “She loved that necklace, so why should she” surrender any of the items??!? Honestly, who speaks like…” Jul 18, 01:28
James on These Words Are My Own: “What a brass neck she has. Always the victim, always. Her time in court will come, Salmond will get justice.…” Jul 18, 01:13
Angus on These Words Are My Own: “Masterstroke by Stuart to challenge the biggest coward, the biggest tractor and the biggest liar in Scottish history who has…” Jul 18, 01:03
Angus on These Words Are My Own: “Utmost thanks to David Davis for exposing the utter corruption of the Scottish state. Can he not also name the…” Jul 18, 00:55
Angus on These Words Are My Own: ““What happened with the £60,000-worth of items that were dropped from the indictment: the hairstylers, the lingerie and the books…” Jul 18, 00:47
Heaver on These Words Are My Own: “She will flee justice by going abroad. Where? That could be revealing. The alphabetty accusers will be checking their passports…” Jul 18, 00:43
Jay on These Words Are My Own: “It is regrettable that the House of Commons at Westminster had to be the channel through which Sturgeon/Murrell might be…” Jul 18, 00:31
Oneliner on These Words Are My Own: “MI5 is working on a plan to save her. Apparently they are not averse to lying in court if it…” Jul 18, 00:22
David Ferguson on These Words Are My Own: “Well, things are bubbling along nicely… Just to keep everything tidy, matters requiring attention: 1. The “ring-fenced” fund. I’d still…” Jul 18, 00:21
James on A Matter Of Declinature: “For Young Lochinvar, and to upset the three stooges….. Thank feck that’s (almost) over for another 4 years. So….July 18th…..must…” Jul 18, 00:01
willie on These Words Are My Own: “The COPFS apparently justify that the dropping of £58.3k of stolen goods from the indictment on the grounds that it…” Jul 17, 23:57
willie on These Words Are My Own: “The dam is ready to absolutely burst. Sturgeon is being exposed for the foul individual that she is. Her lying…” Jul 17, 23:48
Neil in Glasgow on These Words Are My Own: “We are all Stuart Campbell. A couple of quid from each of us and She’s toast. Unlike the sycophants that…” Jul 17, 23:48
Fearghas MacFhionnlaigh on These Words Are My Own: “« The Shadow of that hyddeous strength, Sax myle and more it is of length. » – ‘Ane Dialog betuix…” Jul 17, 23:47
Al Harron on These Words Are My Own: ““What happened with the £60,000-worth of items that were dropped from the indictment: the hairstylers, the lingerie and the books…” Jul 17, 23:30
sarah on These Words Are My Own: “Oh dear, Rev. You will never get on in public life. Far too principled and brave.” Jul 17, 22:53
Hatey McHateface on A Matter Of Declinature: “I see, Alf. Inevitably, yes, but individually to a greater or lesser extent. Like death, inevitable, but not for everyone,…” Jul 17, 22:39
Hatey Mchateface on A Matter Of Declinature: ““More to be pitied then scorned sadly” Ach, why not stick in your comfort zone and scorn ignorantly? Or sit…” Jul 17, 22:33
sam on These Words Are My Own: “Sturgeon is unlikely to ever want to face cross examination in court on any of the issues you raise. And…” Jul 17, 22:28
Hatey McHateface on A Matter Of Declinature: “Scots blokes are able to present themselves as women. It doesn’t mean they’re women. If you don’t understand what “present”…” Jul 17, 22:22
robertkknight on These Words Are My Own: “Well said all round. The dogs in the street know who did what to whom and when and why. Agent…” Jul 17, 22:21
Ian on These Words Are My Own: “Q to AI – Sturgeons head bobs around when she seems under pressure or maybe lying. She also blinks a…” Jul 17, 22:20
Tommy B on These Words Are My Own: “If there is a requirement for a fundraiser for legal fees, you can rely on a donation from this direction.…” Jul 17, 22:20
Alf Baird on A Matter Of Declinature: ““A consequence that is inevitable would inarguably and unarguably leave all Scots suffering from a colonial mindset.” Yes, this must…” Jul 17, 22:09
George Ferguson on A Matter Of Declinature: “Your too late. The Institutions have been taken over. You had your chance. Today I went to a special occasion…” Jul 17, 22:08
