The remit back
We’ve just made an executive decision that we’re going to keep sending Freedom of Information requests to the Scottish Government until we get a straight answer to at least one of them. We expect to be occupied for some time.
So here’s this week’s.
TO: Central Enquiries Unit, Scottish Government
As you will be aware, there are currently two processes under way in relation to the conduct of the Scottish Government with regard to false allegations of sexual misconduct against the former First Minister, Alex Salmond.
The first is a Scottish Parliament inquiry led by a committee of MSPs, which for clarity I shall subsequently refer to as “the Inquiry”. The second is an independent investigation by James Hamilton into whether the current First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, broke the Ministerial Code in respect of the allegations. For clarity I shall subsequently refer to this as “the Investigation”.
My request is in relation to the latter. The remit for the Investigation published on 3 August 2020 by the Scottish Government here could be interpreted, via point (4), to mean that the Investigation is charged only with determining whether the First Minister attempted to intervene in or otherwise influence events surrounding the allegations against Mr Salmond, in breach of section 1.3(j) of the Ministerial Code, and also in respect of sections 4.22 and 4.23 of the Code concerning the proper recording of meetings. These sections of the Code contain no specific stated remedies for any breaches.
However, Mr Salmond and several members of the committee of the Inquiry (including Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP, Murdo Fraser MSP and Jackie Baillie MSP) have expressed the concern that the Investigation must also specifically ascertain whether the First Minister misled Parliament in respect of the allegations, and therefore breached article 1.3(c) of the Ministerial Code, which stipulates that any Minister found to have done so must offer their resignation.
Examples of these statements can be seen here and here and here.
On 28 October 2020 the First Minister told the Parliament that in her personal opinion the Investigation covers ALL aspects of the Code, including section 1.3(c), stating:
However, that is merely a statement of the First Minister’s “view right now”, not a formal confirmation of Mr Hamilton’s official remit.
The information I seek is therefore as follows:
Does the remit of the Investigation being conducted by James Hamilton officially include whether there has been ANY breach of ANY part of the Ministerial Code by the First Minister – including section 1.3(c) – or is his brief restricted to the narrower aspects of the Code specifically identified in the remit published by the Scottish Government on 3 August?
And whichever of the above applies, has Mr Hamilton been made clearly aware which aspects of the Code he’s being asked to rule on, particularly in the light of the recent comments by Mr Salmond, Mr Cole-Hamilton, Mr Fraser and Ms Baillie?
As ever, we’ll let readers know as soon as we’re fobbed off.
Thanks, Stu – top man.
[…] Wings Over Scotland The remit back We’ve made an executive decision that we’re going to keep sending Freedom of […]
I’ll come back in March next year to read what they’ve responded with, you know with Covid, Christams and all that causing delays.
In otherwords, they’re going to attempt to bullshit you again.
Ever feel your stuck on a roundabout in the kids playpark?
The truth, ,the nearly truth, and nothing actually like the truth but tenuously linked by a thread.
There. Saved you some time
Early footage of a young Stuart Campbell training to develop the determination and tenacity required for his later life endevours….
A boy, an eel, and a jar (1 min)
link to youtube.com
Nicola Sturgeon now seems to spend most of her time in public announcements saying ‘I understand, I understand…’
So why can’t she understand why so many of us are utterly scunnered with her behaviour and want her to just come clean, tell the truth and/or take her dodgy husband and GTF?
Your resilience should have its own statue in George Square!
Their responses have been discourteous and vague at best.
Freedom of information should be for everyone to easily request, access
and understand.
As things stand any matters of depth would be devoid of a cogent outcome
even if requested by all the lawyers in Philadelphia!
As ever we wish you luck and await the merry dance of the damned responders!
Sturgeon talks about Democracy in Washington DC while refusing to carry out demands of the Parliament in Edinburgh ! How can this continue ?
More power to your elbow.
No point in preaching about vote-counting and Democracy in the USofA while ignoring requests of out own Parliament in Edinburgh !
The Scottish Government has become a self-referring, impenetrable monolith constructed along the lines of its Westminster counterpart. True and meaningful Independence will require root-and-branch reconstruction coupled with a thoroughgoing programme of de-indoctrination, throughout. It’ll never happen, of course.
Dan, that video is hilarious, very apt!
Be careful.
With the best will in the world you can become known as ‘vexatious’ in lodging multiple requests and that alone is reason to be refused information.
Normally applied to frivolous stuff, but repeating multiple requests can also lead to the same position. Its an easy out for Government.
I actually fear this party as it stands winning next years election.
Weren’t the SNP candidate vote results supposed to be announced today?
Anyone know?
Yes, sometime this evening, supposedly. Shouldn’t take long, as the results will have been decided without any need for all that tedious, time-consuming counting.
The adjective ‘costive’ may be justly applied to the current state of national movement.
The customary solution is something cathartic.
🙂
Auld cynic, ye…
Great article in the Spectator about Sturgeon.
They compare her to Trump. Very similar in many ways.
If nothing else comes from your efforts on this, the almost certainty that the Scottish government will fob you off and give you the run around, will show us just how untrustworthy the Scottish/SNP government under Sturgeon and Murrell has become.
Everybody needs a hobby during lockdown. (Ducks to avoid those hammers). Good luck – ye’r a tenacious wee bugger.
Now we know how Mother Theresa Sturgeon is a pillar of Democracy with Wet Pishart the Demagogue Hunter I fully expect all your answers will be sorted by the morning. Not as though any Parliamentary buisness getting done except spouting Non Science data Daily!
@ Helen Yates 5.34pm AYE me too Helen I am TOTALLY SCUNNERED at the rank hypocrisy of Sturgeon and her sycophantic apologists, to think we ALL had such hopes and belief in a better fairer country, when the mire we are in stinks of putrid decaying offal, oh for the cleansing sunlight and a disinfectant to CLEAR OUT this corruption
VOTE for them I wouldn’t give them the steam aff my sh**e I want every one of the TRAI TORS jailed
Panelbase poll in progress, questions include will you vote for Indy even if Sturgeon not FM, do you think their has been a conspiricy against Salmond,
STU do you think it would have ANY impact if we ALL submitted a copy of your FOI it’s about time we ALL illustrated that you are not alone
Excellent Stu. I am increasingly of the opinion that Sturgeon must think she is either bulletproof and arrogant or she has genuinely bought so deeply into the cult of personality her husband has made that she thinks ONLY she is fit to be FM.
Absent both of those possibilities she must know she is bang to rights on the Section 1 charges alone which are a resigning matter and she should have copped to that and resigned long before now to allow her successor to be chosen and bed in before the election.
To brazen it out, knowing, as a lawyer must know that she is guilty as charged is to display one or both of the delusions listed in my first paragraph.
An alternative conclusion is that she utterly lacking in integrity and she holds everyone outside her inner circle with utter and complete contempt. The parliament may have to vote to remove her and/or the Presiding Officer will have to rule that she must resign.
Must she be physically dragged from her office or Bute House? arrested for being in contempt of parliament?
Surely if she has a shred of decency and self respect left she should do the decent thing and soon.
I wonder how many other meetings, with lobbyists in particular Sturgeon has held in her office without them being entered in the official record?
One suggests a mindset of not being fully accountable which suggests there may have been other occasions. Perhaps a future FOI request could address that matter. Who else did the FM meet in her parliamentary office without that meeting being entered into the record?
i will go further and say that if we find any other examples we should enquire whether the lobbyist knew or requested the ‘off the record’ state of the meeting. If any are found they should be struck from the register of lobbyists and banned from Holyrood.
I’m looking at you Stonwall, Mermaids et al.
Je Recuse!….sorry if this has been done already.
Robertson selected for Edinburgh central
Re Harassment and Complaints Committee ,
MeetingDate: 13th Meeting, Tuesday 10 November 2020 Location The Robert Burns Room (Committee Room 1)
The Committee will next meet on Tuesday 10 November at 10:15am. This meeting will be held in private.
@Muscleguy –
The ‘bug’ gives NS the perfect excuse to stay put, no matter what disclosures the parliament votes for, no matter what the committee turns up. We’re in a time of ‘national emergency’ and ‘there’s no-one better to get us through it’ etc.
And it’s an open-ended emergency – even if everyone in the country were vaccinated (which won’t happen) then she could cite the economic disaster as reason to remain.
Results
link to snp.org
@Dan
So where’s Argyle and Bute & Cunninghame N?
Um apart from on the west coast lol.
The Elections.
Anybody know who we definitely do not vote for on that posted list of candidates?
They haven’t Woken up yet! Albert Herring
Cunningham North result is delayed because of the “issue”.
Argyle & Bute voting closes on Wednesday for some reason.
Alastair Jack, the Scottish Secretary has done us a great favour in clarifying the Unionist position on Inderef 2.
“ No Inderef for 25 to forty years is the Unionist policy
That’s the 18th Nov for Argyle & Bute.
Actually, I think the delay in the process was due to passing of the convenor in the area.
Thanks Stu for all your efforts.
To continue my accidentally posted post – Alastair Jack makes it quite clear what will happen in the event of the SNP asking for a Section 30. —- No No No under any circumstances.
That’s it laid out for Nicola. She can’t say “we didna Ken”.
Jack has done us a favour.
I kept a list from Denise Findlay on twitter, these are on the list
Karen Adam
Angus Robertson
S.A Somerville
Mairi McAllan
Humza Youzaf
Kaukab Stewart
Toni Giugliano
Tom Wills
& Nicola Sturgeon
Bravo, Rev. Your FOI requests are helping to expose this colonial administration.
Nicola & Humza not on twitter list but it’s a given that no one here is going to vote for them
Argyll and Bute not being announced,
is that no where thon Mamma Bear Rhiannon Spear is trying to infiltrate the Scot Gov,
jeezo that needs kept an eye on.
This help.
link to twitter.com
Think Rhiannon is doin a Trump ,
she will not leave Argyll and Bute council building `til the vote goes her way,
she will stamp her feet and skweem and skweem until she gets her way `caus Rhiannon has always got her way, the wee snowflake.
Here in Argyll and Bute we still wait to see if Rhiannon Spear is to represent us but looking at the the list of those selected so far sad to see Angus Robertson and his extended family have been selected. Given the calibre of candidate that could have been in the running this is more than a bit shit. Well done Angus nothing like a leg up if you are so shit you can’t win on a level playing field.
We eagerly await the Destiny of Spear!
Oh, and apologies for speeling Argyll rongli, but I’m an east coast chiel and every time I go to the west coast I spent my time swatting fuckin’ midges rather than studying the signpost lettering. 😉
@Dan –
Blatant midgeism there…
🙁
Is there a Freedom of Information Department which investigates the Freedom of Information Department?
@ Ian B
Maybees aye, maybees naw, but in mitigation I’m conflicted on the subject as midges gnaw holes in my body which require nutrients and energy to heal.
So I’ve made the educated calculation that it’s environmentally better to eliminate the cause of a virtually guaranteed injury, rather than use up the earth’s limited and finite resources in treatment of the wound.
Savlon doesn’t grow on trees you ken. 😉
@ maureen at 7.43pm
Aye, we’ll not be voting for Humza or Nicola because we’ll probably be held in custody by May pending being retrospectively charged with hateful conduct once they implement that bill.
On the plus side… Wings get together in the cells anyone?
No 1 fan Pete would need to be in a straitjacket not to tweet aboot that! 😉
@Dan –
Youse East-coasters hate the midges as much as we West-coasters can’t stand the cold ower there. That wind, FFS!! Even if it’s just 10mph it cuts ye in half. Our west-coast cold is cold, aye, but not like youse get it. No wonder the midges give it a swerve – they’re no daft!
(I’m not well-travelled but two of the coldest places I’ve ever been are Edinburgh and Dublin – the latter was just appalling, not even any frost or ice but I could feel the marrow chilling in every bone.)
@ Dan: visit us Westies October to May inclusive and there’s no midges to worry about!
Good stuff rev you are a terrier.
o/t I just can`t believe that the vast majority of posters on the National think Sturgeon is great and is working hard for indy and seem completely ignorant as to what she is up to.
@ Ian B 9pm
As we say in the NE,
“Aye, aats a lazy bu@@er o a win, jist winna ging roon ye……jist his t ging richt thro’ ye.”
I think this is the list.
link to snp.org
@IanB
Because there is a difference across the Cental Belt and beyond it is low lying and damp in nature so the cold is more intense.Looks down from uphill, smug.
Well that’ll be a mouse needing ordered after another whack-a-mole session on the SNP Nominations site. lol
Fook it’s chronic, did Murrell blow so much money that the party can only now afford to run a 1 watt server…
This is an updated list with amendment and additions for NEC positions so worth going back in to finesse your choices.
I dare say there may be further tweaking if and when any bawbags are identified.
#DontVoteScrote
link to twitter.com
BDtt mentioned the other day that it is a democratic farce that only delegates with the time and finances to attend conference can vote when the facility is in place for members to nominate (effectively vote) for candidates.
Mind you, one has to presume anyone with admin access to the server could see who each member is nominating.
Maybe I should have got that delegate pass before nominating seeing as there has been no response to my request for a pass.
Viewing who nominates who would be an ideal way to gerrymander the issuing of who gets a delegate pass.
Serious question:
What does it take for mainstream journalists to use the phrase ‘there are calls for **** to stand down’?
I mean, who has to make that call in the first place?
We can do it here until we’re blue in the face but no-one seems to take note, even on other indy-supporting blogs.
Whose opinion counts?
An ‘elder statesman’, like Henry McLeish or David Steele?
An ‘expert’ like Sir John The Curtice, Tom Devine, or *snigger* Neil Oliver?
A ‘veteran’ journalist like Iain MacWhirter, Ruth Wishart or Cochers?
Is it like some mad game of Call My Bluff, who goes first, or do they have a Zoom session to draw straws?
Whatever the sketch is, it would be just fuckin properly braw if they got a move on.
They don’t want to see the facts as they are in delushional mode. What the fuck.
I’ve been off site since about 1500 hrs, and as is my habit, I start from the bottom and work my way up the comments, until I get to the last one I read.
Angus Robertson!!! …. I am getting the very same gut feeling I did on 18/9/14, when Clackmannanshire voted No. I don’t have to read any more.
The SNP a rotten, riddled institute, with not the know how, or balls, to sort itself out.
Like a lot of folk I’m fucking tired. And what hurts the most, is those who were allies, now see me, and us, as enemies… the enemy within, when all the tools we use, all the faculties, that were once so gratefully received and appreciated – just as long as it was aimed at the Unionist examples of corruption, are now seen as signs of disloyalty to queen shifty/blink,blink.
Not tonight, but tomorrow!
Holyrood Election CANNOT be cancelled.
I vow – In a Covid Safe Way, the voters will know the decision they have to make/what is at stake, and one way or another, THERE WILL be candidates they can vote for 1 and 2 – for the Bath Charter.
We speak to the electorate, we acknowledge and educate on their fears. We offer a viable and realistic alternative.
So, t put my money where my mouth is, and in that vein, I need suggestions. From Indy Poster Boy’s repetoir – what poster will I glue to my wheely bin and display on the street tomorrow folks?
I live in the Perthshire area – so deeply tweedy voters, (dull browns, nothing too garish, you understand).
We might not win, but if that is what happens, we will have left no stone unturned. And if needs be, lay some foundations for the next generation, set an example and shouldered the burden while some others waited for the penny to drop.
We have a country to save.
That’s it. And not much time.
If we are going to keep asking nicely for a S30 order (’cause its the right thing for the tories to do).. I want mine with a flake on top… and a lollypop.
Just saying.
Good on you on keeping the goverment to account.
Raining them with FOI’s is probably a waste of time and resources, they won’t give a straight answer.
Maybe not the best way, but it might be the ONLY way to get some answers. At least it’s a way of exposing how hidden things are. How arrogant the Holyrood (Scottish) government are, emulating the Westminster (UK/English) government in all its horror.
Just to think, Scots thought they could do better. Even get independent.
Your FOIs are irritating the powers that be, and their reactions are telling. You not only being vile and controversial but… what was the phrase your no. 1 fan Pete Wishart used all the time after he vowed to never speak of you… aah, yeah, demagogue.
You are exposing them by their reactions.
Keep on keeping on!
We, the people, are sovereign. That’s how my country’s WRITTEN constitution begins. Democracy belongs to us (quiet in the back!)
The English think their sovereignty somehow runs from the Monarch to the Parliament, which is soverign. The people don’t come into it.
No wonder ordinary Scots feel confused and wrong done by, because the UK is trying to take away their sovereignty.
Two different political philosophies, ideologies. The one gets shouted down by overwhelming majority of supine Engish subjects, sorry, MPs.
It’s a sad state of affairs, and democracy when the government and the dominant parliament party want to hide their shenanigans, and the MSM help them.
I happen to think Nicola Sturgeon is singularly stupid if she thinks her kid-gloves treatment by the MSM is going to continue.
No, all her lies and faults will be weaponised just in time before the May 2021 Scottish election.
Sup with the devil, have a long spoon. She had a short one.
The U.K. state might think sinking Nicola Sturgeon (as they will) would kill the indpendence nonsense. She’s so popular, she’s the figurehead!
WRONG.
Desire for Scottish independence is gaining momentum. It’s not about this politician or that, it’s a grondswell. It’s the sovereign people of Scotland.
Too bad the party whose sole reason of being was Scottish independence have forgotten about it, and now concentrate on petty internal politics and imported American-style identity politics and navel gazing.
@lumilumi (11.47) –
Hear hear!
😉
“SNP candidate vote results supposed to be announced today – anyone know?” Ian Brotherhood 5.57pm.
The SNP candidates in the following constituencies are confirmed or selected:
Aberdeen Central – Kevin Stewart
Aberdeen Donside – Jackie Dunbar
Aberdeen South & North Kincardine – Audrey Nicoll
Aberdeenshire East – Gillian Martin
Aberdeenshire West – Fergus Mutch
Airdrie & Shotts – Neil Gray
Almond Valley – Angela Constance
Angus North & Mearns – Mairi Gougeon
Angus South – Graeme Dey
Ayr – Siobhian Brown
Banffshire & Buchan Coast – Karen Adam
Caithness, Sutherland & Ross – Maree Todd
Carrick, Cumnock & Doon Valley – Elena Whitham
Clackmannanshire & Dunblane – Keith Brown
Clydebank & Milngavie – Marie McNair
Clydesdale – Màiri McAllan
Coatbridge & Chryston – Fulton MacGregor
Cowdenbeath – Annabelle Ewing
Cumbernauld & Kilsyth – Jamie Hepburn
Cunninghame South – Ruth Maguire
Dumbarton – Toni Giugliano
Dumfriesshire – Joan McAlpine
Dundee City East – Shona Robison
Dundee City West – Joe FitzPatrick
Dunfermline – Shirley-Anne Somerville
Edinburgh Central – Angus Robertson
Edinburgh Eastern – Ash Denham
Edinburgh Northern & Leith – Ben Macpherson
Edinburgh Pentlands – Gordon Macdonald
Edinburgh Southern – Catriona MacDonald
Edinburgh Western – Sarah Masson
East Kilbride – Collette Stevenson
East Lothian – Paul McLennan
Eastwood – Colm Merrick
Ettrick, Roxburgh & Berwickshire – Paul Wheelhouse
Falkirk East – Michelle Thomson
Falkirk West – Michael Matheson
Galloway & West Dumfries – Emma Harper
Glasgow Anniesland – Bill Kidd
Glasgow Cathcart – James Dornan
Glasgow Kelvin – Kaukab Stewart
Glasgow Maryhill & Springburn – Bob Doris
Glasgow Pollok – Humza Yousaf
Glasgow Provan – Ivan McKee
Glasgow Shettleston – John Mason
Glasgow Southside – Nicola Sturgeon
Greenock & Inverclyde – Stuart McMillan
Hamilton, Larkhall & Stonehouse – Christina McKelvie
Inverness & Nairn – Fergus Ewing
Kilmarnock & Irvine Valley – Willie Coffey
Kirkcaldy – David Torrance
Linlithgow – Fiona Hyslop
Mid Fife & Glenrothes – Jenny Gilruth
Midlothian North & Musselburgh – Colin Beattie
Midlothian South, Tweeddale & Lauderdale – Christine Grahame
Moray – Richard Lochhead
Motherwell & Wishaw – Clare Adamson
Na h-Eileanan an Iar – Alasdair Allan
North East Fife – Rhuaraidh Fleming
Orkney Islands – Robert Leslie
Paisley – George Adam
Perthshire North – John Swinney
Perthshire South & Kinross-Shire – Jim Fairlie
Renfrewshire South – Tom Arthur
Rutherglen – Clare Haughey
Shetland Islands – Tom Wills
Skye, Lochaber & Badenoch – Kate Forbes
Stirling – Evelyn Tweed
Strathkelvin & Bearsden – Rona Mackay
Uddingston & Bellshill – Stephanie Callaghan
There is a ballot in these constituencies for the selection of the candidate:
Argyll & Bute – Sarah Fanet, Julie McKenzie, Jenni Minto, Breege Smyth, Rhiannon Spear
Cunninghame North – Osama Bhutta, Kenneth Gibson, Corrie Wilson
Where from here? Nowhere as there’s no choice. Its SNP 1st. And unless there are some big hitters out there who can all endorse ONE party/ strategy, then its SNP 2nd to make up for the disgruntled nationalists going elsewhere or abstaining.
Only silver lining I can see is that it gives the “new” party four years to get its shit together and is able to take on the SNP directly; 1st and 2nd votes to them. Yes, there might not be a devolved administration, never mind an alternative party we can all support. But IF there is, then the the ‘new’ party might win enough votes to deliver a referendum.
A long shot; but better odds than the SNP party who I predict will dangle mandates ever more…but will never deliver. We were warned but chose not to listen. We’ve got the politicians we deserve.
I second that, Ian Brotherhood. Well said lumilumi!
Right because the English Government and the English opposition parties need all the help they can get to bring down the Scottish Government and end all hope of Independence for Scotland. The MSM isnt enough apparently.
I remember when this site used to support the idea of Independence.
Dave says:
7 November, 2020 at 6:12 am
I remember when this site used to support the idea of Independence.
——————————————————————
I remember when Nicola Sturgeon used to support the idea of Independence
“Dave says:
7 November, 2020 at 6:12 am
Right because the English Government and the English opposition parties need all the help they can get to bring down the Scottish Government and end all hope of Independence for Scotland. The MSM isnt enough apparently.
I remember when this site used to support the idea of Independence.”
It is Nicola Sturgeon who is responsible. Her lies, abuse of power, and corruption are the impediment to independence. If she
is allowed to get away with attempting to jail an innocent man, lie after lie in Parliament, and criminalising what we can say in our homes.
The removal of this cancer on Scottish public life is the precursor for independence.
I remember when the SNP used to do more than simply pay lip service to the idea of Independence.
“The SNP has confirmed Angus Robertson is to stand for the Edinburgh Central seat in the Holyrood elections in May.“
Jammy or what?
Good stuff, well dine Stu.
Interestingly, James Hynd, author of the ‘unlawful’ procedure for harassment as applied to past ministers, has been appointed to Mr Hamilton’s team. Jackie Baillie asked Leslie Evans in her first oral evidence session if she thought that was a conflict of interest? The answer came back ‘no’, with no further elaboration.
We could possibly assume, given that it’s Leslie Evans speaking, that she meant ‘yes’, but ‘inadvertently gave an incorrect answer’ to the committee.
@Graeme
I still do. While She is winning mandates and attracting more and more support Wings is going out of its way to cull that support and weaken her mandates.
The Tories are hell bent on helping her win enough support to win a referendum but too many people in Scotland remain stubborn and wont commit and until they do her hands are tied unless the idea is to jump the gun and lose another referendum.
Now as I understand it there is going to be a legal challenge to the definition of article 30 and the need for Westminster to agree to a referendum. If they can pull that off then brilliant all thats left is for a majority of voters in Scotland to support Independence and we’re home and dry.
But thats the problem isnt it? We need a MAJORITY of support to win the referendum because we cant exclude the dont knows and WE DONT HAVE IT YET. Thats the ONLY HOLD UP. Not the Scottish Government not the FM not even the Tories. ITS THE FUCKING NUMBERS WE NEED TO WIN.
Why are you people so hell bent in denying this GLARING REALITY?
@Hatuey
GOOD he’ has been a brilliant MP and advocate for Scotland in Westminster. This site used to sing his praises.
@Stuart MacKay
I remember when Wings used to do more than pay lip service to Independence not they dont even do that.
“I remember when Wings used to do more than pay lip service to Independence not they dont even do that. [sic] Dave 9.38
You confuse unquestioning adoration for the SNP with securing independence. Almost all Wings output has been dedicated to achieving independence. Under Nicola’s ‘Gold Standard’ party, and much to the relief of our colonial neighbours, independence is sidelined as an impossibility in the short to medium term.
@Grouse Beater
No You assert an exaggerated motivation in order to try and avoid the actual reality.
Almost all of Wings output USED TO BE dedicated to achieving Independence now it just conducts a personally motivated vendetta against the ONLY political tool we have to achieve it.
Independence will ALWAYS be sidelined until we get enough support to achieve it and wings is doing nothing but placing obstacles in the path of those trying to attract it.
The SNP and Scottish Government is the magnet that is drawing the various groups and individuals together and giving access to a globally acceptable path to express our desire for Independence to the world. Wings cant do that I cant do that you cant do that and all the various district Yes groups in Scotland cant do that.
All of this anti Nicola Sturgeon and Anti SNP rhetoric abuse and propaganda is helping nobody but the Pro Union state.
“All of this anti Nicola Sturgeon and Anti SNP rhetoric abuse and propaganda is helping nobody but the Pro Union state.” Dave 10.09
It is NOT about personality. The motivation to regain Scotland’s autonomy is securing democratic rights.
How we do that is policy, strategy and honesty. We strive for a new Scotland, not one importing old, corrupt ways. SNP’s hierarchy has caused division, fragmentation, lost ideals. It is self-regarding, exclusive, happy to ostracize swathes of the populace.
Dave, if you seriously think that a clique of wet-behind-the -ears wokey freaks, with a bunch of fat old carpetbaggers, vindictive feminazis, and assorted lying shitsacks all kowtowing to them in order to earn sinecures, are going to lead you to independence, then carry on voting for them. Good luck to you.
After 46 years, I’m done with them.
@Grouse Beater
That was one of the most amazing examples of self unawareness Ive ever seen online. I dont mean that to be insulting I actually genuinely point that out as a matter of fact.
“SNPs hierarchy has caused division” With who? YOU! and those like you. You’ve decided to be divisive towards a party ELECTED on their manifesto to not only pursue Independence but to do so while Governing the Country dealing with a Pandemic the corruption of a Neo fascist criminal regime and Brexit.
They tried to give us Independence but the majority of the people of Scotland rejected it. The Majority are STILL UNCONVINCED. Why cant you accept that FACT and the REALITY and stop being so DIVISIVE.
@Grouse Beater
“David Ferguson says:
7 November, 2020 at 10:53 am
Dave, if you seriously think that a clique of wet-behind-the -ears wokey freaks, with a bunch of fat old carpetbaggers, vindictive feminazis, and assorted lying shitsacks all kowtowing to them in order to earn sinecures, are going to lead you to independence, then carry on voting for them. Good luck to you.
After 46 years, I’m done with them.”
That doesnt look personal and divisive to you? never mind irrational and demented.
Freedom of Information
I have the address of the man in the moon if you want to write to him, at least he might give you an answer that makes any sense
lol
Dave,
Nicola Sturgeon IS the Pro Union State. How much evidence do you need? If colluding with the English Civil service to bring down the most prominent pro-independence figure of the last generation isn’t enough is it the timid acceptance of No-Deal Brexit without any legal challenge? We should be tearing the place up right now causing maximum disruption. Open your eyes man.
you would be as well writing to the man in the moon for information
@Neil G
“Nicola Sturgeon IS the Pro Union State. How much evidence do you need?”
How much Evidence do you have? I havent seen any. Ive seen plenty that refutes that stupid statement over and over.
” If colluding with the English Civil service to bring down the most prominent pro-independence figure of the last generation isn’t enough”
Colluding how? The Scottish Government has NO POWER or AUTHORITY to interfere with the internal workings of the Civil Service. The CS is an organisation RESERVED to the UK state and is NOT DEVOLVED.
“is it the timid acceptance of No-Deal Brexit without any legal challenge?”
We havent had a no deal Brexit yet so a legal challenge is impossible at this stage.
“We should be tearing the place up right now causing maximum disruption. Open your eyes man.”
Because becoming Criminals is the way forward for our vision of a NEW and DIFFERENT Constitution when Independent.
Banana Republics are created by people who think like you.
“£The Majority are STILL UNCONVINCED. Why cant you accept that FACT and the REALITY and stop being so DIVISIVE. Dave 11.09
If you think some folk are touting a unionist line you should read what you tweet before posting!
@Grouse Beater
“If you think some folk are touting a unionist line you should read what you tweet before posting!”
Its not a Unionist line its a FACT based on the last 20 plus Polls.
And spare me the stupid cult levels of reality denial by telling me the last dozen has Independence polling between 52 and 58% when we both know its only when you exclude the Dont Knows which you cant do for a Referendum.
Support RARELY tops 50% when you dont exclude the dont knows and when it does its 51 or 52 MAX.
Its not enough to gamble something so utterly vital to Scotland. We cant afford to lose another referendum we just cant.
Dave, this is pointless. You cannot be swayed and neither can the readers of this blog so it’s a waste of energy for both sides. I suppose you think Angus Robertson was parachuted into Edinburgh while JC was blocked because Nicola is intending on making an assault on the integrity of the Union? No it’s when she falls they have a suitable Indy-light candidate with a big enough profile to mount a leadership bid, which he might win, thus maintaining the status quo and our place in the Union. I don’t need hard evidence to put 2+2 together. The hard evidence we need is currently in the hands of Alex who is barred from full disclosure at this stage for legal reasons but it’s coming.
@Neil G
Thats a hell of an admission and reinforces my growing belief that there is a cult growing within the support for Independence which rivals the pro Brexit brigade who wont see or acknowledge anything outside of their narrow scope of self belief.
“I suppose you think Angus Robertson was parachuted into Edinburgh while JC was blocked because Nicola is intending on making an assault on the integrity of the Union?”
I think Angus Robertson was chosen to fight for the seat in Edinburgh because he is an excellent candidate and will be a massive boon to the party and the Independence cause within the Parliament as he was in Westminster.
Its a crying shame JC was in competition when she would have been an equally excellent candidate for election.
Thats the SNP its full of talent and people worthy of public office so what is your problem with them? REALLY?
You want to see conspiracy’s even in places where there is rational and credible alternative answers to them.
You dont get more cultish than that.
Unlike you, I and the MAJORITY of the pro Indy movement have no problem with the status quo in the SNP.
They wont get everything right first time or even second time but they deliver on the most important issues. Welfare Education Balanced budgets progressive taxation and yes the pursuit of Independence.
If you wont accept the realities because of your own narrow agenda then there is nothing that can be done for you or the rest of the cult member wannabes who wont see past their own brand of perceived grievance.
“… spare me the stupid cult levels…” Dave Dee Dozey 11.55
I have no idea what you are talking about, which is just as well, because you have no idea either.
@Grouse Beater
Thats a cop out. If you’re done just say so.
Dave
It is Nicola Sturgeon herself that has put everything, including those poll numbers, at risk with her actions. Evidence shows that she has no intention of holding a referendum, she has been blocking any attempts to progress the cause – or you don’t believe she’s a capable leader and knows nothing about it.
Some people think the best strategy is to get it out in the open as soon as possible – well before any scandals might wreck a Holyrood election result – and some people think it’s okay for unionists to control the narrative, as usual, and some people don’t want to ever have to acknowledge the inevitable and are happy to wait for another 300 years for independence.
Whichever camp you fall into – you shouldn’t criticising others’ strategy, it might be different to yours but it’s still a valid opinion.
And, Besides the fact that Stu can do what he likes on his own blog, he’s right on this one – get as much of it out there in the public domain, and let’s get things moving again. And – really, sorry, but pro independence blogs are a niche readership, it isn’t going to be influencing swing voters (as your polls suggest).
I don’t see the point in your comments except to bully folk – emotional blackmail – into doing the tired ol Wheesht for Indy routine.
@Dave: 10:09am
“The SNP and Scottish Government is the magnet that is drawing the various groups and individuals together and giving access to a globally acceptable path to express our desire for Independence to the world.”
Evidence please.
@Contrary
I cant take that post seriously. Sorry just no.
@Dave M
Can you suggest a form this evidence should take?
The Public editions of the contemporary history of the modern Independence Movement hasnt been written or published yet. Can you wait?
@ dave Nearly everyone here, whether posting or lurking, share the same dream. If you read some of the articles over the last year or so you will see why we’ve become disillusioned. Not because we’re cultists, but because the forensic analysis on this site is incredibly high. There use to be a bet here…and maybe still is…that find a lie you could claim £100.
I might not like the Revs opinions, but to date they’ve been based on taking given facts and projecting the most likely outcome. I wished to hell he had been wrong more often than he has been. But then I also wish to hell the FM had worked on a plan c,d,e (not just b).
The folk here are the ones who’ve bought the flags (and stickers be four that), argued on forums, chapped on doors, went on marches long afore the AUB was ever thought of. Or poetically, are the roots of our current grass movement. And we are scunnered. Because we know without us your movement withers and the SNP party dies not long after; your woke crowd will move on when the bandwagon stalls. When independence was the prime goal, I had no issues and actually looked forward to living in a “new scotland” where lgtb normal. Now I find myself agreeing more and more with the views of certain knuckle dragging orangemen who describe the FM as a power crazed natsie.
While I admire your enthusiasm and want to believe you…I cant. If you want to write up a soapbox piece here Im sure I’d love to read it. Thing is though on this site Im used to reading facts rather than opinions, but feel free to show me evidence that SNP hierarchy are actively working towards independence.
The Robertsons and the Sturrells are trapped in co-dependency. I don’t see how Marco Biagi didn’t win,and I see Evelyn Tweed, aye who?, won in Stirling works as a caseworker for Alyn Smith, handy eh? And would’ve expected Caroline Welsh to win Kelvin, but guessing STV redistribution of McLaughlin’s votes went to Kaukab Stewart.
Fireproofjim said yesterday:
“6 November, 2020 at 7:32 pm
Alastair Jack, the Scottish Secretary has done us a great favour in clarifying the Unionist position on Inderef 2.
“ No Inderef for 25 to forty years is the Unionist policy”
Yes, I saw him on the Telly and the cat got a real fright.
Eight lives left… 🙁
@Alba
The forensic analysis appears to be high because he shuts down any forensic attempts to analyse and argue it out.
You can only get so far debating with the Rev before he shuts you out.
The SNP under the current leadership have said that there is no alternative route to independence without a Section 30 order i.e. without Westminster’s permission. In other words they accept the validity of the Union. As such they are pro-Unionist and not a Scottish independence party because they are ‘”dependent” on Westminster. They should really change their name from the Scottish National Party to the Scottish Unionist Party!
However, it has been apparent for a long time that it is not about the cause for the SNP anymore, only about winning votes. And that, ultimately, lies at the heart of their duplicity and treachery. As someone mentioned previously, the SNP are asking you to vote for them for independence, but are instead delivering GRA and the HCB. Unfortunately, due to a severe lack of media exposure and scrutiny, many people still believe that a vote for the SNP is a vote for independence – but it is really just a pro-Union vote disguised in Scottish wrapping paper.
The SNP leadership are nothing more than closet Unionists self-IDing as Scottish nationalists!
@Saffron Robe
“The SNP under the current leadership have said that there is no alternative route to independence without a Section 30 order”
No they havent. And as such the rest of your assertive haver is nothing but made up mince.
However, it has been apparent for a long time that it is not about the cause for the SNP anymore, only about winning votes. And that, ultimately, lies at the heart of their duplicity and treachery.
The SNP being the political wing of the Independence movement can do nothing WITHOUT VOTES to get them into a position to operate as the political wing of the Independence movement so I for one would be disappointed if they didnt win votes and so should you be.
A vote for the SNP is more than just a vote to advance the cause of Independence its a vote to elect a FUCKING GOVERNMENT that has to deal with all of the domestic issues and problems of Government. This Government also has to deal with the corruption of the UK state Covid and Brexit to boot. So you might want to cut them some slack before pretending they arent working their arses off to fulfill ALL OF THEIR OBLIGATIONS to those who voted for them.
@Dave
“The forensic analysis appears to be high because he shuts down any forensic attempts to analyse and argue it out.
You can only get so far debating with the Rev before he shuts you out”
Thats shite! Its not debate he closes down, its unsubstantiated twaddle. And to be honest, I’d have already banned you for that same reason by now.
A recurring mistake you seem to be making is you confusing good governance with independence; some of us are fundamentalists and don’t actually care to see any policies on education, welfare and so on; thats for afterwards and political parties to put forward. Get us over the line THEN come back with reasons to keep you in government.
As it stands, the hierarchy of Scottish National Party is the LAST party I would want negotiating with England given their current ineptitude, lieing, cronyism and back stabbing.
@Alba
Thats shite! Its not debate he closes down, its unsubstantiated twaddle.
This thread is packed with undeleted examples of unsubstantiated twaddle.
“And to be honest, I’d have already banned you for that same reason by now.”
You’d have banned me for being unable to refute anything Ive posted.
“A recurring mistake you seem to be making is you confusing good governance with independence; some of us are fundamentalists and don’t actually care to see any policies on education, welfare and so on; thats for afterwards and political parties to put forward. Get us over the line THEN come back with reasons to keep you in government.”
I think the term here is “Cognitive Dissonance. Ive constantly argued against putting transgender issues ahead of the need to gain Independence first. Do you actually read the articles on here?
“As it stands, the hierarchy of Scottish National Party is the LAST party I would want negotiating with England given their current ineptitude, lieing, cronyism and back stabbing.”
Which absolutely begs the question who would be your first?
@dave In reverse; at this point there is (yet) no alternative that would not split the vote and so again I’ll be lending them my vote snpx1 x2. But never again. Probably afore your time but nick fairbairn, a TORY MP, was more active in promoting Scottish Nationalism than any of the current SNP hierarchy since 2014.
Yup, I read the articles here and have even been known to follow links. As for transgenderism, I’m actually supportive of peoples rights to make their own life style choices. I would go further and say that for some, its not actually a choice. Unfortunately your party is in danger of puting LGTB rights back to the dark ages; but thats another debate for another time when the blame game gets going.
Almost. I would have banned you because the anti-snp opinions expressed btl are based on the facts that the SNP party have not, are not and, extrapolated, will not deliver what they promised ie home rule. While Ive no issue with you having contrary opinions, they have no basis in facts. THATS why I would have banned you. You do a fact checking article supporting your position then thats a different ball game altogether.
For I WANT to be convinced that there will be a leftleaning pro-green country where all can be accepted and respected…and that the SNP are prepared to offer this opportunity in a plebiscite. As it is now, all I see in Edinburgh is a mirror of the the sickness that is “British”. Careerists who put themselves first, the Party second, and the people somewhere down in the gutter; a mild inconvenience best ignored or stepped upon if they dare question intentions, motivations or abilities.
Dave, there is nothing wrong with winning votes as long as they are won honestly.
.
WOW,
Stuart Xavier Campbell, it is OFFICIAL.
Wings Over Scotland is MORE popular than the SNP and Bella Caledonia and any other political website when the ScotGov FOI unit is asked how many times is a political website is accessed from a Scottish Government computer.
Quite the eye-opener…
link to gov.scot
A wee note of caution to ALL Wingers, if the ScotGov CEU FOISA Unit get the slightest whiff there is a co-ordinated set of FOI enquiries, they can and do pull the shutters down. The invidious rule that allows Nicola McOstrich to bury her FOI head in the sand concerns PERCEIVED disruption of government departments.
It is often an abuse of power at ScotGov started by Scottish Labour, as when a journalist or CITIZEN is onto something, then the FOI unit can just say fuckity off you fornicate and don’t have the temerity to ask any more FOI questions again.
Ever since FOI came in, the government have been trying to row back and kill it off.
@Al-Stuart
Most Scottish Gov computers are not used or operated by the Scottish Government. Most are used by Civil Servants many by opposition MSPs and their staff.
Wings is gathering quite the following from the opposition.
I wish someone would explain what all these Angus Robertson innuendos were about, though provided it involves consenting adults I dont really care.
Hi Craig P.
If you read this (again?), the pieces may fall into place…
link to craigmurray.org.uk