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While we’re talking about job descriptions

Posted on May 16, 2018 by

Which we were this morning, perhaps someone should tell David Mundell his.

Because he seems a little confused about it.

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  1. 16 05 18 14:56

    While we’re talking about job descriptions | speymouth
    Ignored

107 to “While we’re talking about job descriptions”

  1. bobajock
    Ignored
    says:

    Sigh – its so obvious is it not.

    He’s there to protect his London masters. Nothing else matters to him.

    Tories are simply pathetic people.

  2. Iain
    Ignored
    says:

    “Responsibilities. The main role of the Scottish Secretary is to promote and protect the devolution settlement.”

    Indeed. Ha ha and ha.

  3. jimnarlene
    Ignored
    says:

    He’s the Scottish Governor General, Westminster’s puppet in Scotland.
    Tea-boy and loyal lap dog, to the British government.

  4. Welsh Sion
    Ignored
    says:

    Fluffy also said:

    “We need to work closely with the Scottish government, and to do that effectively we will need to forge a much more constructive relationship, one based not on politics and press releases but on what is best for Scotland. I’m confident that can happen. My door is open and I hope, now the election is over, we can reset the relationship between Scotland’s two governments.

    “As before, my door also remains open to all those interest groups and business sectors that have a stake in Scotland’s success. I’m looking forward to working with everyone as we look to the future together.”

    _______

    Aye, right. Westminster’s lickspittle in Scotland speaks with forked tongue.

    https://www.holyrood.com/articles/news/david-mundell-re-appointed-secretary-state-scotland

  5. Welsh Sion
    Ignored
    says:

    Dedicated to “the great man himself”.

    I am the very model of a modern Viceroy-General

    I am the very model of a modern Viceroy-General
    I only have information on matters Better Togetheral,
    I dunno the kings of Scotland, nor the battles historical
    Not Flodden nor C’loden, in any order categorical.
    I’m not at all acquainted with matters mathematical,
    I mis-understand equations, both the simple and quadratical
    About binominal theorem, I really have no news,
    With a doleful look about the square of the hypotenuse.
    I’m hopeless at integral and differential calculus;
    I dunno scientific names of beings animalculous:
    ‘Tis only in matters completely Better Togetheral,
    I am the very model of a modern Viceroy-General.
    _______

    [With acknowledgements]

    Songs for the New Politics
    2013-2018

    All Rights Reserved

  6. schrodingers cat
    Ignored
    says:

    comrade leaski, chief reporter on the Sunday herald, said, mundels correct title is the “UK Government’s minister in scotland”
    🙂

  7. schrodingers cat
    Ignored
    says:

    chief reporter on the Sunday herald

    CROTSH for short

  8. manandboy
    Ignored
    says:

    For these times, there can be little doubt that David Mundell is the right man for the post of Scottish Secretary.

  9. Jim Bo
    Ignored
    says:

    My 4 year old daughter is quite astute, readily discerning the baddies from goodies in story books and films.
    She has a keen interest in politics, and although I never tell her what to think, I do tell her what politicians say and do, and with that info she forms her own opinions.

    Needless to say, she has declared Mundell an enemy of Scotland and put him in the same category as T. May, Darth Vader and Rastapopulous.

    It really is THAT easy to see how badly Scotland is being treated.

  10. Dr Jim
    Ignored
    says:

    Leasky can’t even get his own job description title right so he’s obviously no chance of getting Mundells correct, which I understood to be The Secretary of State for Scotland otherwise the whole house of commons is wrong as well when they refer to him as the Scottish secretary

    But who am I but a lowly subject of the imperial crown that is the evil Queen Treeza and her Alice in Wonderland courtiers Boris the white rabbit Gove the Mole and Ratty Lidington, not forgetting Sly Mistress McVey the poisoner

  11. Greannach
    Ignored
    says:

    I think it was Malcolm Rifkind back in the 1980s who chortled and sniggered about having powers like a “Governor General”.

    At least I think that’s what he said: he spoke with such tortured vowels à la Fraser Nelson that for years I thought he was speaking about a country called the Serviette Union.

    So maybe he was really talking about “Givin’ a Jenny”, whatever that means.

  12. Brian Powell
    Ignored
    says:

    Hang on, but it was a Labour Government that set up devolution, they built in the ‘power’ to over rule Holyrood. Now they creep around behind the SNP SG, who really is trying to protect Scotland’s Parliament, hitching onto its coat tails.

    Numbnuts, Leonard prattling on about Labour will sort out this ‘mess’. One they created.

    Labour in Wales completely cave on this, Neil Findlay said just a wee while ago that Labour didn’t need a policy on Brexit.

    Of course if Labour and the LibDems hadn’t campaigned and voted with the Tories for No, we wouldn’t be going through this now.

  13. sinky
    Ignored
    says:

    Politics Scotland on nationalisation of East Coast line, no mention of Scottish Transport Minister being sidelined.Dont forget London’s Crossline looking for £500 million bail out.
    Also why is former Labour MP the only guest.
    National BBC will never get away without having a supporter of the UK government to comment on days events and always has at least two commentators to offer some kind of balance.

  14. Calum McKay
    Ignored
    says:

    Mundel is there for the same reason Darling, Robertson, Davidson, Forsyth, Lang and McConnell, milk the system, a wee bit of consultancy then onto the lords.

    Self service, not service to Scotland is foremost in their minds!

  15. schrodingers cat
    Ignored
    says:

    from now on, we should only refer to leaski as a sunday herald journo……….that should wind him up sufficiently 🙂

    mundell, meh, i didnt trust him before, i dont trust him now and i have no intention of ever trusting him in the future

  16. Street Andrew
    Ignored
    says:

    And they wonder why the print media is dying on it’s feet.

    Could be because there’s nowt in the papers but celebrity gossip and the shite that politicians come out with neither of which impinges on the real world.

  17. Gary45%
    Ignored
    says:

    No surprise. We are talking about a Tory, “arse, elbow?”
    Nuff said.
    Oh aye, loyal Britnat gullible subjects demanding TV coverage of Harry Hewits knees up on Saturday to be shown in the public areas of hotels here in Spain. “Wool Bwitanya”
    PATHETIC.

  18. David McCann
    Ignored
    says:

    Brian Powell.
    Yes, and it was also Labour (the beloved Donald Dewar) who gave away 6000sq miles of Scottish sea, days before setting up the first Scottish Parliament

  19. Macart
    Ignored
    says:

    Not entirely shocked to be honest. Mr Mundell and his party aren’t particularly well known for protecting the interests of the people of Scotland. Actually, they’re not well known for protecting any interests but their own. (shrugs)

    Also pretty sure they’ll stick to the SNP endangering the devolution settlement because…reasons and indyref horseshit t’boot.

    This will NOT change the facts. David Cameron and his Conservative government called the EU ref regardless of constitutional concerns voiced and exception sought by Holyrood. Scotland’s population were not given a choice in the matter.

    The Scottish government put together a commission of EU experts in order to formulate a proposal which would protect the economic interests of Scotland’s population whilst honouring the result of a vote which they did not invite and did not want. THIS TOO has been ignored by Conservative government.

    When those powers exercised by the EU came onto the table for repatriation? Let’s also be clear on these. They weren’t covered by the devolution settlement and the agreement was, that any powers not specifically reserved by Westminster fell under the remit of the devolved legislature. Those powers BELONG to the people and parliament of Scotland. (Kinda why there’d been a negotiation process with both Scottish and Welsh governments. DUH!)

    If those powers are taken without specific permission sought and granted of Scotland’s electorate and our parliament, that is surely and act of THEFT. Not an act of consensual partnership. Not an act of like minded unity, because clearly there is no agreement between the partners on either the EU or the nature of Brexit. Mind you. It’s always worth checking the definition of these things so:

    “THEFT: In common usage, theft is the taking of another person’s property or services without that person’s permission or consent with the intent to deprive the lawful owner of it.” (Source Wikipedia)

    In short? The EU referendum and the subsequent and ongoing Brexit omnishambles, not to mention the endangerment of standing agreements between UK partners and the devolution settlement, can be laid squarely at the feet of Conservative central government and their franchise cheerleaders north of the border. Their self centred power pissing contest has dropped the UK in a constitutional and economic mincer for no better reason than their own factions fell out about how best to fleece the population.

  20. Luigi
    Ignored
    says:

    The “Scottish” tories’ sham has been exposed. The blue backsides are flying in the wind. They never cared about devolution anyway. Never have, never will. However, what of Labour and the LibDems?

    The Labour Party used to be immensely proud of its role in the the devolution process and the creation/reconvening of a Scottish parliament.

    Are they, out of spite for the SNP, now willing to stand idly by and watch the tories systematically dismantle their cherished project? How many bruises will they take for the torie’s beloved union? The tories are the true yoons. It’s time that Labour stopped this silly pretense and started standing up for Scotland. So far so good with the Continuity Bill. But standing up for Scotland means continuing to stand and not opportunistic backflipping when things get hot.

    Be careful, Labour, the people are watching. 🙂

    Stop trying to be pretenders for the BritNat throne – it’s the tories favourite turf and they will always outgun you on that battlefield. 🙂

  21. Desimond
    Ignored
    says:

    We are currently in the equivalent of drama box set flashback filler mode aren’t we?

    At some point, the call for action has to be made and get everyone on their feet and excited for the finale.

    Its increasingly looking like Theresa and the Tory Party will not split before the end of negotiations..how long will Nicola call “hold” is anyones guess but feels like we are at least starting to head towards that killer episode 8 in the Game of Thrones of Scottish Politics

  22. Arbroath1320
    Ignored
    says:

    “Secretary of State against Scotland.”

    There you go peeps … I’ve corrected the obvious LIE from the Dictatorship in London there. ;:)

    Ooops … think I’ve found another couple of wee LIES that requires the use of some correction fluid.;)

    “The main role of the Scottish Secretary is to fight against and destroy the devolution settlement.”

    “Other responsibilities include NOT promoting partnership between the UK government and the Scottish government, and souring relations between the 2 Parliaments.”

    Sorted! 😀

  23. Cactus
    Ignored
    says:

    “Secretary of State for Scotland.

    Responsibilities:
    – The MAIN role of the Scottish Secretary is to promote and protect the devolution settlement.”

    Source: UKGov.

    Allow that to sink in achwhile previous no voters, then see below.
    *************

    Next march:

    Dumfries.
    2nd June 2018.
    High noon.

    17 days remaining to go.

  24. Andy-B
    Ignored
    says:

    Like those at the Herald, someone should be screaming and shouting about this to change Mundell’s job title and description to Secretary of State against Scotland.

    A far more appropriate title, that matches Mundell’s actions.

  25. Sher Shon Shez
    Ignored
    says:

    @ scrodingers cat 2.24pm

    Hahahahaha…

    Excellent.

  26. orri
    Ignored
    says:

    @Macart,

    Perhaps that’s one of the reasons the EU ref was a non-binding one. As it didn’t commit Westminster to a given course of action then it left the wrangling over devolution to a later date, hopefully never.

    Also despite the constant repetition of Westminster being sovereign even the Supreme Court refused to say that it was and rather took note of Holyrood’s submission but ruled that it was inconsequential as treaties weren’t a devolved matter.

    Now, however, we’ve come to a stage where a proposed UK law directly impacts on the “devolved” parts of Scots Law. This when Westminster have already introduced procedural changes to voting on the basis that English MPs have no voice in devolved areas.

    The essential philosophy of this government is that of Humpty Dumpty

    https://www.fecundity.com/pmagnus/humpty.html


    “I don’t know what you mean by ‘glory’,” Alice said.

    Humpty Dumpty smiled contemptuously. “Of course you don’t- till I tell you. I meant ‘there’s a nice knock-down argument for you!'”

    “But ‘glory’ doesn’t mean ‘a nice knock-down argument’,” Alice objected.

    “When I use a word,” Humpty Dumpty said, in rather a scornful tone, “it means just what I choose it to mean- neither more nor less.”

    “The question is,” said Alice, “whether you can make words mean so many different things.”

    “The question is,” said Humpty Dumpty, “which is to be master-that’s all.”

    Alice was too much puzzled to say anything; so after a minute Humpty Dumpty began again. “They’ve a temper some of them- particularly verbs: they’re the proudest- adjectives you can do anything with, but not verbs- however, I can manage the whole lot of them! Impenetrability! That’s what I say!”

    Most recently when it comes to consent.

  27. Ken500
    Ignored
    says:

    The Secretary of State should be elected by the people in Scotland. Not a unionists place person.

    Come Independence the roll will be as obsolete as the redundant weaponry.

  28. Macart
    Ignored
    says:

    @orri

    They’ve been dancing about trying to avoid this collision of their own creation, but their every evasion made the collision ever more inevitable.

  29. yesindyref2
    Ignored
    says:

    @Rev
    For goodness sake, that gov.uk description of Mundell is very clearly some old web furniture still kicking around.

    Eppur si muove old chap, E pur si muove indeed!

  30. starlaw
    Ignored
    says:

    The Governor General of Scotland will be entitled to wear a sword and a big hat with Feathers in it … Mundell and Davidson will soon be fighting for the position.

  31. jfngw
    Ignored
    says:

    The Tories claim that they cannot allow any one of the UK countries to veto legislation. This is of course a lie as England with 85% of the MP’s will always hold a veto, even if the other three countries are in agreement.

    Never trust a Tory they pretend to give the impression of being reasonable but they are lying as per normal.

  32. Andy Anderson
    Ignored
    says:

    He is a smug wee naff imbicile.

  33. Dave McEwan Hill
    Ignored
    says:

    O/T but appalling

    //youtu.be/ikWyNJobKuc

  34. jfngw
    Ignored
    says:

    Mundell believes Brexit is too technical for Scots to understand (he said MSP’s but he really means Scots), we should leave it to the big boys from England like May, Johnston, Rees-Mogg, Davis, etc.

    At last we have the Scottish cringe champion.

  35. orri
    Ignored
    says:

    EVEL is a veto. It’s written as such. English and Welsh MPs get to reject proposed legislation before it’s put to Westminster as a whole. Which is why even had SNP MPs turned up and dully trotted through the door in support of the Labour bill against NHS cuts in England there would be no official record of them doing so as the tellers would simply ignore them. It’s not abstention when your vote isn’t counted.
    Amazingly enough a similar veto stage isn’t present when it comes to bills that include devolved legislation.

  36. Arbroath1320
    Ignored
    says:

    Sorryfor O/T here but just came across this

    https://twitter.com/HeartScotNews/status/996764931713363969

    I know there are also very many people who, like me are not the biggest fans of George Galloway but this video from his Talk Radio show is quite enlightening considering the “intelligence” of American journalists.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikWyNJobKuc&feature=youtu.be

  37. Thepnr
    Ignored
    says:

    Consent eh! Isn’t legalese so entertaining, I’m sure Humpty Dumpty was involved in writing the following amendment to Clause 11 of the Withdrawal Bill

    (4) For the purposes of subsection (3) a consent decision is—

    (a) a decision to agree a motion consenting to the laying of the draft,

    (b) a decision not to agree a motion consenting to the laying of the draft, or

    (c) a decision to agree a motion refusing to consent to the laying of the draft; and a consent decision is made when the Parliament first makes a decision falling within any of paragraphs (a) to (c) (whether or not it subsequently makes another such decision).

    https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/government-amendments-to-clause-11-of-the-eu-withdrawal-bill

    Seems like Westminster deem “consent” to have been given whether or not it actually is. There has to be a reason for that amendment and I’m sure there is.

  38. Thepnr
    Ignored
    says:

    Devolution Guidance Note 10

    https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/60985/post-devolution-primary-scotland.pdf

    1. This note sets out guidance for UK Government departments on handling legislation affecting Scotland.

    The Government announced on 21 July 1998 “we would expect a convention to be established that Westminster would not normally legislate with regard to devolved matters in Scotland without the consent of the Scottish Parliament” (Lords Hansard col 791). This is now stated in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the devolved administrations and the Commons Procedure Committee has indicated its support for the convention.

    That talked about “convention” became the Sewell convention and the note contains some pretty interesting stuff regarding the meaning of “consent”.

    The convention applies when legislation makes provision specifically for a devolved purpose (see below);…

    whether consent is needed depends on the purpose of the legislation. Consent need only be obtained for legislative provisions which are specifically for devolved purposes…

  39. Cactus
    Ignored
    says:

    Come come now Mundell, many of us heard you on the radio the other day, where you specifically stated in regards to our devolution settlement that you would…

    “Test it to destruction

    Ye don’t even need to read between the lines!

    Yer in the wrong job, ssson.

  40. Footsoldier
    Ignored
    says:

    There have been giants in the past in this post. George Younger, Conservative, fought tooth and nail for Scotland. Willie Ross, Labour, was formidable in protecting Scotland’s interests. Others too saw the post as fundamentally protecting Scotland from Westminster excesses.

    No matter his political party, he is a disgrace to the post he holds and and has reduced it to the position of a yes man to the cabinet.

    A pygmy compared to his predecessors.

  41. Abulhaq
    Ignored
    says:

    The British state is simply second rate period.
    Catch the knockabout farce called PM’s questions and be convinced.
    World leader in bullshitting.

  42. jfngw
    Ignored
    says:

    It would appear that currently the DUP will have more control over some Scottish legislation than either the Scottish Parliament or the majority of Scottish MP’s. Democracy UK style.

  43. Thepnr
    Ignored
    says:

    I think “consent” is required and the following proves it.

    https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/60985/post-devolution-primary-scotland.pdf

    4. Any submission to LP for the inclusion in a future legislative programme of a particular Bill should state clearly that the proposed Bill:

    I. either does not apply to Scotland at all; or has provisions which apply to Scotland but, in the words of the Scotland Act 1998, “relate to” reserved matters and do not alter Scots law on non-reserved matters;

    II. has provisions applying to Scotland and relating to reserved matters, but also contains provisions which make incidental or consequential changes to Scots law on non reserved matters (i.e. which are for reserved rather than devolved purposes); or

    III. contains provisions applying to Scotland and which are for devolved purposes, or which alter the legislative competence of the Parliament or the executive competence of the Scottish Ministers.
    In determining whether provisions of a Bill are for devolved purposes, departments should have regard to the legislative context of the Bill as a whole.

    5. Where necessary, the paper should indicate what proportion of a proposed Bill falls into each category.

    6. Only Bills with provisions in category III are subject to the convention requiring the consent of the Scottish Parliament. (Although the main thrust of a Bill may be directed at reserved matters it may nevertheless contain some provisions in this category.)
    At LP, the responsible Minister should say whether he or she expects that the Scottish Executive and Parliament will agree to any such provisions.

    Oh dear, oh dear. We need consent from the Scottish parliament, what to do.

    Brightspark: “I know let’s change the meaning of consent, that’s them screwed hahaha”. Uppity Jocks anyway.

  44. orri
    Ignored
    says:

    https://www.smartcompany.com.au/startupsmart/mentor/a-potential-partner-wants-to-back-out-how-legally-binding-is-a-memorandum-of-understanding/

    Intend to be immediately bound
    The first category is where the parties have finalised all the terms of their agreement and intend to be bound immediately but will put those terms in a form that is more precise (but no different in effect). For example, the parties may agree on all the terms of an agreement between themselves and draw them up and sign them but also state that that they will engage a solicitor to put those terms into a formal agreement.

    So it may very well be that there’s a formal and agreed procedure for what happens if legislation on behalf of Holyrood takes place.

    Some very telling parts in the document Thepnr supplied,

    especially the last bits,

    During the passage of legislation
    18. During the passage of legislation, departments should approach the Scottish Executive about
    Government amendments changing or introducing provisions requiring consent, or any other
    such amendments which the Government is minded to accept. It will be for the Scottish
    Executive to indicate the view of the Scottish Parliament. No consultation is required for other
    amendments tabled. Ministers resisting non- Government amendments should not rest solely
    on the argument that they lack the consent of the Scottish Parliament unless there is advice
    to that effect from the Scottish Executive.
    19. The Scottish Executive can be expected to deal swiftly with issues which arise during the
    passage of a Bill, and to recognise the exigencies of legislative timetables (eg when forced to
    consider accepting amendments at short notice). Nevertheless since the last opportunity for
    amendment is at Third Reading in the Lords or Report Stage in the Commons the absence of
    consent should not be a bar to proceeding with the Bill in the interim.

    So by legislate it’s the process of legislation and not the final passing into law that Wesminster should not normally engage in.

    Also it’s clear that Westminster can keep on trucking until the final hour when, by implication, it must have consent.

    So it can legislate all it wants but must have consent. Also consent can be removed at any point in the process.

    Now Westminster might withdraw unilaterally from that memorandum but should really state publicly that it is doing so. However as the Memorandum seems to be the Sewell Convention in a far more solid form it’s dismissal by the Supreme Court might be taken in the same vein as them dismissing the Geneva Convention in the same cavalier manner.

  45. Proud Cybernat
    Ignored
    says:

    This UK Gov and its psuedo-journalists in the BritNat media really are quite brazen now.

    They think they can chuck all this shite at Scotland and we will be just dandy with it and toddle off to get on with our lives.

    Oh how they have miscalculated; how they have totally misread the mood in Scotland right now.

  46. Bob Mack
    Ignored
    says:

    Cheesebeard. In the movies it would be a great name for a murderous pirate. In real life it is the nickname for a little oik in Government.

    What an ineffectual individual.

  47. Greannach
    Ignored
    says:

    Starlaw @ 3.55pm

    Mundell can borrow Bomber Robertson of NATO’s Halloween costume when he moves on to the Lords for services rendered. They should be feel comfy in each other’s outfits because they already share the same cringing personality.

  48. orri
    Ignored
    says:

    This might very well be why Sin Fein have been taken out of the legislative picture by the ongoing shutdown of Stormont and there being no sign of any progress or interest at Westminster on getting up and running again. If there’s a similar ability to stick a spoke in the wheels from the NI Assembly then there’s no chance of that happening until after Brexit is over.

  49. Clootie
    Ignored
    says:

    …Mundell is the perfect choice for London. He will never challenge them! He is more than happy to just spout the official line even when people are laughing at him.
    His appointment and continuation in the role is to mock Scotland. The message is crystal clear but too many Scots are still convinced that they are too poor, too stupid and too wee to run their own affairs.

    What will it take for those Scots to get off their knees?

  50. Thepnr
    Ignored
    says:

    Westminster is attempting to walk all over the Scottish Parliament and expects no pushback. They need to do a rethink.

  51. Capella
    Ignored
    says:

    David Mundell is a complete patsy. He became SoS because he was the only Scottish Tory MP at Westminster.

    The only SoS for Scotland who was any good IMO was Tom Johnston.
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Johnston_(British_politician)

    Don’t know where he stood on independnece but he organised the North of Scotland Hydro Board. Also wrote the History of the Working Classes in Scotland, which is enlightening.

  52. John Jones
    Ignored
    says:

    O/t
    Just goat a braw wee shiney hooky thingy the day.
    Thanks very much, bit there wis nae need fur bribery.
    I tried it lot as a nose picker bit it wis too wide, ma pal said it was a boattle opener, nah, canny be thits wit teeth are fur, aye he said it’s like thon burly thing fur opening wine boattles, canny be ye just knoack aff the neck the drink wine,
    Whit’s the Scots males cumming tae using tools, ur we aw getting like oor southern cuzins, wimps!
    Bit, ta very much fur the thoat onywey.
    Its hinging from ma ayepod internal mirror,looks great.

  53. Proud Cybernat
    Ignored
    says:

    Devolution was always used as a last ditch Defense of the Union; a sop to ward off independence. It worked for about 20 years.

    If WM proceed with their power grab against the expressed will of the Scottish Parliament, the Scottish Government and the people of Scotland then they will have effectively announced that the ‘Devolution Experiment’ is over; Devolution is Dead.

    What then for the 74.2% of voters in Scotland who voted for devolution in 1997?

    Your hard won devolution has been taken from you and pronounced dead. What will you do now with Devo off the table?

    Will you give up your beliefs that Scotland should run its own affairs or will you stand with those of us who believe that the ONLY way to absolutely secure our right to run our own affairs is through our own sovereign, independent parliament; a parliament that all other normal countries in the world have.

    Labour Devo supporters; Lib Dem Devo supporters – we are getting near to the crunch; decision time for you is looming on the horizon. Don’t let yourself down. Stand for what you believe in. Stand up for democracy. Stand up for your future, for your children’s future.

    Stand up for Scotland because no one else will.

  54. James Mills
    Ignored
    says:

    They have all got his ( David Mundell’s ) title completely wrong .
    It is ,and was always, Tea boy to the Cabinet , a post at which he excels .

  55. Dave Robb
    Ignored
    says:

    It is absolutely clear that Mr Mundell is in the job simply to snack from his beard and be a sponge for criticism of his masters. He has even an unelected “boss” parachuted in to make sure he doesn’t stray out of line too much.

    He will never stand up for Scotland’s interests. He is already preparing offices and staff for the colonial office he represents to run things on behalf of “Greater England”.

    The “Most Powerful Devolved Assembly in the World” (*tm) is to be overruled by a coalition of mostly English Tories, Scottish Tory lackeys and their DUP puppetmasters on vital issues on the environment, agriculture and food standards. Ah, but only for seven years – no worries, then!

    If devolution was to mean anything, it needed to be nailed down. The absence of a written constitution shows that no promise from Westminster is of any value beyond the instance of its uttering.

    Betrayal is the stock in trade of the UK, at home and abroad. Practised instinctively by Tories, resorted to by Liberals and Labour to get a sniff of power.

    The current regime at Westminster is the result of a coup-d’etat – a particularly Tory version. 60-80 right-wing nutjobs have the rest of their Party in thrall to UKIP and other extremists. Anything resembling a reasonable Tory will never consistently speak out, due to fear or this group. We are seeing the “bastards” of Mr Major’s nightmare in control, backed by bigots from Ulster, who will have more say over Scotland than our own MSPS if the power grab succeeds.

    We do not need blood on the streets to change this. The power of ideas, the right to vote, and using that right can topple this crazed regime, and give us the power to create a different Scotland.

    We don’t even need courage, but we do need to get off our knees.

  56. yesindyref2
    Ignored
    says:

    Mundell has just got to be one of us. I look forward to his memoirs and online post-Indy claim form for “Hero Of The Scottish Peaceful Indy Revoution” badge and bar. HOTSPIR for short 🙂

  57. schrodingers cat
    Ignored
    says:

    it seems like, even before we officially launch indyref2, the tories are destroying every argument and promise they made during indyref1.

    bt2’s will have its hands full polishing this turn in indyref2

  58. Colin Alexander
    Ignored
    says:

    Regarding the UK’s exit from the EU and the devolution “power grab”.

    This is an assertion of absolute power by the UK state, an assertion that: UK parliament (Crown, House of Lords and House of Commons) is the absolute sovereign power over all the UK.

    The sovereignty of the people of Scotland doesn’t exist, according to the UK political theory of parliamentary sovereignty.

    That is an assertion that the Monarch, Lords and MPs are sovereign. This is a contradiction of Scotland’s history and legal status over centuries.

    Scotland’s sovereign people would not be treated as sovereign if we accepted this assertion by the UK state.

    Is the people of Scotland being sovereign a historical footnote only relevant to historical events related to Robert the Bruce and William of Orange?

    Would the surrender of Scotland’s sovereignty be ameliorated by modern universal suffrage democracy, so that it disnae really matter nowadays?

    We cannot elect the Monarch, we cannot elect the Lords (Scotland’s largest party has no Lords – and quite right too, as the Lords is an affront to democracy); only 59 out of 650 MPs are democratically empowered to represent Scotland.

    So, Scotland’s people risk losing their sovereignty forever to a unitary state UK parliament where Scotland does not have democracy.

    So the sovereignty of Scotland’s people remains a very important issue. Especially, as the UK model of democracy is very undemocratic.

    Devolution was supposed to be a reform to give Scotland democracy within the Union. The devolution power grab proves the only way Scotland’s people’s sovereignty and Scotland’s democracy can be protected and respected is by dissolving this unfair, undemocratic Union.

  59. Black Joan
    Ignored
    says:

    @Abulhaq @4.44pm Farce is the word.

    Today the Foreign Secretary ran away from the HoC even as an Urgent Question about Gaza was being addressed to him.

    Meanwhile in Brussels the Home Secretary and his minders tried to avoid journalists by performing a comedy escape routine with a lift. The lift did not co-operate.

    Both Home Secretary and Foreign Secretary, despite this lamentable show of cowardice, stand way above Mr Mundell in the pecking order.

    If they were all adrift in a lifeboat, Mundell is the one they would eat first.

  60. schrodingers cat
    Ignored
    says:

    looks like stu has done a poll………….waiting nerviously

  61. Undeadshuan
    Ignored
    says:

    I noticed May’s eye twitch when answering question from ian blackford when she mentioned Scottish government.

    I guess she must be worried at being the uk PM who causes the treaty of union to be broken.

    She may even achieve it with no referendum required.

  62. Legerwood
    Ignored
    says:

    Is it not the case that Mr Mundell is excluded when the Cabinet when Brexit is discussed and this has been the case since the Brexit process started?

    SoS not required on this journey. Not part of the inner circle.

    From the very beginning the Brexiteers never considered the consequences of EU exit on devolution or NI until they, rapidly, came back to bite them big time. Neither were ever on their radar.

  63. Iain
    Ignored
    says:

    When can we have indy ref 2,when we win declare independence and join the modern world.
    We are better than being a colony of a 3rd rate failed state.
    The time must be near.
    End this farce of a failed union.

  64. Morgatron
    Ignored
    says:

    Mundell is just a useless pathetic whimpering bag of shite. The most apt job description for this turd is “weak twat”.

  65. galamcennalath
    Ignored
    says:

    Rhetorical question ….

    Scotland’s representative in the London Cabinet, or London’s representative in Scotland?

    In some ways the answer relates to way power and sovereignty are viewed in the two UK countries. In Scotland power is projected upwards from the people, in England it resides at the top and is exercised downwards onto the people.

    Mundell is behaving on an English model.

  66. Thepnr
    Ignored
    says:

    May responding to Ian Blackford at PMQ’s today.

    Theresa May said the devolved bodies would continue to make their own decisions, adding that the bill “respects devolution” but also maintains the “integrity of our own common market”.

    Looks like we have a UK Common Market now and not just a Single Market LOL

  67. galamcennalath
    Ignored
    says:

    Legerwood says:

    Brexiteers never considered the consequences of EU exit on devolution or NI until they, rapidly, came back to bite them big time. Neither were ever on their radar.

    This is very true and these will be the issues which will cause them most grief.

    Thing is, what did the Leave proponents actually consider in detail? What was on their radar?

    I suspect it was no more than a vague notion driven by xenophobia, English nationalism, and far right economics.

    Ireland, Scotland, Gibraltar, EU residents, UK residents in EU, exports to EU, inward investment based on UK membership, EU wide supply chains, superb existing trade deals, etc etc. No fore thought, no plan, no doubts, no worries!

    Rule F’ing Britannia!

  68. jfngw
    Ignored
    says:

    Maybe someone at PMQ’s should ask May whether she recognises that the Scottish Claim of Rights and the Declaration of Arbroath are still active or does she believe they have been rescinded. She would of course need to name the legislation that did this. It would be interesting to see her answer, but I suspect she would avoid answering and witter on about respect or something.

  69. Alba 46
    Ignored
    says:

    O/T Re the closing down of STV2 and the subsequent job loses. It is definitely soul destroying when someone loses their job and you wouldn’t want to wish it on anyone (Mundel accepted). However its hard to feel any sympathy with STV.

    Common knowledge that the broadcast media in Scotland basically consists of nothing more than a propaganda conduit for westminster. The BBC is financed by them (similar to the Kremlin funded RT) and therefor is required to broadcast their press releases and give precedence to westminster mouthpieces on radio, tv and political programmes to the exclusion of any alternative views.

    STV had a choice as they are funded by advertising and could have charted a more balanced approach on their programme base. There are 50% of the Scottish population who want to choose another way to run their country and this was an open door for STV to provide and alternative and balanced view.

    They have failed to do so, therefor it is impossible to feel sorry for them. Its not to late for someone in the hierarchy of STV to get their finger out and give Scotland a genuine alternative to the propaganda arm of the english state.

    They would i’m sure see a large jump in their viewing figures from the 50% of Scots who are not represented in the broadcast media.

  70. galamcennalath
    Ignored
    says:

    Supposed single UK market … why?

    If, in order to get a US trade deal, WM agreed to massive reduce food standards. However, the Scottish (and potentially other devolved admins) say “no way” because they have a high quality food industry they NEED to protect. The trade deal is abandoned, or renegotiated to suit everyone.

    What’s wrong with that? That’s democracy and devolution at work.

    Or, England isn’t too worried about lowering standards but Scotland continues to adhere to EU higher quality regulations. This would mean ‘unsafe’ English products couldn’t be sold here.

    What’s wrong with that? Again, that’s democracy and devolution at work.

    But NO, the Tories want to FORCE lower standards on us, like they want to drag us out of the EU.

  71. Tinto Chiel
    Ignored
    says:

    “The most apt job description for this turd is “weak twat”.”

    That’s a tempting anagram, Morgatron.

    Over to Ian Brotherhood 😉

  72. yesindyref2
    Ignored
    says:

    OT
    http://www.thenational.scot/news/16229734.M_S__Union_Jackery__row_takes_an_astonishing_twist/?action=success#comments-feedback-anchor

    Murdo Fraser, what can one say?

    God DID make a brain for Tory politicians, but we don’t know who’s got it this week.

  73. yesindyref2
    Ignored
    says:

    @Tinto Chiel
    Mmm, maybe ‘av dull midden ?

  74. Ian Brotherhood
    Ignored
    says:

    @TC/Morgatron –

    ‘…useless pathetic whimpering bag of shite.’

    Soo-perb!

    Cannot be improved upon, anagrammatically or otherwise.

    🙂 🙂 🙂

  75. starlaw
    Ignored
    says:

    The Torys had a much higher opinion of food standards when they ordered the slaughter of millions of cattle during the foot and mouth epidemic. The biggest majority of these cattle were disease free, but standards had to be maintained.

  76. Robert Peffers
    Ignored
    says:

    @jfngw says: 16 May, 2018 at 4:07 pm:

    “The Tories claim that they cannot allow any one of the UK countries to veto legislation. This is of course a lie as England with 85% of the MP’s will always hold a veto, even if the other three countries are in agreement.”

    Am I going to have to keep reminding Wingers until after independence that the term, “United Kingdom”, describes a two partner kingdom and not either a united country nor a union of four countries.

    When the two kingdoms part company the status quo ante is a return to being two independent kingdoms and not the country of Scotland leaving three other countries called the United Kingdom.

    The bit that is left will be the single kingdom of England that contained more than one country and had been that way for 423 years before the Treaty of Union that happened only 311 years ago.

  77. yesindyref2
    Ignored
    says:

    Huh! That’s me telt. From the dictionary:

    ———-
    midden: a dunghill or refuse heap.
    Usage: “Westminster is a midden, meaning Westminster is full of useless pathetic whimpering bags of shite like the Secretary of Shite for Scotland”
    ———-

    I rest my shite.

  78. Old Pete
    Ignored
    says:

    Scotland and England make up the United Kingdom, amazing that some folk don’t understand this. If the English government impose their power grab then surely that will be the trigger for Scottish Independence.

  79. Colin Alexander
    Ignored
    says:

    AUOB MARCH FOR INDEPENDENCE 2 JUNE 2018, DUMFRIES ASSEMBLE 12 NOON High st (south): LEAVES 12:30PM SHARP.

    Response to Enquiry regarding Stagecoach X74 Service: Glasgow to Dumfries

    “Good afternoon Colin

    Thank you for your enquiry regarding our X74 service on the 2nd June 2018

    We will be providing additional capacity with one extra coach duplicating the 09:15 X74 from Glasgow to Dumfries observing all stops on route.

    As we have already increased the service from February to operate every hour up to and including 17:45, with a later service at 20:45, there will be no additional coach for the return journey to Glasgow.

    If you would like to discuss this matter further, please do not hesitate to contact me

    Regards

    xxxxxxxxxxxx (I have redacted the name)
    Operations Manager
    Dumfries & Stranraer

    —————————————–

    Anybody want to check for additional capacity on Scotrail Glasgow to Dumfries on this date?

  80. Tinto Chiel
    Ignored
    says:

    @Morgatron, IanB, yesindyref2: Aw, sorry guys, thought there was an ‘n’ in there.

    It’s these old specs…..

  81. Scot Finlayson
    Ignored
    says:

    James Peter Hymers Mackay, Baron Mackay of Clashfern, KT, PC, QC,

    throwing his `beloved country` under the Brexit bus in the House of Lords today,

    all those titles/money and yet he is just ,what Malcolm X called,a `house negro`dancing to the tune of the English establishment,

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwgJewsy2BI

    fricken sickening watching him and his ilk

  82. crazycat
    Ignored
    says:

    o/t
    Since transport to Dumfries is now being mentioned in this thread, I’ll add that I have put a post in Off Topic for anyone interested in travel from (East) Ayrshire.

    I’ll be checking for replies regularly over the next few days.

  83. yesindyref2
    Ignored
    says:

    @TC
    It could work if he’s like “aw wet ta’k” which is true.

  84. Capella
    Ignored
    says:

    Dave McEwan Hill says:
    16 May, 2018 at 4:12 pm

    O/T but appalling

    //youtu.be/ikWyNJobKuc

    You’re right. George Galloway making a heroic effort to stay polite there in the face of some extreme provocation. Worth a listen if only to hear the blaring whine of a bigot being asked a couple of basic questions about the Palestinians.

  85. yesindyref2
    Ignored
    says:

    Oh wait now, this gets real strange.

    Mundell
    Muddle
    Muckle
    Suckle
    Sleek
    Leeks
    Leaks
    Leask

    Mmm, very strange.

  86. Robert Peffers
    Ignored
    says:

    @orri says: 16 May, 2018 at 5:12 pm:

    https://www.smartcompany.com.au/startupsmart/mentor/a-potential-partner-wants-to-back-out-how-legally-binding-is-a-memorandum-of-understanding/

    It is rather pointless, orri, to quote Australian, or even English law, when what concerns us here is Scots law.

    Here is a little known fact about Scots law on legal agreements and that, of course, includes international treaties like the Treaty of Union which is actually a written and signed agreement.

    Under Scots law even a verbal agreement is legally binding – and I quote from:-

    https://www.pocketpence.co.uk/scots-law-verbal-agreements-7972126.html

    “Under Scots law, legal agreements do not, in most cases, have to be in writing. The law considers verbal agreements to be binding if the parties have a common purpose and they clearly intend to create a legal relationship. If these elements exist, the Scottish courts will enforce a verbal agreement. In certain limited circumstances, however, the law requires that agreements be in writing. These include wills and certain contracts to transfer property. Only adults over the age of 16 may enter into legal agreements in Scotland.”

    Now consider that for a moment.

    If Mundell stands up anywhere in Scotland and agrees to something during a political debate, say perhaps on a TV show where he is introduced as representing the Westminster government as the Secretary of State for Scotland, then under Scots law he has made a legally binding agreement.

    Furthermore, (as the Lockerbie Bomber Trial proves), if this event has occurs within Scottish jurisdiction, then Scottish law has international law on its side to enforce any legal dispute be heard under Scottish Law and it would not even be able to be referred to the Westminster supreme court unless the Scots court ruled that it could be.

    Perhaps some Scottish Legal Eagle on Wings could confirm the above or disprove it? (By citing Scots law of course).

  87. Tinto Chiel
    Ignored
    says:

    @yesindyref2 8.06: *muses thereon*.

    Let me get back to you on that…..

    😛

  88. jfngw
    Ignored
    says:

    @Robert Peffers

    Too long winded to go through this every time I want to make a point, and the point I wanted to make, was to me, more important. I was referring to countries (I suspect people from Wales & NI consider themselves countries and I don’t intend to insult them) that have their own parliaments or assemblies (NI should but isn’t currently working).

    I try to keep my comments as condensed as possible as I believe they are more likely to be read in this form. Also I’m not a constitutional expert and don’t feel qualified to make any claims on this subject.

  89. Cactus
    Ignored
    says:

    Sweet HOME Scotland.

    You may start your engines…

  90. Scott Shaw
    Ignored
    says:

    Why do we keep referring to people like Leask as journalists? Are they not propogandists at best and fantasists at worst?

  91. Dave McEwan Hill
    Ignored
    says:

    yesindyref2 at 8.15

    Just as a matter of interest where I now live used to be Mundell’s Farm so I looked up “Mundell”.It comes from “de Mandeville” and the normans that came to Scotland in the 11th century (like “de Brus”)

  92. CmonIndy
    Ignored
    says:

    This is all too complicated for little me to understand. Playing with lego rest of day.

  93. Dave McEwan Hill
    Ignored
    says:

    How about this
    Leask
    Least
    Loast (completely)
    Toast

  94. yesindyref2
    Ignored
    says:

    @Dave McEwan Hill
    I protest, that’s cheating, you’re following the actual rules!

  95. louis.b.argyll
    Ignored
    says:

    Nice one Rev.

    I’d expect the incumbent professional weasel could dodge the ‘protect devolution’ failure by claiming UK supremacy will guarantee growth, or some pish like that.

    But blocking ‘partnerships’ cannot be shrugged off. RESIGN MUNDELL!

  96. louis.b.argyll
    Ignored
    says:

    Aye Robert, keep it up.

    Replacing the UK, will literally be the New United Dominions of England..
    ..NUDE..

    Or, ifthey keep the medieval superstition Kingdom thing, it’ll be..
    NUKE

  97. Orri
    Ignored
    says:

    Robert,

    https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memorandum_of_understanding

    Many companies and government agencies use MoUs to define a relationship between departments, agencies or closely held companies. In the United Kingdom, the term MOU is commonly used to refer to an agreement between parts of The Crown. The term is often used in the context of devolution, for example the 1999 concordat between the central Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Scottish Environment Directorate.

    OK so it’s Wikipedia but there’s more. Also the last bit about a central Department seems to make the current power grab redundant as far as coordinating legislation goes.

    Seems it’s not just devolution that’s to be flushed down the drain but any inconvenient agreements between Westminster and Holyrood.

  98. Breeks
    Ignored
    says:


    Orri says:
    16 May, 2018 at 10:04 pm

    …..Seems it’s not just devolution that’s to be flushed down the drain but any inconvenient agreements between Westminster and Holyrood….

    This is nothing short of an attempt at dismantling the powers of a sovereign nation prior to it’s subjugation. There aren’t any troops on our streets, no actual invasion, but the very fabric Scotland is currently under direct assault. It must fail, or Scotland has an existential crisis to resolve, although I have every confidence that the assault will ultimately fail.

    The big question is at what point the failure occurs, and what happens then. I hope our Constitutional Lawyers are up for this, and I mean itching to tear into it..

  99. Graeme McCormick
    Ignored
    says:

    Why is he never asked the simple question: do you believe in the sovereignty of the U.K. parliament or the sovereignty of the Scottish people through a majority vote of its elected MSPs?

  100. Ian McCubbin
    Ignored
    says:

    Fluffy is head of opt out independence in Scotland, does nothing for the devolution process and oversees the use of his place of work as centre for MI5 and MI 6 in Scotland.
    ( I thought everyone new the latter?!?!?)
    Maybe I am missing something.

  101. Morgatron
    Ignored
    says:

    Not being funny, but fundemundley Mundell is a stutering stammering tea boy (un bagged obviously) . I bet his role in the Brexit talks has been for just some light relief entertainment . I can hear John Swinney saying to him let me tug of your action man sailor beard whilst saying “no other concessions will be offered”.in his best Burt Reynolds voice. Oh how they howled in laughter. The conman.

  102. Liz g
    Ignored
    says:

    Graeme McCormic @ 10.33
    You would think that it would be that simple!
    But I tell you now….Fluffy would start by saying…
    What I believe is:::::::: then ramble on into the point he wants to make.
    Very few journalists actually press him, but even when they do, he just goes into rinse and repeat mode.
    He even does this in front of Holyrood Committees, where continuing to ask him just results in him using up his (limited) time to keep on waffling and repeating his scripts.

    At the end of the day, what he “thinks “ of our Sovereignty is irrelevant, WE did not appoint HIM to decide anything, it’s what WE think of it that matters, first,last and always.
    It’s our fellow Scots we need to get to answer your questions .

  103. HandandShrimp
    Ignored
    says:

    I am glad that they renamed the Scottish Office to the UK Government’s Embassy to Scotland. It is a much more accurate description although we should perhaps deport one or two for activities incompatible with their status.

    Mundell is like Blackadder from the 1st series.

  104. Thepnr
    Ignored
    says:

    Leask
    Lease
    Cease

    Please just stop Mr Leask, now is the time.

  105. Fred
    Ignored
    says:

    @ Morgatron, Mundell’s beard is indeed bit Sailor Bill, possibly best viewed from the quay hanging out a port-hole!

  106. Morgatron
    Ignored
    says:

    Fred @ 6.43am
    Hahaha, peeking out a very large rusty port hole on an old greasy dredger.



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