An interesting Twitter thread on Scottish independence which looks at the issue from the wrong angle. It isn't reasons why departure is so problematic that is concerning people, its reasons why staying is so problematic.
We've just had Brexit. Leaving the EU, EEA and CU very clearly sets this country back yet it is supported because staying in was perceived as worse. The same is true in Scotland where the UK is increasingly the "other" that is repressing their ability to forge their own path.
Saying "leaving won't be easy" is to rerun the failed brexit remain campaign. Positive reasons to stay need to be argued - not just hot air ones but practicalities as to how Scotland can be made better inside a refreshed union. Not "rebellious Scots to crush" as advocated by the Baronet of Epping Forest.
I agree and the positive reasons for remaining in the union will become apparent when indyref2 happens
Don't forget that the positive reasons are actual things the Union will bring to Scotland, not "this is better than if you leave which will be really shit".
I really struggle for what those positives are right now. The UK is a disfunctional mess.
Compare COVID vaccination rate with the EU. Could SINDY have afforded the furlough scheme etc? (Not that ScotGov has spent all the money on Scottish businesss).
You really are a nasty piece of work. We would of course have just borrowed money for it , just like the UK did. How can unionists be so dumb to assume other people don't understand that.
Is that before or after you’ve met the Copenhagen criteria to join the EU?
Scotland already meets all of the criteria for EU membership, other than being an independent country. The convergence criteria are for the final stage of EMU and need not be met to become an EU member state.
The EU constitution requires membership of either Schengen or the Common Travel Area. The UK leaving doesn't end that. Scotland could opt to join (remain in) the Common Travel Area.
Not if rUK decided to end it.
Nor if the UK decides to nuke Madrid.
Lets talk real world please Carlotta.
The SNP cannot promise things not within their gift. If they want to leave the UK single market, why should they expect the CTA to continue too?
For the same reason that the Republic of Ireland is in the Common Travel Area.
For anyone inclined to lambast the Government for u-turns, vacillation, inconsistency, etc etc ad tedium, here is the carefully-crafted, totally scientific, statistical advice they received from much-vaunted experts a mere four weeks ago:
"Virus levels falling across most of England, says ONS"
I think the PB Yoons need a quiet word with DavidL. He seems to be the only one of their number currently with an actual vote in Scotland, and he thinks it’s the right of folk in Scotland to have another Indy ref if they should so wish it. Letting the side down, old fruit!
Boris is the UK PM and has confirmed on Marr today 2014 was a once in a generation vote only, what DavidL says is all very interesting but only Boris' opinion is relevant on any legal indyref2 as without Boris' approval as UK PM it would be illegal
"Schools are safe", he says, overlooking that it's the children bringing the virus home that isnt safe
This subject is divisive across the country
However, it is vital that schools remain open as the damage to the children with closures will be do dreadful damage to their life chances
Schools should only close as a last resort
In two months things will be a lot better because of lockdown and vaccine. In three months the pressure on the NHS will have largely gone.
This is a last resort and if schools are closed for say a month it really wont make much difference to life chances. It is not an open ended closure like last time.
Have you any idea just how much damage this has already caused my granddaughter as she takes her A levels to secure her place in University in September. She is exceptionally talented but is receiving counselling for the stress she is undergoing with school closures and the lack of social connection with her friends
Oh please. I have a daughter who just started at university this year. I didn't get to see her at all for nine and a half months because of this. I know how hard it is for her.
I also have a friend whose friend has had their life-saving surgery cancelled because the operating theatre is being converted into Covid ICU.
The emergency is now. This is the time to take all the remaining "last resort" actions we have left.
I agree. This month is panic stations, a desperate race between the new variant and the vaccine with the winner having the hospitals. If we go fast enough with the vaccine next month might start to get better but we really need to move. Israel is vaccinating 1% of its population a day, that is about 680k for us. It seems a reasonable target.
To me, this moment in our Covid Crisis, seems very much like the fateful time Churchill visited the crucial 11th Fighter Group HQ, during the Battle of Britain, and looked at the map, showing the deployment of all RAF forces.
Churchill asked "So, where are the reserve fighters?"
The top brass said, "There are none, that's it".
As Churchill put it later, that “the odds were great; our margins small; the stakes infinite.” For fifty minutes, there were no more British fighters available
We are in that moment. Throw everything we have at the virus, via vaccinations. Or face the worst.
Places of worship remain open for communal worship even in (English) tier 4, subject to social distancing and tardis-like interiors. It's not just schools and TV presenters' birthdays.
They jolly well shouldn't be.
One suspects church and mosque-going ministers want to keep them open, and atheist ministers neither care nor even realise these places are still open.
I also suspect you are right but everyone of those ministers (whether ones that attend or ones that don't) are wrong. It does not set a good example and is not necessary. I'm sure priests (or whatever they are called in the various faiths) can administer to their flocks without them all mixing in the same building.
Most churches are huge spaces designed for big congregations and are lucky to get a handful of worshippers even in normal times. With sensible social distancing I doubt the risk is much higher than being out of doors. This is completely different schools where social interactions are extensive and unavoidable. I understand and largely support making schools a priority but we need to be aware they are big vectors for virus transmission.
Places of worship remain open for communal worship even in (English) tier 4, subject to social distancing and tardis-like interiors. It's not just schools and TV presenters' birthdays.
They jolly well shouldn't be.
One suspects church and mosque-going ministers want to keep them open, and atheist ministers neither care nor even realise these places are still open.
I also suspect you are right but everyone of those ministers (whether ones that attend or ones that don't) are wrong. It does not set a good example and is not necessary. I'm sure priests (or whatever they are called in the various faiths) can administer to their flocks without them all mixing in the same building.
Most churches are huge spaces designed for big congregations and are lucky to get a handful of worshippers even in normal times. With sensible social distancing I doubt the risk is much higher than being out of doors. This is completely different schools where social interactions are extensive and unavoidable. I understand and largely support making schools a priority but we need to be aware they are big vectors for virus transmission.
That's very much true of the mainstream branches of faiths. Not so for smaller sects.
"Schools are safe", he says, overlooking that it's the children bringing the virus home that isnt safe
This subject is divisive across the country
However, it is vital that schools remain open as the damage to the children with closures will be do dreadful damage to their life chances
Schools should only close as a last resort
In two months things will be a lot better because of lockdown and vaccine. In three months the pressure on the NHS will have largely gone.
This is a last resort and if schools are closed for say a month it really wont make much difference to life chances. It is not an open ended closure like last time.
Have you any idea just how much damage this has already caused my granddaughter as she takes her A levels to secure her place in University in September. She is exceptionally talented but is receiving counselling for the stress she is undergoing with school closures and the lack of social connection with her friends
Big G, I fully understand your plight, but we are in the midst of a dangerous pandemic. Both my sons are/were in the final year of University degrees. The one in Wales has now suspended studies for a year, the one in England is soldiering on to the bitter end.
Neither have seen a lecturer since March. My eldest son who is on the autistic spectrum was in a Halls of Residence flat on his own for a fortnight whilst his overseas student flatmates were quarantining before arrival- not another soul for a fortnight. Perhaps we need to show a little of the wartime spirit that Boris Johnson enthuses over.
I am surprised that there the NUS are not pushing strongly for at least partial rebate of tuition fees for this year.
It seems reasonable to me.
I did here that there are growing rent strike campaigns.
The NUS have forgotten the value of transitional demands. They've asked for money in a vague sense, but refuse to say how much.
Agreed.
Looking at their website, there are a whole list of vague demands (e.g., a fair treatment for students, effective strategy for recovery). I don't disagree with them, but they are loosely formulated aspirations, really.
Students should be demanding a 50 per cent tuition fee rebate for the year lost.
There are complications. Cutting tuition fees by half for a year wouldn't make any difference to the loan repayments of the vast majority of students. This is why there are rent strikes instead.
Some institutions have cut rents as a result - but that does nothing to help the students in private rentals.
So really what the NUS want to demand is something like £4k cash for every student - but they know that will look bad to people on 80% furlough.
They should be making simple demands - like full rent refunds - and leave the government to work out the problems with private rentals (and give them 50%). Instead they're paralysed.
Places of worship remain open for communal worship even in (English) tier 4, subject to social distancing and tardis-like interiors. It's not just schools and TV presenters' birthdays.
They jolly well shouldn't be.
One suspects church and mosque-going ministers want to keep them open, and atheist ministers neither care nor even realise these places are still open.
Jeez. Even in Dubai, mosques are still closed on Fridays, and churches relocated outside and allocated tickets for Christmas Day.
Places of worship should be open at most for informal prayer, definitely not for organised services.
An interesting Twitter thread on Scottish independence which looks at the issue from the wrong angle. It isn't reasons why departure is so problematic that is concerning people, its reasons why staying is so problematic.
We've just had Brexit. Leaving the EU, EEA and CU very clearly sets this country back yet it is supported because staying in was perceived as worse. The same is true in Scotland where the UK is increasingly the "other" that is repressing their ability to forge their own path.
Saying "leaving won't be easy" is to rerun the failed brexit remain campaign. Positive reasons to stay need to be argued - not just hot air ones but practicalities as to how Scotland can be made better inside a refreshed union. Not "rebellious Scots to crush" as advocated by the Baronet of Epping Forest.
I agree and the positive reasons for remaining in the union will become apparent when indyref2 happens
Don't forget that the positive reasons are actual things the Union will bring to Scotland, not "this is better than if you leave which will be really shit".
I really struggle for what those positives are right now. The UK is a disfunctional mess. If we were likely to have a constitutional convention where cross-party consensus emerges to remake the UK and the various mad crown dependencies into a modern functioning country then maybe that could work. Give Scotland the same kind of self-governance as the Isle of Man (yes I know it isn't in the UK but it is owned by Brenda and unberella'd extensively by the UK) and perhaps independence could be avoided.
I agree with your general point that voting for the Union has to be presented as a positive choice, one where there is a genuine choice to be made, rather than, "you have no option".
My personal feeling is that, in voting for the Union, I would be doing so in order to benefit from the legal rights and freedoms that I gain as a result of the Union. It would be because I wanted to contribute to solidarity across the island of Britain, and not restrict that solidarity to Scotland alone.
That's the essence of it.
That is some sort of bollox. Mumbo jumbo vacuous crap excuse for a union. You halfwit you can have the same rights and freedoms as an Independent country.
But the SNP don’t want Scotland to be an independent country, they want to be part of an increasingly federal EU.
More bollox. All members of the EU are independent countries. Sad attempt.
Rather than getting all angry and angsty on here about the schools issue, it's a genuinely really tricky decision. At least two of the counter-balancing arguments are heavy. On the one side it's clear that kids are rapidly spreading this virus. You can understand why teachers are concerned. A friend of mine is 'terrified.' They don't even get the kind of PPE of frontline health carers. Kids spread it and take it home. Not good.
On the other side of the scale, it's really important that children are in school for their education, mental and physical health. The last two also apply to parents and carers. And the latter extends into the economy. If children have to be at home it's nigh-impossible to work. I've tried.
This is NOT an easy one. So everyone needs to take the heat out of this.
What I don't understand is why the emphasis is on primary schoolchildren. Secondary school kids are largely adapted to the internet age - including spending a lot of non-school time online as the instinctively natural way to socialise. One can worry about that but it's been a thing for some time. With the exception of those who can't afford it at all or live in very remote areas with no signal, having a few weeks accessing lessons at home is not a huge deal. And older kids seem more vulnerable to the virus, even the new strain.
For primary kids, I'd have thought all that was less true. Sure, they access the internet routinely too, but the issues about mental health and learning to mix may loom larger if you've hardly been to school yet.
Personally I'd shut down all schools and universities until the crisis eases. But if we're going to be selective, why not concentrate on the older kids?
Because you have to get much closer to small children them to teach them effectively, and they tend to be less clear about space and touching.
I can command a class of year nine from the front with just my voice. It’s difficult, and it’s not good educationally, but it can just about be done. But I have taught Year 5 as well and it simply wasn’t possible to teach them the same way.
Absolutely. Add to that the impossibility of having a rational discussion with a government which continues to insist that schools are “absolutely safe”, while refusing to publish the evidence or advice on which they make that claim.
An interesting Twitter thread on Scottish independence which looks at the issue from the wrong angle. It isn't reasons why departure is so problematic that is concerning people, its reasons why staying is so problematic.
We've just had Brexit. Leaving the EU, EEA and CU very clearly sets this country back yet it is supported because staying in was perceived as worse. The same is true in Scotland where the UK is increasingly the "other" that is repressing their ability to forge their own path.
Saying "leaving won't be easy" is to rerun the failed brexit remain campaign. Positive reasons to stay need to be argued - not just hot air ones but practicalities as to how Scotland can be made better inside a refreshed union. Not "rebellious Scots to crush" as advocated by the Baronet of Epping Forest.
I agree and the positive reasons for remaining in the union will become apparent when indyref2 happens
Don't forget that the positive reasons are actual things the Union will bring to Scotland, not "this is better than if you leave which will be really shit".
I really struggle for what those positives are right now. The UK is a disfunctional mess.
Compare COVID vaccination rate with the EU. Could SINDY have afforded the furlough scheme etc? (Not that ScotGov has spent all the money on Scottish businesss).
You really are a nasty piece of work. We would of course have just borrowed money for it , just like the UK did. How can unionists be so dumb to assume other people don't understand that.
Is that before or after you’ve met the Copenhagen criteria to join the EU?
Scotland already meets all of the criteria for EU membership, other than being an independent country. The convergence criteria are for the final stage of EMU and need not be met to become an EU member state.
On the euro you are confusing conditions required to join the euro with conditions required to join the EU. Scotland would have to sign up to join the euro eventually. So what? Ireland uses the euro and has no problems with it. Scotland wouldn't join the euro until it was ready (that is the whole purpose of the convergence criteria). On Schengen, I think the EU would grant Scotland an exemption, at least initially. Ireland is exempt and Scotland's only land border is with a non-Schengen, non-EU country. In any case, none of this has anything to do with the Copenhagen criteria. Scotland is more than ready for EU membership and would prosper mightily as a member. This is what English Nationalists are so afraid of.
Scotland would have huge problems with the euro, unless it transforms its economy unimaginably. It would be a deficit country in a system rigged to favour creditors. It would be like Italy, Spain or Ireland during the Great Recession in the event of any large, asymmetric shock.
Places of worship remain open for communal worship even in (English) tier 4, subject to social distancing and tardis-like interiors. It's not just schools and TV presenters' birthdays.
They jolly well shouldn't be.
One suspects church and mosque-going ministers want to keep them open, and atheist ministers neither care nor even realise these places are still open.
I also suspect you are right but everyone of those ministers (whether ones that attend or ones that don't) are wrong. It does not set a good example and is not necessary. I'm sure priests (or whatever they are called in the various faiths) can administer to their flocks without them all mixing in the same building.
Most churches are huge spaces designed for big congregations and are lucky to get a handful of worshippers even in normal times. With sensible social distancing I doubt the risk is much higher than being out of doors. This is completely different schools where social interactions are extensive and unavoidable. I understand and largely support making schools a priority but we need to be aware they are big vectors for virus transmission.
Yes but how about setting an example. And people are touching stuff.
It's an interesting thread but he completely misses the emotional aspect of The Project. Mitterand insisted, for sentimental reasons, that Greece should be admitted to the EC despite not meeting the criteria for accession. It was felt that the very notion of Europe was incomplete without its cultural Hellenic bedrock.
I can't claim to be an expert EU kremlinologist but more than 10 of my old students work in the commission now so I do have some insight. They all think that Scotland will have 'sa propre place' in the Union as Ayrault said and a way will be found to make it happen.
You will scare the pants off Carlotta telling the truth like that, as an emigrant who joined the colonial establishment ( could not make it in Scotland as not enough Tory chancers) , her democratic view is the pesky Scots should be kept in captivity.
My democratic view is that the results of referendums should be respected.
Your view appears to be “keep asking until I get the result I want”.
2 million Scots voted to remain in the U.K. 1.6 million Scots voted to remain in the EU.
Nobody is saying “keep asking until I get the result I want”
So if a second referendum was held, and again the answer was to Remain in the UK, the SNP would say "fair enough then, we'll stop asking"?
Aye, right.
I see you clipped out the relevant part. It is up to the people, if they vote in a majority government with a manifesto that states it then that is what should happen. Democracy it is called in normal countries. It should not be stopped by a party that has no mandate in Scotland, few elected MP's and few elected MSP's.
An interesting Twitter thread on Scottish independence which looks at the issue from the wrong angle. It isn't reasons why departure is so problematic that is concerning people, its reasons why staying is so problematic.
We've just had Brexit. Leaving the EU, EEA and CU very clearly sets this country back yet it is supported because staying in was perceived as worse. The same is true in Scotland where the UK is increasingly the "other" that is repressing their ability to forge their own path.
Saying "leaving won't be easy" is to rerun the failed brexit remain campaign. Positive reasons to stay need to be argued - not just hot air ones but practicalities as to how Scotland can be made better inside a refreshed union. Not "rebellious Scots to crush" as advocated by the Baronet of Epping Forest.
I agree and the positive reasons for remaining in the union will become apparent when indyref2 happens
Don't forget that the positive reasons are actual things the Union will bring to Scotland, not "this is better than if you leave which will be really shit".
I really struggle for what those positives are right now. The UK is a disfunctional mess.
Compare COVID vaccination rate with the EU. Could SINDY have afforded the furlough scheme etc? (Not that ScotGov has spent all the money on Scottish businesss).
You really are a nasty piece of work. We would of course have just borrowed money for it , just like the UK did. How can unionists be so dumb to assume other people don't understand that.
Is that before or after you’ve met the Copenhagen criteria to join the EU?
Scotland already meets all of the criteria for EU membership, other than being an independent country. The convergence criteria are for the final stage of EMU and need not be met to become an EU member state.
The EU constitution requires membership of either Schengen or the Common Travel Area. The UK leaving doesn't end that. Scotland could opt to join (remain in) the Common Travel Area.
Also 'Sweden' for the bollox Euro adoption argument as well.
Technically the rules have been tightened since Sweden got themselves an unofficial opt out. Though still the Scots could opt out.
But I still think the SNP should advocate Euro membership and seek to win the argument on that. It is the best honest answer to the currency question, the idea of a "Sterling union" is nonsense, if you want that then stay within the United Kingdom.
The only honest independent Scotland currency options is an actual Scottish currency (not printing Scottish sterling notes) and the Euro.
That is right, the SNP need to embrace an independent currency as a stepping stone to the euro. Clinging to sterling isn't a viable option. Sweden don't have an unofficial opt out, they are just choosing not to exercise their obligation to join the euro right now. Scotland could do that too but I think it would make more sense to adopt the euro once the convergence criteria are met (which won't happen quickly). I think it should be fairly easy to arrange a 1-2 year transition arrangement with rUK regarding the border, CTA etc, while the currency is set up and EU accession talks start. It should be possible to set up a trusted trader scheme for most cross border trade to minimise paperwork. The border is quite simple, only a handful of crossing points and loads of space for infrastructure. The CTA would continue, I think - the political pressure to do so on both sides of the border would be immense, and Ireland is a significant precedent. If rUK refused Scotland could join Schengen immediately, even before joining the EU. Scotland would probably take on a population weighted share of UK debt, although that would have to be negotiated - legally the liability would fall on rUK. I think both sides would be reasonable - Scotland can offer a 5 or 10 year lease on Faslane as a gesture of goodwill, I doubt rUK would want to find a new home for its nukes immediately.
Rather than getting all angry and angsty on here about the schools issue, it's a genuinely really tricky decision. At least two of the counter-balancing arguments are heavy. On the one side it's clear that kids are rapidly spreading this virus. You can understand why teachers are concerned. A friend of mine is 'terrified.' They don't even get the kind of PPE of frontline health carers. Kids spread it and take it home. Not good.
On the other side of the scale, it's really important that children are in school for their education, mental and physical health. The last two also apply to parents and carers. And the latter extends into the economy. If children have to be at home it's nigh-impossible to work. I've tried.
This is NOT an easy one. So everyone needs to take the heat out of this.
What I don't understand is why the emphasis is on primary schoolchildren. Secondary school kids are largely adapted to the internet age - including spending a lot of non-school time online as the instinctively natural way to socialise. One can worry about that but it's been a thing for some time. With the exception of those who can't afford it at all or live in very remote areas with no signal, having a few weeks accessing lessons at home is not a huge deal. And older kids seem more vulnerable to the virus, even the new strain.
For primary kids, I'd have thought all that was less true. Sure, they access the internet routinely too, but the issues about mental health and learning to mix may loom larger if you've hardly been to school yet.
Personally I'd shut down all schools and universities until the crisis eases. But if we're going to be selective, why not concentrate on the older kids?
Because you have to get much closer to small children them to teach them effectively, and they tend to be less clear about space and touching.
I can command a class of year nine from the front with just my voice. It’s difficult, and it’s not good educationally, but it can just about be done. But I have taught Year 5 as well and it simply wasn’t possible to teach them the same way.
Absolutely. Add to that the impossibility of having a rational discussion with a government which continues to insist that schools are “absolutely safe”, while refusing to publish the evidence or advice on which they make that claim.
I have a feeling this is going to be yet another judge causing a grievance for the government.
We are now 21 hours from the official start of term and still nobody has a clue what’s happening.
Micky is crowing about the UK banning EU fisherman from electric pulse fishing in our waters. Micky is ignoring that the EU has already prohibited such fishing with certain exemptions. The two countries that mainly used these exemptions were The Netherlands and, you guessed it, the UK. Micky also seems unaware that France, despite being in the Anaconda-like grip of the EU, banned all its fishermen from using pulse fishing in 2019.
Micky is crowing about VAT being taken off sanitary products to the FM of a country that made such products free of charge to all who need them.
"Schools are safe", he says, overlooking that it's the children bringing the virus home that isnt safe
This subject is divisive across the country
However, it is vital that schools remain open as the damage to the children with closures will be do dreadful damage to their life chances
Schools should only close as a last resort
In two months things will be a lot better because of lockdown and vaccine. In three months the pressure on the NHS will have largely gone.
This is a last resort and if schools are closed for say a month it really wont make much difference to life chances. It is not an open ended closure like last time.
Have you any idea just how much damage this has already caused my granddaughter as she takes her A levels to secure her place in University in September. She is exceptionally talented but is receiving counselling for the stress she is undergoing with school closures and the lack of social connection with her friends
Big G, I fully understand your plight, but we are in the midst of a dangerous pandemic. Both my sons are/were in the final year of University degrees. The one in Wales has now suspended studies for a year, the one in England is soldiering on to the bitter end.
Neither have seen a lecturer since March. My eldest son who is on the autistic spectrum was in a Halls of Residence flat on his own for a fortnight whilst his overseas student flatmates were quarantining before arrival- not another soul for a fortnight. Perhaps we need to show a little of the wartime spirit that Boris Johnson enthuses over.
I am surprised that there the NUS are not pushing strongly for at least partial rebate of tuition fees for this year.
It seems reasonable to me.
The NUS are utterly spineless at issues that actually affect students. Most students only join because of the of the societies and the cheap bars.
I went to the NUS Conference in 2003.
The Conference spent more time debating the Iraq War (which had began a few weeks earlier and had nothing to do with students) than it did tuition fees. 🤦🏻♂️
All anyone at Conference seemed to want to discuss primarily was Palestine and Iraq.
Perhaps this is because politically minded young people are elevated and idealistic. They are animated more by global injustice than by the size of their wallet.
An interesting Twitter thread on Scottish independence which looks at the issue from the wrong angle. It isn't reasons why departure is so problematic that is concerning people, its reasons why staying is so problematic.
We've just had Brexit. Leaving the EU, EEA and CU very clearly sets this country back yet it is supported because staying in was perceived as worse. The same is true in Scotland where the UK is increasingly the "other" that is repressing their ability to forge their own path.
Saying "leaving won't be easy" is to rerun the failed brexit remain campaign. Positive reasons to stay need to be argued - not just hot air ones but practicalities as to how Scotland can be made better inside a refreshed union. Not "rebellious Scots to crush" as advocated by the Baronet of Epping Forest.
I agree and the positive reasons for remaining in the union will become apparent when indyref2 happens
Don't forget that the positive reasons are actual things the Union will bring to Scotland, not "this is better than if you leave which will be really shit".
I really struggle for what those positives are right now. The UK is a disfunctional mess. If we were likely to have a constitutional convention where cross-party consensus emerges to remake the UK and the various mad crown dependencies into a modern functioning country then maybe that could work. Give Scotland the same kind of self-governance as the Isle of Man (yes I know it isn't in the UK but it is owned by Brenda and unberella'd extensively by the UK) and perhaps independence could be avoided.
I agree with your general point that voting for the Union has to be presented as a positive choice, one where there is a genuine choice to be made, rather than, "you have no option".
My personal feeling is that, in voting for the Union, I would be doing so in order to benefit from the legal rights and freedoms that I gain as a result of the Union. It would be because I wanted to contribute to solidarity across the island of Britain, and not restrict that solidarity to Scotland alone.
That's the essence of it.
That is some sort of bollox. Mumbo jumbo vacuous crap excuse for a union. You halfwit you can have the same rights and freedoms as an Independent country.
With the UK leaving the EU I lost the rights I had to live and work across the EU.
The Union between England and Scotland is the guarantee that I have the right and freedom to live and work across Britain - with no risk of a politician infringing on that right.
And a good day to you.
still utter bollox excuse as only way to justify union. Complete Failure.
An interesting Twitter thread on Scottish independence which looks at the issue from the wrong angle. It isn't reasons why departure is so problematic that is concerning people, its reasons why staying is so problematic.
We've just had Brexit. Leaving the EU, EEA and CU very clearly sets this country back yet it is supported because staying in was perceived as worse. The same is true in Scotland where the UK is increasingly the "other" that is repressing their ability to forge their own path.
Saying "leaving won't be easy" is to rerun the failed brexit remain campaign. Positive reasons to stay need to be argued - not just hot air ones but practicalities as to how Scotland can be made better inside a refreshed union. Not "rebellious Scots to crush" as advocated by the Baronet of Epping Forest.
I agree and the positive reasons for remaining in the union will become apparent when indyref2 happens
Don't forget that the positive reasons are actual things the Union will bring to Scotland, not "this is better than if you leave which will be really shit".
I really struggle for what those positives are right now. The UK is a disfunctional mess.
Compare COVID vaccination rate with the EU. Could SINDY have afforded the furlough scheme etc? (Not that ScotGov has spent all the money on Scottish businesss).
You really are a nasty piece of work. We would of course have just borrowed money for it , just like the UK did. How can unionists be so dumb to assume other people don't understand that.
Is that before or after you’ve met the Copenhagen criteria to join the EU?
Debt free and balanced budget , it will be a breeze without the anchor of Westminster dragging us under
As dangerous as the anti-vaxxers.
You might as well wish in one hand and shit in the other. Yes, Scotland MIGHT get to that point, after many years - but not without putting in place economic measures that would make the SNP reviled for their false manifesto that got them there.
We will never get there under UK, they just keep borrowing and ,make us pay for it, you cannot be as stupid as the sad excuses you post. Arrogantly thinking we are stupid enough to believe your fantasies , makes you look a right richard head
"Schools are safe", he says, overlooking that it's the children bringing the virus home that isnt safe
This subject is divisive across the country
However, it is vital that schools remain open as the damage to the children with closures will be do dreadful damage to their life chances
Schools should only close as a last resort
In two months things will be a lot better because of lockdown and vaccine. In three months the pressure on the NHS will have largely gone.
This is a last resort and if schools are closed for say a month it really wont make much difference to life chances. It is not an open ended closure like last time.
Have you any idea just how much damage this has already caused my granddaughter as she takes her A levels to secure her place in University in September. She is exceptionally talented but is receiving counselling for the stress she is undergoing with school closures and the lack of social connection with her friends
Big G, I fully understand your plight, but we are in the midst of a dangerous pandemic. Both my sons are/were in the final year of University degrees. The one in Wales has now suspended studies for a year, the one in England is soldiering on to the bitter end.
Neither have seen a lecturer since March. My eldest son who is on the autistic spectrum was in a Halls of Residence flat on his own for a fortnight whilst his overseas student flatmates were quarantining before arrival- not another soul for a fortnight. Perhaps we need to show a little of the wartime spirit that Boris Johnson enthuses over.
I am surprised that there the NUS are not pushing strongly for at least partial rebate of tuition fees for this year.
It seems reasonable to me.
The NUS are utterly spineless at issues that actually affect students. Most students only join because of the of the societies and the cheap bars.
I went to the NUS Conference in 2003.
The Conference spent more time debating the Iraq War (which had began a few weeks earlier and had nothing to do with students) than it did tuition fees. 🤦🏻♂️
All anyone at Conference seemed to want to discuss primarily was Palestine and Iraq.
Perhaps this is because politically minded young people are elevated and idealistic. They are animated more by global injustice than by the size of their wallet.
Not their job, if they have been elected to represent the interests of their members (who I am surprised to see represented as fat cats). Same with Corbyn: you really can't decide that the problems of the poor, disadvantaged and underprivileged in your own constituency and country are so trivial that you can ignore them in favour of an arbitrarily chosen injustice on another continent. Or you can only do that in your spare time.
An interesting Twitter thread on Scottish independence which looks at the issue from the wrong angle. It isn't reasons why departure is so problematic that is concerning people, its reasons why staying is so problematic.
We've just had Brexit. Leaving the EU, EEA and CU very clearly sets this country back yet it is supported because staying in was perceived as worse. The same is true in Scotland where the UK is increasingly the "other" that is repressing their ability to forge their own path.
Saying "leaving won't be easy" is to rerun the failed brexit remain campaign. Positive reasons to stay need to be argued - not just hot air ones but practicalities as to how Scotland can be made better inside a refreshed union. Not "rebellious Scots to crush" as advocated by the Baronet of Epping Forest.
I agree and the positive reasons for remaining in the union will become apparent when indyref2 happens
Don't forget that the positive reasons are actual things the Union will bring to Scotland, not "this is better than if you leave which will be really shit".
I really struggle for what those positives are right now. The UK is a disfunctional mess.
Compare COVID vaccination rate with the EU. Could SINDY have afforded the furlough scheme etc? (Not that ScotGov has spent all the money on Scottish businesss).
You really are a nasty piece of work. We would of course have just borrowed money for it , just like the UK did. How can unionists be so dumb to assume other people don't understand that.
Is that before or after you’ve met the Copenhagen criteria to join the EU?
Scotland already meets all of the criteria for EU membership, other than being an independent country. The convergence criteria are for the final stage of EMU and need not be met to become an EU member state.
On the euro you are confusing conditions required to join the euro with conditions required to join the EU. Scotland would have to sign up to join the euro eventually. So what? Ireland uses the euro and has no problems with it. Scotland wouldn't join the euro until it was ready (that is the whole purpose of the convergence criteria). On Schengen, I think the EU would grant Scotland an exemption, at least initially. Ireland is exempt and Scotland's only land border is with a non-Schengen, non-EU country. In any case, none of this has anything to do with the Copenhagen criteria. Scotland is more than ready for EU membership and would prosper mightily as a member. This is what English Nationalists are so afraid of.
Scotland would have huge problems with the euro, unless it transforms its economy unimaginably. It would be a deficit country in a system rigged to favour creditors. It would be like Italy, Spain or Ireland during the Great Recession in the event of any large, asymmetric shock.
Scotland's trade deficit is the other side of its fiscal transfers from London. Every other region of the UK that receives transfers from London (ie everywhere outside the SE) is in the same position. There would need to be a potentially difficult period of adjustment, but that deficit would decline over time, although Scotland would likely be a net recipient of FDI which would support a trade and current account deficit over time.
"Schools are safe", he says, overlooking that it's the children bringing the virus home that isnt safe
This subject is divisive across the country
However, it is vital that schools remain open as the damage to the children with closures will be do dreadful damage to their life chances
Schools should only close as a last resort
In two months things will be a lot better because of lockdown and vaccine. In three months the pressure on the NHS will have largely gone.
This is a last resort and if schools are closed for say a month it really wont make much difference to life chances. It is not an open ended closure like last time.
Have you any idea just how much damage this has already caused my granddaughter as she takes her A levels to secure her place in University in September. She is exceptionally talented but is receiving counselling for the stress she is undergoing with school closures and the lack of social connection with her friends
Oh please. I have a daughter who just started at university this year. I didn't get to see her at all for nine and a half months because of this. I know how hard it is for her.
I also have a friend whose friend has had their life-saving surgery cancelled because the operating theatre is being converted into Covid ICU.
The emergency is now. This is the time to take all the remaining "last resort" actions we have left.
I agree. This month is panic stations, a desperate race between the new variant and the vaccine with the winner having the hospitals. If we go fast enough with the vaccine next month might start to get better but we really need to move. Israel is vaccinating 1% of its population a day, that is about 680k for us. It seems a reasonable target.
To me, this moment in our Covid Crisis, seems very much like the fateful time Churchill visited the crucial 11th Fighter Group HQ, during the Battle of Britain, and looked at the map, showing the deployment of all RAF forces.
Churchill asked "So, where are the reserve fighters?"
The top brass said, "There are none, that's it".
As Churchill put it later, that “the odds were great; our margins small; the stakes infinite.” For fifty minutes, there were no more British fighters available
We are in that moment. Throw everything we have at the virus, via vaccinations. Or face the worst.
The Covid doesn't have Göring in charge, and we definitely don't have Churchill in charge.
"Schools are safe", he says, overlooking that it's the children bringing the virus home that isnt safe
This subject is divisive across the country
However, it is vital that schools remain open as the damage to the children with closures will be do dreadful damage to their life chances
Schools should only close as a last resort
In two months things will be a lot better because of lockdown and vaccine. In three months the pressure on the NHS will have largely gone.
This is a last resort and if schools are closed for say a month it really wont make much difference to life chances. It is not an open ended closure like last time.
Have you any idea just how much damage this has already caused my granddaughter as she takes her A levels to secure her place in University in September. She is exceptionally talented but is receiving counselling for the stress she is undergoing with school closures and the lack of social connection with her friends
Big G, I fully understand your plight, but we are in the midst of a dangerous pandemic. Both my sons are/were in the final year of University degrees. The one in Wales has now suspended studies for a year, the one in England is soldiering on to the bitter end.
Neither have seen a lecturer since March. My eldest son who is on the autistic spectrum was in a Halls of Residence flat on his own for a fortnight whilst his overseas student flatmates were quarantining before arrival- not another soul for a fortnight. Perhaps we need to show a little of the wartime spirit that Boris Johnson enthuses over.
I am surprised that there the NUS are not pushing strongly for at least partial rebate of tuition fees for this year.
It seems reasonable to me.
The NUS are utterly spineless at issues that actually affect students. Most students only join because of the of the societies and the cheap bars.
I went to the NUS Conference in 2003.
The Conference spent more time debating the Iraq War (which had began a few weeks earlier and had nothing to do with students) than it did tuition fees. 🤦🏻♂️
All anyone at Conference seemed to want to discuss primarily was Palestine and Iraq.
Perhaps this is because politically minded young people are elevated and idealistic. They are animated more by global injustice than by the size of their wallet.
Not their job, if they have been elected to represent the interests of their members (who I am surprised to see represented as fat cats). Same with Corbyn: you really can't decide that the problems of the poor, disadvantaged and underprivileged in your own constituency and country are so trivial that you can ignore them in favour of an arbitrarily chosen injustice on another continent. Or you can only do that in your spare time.
An interesting Twitter thread on Scottish independence which looks at the issue from the wrong angle. It isn't reasons why departure is so problematic that is concerning people, its reasons why staying is so problematic.
We've just had Brexit. Leaving the EU, EEA and CU very clearly sets this country back yet it is supported because staying in was perceived as worse. The same is true in Scotland where the UK is increasingly the "other" that is repressing their ability to forge their own path.
Saying "leaving won't be easy" is to rerun the failed brexit remain campaign. Positive reasons to stay need to be argued - not just hot air ones but practicalities as to how Scotland can be made better inside a refreshed union. Not "rebellious Scots to crush" as advocated by the Baronet of Epping Forest.
I agree and the positive reasons for remaining in the union will become apparent when indyref2 happens
Don't forget that the positive reasons are actual things the Union will bring to Scotland, not "this is better than if you leave which will be really shit".
I really struggle for what those positives are right now. The UK is a disfunctional mess.
Compare COVID vaccination rate with the EU. Could SINDY have afforded the furlough scheme etc? (Not that ScotGov has spent all the money on Scottish businesss).
You really are a nasty piece of work. We would of course have just borrowed money for it , just like the UK did. How can unionists be so dumb to assume other people don't understand that.
Is that before or after you’ve met the Copenhagen criteria to join the EU?
Scotland already meets all of the criteria for EU membership, other than being an independent country. The convergence criteria are for the final stage of EMU and need not be met to become an EU member state.
The EU constitution requires membership of either Schengen or the Common Travel Area. The UK leaving doesn't end that. Scotland could opt to join (remain in) the Common Travel Area.
Also 'Sweden' for the bollox Euro adoption argument as well.
Technically the rules have been tightened since Sweden got themselves an unofficial opt out. Though still the Scots could opt out.
But I still think the SNP should advocate Euro membership and seek to win the argument on that. It is the best honest answer to the currency question, the idea of a "Sterling union" is nonsense, if you want that then stay within the United Kingdom.
The only honest independent Scotland currency options is an actual Scottish currency (not printing Scottish sterling notes) and the Euro.
That is right, the SNP need to embrace an independent currency as a stepping stone to the euro. Clinging to sterling isn't a viable option. Sweden don't have an unofficial opt out, they are just choosing not to exercise their obligation to join the euro right now. Scotland could do that too but I think it would make more sense to adopt the euro once the convergence criteria are met (which won't happen quickly). I think it should be fairly easy to arrange a 1-2 year transition arrangement with rUK regarding the border, CTA etc, while the currency is set up and EU accession talks start. It should be possible to set up a trusted trader scheme for most cross border trade to minimise paperwork. The border is quite simple, only a handful of crossing points and loads of space for infrastructure. The CTA would continue, I think - the political pressure to do so on both sides of the border would be immense, and Ireland is a significant precedent. If rUK refused Scotland could join Schengen immediately, even before joining the EU. Scotland would probably take on a population weighted share of UK debt, although that would have to be negotiated - legally the liability would fall on rUK. I think both sides would be reasonable - Scotland can offer a 5 or 10 year lease on Faslane as a gesture of goodwill, I doubt rUK would want to find a new home for its nukes immediately.
You talk as is severing a 300 year old union is like leaving student digs for a different flat down the road. If Brexit has shown anything, it has shown that major geopolitical disruptions - and partitions - have unimaginable consequences, many of them very bad, and departure is much much harder than anyone can really comprehend.
If you are sold on Scottish independence for emotional/sovereign reasons, fair enough: you are unpersuadable, and that's your right.
But let's not be stupid. Scottish indy would plunge Scotland into economic Depression and immediate fiscal nightmare, it would also provoke a long and deep recession in rUK. The political aftershocks would persist for many years, the wrangling might last a decade (Brexit has taken nearly 5 years, and will still go on in a lesser way).This is one reason why referendums should only be once a generation, and also why the power to allow a referendum resides with the UK government at Westminster - where Scots MPs are fully represented, alongside the English, Welsh and Northern Irish.
If the Scots government is allowed to call a referendum every time they have a majority - ie any time they like - the uncertaintly and chaos will paralyse the whole British nation in perpetuity. It cannot be permitted.
Boris is right. Once in a generation. If this decision by the UK government so enrages Scots that they become evermore committed to indy, then so be it. That means they have given up on the UK and will leave anyway, evenetually. That doesn't mean Boris' decision is wrong. It is morally, economically and politically correct. He has to govern and make decisions on what is best for the whole of the UK.
There will be no indyref 2 until at least the next GE in 2024.
An interesting Twitter thread on Scottish independence which looks at the issue from the wrong angle. It isn't reasons why departure is so problematic that is concerning people, its reasons why staying is so problematic.
We've just had Brexit. Leaving the EU, EEA and CU very clearly sets this country back yet it is supported because staying in was perceived as worse. The same is true in Scotland where the UK is increasingly the "other" that is repressing their ability to forge their own path.
Saying "leaving won't be easy" is to rerun the failed brexit remain campaign. Positive reasons to stay need to be argued - not just hot air ones but practicalities as to how Scotland can be made better inside a refreshed union. Not "rebellious Scots to crush" as advocated by the Baronet of Epping Forest.
I agree and the positive reasons for remaining in the union will become apparent when indyref2 happens
Don't forget that the positive reasons are actual things the Union will bring to Scotland, not "this is better than if you leave which will be really shit".
I really struggle for what those positives are right now. The UK is a disfunctional mess.
Compare COVID vaccination rate with the EU. Could SINDY have afforded the furlough scheme etc? (Not that ScotGov has spent all the money on Scottish businesss).
You really are a nasty piece of work. We would of course have just borrowed money for it , just like the UK did. How can unionists be so dumb to assume other people don't understand that.
Is that before or after you’ve met the Copenhagen criteria to join the EU?
Scotland already meets all of the criteria for EU membership, other than being an independent country. The convergence criteria are for the final stage of EMU and need not be met to become an EU member state.
On the euro you are confusing conditions required to join the euro with conditions required to join the EU. Scotland would have to sign up to join the euro eventually. So what? Ireland uses the euro and has no problems with it. Scotland wouldn't join the euro until it was ready (that is the whole purpose of the convergence criteria). On Schengen, I think the EU would grant Scotland an exemption, at least initially. Ireland is exempt and Scotland's only land border is with a non-Schengen, non-EU country. In any case, none of this has anything to do with the Copenhagen criteria. Scotland is more than ready for EU membership and would prosper mightily as a member. This is what English Nationalists are so afraid of.
Scotland would have huge problems with the euro, unless it transforms its economy unimaginably. It would be a deficit country in a system rigged to favour creditors. It would be like Italy, Spain or Ireland during the Great Recession in the event of any large, asymmetric shock.
Scotland's trade deficit is the other side of its fiscal transfers from London. Every other region of the UK that receives transfers from London (ie everywhere outside the SE) is in the same position. There would need to be a potentially difficult period of adjustment, but that deficit would decline over time, although Scotland would likely be a net recipient of FDI which would support a trade and current account deficit over time.
I'm really looking forward to a rerun of the Bettertogether line that 300 years of wise stewardship by the UK has made Scotland an unviable basket case.
"Schools are safe", he says, overlooking that it's the children bringing the virus home that isnt safe
This subject is divisive across the country
However, it is vital that schools remain open as the damage to the children with closures will be do dreadful damage to their life chances
Schools should only close as a last resort
In two months things will be a lot better because of lockdown and vaccine. In three months the pressure on the NHS will have largely gone.
This is a last resort and if schools are closed for say a month it really wont make much difference to life chances. It is not an open ended closure like last time.
Have you any idea just how much damage this has already caused my granddaughter as she takes her A levels to secure her place in University in September. She is exceptionally talented but is receiving counselling for the stress she is undergoing with school closures and the lack of social connection with her friends
Oh please. I have a daughter who just started at university this year. I didn't get to see her at all for nine and a half months because of this. I know how hard it is for her.
I also have a friend whose friend has had their life-saving surgery cancelled because the operating theatre is being converted into Covid ICU.
The emergency is now. This is the time to take all the remaining "last resort" actions we have left.
I agree. This month is panic stations, a desperate race between the new variant and the vaccine with the winner having the hospitals. If we go fast enough with the vaccine next month might start to get better but we really need to move. Israel is vaccinating 1% of its population a day, that is about 680k for us. It seems a reasonable target.
To me, this moment in our Covid Crisis, seems very much like the fateful time Churchill visited the crucial 11th Fighter Group HQ, during the Battle of Britain, and looked at the map, showing the deployment of all RAF forces.
Churchill asked "So, where are the reserve fighters?"
The top brass said, "There are none, that's it".
As Churchill put it later, that “the odds were great; our margins small; the stakes infinite.” For fifty minutes, there were no more British fighters available
We are in that moment. Throw everything we have at the virus, via vaccinations. Or face the worst.
I hope you had a box of man-size tissues to hand while you were writing that.
P.S. Let's hope no one in the Argentine Government subscribes to PB!
Even if they did Argentina has fewer submarines than the UK, fewer combat aircraft than the UK and Argentina does not even have a single aircraft carrier now unlike the UK
I think the PB Yoons need a quiet word with DavidL. He seems to be the only one of their number currently with an actual vote in Scotland, and he thinks it’s the right of folk in Scotland to have another Indy ref if they should so wish it. Letting the side down, old fruit!
I'm in Edinburgh for now, would also vote for the Union, and also agree that it's the Scottish people, voting in elections, who decide when the next Independence referendum happens, and I've said as much on here repeatedly.
Perhaps you ought to avoid projecting your stereotypes onto other people?
Perhaps you shouldn’t assume, fascinating as I’m sure you are, that everyone has hung on your every post and knows your personal circumstances.
You're the one making sweeping generalisations about the opinions of people who post to this site. In almost compete ignorance as it turns out.
Chill, man. Anyhoo, your generous sharing with me of your bio doesn't really obviate my actual point, that on here the further one is from Scotland (and a vote in Scotland) the keener one is to prevent a vote on Scotland.
You're ascribing to geography that which can be explained by ideology. An understandable error by a Nationalist.
"Schools are safe", he says, overlooking that it's the children bringing the virus home that isnt safe
This subject is divisive across the country
However, it is vital that schools remain open as the damage to the children with closures will be do dreadful damage to their life chances
Schools should only close as a last resort
In two months things will be a lot better because of lockdown and vaccine. In three months the pressure on the NHS will have largely gone.
This is a last resort and if schools are closed for say a month it really wont make much difference to life chances. It is not an open ended closure like last time.
Have you any idea just how much damage this has already caused my granddaughter as she takes her A levels to secure her place in University in September. She is exceptionally talented but is receiving counselling for the stress she is undergoing with school closures and the lack of social connection with her friends
Big G, I fully understand your plight, but we are in the midst of a dangerous pandemic. Both my sons are/were in the final year of University degrees. The one in Wales has now suspended studies for a year, the one in England is soldiering on to the bitter end.
Neither have seen a lecturer since March. My eldest son who is on the autistic spectrum was in a Halls of Residence flat on his own for a fortnight whilst his overseas student flatmates were quarantining before arrival- not another soul for a fortnight. Perhaps we need to show a little of the wartime spirit that Boris Johnson enthuses over.
I am surprised that there the NUS are not pushing strongly for at least partial rebate of tuition fees for this year.
It seems reasonable to me.
The NUS are utterly spineless at issues that actually affect students. Most students only join because of the of the societies and the cheap bars.
I went to the NUS Conference in 2003.
The Conference spent more time debating the Iraq War (which had began a few weeks earlier and had nothing to do with students) than it did tuition fees. 🤦🏻♂️
All anyone at Conference seemed to want to discuss primarily was Palestine and Iraq.
Perhaps this is because politically minded young people are elevated and idealistic. They are animated more by global injustice than by the size of their wallet.
Virtue signalling is more important to them than the wellbeing of students.
An interesting Twitter thread on Scottish independence which looks at the issue from the wrong angle. It isn't reasons why departure is so problematic that is concerning people, its reasons why staying is so problematic.
We've just had Brexit. Leaving the EU, EEA and CU very clearly sets this country back yet it is supported because staying in was perceived as worse. The same is true in Scotland where the UK is increasingly the "other" that is repressing their ability to forge their own path.
Saying "leaving won't be easy" is to rerun the failed brexit remain campaign. Positive reasons to stay need to be argued - not just hot air ones but practicalities as to how Scotland can be made better inside a refreshed union. Not "rebellious Scots to crush" as advocated by the Baronet of Epping Forest.
I agree and the positive reasons for remaining in the union will become apparent when indyref2 happens
Don't forget that the positive reasons are actual things the Union will bring to Scotland, not "this is better than if you leave which will be really shit".
I really struggle for what those positives are right now. The UK is a disfunctional mess.
Compare COVID vaccination rate with the EU. Could SINDY have afforded the furlough scheme etc? (Not that ScotGov has spent all the money on Scottish businesss).
You really are a nasty piece of work. We would of course have just borrowed money for it , just like the UK did. How can unionists be so dumb to assume other people don't understand that.
Is that before or after you’ve met the Copenhagen criteria to join the EU?
Scotland already meets all of the criteria for EU membership, other than being an independent country. The convergence criteria are for the final stage of EMU and need not be met to become an EU member state.
On the euro you are confusing conditions required to join the euro with conditions required to join the EU. Scotland would have to sign up to join the euro eventually. So what? Ireland uses the euro and has no problems with it. Scotland wouldn't join the euro until it was ready (that is the whole purpose of the convergence criteria). On Schengen, I think the EU would grant Scotland an exemption, at least initially. Ireland is exempt and Scotland's only land border is with a non-Schengen, non-EU country. In any case, none of this has anything to do with the Copenhagen criteria. Scotland is more than ready for EU membership and would prosper mightily as a member. This is what English Nationalists are so afraid of.
The Irish border does provide rather an inconvenient template from the point of view of those saying independence is simply unfeasible.
"Schools are safe", he says, overlooking that it's the children bringing the virus home that isnt safe
This subject is divisive across the country
However, it is vital that schools remain open as the damage to the children with closures will be do dreadful damage to their life chances
Schools should only close as a last resort
In two months things will be a lot better because of lockdown and vaccine. In three months the pressure on the NHS will have largely gone.
This is a last resort and if schools are closed for say a month it really wont make much difference to life chances. It is not an open ended closure like last time.
Have you any idea just how much damage this has already caused my granddaughter as she takes her A levels to secure her place in University in September. She is exceptionally talented but is receiving counselling for the stress she is undergoing with school closures and the lack of social connection with her friends
Oh please. I have a daughter who just started at university this year. I didn't get to see her at all for nine and a half months because of this. I know how hard it is for her.
I also have a friend whose friend has had their life-saving surgery cancelled because the operating theatre is being converted into Covid ICU.
The emergency is now. This is the time to take all the remaining "last resort" actions we have left.
I agree. This month is panic stations, a desperate race between the new variant and the vaccine with the winner having the hospitals. If we go fast enough with the vaccine next month might start to get better but we really need to move. Israel is vaccinating 1% of its population a day, that is about 680k for us. It seems a reasonable target.
To me, this moment in our Covid Crisis, seems very much like the fateful time Churchill visited the crucial 11th Fighter Group HQ, during the Battle of Britain, and looked at the map, showing the deployment of all RAF forces.
Churchill asked "So, where are the reserve fighters?"
The top brass said, "There are none, that's it".
As Churchill put it later, that “the odds were great; our margins small; the stakes infinite.” For fifty minutes, there were no more British fighters available
We are in that moment. Throw everything we have at the virus, via vaccinations. Or face the worst.
The Covid doesn't have Göring in charge, and we definitely don't have Churchill in charge.
And it is much, much harder to think that losing doesn't really matter long term because the USA is waiting in the wings.
P.S. Let's hope no one in the Argentine Government subscribes to PB!
Even if they did Argentina has fewer submarines than the UK, fewer combat aircraft than the UK and Argentina does not even have a single aircraft carrier now unlike the UK
An interesting Twitter thread on Scottish independence which looks at the issue from the wrong angle. It isn't reasons why departure is so problematic that is concerning people, its reasons why staying is so problematic.
We've just had Brexit. Leaving the EU, EEA and CU very clearly sets this country back yet it is supported because staying in was perceived as worse. The same is true in Scotland where the UK is increasingly the "other" that is repressing their ability to forge their own path.
Saying "leaving won't be easy" is to rerun the failed brexit remain campaign. Positive reasons to stay need to be argued - not just hot air ones but practicalities as to how Scotland can be made better inside a refreshed union. Not "rebellious Scots to crush" as advocated by the Baronet of Epping Forest.
I agree and the positive reasons for remaining in the union will become apparent when indyref2 happens
Don't forget that the positive reasons are actual things the Union will bring to Scotland, not "this is better than if you leave which will be really shit".
I really struggle for what those positives are right now. The UK is a disfunctional mess.
Compare COVID vaccination rate with the EU. Could SINDY have afforded the furlough scheme etc? (Not that ScotGov has spent all the money on Scottish businesss).
You really are a nasty piece of work. We would of course have just borrowed money for it , just like the UK did. How can unionists be so dumb to assume other people don't understand that.
Is that before or after you’ve met the Copenhagen criteria to join the EU?
Scotland already meets all of the criteria for EU membership, other than being an independent country. The convergence criteria are for the final stage of EMU and need not be met to become an EU member state.
The EU constitution requires membership of either Schengen or the Common Travel Area. The UK leaving doesn't end that. Scotland could opt to join (remain in) the Common Travel Area.
Also 'Sweden' for the bollox Euro adoption argument as well.
Technically the rules have been tightened since Sweden got themselves an unofficial opt out. Though still the Scots could opt out.
But I still think the SNP should advocate Euro membership and seek to win the argument on that. It is the best honest answer to the currency question, the idea of a "Sterling union" is nonsense, if you want that then stay within the United Kingdom.
The only honest independent Scotland currency options is an actual Scottish currency (not printing Scottish sterling notes) and the Euro.
That is right, the SNP need to embrace an independent currency as a stepping stone to the euro. Clinging to sterling isn't a viable option. Sweden don't have an unofficial opt out, they are just choosing not to exercise their obligation to join the euro right now. Scotland could do that too but I think it would make more sense to adopt the euro once the convergence criteria are met (which won't happen quickly). I think it should be fairly easy to arrange a 1-2 year transition arrangement with rUK regarding the border, CTA etc, while the currency is set up and EU accession talks start. It should be possible to set up a trusted trader scheme for most cross border trade to minimise paperwork. The border is quite simple, only a handful of crossing points and loads of space for infrastructure. The CTA would continue, I think - the political pressure to do so on both sides of the border would be immense, and Ireland is a significant precedent. If rUK refused Scotland could join Schengen immediately, even before joining the EU. Scotland would probably take on a population weighted share of UK debt, although that would have to be negotiated - legally the liability would fall on rUK. I think both sides would be reasonable - Scotland can offer a 5 or 10 year lease on Faslane as a gesture of goodwill, I doubt rUK would want to find a new home for its nukes immediately.
You talk as is severing a 300 year old union is like leaving student digs for a different flat down the road. If Brexit has shown anything, it has shown that major geopolitical disruptions - and partitions - have unimaginable consequences, many of them very bad, and departure is much much harder than anyone can really comprehend.
If you are sold on Scottish independence for emotional/sovereign reasons, fair enough: you are unpersuadable, and that's your right.
But let's not be stupid. Scottish indy would plunge Scotland into economic Depression and immediate fiscal nightmare, it would also provoke a long and deep recession in rUK. The political aftershocks would persist for many years, the wrangling might last a decade (Brexit has taken nearly 5 years, and will still go on in a lesser way).This is one reason why referendums should only be once a generation, and also why the power to allow a referendum resides with the UK government at Westminster - where Scots MPs are fully represented, alongside the English, Welsh and Northern Irish.
If the Scots government is allowed to call a referendum every time they have a majority - ie any time they like - the uncertaintly and chaos will paralyse the whole British nation in perpetuity. It cannot be permitted.
Boris is right. Once in a generation. If this decision by the UK government so enrages Scots that they become evermore committed to indy, then so be it. That means they have given up on the UK and will leave anyway, evenetually. That doesn't mean Boris' decision is wrong. It is morally, economically and politically correct. He has to govern and make decisions on what is best for the whole of the UK.
There will be no indyref 2 until at least the next GE in 2024.
If you want to override the clearly expressed will of the Scottish population you are going to have to be prepared to do so by force. HYUFD is right on that. I don't disagree that Scottish independence will raise many economic challenges in the short run. That is why I used to be a Unionist, I thought it wasn't worth it. But Brexit has changed the calculus - Scotland is being taken in a direction its people have explicitly rejected, with absolutely no consideration given to its interests. The Union has become an unbalanced, toxic, abusive relationship. It is worth absorbing that short term pain to escape that.
"Schools are safe", he says, overlooking that it's the children bringing the virus home that isnt safe
This subject is divisive across the country
However, it is vital that schools remain open as the damage to the children with closures will be do dreadful damage to their life chances
Schools should only close as a last resort
In two months things will be a lot better because of lockdown and vaccine. In three months the pressure on the NHS will have largely gone.
This is a last resort and if schools are closed for say a month it really wont make much difference to life chances. It is not an open ended closure like last time.
Have you any idea just how much damage this has already caused my granddaughter as she takes her A levels to secure her place in University in September. She is exceptionally talented but is receiving counselling for the stress she is undergoing with school closures and the lack of social connection with her friends
Big G, I fully understand your plight, but we are in the midst of a dangerous pandemic. Both my sons are/were in the final year of University degrees. The one in Wales has now suspended studies for a year, the one in England is soldiering on to the bitter end.
Neither have seen a lecturer since March. My eldest son who is on the autistic spectrum was in a Halls of Residence flat on his own for a fortnight whilst his overseas student flatmates were quarantining before arrival- not another soul for a fortnight. Perhaps we need to show a little of the wartime spirit that Boris Johnson enthuses over.
I am surprised that there the NUS are not pushing strongly for at least partial rebate of tuition fees for this year.
It seems reasonable to me.
The NUS are utterly spineless at issues that actually affect students. Most students only join because of the of the societies and the cheap bars.
I went to the NUS Conference in 2003.
The Conference spent more time debating the Iraq War (which had began a few weeks earlier and had nothing to do with students) than it did tuition fees. 🤦🏻♂️
All anyone at Conference seemed to want to discuss primarily was Palestine and Iraq.
Perhaps this is because politically minded young people are elevated and idealistic. They are animated more by global injustice than by the size of their wallet.
Yes, objectively Iraq (for, agaiomst, whatever one thought) was much more important than the size of tuition fees. It's very narrow-minded to expect people to only look after their own interests.
An interesting Twitter thread on Scottish independence which looks at the issue from the wrong angle. It isn't reasons why departure is so problematic that is concerning people, its reasons why staying is so problematic.
We've just had Brexit. Leaving the EU, EEA and CU very clearly sets this country back yet it is supported because staying in was perceived as worse. The same is true in Scotland where the UK is increasingly the "other" that is repressing their ability to forge their own path.
Saying "leaving won't be easy" is to rerun the failed brexit remain campaign. Positive reasons to stay need to be argued - not just hot air ones but practicalities as to how Scotland can be made better inside a refreshed union. Not "rebellious Scots to crush" as advocated by the Baronet of Epping Forest.
I agree and the positive reasons for remaining in the union will become apparent when indyref2 happens
Don't forget that the positive reasons are actual things the Union will bring to Scotland, not "this is better than if you leave which will be really shit".
I really struggle for what those positives are right now. The UK is a disfunctional mess. If we were likely to have a constitutional convention where cross-party consensus emerges to remake the UK and the various mad crown dependencies into a modern functioning country then maybe that could work. Give Scotland the same kind of self-governance as the Isle of Man (yes I know it isn't in the UK but it is owned by Brenda and unberella'd extensively by the UK) and perhaps independence could be avoided.
I do hope a cross party vision for Scotland can be agreed and to take on the SNP and win the argument that we are better together than apart
It's not just better together though.
There are great benefits in independence (agility to tackle unexpected problems and opportunities, the emotional benefit of sovereignty/freedom) as we have seen with Brexit.
But there are also great benefits in union to use scale to tackle big slow moving problems and opportunites, such as trade, climate change, China etc.
It seems to me that the solution is massive devolution, not only to the nations states but also to Local Authorities, with a very light federal structure for the really big issues where scale matters.
The problem is that the owners of power (i.e. the UK Government, previously Brussels) are not likely to willingly give up any power but will seek to accrete even more.
LibDem policy is unionist with heavy devolution within a light federal structure but it is unlikely to get past the Westminster powerhouse. So it will have to be the second best option - Scottish independence.
Rather than getting all angry and angsty on here about the schools issue, it's a genuinely really tricky decision. At least two of the counter-balancing arguments are heavy. On the one side it's clear that kids are rapidly spreading this virus. You can understand why teachers are concerned. A friend of mine is 'terrified.' They don't even get the kind of PPE of frontline health carers. Kids spread it and take it home. Not good.
On the other side of the scale, it's really important that children are in school for their education, mental and physical health. The last two also apply to parents and carers. And the latter extends into the economy. If children have to be at home it's nigh-impossible to work. I've tried.
This is NOT an easy one. So everyone needs to take the heat out of this.
What I don't understand is why the emphasis is on primary schoolchildren. Secondary school kids are largely adapted to the internet age - including spending a lot of non-school time online as the instinctively natural way to socialise. One can worry about that but it's been a thing for some time. With the exception of those who can't afford it at all or live in very remote areas with no signal, having a few weeks accessing lessons at home is not a huge deal. And older kids seem more vulnerable to the virus, even the new strain.
For primary kids, I'd have thought all that was less true. Sure, they access the internet routinely too, but the issues about mental health and learning to mix may loom larger if you've hardly been to school yet.
Personally I'd shut down all schools and universities until the crisis eases. But if we're going to be selective, why not concentrate on the older kids?
Because you have to get much closer to small children them to teach them effectively, and they tend to be less clear about space and touching.
I can command a class of year nine from the front with just my voice. It’s difficult, and it’s not good educationally, but it can just about be done. But I have taught Year 5 as well and it simply wasn’t possible to teach them the same way.
Absolutely. Add to that the impossibility of having a rational discussion with a government which continues to insist that schools are “absolutely safe”, while refusing to publish the evidence or advice on which they make that claim.
I have a feeling this is going to be yet another judge causing a grievance for the government.
We are now 21 hours from the official start of term and still nobody has a clue what’s happening.
At the moment, some unions are advising their members not to go in on grounds of safety, others leaving it to individuals to decide (which appears to be the line quite a few heads are taking). I’ve talked with a few deeply conflicted and stressed teachers this morning. It is a mess.
"Schools are safe", he says, overlooking that it's the children bringing the virus home that isnt safe
This subject is divisive across the country
However, it is vital that schools remain open as the damage to the children with closures will be do dreadful damage to their life chances
Schools should only close as a last resort
In two months things will be a lot better because of lockdown and vaccine. In three months the pressure on the NHS will have largely gone.
This is a last resort and if schools are closed for say a month it really wont make much difference to life chances. It is not an open ended closure like last time.
Have you any idea just how much damage this has already caused my granddaughter as she takes her A levels to secure her place in University in September. She is exceptionally talented but is receiving counselling for the stress she is undergoing with school closures and the lack of social connection with her friends
Oh please. I have a daughter who just started at university this year. I didn't get to see her at all for nine and a half months because of this. I know how hard it is for her.
I also have a friend whose friend has had their life-saving surgery cancelled because the operating theatre is being converted into Covid ICU.
The emergency is now. This is the time to take all the remaining "last resort" actions we have left.
I agree. This month is panic stations, a desperate race between the new variant and the vaccine with the winner having the hospitals. If we go fast enough with the vaccine next month might start to get better but we really need to move. Israel is vaccinating 1% of its population a day, that is about 680k for us. It seems a reasonable target.
To me, this moment in our Covid Crisis, seems very much like the fateful time Churchill visited the crucial 11th Fighter Group HQ, during the Battle of Britain, and looked at the map, showing the deployment of all RAF forces.
Churchill asked "So, where are the reserve fighters?"
The top brass said, "There are none, that's it".
As Churchill put it later, that “the odds were great; our margins small; the stakes infinite.” For fifty minutes, there were no more British fighters available
We are in that moment. Throw everything we have at the virus, via vaccinations. Or face the worst.
It's No. 11 Group not "11th Group" for fuck's sake.
An interesting Twitter thread on Scottish independence which looks at the issue from the wrong angle. It isn't reasons why departure is so problematic that is concerning people, its reasons why staying is so problematic.
We've just had Brexit. Leaving the EU, EEA and CU very clearly sets this country back yet it is supported because staying in was perceived as worse. The same is true in Scotland where the UK is increasingly the "other" that is repressing their ability to forge their own path.
Saying "leaving won't be easy" is to rerun the failed brexit remain campaign. Positive reasons to stay need to be argued - not just hot air ones but practicalities as to how Scotland can be made better inside a refreshed union. Not "rebellious Scots to crush" as advocated by the Baronet of Epping Forest.
I agree and the positive reasons for remaining in the union will become apparent when indyref2 happens
Don't forget that the positive reasons are actual things the Union will bring to Scotland, not "this is better than if you leave which will be really shit".
I really struggle for what those positives are right now. The UK is a disfunctional mess.
Compare COVID vaccination rate with the EU. Could SINDY have afforded the furlough scheme etc? (Not that ScotGov has spent all the money on Scottish businesss).
You really are a nasty piece of work. We would of course have just borrowed money for it , just like the UK did. How can unionists be so dumb to assume other people don't understand that.
Is that before or after you’ve met the Copenhagen criteria to join the EU?
Which Criteria would an independent Scotland fail to meet? Rule of Law? Market Economy?
3% budget deficit might take a bit of work.....
Ah, that is why Croatia was barred from joining the EU then.
P.S. Let's hope no one in the Argentine Government subscribes to PB!
Even if they did Argentina has fewer submarines than the UK, fewer combat aircraft than the UK and Argentina does not even have a single aircraft carrier now unlike the UK
"Schools are safe", he says, overlooking that it's the children bringing the virus home that isnt safe
This subject is divisive across the country
However, it is vital that schools remain open as the damage to the children with closures will be do dreadful damage to their life chances
Schools should only close as a last resort
In two months things will be a lot better because of lockdown and vaccine. In three months the pressure on the NHS will have largely gone.
This is a last resort and if schools are closed for say a month it really wont make much difference to life chances. It is not an open ended closure like last time.
Have you any idea just how much damage this has already caused my granddaughter as she takes her A levels to secure her place in University in September. She is exceptionally talented but is receiving counselling for the stress she is undergoing with school closures and the lack of social connection with her friends
Oh please. I have a daughter who just started at university this year. I didn't get to see her at all for nine and a half months because of this. I know how hard it is for her.
I also have a friend whose friend has had their life-saving surgery cancelled because the operating theatre is being converted into Covid ICU.
The emergency is now. This is the time to take all the remaining "last resort" actions we have left.
I agree. This month is panic stations, a desperate race between the new variant and the vaccine with the winner having the hospitals. If we go fast enough with the vaccine next month might start to get better but we really need to move. Israel is vaccinating 1% of its population a day, that is about 680k for us. It seems a reasonable target.
To me, this moment in our Covid Crisis, seems very much like the fateful time Churchill visited the crucial 11th Fighter Group HQ, during the Battle of Britain, and looked at the map, showing the deployment of all RAF forces.
Churchill asked "So, where are the reserve fighters?"
The top brass said, "There are none, that's it".
As Churchill put it later, that “the odds were great; our margins small; the stakes infinite.” For fifty minutes, there were no more British fighters available
We are in that moment. Throw everything we have at the virus, via vaccinations. Or face the worst.
It's No. 11 Group not "11th Group" for fuck's sake.
Rather than getting all angry and angsty on here about the schools issue, it's a genuinely really tricky decision. At least two of the counter-balancing arguments are heavy. On the one side it's clear that kids are rapidly spreading this virus. You can understand why teachers are concerned. A friend of mine is 'terrified.' They don't even get the kind of PPE of frontline health carers. Kids spread it and take it home. Not good.
On the other side of the scale, it's really important that children are in school for their education, mental and physical health. The last two also apply to parents and carers. And the latter extends into the economy. If children have to be at home it's nigh-impossible to work. I've tried.
This is NOT an easy one. So everyone needs to take the heat out of this.
What I don't understand is why the emphasis is on primary schoolchildren. Secondary school kids are largely adapted to the internet age - including spending a lot of non-school time online as the instinctively natural way to socialise. One can worry about that but it's been a thing for some time. With the exception of those who can't afford it at all or live in very remote areas with no signal, having a few weeks accessing lessons at home is not a huge deal. And older kids seem more vulnerable to the virus, even the new strain.
For primary kids, I'd have thought all that was less true. Sure, they access the internet routinely too, but the issues about mental health and learning to mix may loom larger if you've hardly been to school yet.
Personally I'd shut down all schools and universities until the crisis eases. But if we're going to be selective, why not concentrate on the older kids?
Because you have to get much closer to small children them to teach them effectively, and they tend to be less clear about space and touching.
I can command a class of year nine from the front with just my voice. It’s difficult, and it’s not good educationally, but it can just about be done. But I have taught Year 5 as well and it simply wasn’t possible to teach them the same way.
Absolutely. Add to that the impossibility of having a rational discussion with a government which continues to insist that schools are “absolutely safe”, while refusing to publish the evidence or advice on which they make that claim.
I have a feeling this is going to be yet another judge causing a grievance for the government.
We are now 21 hours from the official start of term and still nobody has a clue what’s happening.
At the moment, some unions are advising their members not to go in on grounds of safety, others leaving it to individuals to decide (which appears to be the line quite a few heads are taking). I’ve talked with a few deeply conflicted and stressed teachers this morning. It is a mess.
The problem is, there is no trust. The DfE, ministers and OFSTED have consistently misled people since the start of this crisis. It doesn’t help they’re now saying ‘schools are safe, but we’re not opening them yet.’ What sort of signal does that send? If they’re safe, they don’t need to shut. If they’re shut, it can only be because they’re not safe. Well, that means either that they’re stupid, or they’re mad, or they’re lying. Or, of course, all three.
But in addition to no trust, there is no clarity, no consistency and even no common sense. If you want people to know what you’re doing, don’t issue three contradictory sets of instructions in 24 hours.
So between the two, what are we meant to do? Well, what we’re told.
If anyone finds out exactly what that is, please let me know.
What, in your mind, are the issues that perpetually seem to affect procurement? Is it scope creep, vendors underpricing themselves, trying to reinvent the wheel, poor contract management, or all of the above plus some more?
Pretty much. If the answer were simple or easy somebody would have sorted it out by now.
Modern defence systems are incredibly expensive to acquire and require a great deal of specialist, technical expertise to operate. That means for just about all nations that multinational collaboration is the only way to acquire complex capabilities.
The eurocent is starting to drop with the MoD. The MQ-9C UAS fleet is going to be jointly operated with the Belgian Air Component.
Though the Turkish drones, for example, are (comparatively) cheap in both respects.
Is it perhaps that the pace of development of non military technology has so far accelerated (while military procurement schedules are preserved in aspic) that tweaked civilian technology will increasingly take over ?
That’s happening even in the more difficult to do stuff - SpaceX, a company which didn’t exists a decade ago is now the US military’s prime launch contractor. With marginal costs much more than an order of magnitude less than those it has supplanted.
That will of course also greatly lower the bar for smaller countries to possess dangerous capabilities.
"Schools are safe", he says, overlooking that it's the children bringing the virus home that isnt safe
This subject is divisive across the country
However, it is vital that schools remain open as the damage to the children with closures will be do dreadful damage to their life chances
Schools should only close as a last resort
In two months things will be a lot better because of lockdown and vaccine. In three months the pressure on the NHS will have largely gone.
This is a last resort and if schools are closed for say a month it really wont make much difference to life chances. It is not an open ended closure like last time.
Have you any idea just how much damage this has already caused my granddaughter as she takes her A levels to secure her place in University in September. She is exceptionally talented but is receiving counselling for the stress she is undergoing with school closures and the lack of social connection with her friends
Oh please. I have a daughter who just started at university this year. I didn't get to see her at all for nine and a half months because of this. I know how hard it is for her.
I also have a friend whose friend has had their life-saving surgery cancelled because the operating theatre is being converted into Covid ICU.
The emergency is now. This is the time to take all the remaining "last resort" actions we have left.
I agree. This month is panic stations, a desperate race between the new variant and the vaccine with the winner having the hospitals. If we go fast enough with the vaccine next month might start to get better but we really need to move. Israel is vaccinating 1% of its population a day, that is about 680k for us. It seems a reasonable target.
To me, this moment in our Covid Crisis, seems very much like the fateful time Churchill visited the crucial 11th Fighter Group HQ, during the Battle of Britain, and looked at the map, showing the deployment of all RAF forces.
Churchill asked "So, where are the reserve fighters?"
The top brass said, "There are none, that's it".
As Churchill put it later, that “the odds were great; our margins small; the stakes infinite.” For fifty minutes, there were no more British fighters available
We are in that moment. Throw everything we have at the virus, via vaccinations. Or face the worst.
I hope you had a box of man-size tissues to hand while you were writing that.
"Schools are safe", he says, overlooking that it's the children bringing the virus home that isnt safe
This subject is divisive across the country
However, it is vital that schools remain open as the damage to the children with closures will be do dreadful damage to their life chances
Schools should only close as a last resort
In two months things will be a lot better because of lockdown and vaccine. In three months the pressure on the NHS will have largely gone.
This is a last resort and if schools are closed for say a month it really wont make much difference to life chances. It is not an open ended closure like last time.
Have you any idea just how much damage this has already caused my granddaughter as she takes her A levels to secure her place in University in September. She is exceptionally talented but is receiving counselling for the stress she is undergoing with school closures and the lack of social connection with her friends
Big G, I fully understand your plight, but we are in the midst of a dangerous pandemic. Both my sons are/were in the final year of University degrees. The one in Wales has now suspended studies for a year, the one in England is soldiering on to the bitter end.
Neither have seen a lecturer since March. My eldest son who is on the autistic spectrum was in a Halls of Residence flat on his own for a fortnight whilst his overseas student flatmates were quarantining before arrival- not another soul for a fortnight. Perhaps we need to show a little of the wartime spirit that Boris Johnson enthuses over.
I am surprised that there the NUS are not pushing strongly for at least partial rebate of tuition fees for this year.
It seems reasonable to me.
The NUS are utterly spineless at issues that actually affect students. Most students only join because of the of the societies and the cheap bars.
I went to the NUS Conference in 2003.
The Conference spent more time debating the Iraq War (which had began a few weeks earlier and had nothing to do with students) than it did tuition fees. 🤦🏻♂️
All anyone at Conference seemed to want to discuss primarily was Palestine and Iraq.
Perhaps this is because politically minded young people are elevated and idealistic. They are animated more by global injustice than by the size of their wallet.
Not their job, if they have been elected to represent the interests of their members (who I am surprised to see represented as fat cats). Same with Corbyn: you really can't decide that the problems of the poor, disadvantaged and underprivileged in your own constituency and country are so trivial that you can ignore them in favour of an arbitrarily chosen injustice on another continent. Or you can only do that in your spare time.
But is it our job to tell them what their job is? Take your point on representation but if students want their union leaders to be focused on the £££ for them as opposed to global issues above their pay grade they should vote that way. This is what did for Corbyn after all. Not that it should really be an either/or between global and local in either proper or student politics. Perhaps people in middle age tend to prefer students to be less idealistic and more mercenary because they are.
Brilliant header, @Dura_Ace . Am I qualified to comment, as a long time since I once built a Hasegawa P38 ? And bodged it horribly.
Somewhere, deep down in a Welsh landfill site, lies a half-completed Airfix Lockheed Lightning, waiting for a 4th millennium archaeologist to look on my works and despair.
An interesting Twitter thread on Scottish independence which looks at the issue from the wrong angle. It isn't reasons why departure is so problematic that is concerning people, its reasons why staying is so problematic.
We've just had Brexit. Leaving the EU, EEA and CU very clearly sets this country back yet it is supported because staying in was perceived as worse. The same is true in Scotland where the UK is increasingly the "other" that is repressing their ability to forge their own path.
Saying "leaving won't be easy" is to rerun the failed brexit remain campaign. Positive reasons to stay need to be argued - not just hot air ones but practicalities as to how Scotland can be made better inside a refreshed union. Not "rebellious Scots to crush" as advocated by the Baronet of Epping Forest.
I agree and the positive reasons for remaining in the union will become apparent when indyref2 happens
Don't forget that the positive reasons are actual things the Union will bring to Scotland, not "this is better than if you leave which will be really shit".
I really struggle for what those positives are right now. The UK is a disfunctional mess.
Compare COVID vaccination rate with the EU. Could SINDY have afforded the furlough scheme etc? (Not that ScotGov has spent all the money on Scottish businesss).
You really are a nasty piece of work. We would of course have just borrowed money for it , just like the UK did. How can unionists be so dumb to assume other people don't understand that.
Is that before or after you’ve met the Copenhagen criteria to join the EU?
Which Criteria would an independent Scotland fail to meet? Rule of Law? Market Economy?
3% budget deficit might take a bit of work.....
Ah, that is why Croatia was barred from joining the EU then.
Boris confirms referendums should only be once in a generation on Marr, comparing the period from the 1975 EEC referendum to the 2016 EU referendum to the period before a new Scottish referendum should be allowed by Westminster after 2014
No parliament can bind its successor.
Better keep electing Tory Governments then, just to ensure continuity.....
Whether or not the last three Tory governments have delivered continuity will be left as an exercise for the reader.
The glorious continuity of keeping Labour from the levers of power.
Yes the coalition of chaos under Ed Miliband would have been an unimaginable hell compared to the strong and stable government we have enjoyed in recent years.
Always become a better player when you're out of a losing side!
I wonder how it would have played out. There would have been no referendum in 2016 under Miliband, but Farage's UKIP would have probably become the second party, or one of three trading about equal in the polls I guess, esp with more Tory defectors. It may have resulted in a party who wanted to Leave in charge calling a referendum (which would have been cancelled due to Covid) in 2020/21
Farage's Ukip never came within a gnat's whisker of winning a single Westminster seat, let alone forming a government. Ironically, Ukip's strength was European elections. (Sceptics might accuse the Conservatives of breaking electoral rules to keep Farage out but even so, there is only one of him.)
To be fair, Douglas Carswell did win his by-election standing for UKIP.
"Schools are safe", he says, overlooking that it's the children bringing the virus home that isnt safe
This subject is divisive across the country
However, it is vital that schools remain open as the damage to the children with closures will be do dreadful damage to their life chances
Schools should only close as a last resort
In two months things will be a lot better because of lockdown and vaccine. In three months the pressure on the NHS will have largely gone.
This is a last resort and if schools are closed for say a month it really wont make much difference to life chances. It is not an open ended closure like last time.
Have you any idea just how much damage this has already caused my granddaughter as she takes her A levels to secure her place in University in September. She is exceptionally talented but is receiving counselling for the stress she is undergoing with school closures and the lack of social connection with her friends
Oh please. I have a daughter who just started at university this year. I didn't get to see her at all for nine and a half months because of this. I know how hard it is for her.
I also have a friend whose friend has had their life-saving surgery cancelled because the operating theatre is being converted into Covid ICU.
The emergency is now. This is the time to take all the remaining "last resort" actions we have left.
I agree. This month is panic stations, a desperate race between the new variant and the vaccine with the winner having the hospitals. If we go fast enough with the vaccine next month might start to get better but we really need to move. Israel is vaccinating 1% of its population a day, that is about 680k for us. It seems a reasonable target.
To me, this moment in our Covid Crisis, seems very much like the fateful time Churchill visited the crucial 11th Fighter Group HQ, during the Battle of Britain, and looked at the map, showing the deployment of all RAF forces.
Churchill asked "So, where are the reserve fighters?"
The top brass said, "There are none, that's it".
As Churchill put it later, that “the odds were great; our margins small; the stakes infinite.” For fifty minutes, there were no more British fighters available
We are in that moment. Throw everything we have at the virus, via vaccinations. Or face the worst.
It's No. 11 Group not "11th Group" for fuck's sake.
Quite right too. We're not Americans.
On topic - what's your view of the UK launchpads? Presumably OK for throwing small sats into polar orbits? But not much else - IIRC that was the whole rationale for building Woomera in the middle of **** all down south in Oz.
"Schools are safe", he says, overlooking that it's the children bringing the virus home that isnt safe
This subject is divisive across the country
However, it is vital that schools remain open as the damage to the children with closures will be do dreadful damage to their life chances
Schools should only close as a last resort
In two months things will be a lot better because of lockdown and vaccine. In three months the pressure on the NHS will have largely gone.
This is a last resort and if schools are closed for say a month it really wont make much difference to life chances. It is not an open ended closure like last time.
Have you any idea just how much damage this has already caused my granddaughter as she takes her A levels to secure her place in University in September. She is exceptionally talented but is receiving counselling for the stress she is undergoing with school closures and the lack of social connection with her friends
Oh please. I have a daughter who just started at university this year. I didn't get to see her at all for nine and a half months because of this. I know how hard it is for her.
I also have a friend whose friend has had their life-saving surgery cancelled because the operating theatre is being converted into Covid ICU.
The emergency is now. This is the time to take all the remaining "last resort" actions we have left.
I agree. This month is panic stations, a desperate race between the new variant and the vaccine with the winner having the hospitals. If we go fast enough with the vaccine next month might start to get better but we really need to move. Israel is vaccinating 1% of its population a day, that is about 680k for us. It seems a reasonable target.
To me, this moment in our Covid Crisis, seems very much like the fateful time Churchill visited the crucial 11th Fighter Group HQ, during the Battle of Britain, and looked at the map, showing the deployment of all RAF forces.
Churchill asked "So, where are the reserve fighters?"
The top brass said, "There are none, that's it".
As Churchill put it later, that “the odds were great; our margins small; the stakes infinite.” For fifty minutes, there were no more British fighters available
We are in that moment. Throw everything we have at the virus, via vaccinations. Or face the worst.
It's No. 11 Group not "11th Group" for fuck's sake.
Don’t expect accuracy from the faux Churchillians.
What, in your mind, are the issues that perpetually seem to affect procurement? Is it scope creep, vendors underpricing themselves, trying to reinvent the wheel, poor contract management, or all of the above plus some more?
Pretty much. If the answer were simple or easy somebody would have sorted it out by now.
Modern defence systems are incredibly expensive to acquire and require a great deal of specialist, technical expertise to operate. That means for just about all nations that multinational collaboration is the only way to acquire complex capabilities.
The eurocent is starting to drop with the MoD. The MQ-9C UAS fleet is going to be jointly operated with the Belgian Air Component.
Though the Turkish drones, for example, are (comparatively) cheap in both respects.
Is it perhaps that the pace of development of non military technology has so far accelerated (while military procurement schedules are preserved in aspic) that tweaked civilian technology will increasingly take over ?
That’s happening even in the more difficult to do stuff - SpaceX, a company which didn’t exists a decade ago is now the US military’s prime launch contractor. With marginal costs much more than an order of magnitude less than those it has supplanted.
That will of course also greatly lower the bar for smaller countries to possess dangerous capabilities.
Have you seen the footage of the Turkish/Azeri drones/missiles wiping out Armenian forces, soldiers and tanks?
"Schools are safe", he says, overlooking that it's the children bringing the virus home that isnt safe
This subject is divisive across the country
However, it is vital that schools remain open as the damage to the children with closures will be do dreadful damage to their life chances
Schools should only close as a last resort
In two months things will be a lot better because of lockdown and vaccine. In three months the pressure on the NHS will have largely gone.
This is a last resort and if schools are closed for say a month it really wont make much difference to life chances. It is not an open ended closure like last time.
Have you any idea just how much damage this has already caused my granddaughter as she takes her A levels to secure her place in University in September. She is exceptionally talented but is receiving counselling for the stress she is undergoing with school closures and the lack of social connection with her friends
Oh please. I have a daughter who just started at university this year. I didn't get to see her at all for nine and a half months because of this. I know how hard it is for her.
I also have a friend whose friend has had their life-saving surgery cancelled because the operating theatre is being converted into Covid ICU.
The emergency is now. This is the time to take all the remaining "last resort" actions we have left.
I agree. This month is panic stations, a desperate race between the new variant and the vaccine with the winner having the hospitals. If we go fast enough with the vaccine next month might start to get better but we really need to move. Israel is vaccinating 1% of its population a day, that is about 680k for us. It seems a reasonable target.
To me, this moment in our Covid Crisis, seems very much like the fateful time Churchill visited the crucial 11th Fighter Group HQ, during the Battle of Britain, and looked at the map, showing the deployment of all RAF forces.
Churchill asked "So, where are the reserve fighters?"
The top brass said, "There are none, that's it".
As Churchill put it later, that “the odds were great; our margins small; the stakes infinite.” For fifty minutes, there were no more British fighters available
We are in that moment. Throw everything we have at the virus, via vaccinations. Or face the worst.
It's No. 11 Group not "11th Group" for fuck's sake.
Quite right too. We're not Americans.
On topic - what's your view of the UK launchpads? Presumably OK for throwing small sats into polar orbits? But not much else - IIRC that was the whole rationale for building Woomera in the middle of **** all down south in Oz.
"Schools are safe", he says, overlooking that it's the children bringing the virus home that isnt safe
This subject is divisive across the country
However, it is vital that schools remain open as the damage to the children with closures will be do dreadful damage to their life chances
Schools should only close as a last resort
In two months things will be a lot better because of lockdown and vaccine. In three months the pressure on the NHS will have largely gone.
This is a last resort and if schools are closed for say a month it really wont make much difference to life chances. It is not an open ended closure like last time.
Have you any idea just how much damage this has already caused my granddaughter as she takes her A levels to secure her place in University in September. She is exceptionally talented but is receiving counselling for the stress she is undergoing with school closures and the lack of social connection with her friends
Oh please. I have a daughter who just started at university this year. I didn't get to see her at all for nine and a half months because of this. I know how hard it is for her.
I also have a friend whose friend has had their life-saving surgery cancelled because the operating theatre is being converted into Covid ICU.
The emergency is now. This is the time to take all the remaining "last resort" actions we have left.
I agree. This month is panic stations, a desperate race between the new variant and the vaccine with the winner having the hospitals. If we go fast enough with the vaccine next month might start to get better but we really need to move. Israel is vaccinating 1% of its population a day, that is about 680k for us. It seems a reasonable target.
To me, this moment in our Covid Crisis, seems very much like the fateful time Churchill visited the crucial 11th Fighter Group HQ, during the Battle of Britain, and looked at the map, showing the deployment of all RAF forces.
Churchill asked "So, where are the reserve fighters?"
The top brass said, "There are none, that's it".
As Churchill put it later, that “the odds were great; our margins small; the stakes infinite.” For fifty minutes, there were no more British fighters available
We are in that moment. Throw everything we have at the virus, via vaccinations. Or face the worst.
It's No. 11 Group not "11th Group" for fuck's sake.
Quite right too. We're not Americans.
On topic - what's your view of the UK launchpads? Presumably OK for throwing small sats into polar orbits? But not much else - IIRC that was the whole rationale for building Woomera in the middle of **** all down south in Oz.
It's a Potemkin village and a Scottish job creation scheme. I suspect they'll give up and use commercial launches before it ever amounts to anything.
Brilliant header, @Dura_Ace . Am I qualified to comment, as a long time since I once built a Hasegawa P38 ? And bodged it horribly.
With scale aviation modelling redemption is only as far away as the box of the next kit.
I am somehow unsurprised to discover that a large proportion of PBers have a weird, Aspergery, incel-esque obsession with making model airplanes.
Not all currently, evidently, but recalling their misspent youth glue-sniffing. In fairness, I think it's a generation thing from the 1950s-1970s - the older ones are passing away and the younger ones are or were computer games enthusiasts.
Brilliant header, @Dura_Ace . Am I qualified to comment, as a long time since I once built a Hasegawa P38 ? And bodged it horribly.
Did you forget to put a weight in the nose?
The Airfix generation speaking.
Just so. When I were a lad and an inveterate model builder (I pretty much had a Tamiya Panzerarmee), Airfix were seen as poor man's kit building. Checking the eponymous magazine on Tesco's shelves, they're right at the forefront now; I hope Liz Truss is pushing trade deals for this vital sector!
An interesting Twitter thread on Scottish independence which looks at the issue from the wrong angle. It isn't reasons why departure is so problematic that is concerning people, its reasons why staying is so problematic.
We've just had Brexit. Leaving the EU, EEA and CU very clearly sets this country back yet it is supported because staying in was perceived as worse. The same is true in Scotland where the UK is increasingly the "other" that is repressing their ability to forge their own path.
Saying "leaving won't be easy" is to rerun the failed brexit remain campaign. Positive reasons to stay need to be argued - not just hot air ones but practicalities as to how Scotland can be made better inside a refreshed union. Not "rebellious Scots to crush" as advocated by the Baronet of Epping Forest.
I agree and the positive reasons for remaining in the union will become apparent when indyref2 happens
Don't forget that the positive reasons are actual things the Union will bring to Scotland, not "this is better than if you leave which will be really shit".
I really struggle for what those positives are right now. The UK is a disfunctional mess.
Compare COVID vaccination rate with the EU. Could SINDY have afforded the furlough scheme etc? (Not that ScotGov has spent all the money on Scottish businesss).
You really are a nasty piece of work. We would of course have just borrowed money for it , just like the UK did. How can unionists be so dumb to assume other people don't understand that.
Is that before or after you’ve met the Copenhagen criteria to join the EU?
Which Criteria would an independent Scotland fail to meet? Rule of Law? Market Economy?
3% budget deficit might take a bit of work.....
Ah, that is why Croatia was barred from joining the EU then.
Brilliant header, @Dura_Ace . Am I qualified to comment, as a long time since I once built a Hasegawa P38 ? And bodged it horribly.
With scale aviation modelling redemption is only as far away as the box of the next kit.
I am somehow unsurprised to discover that a large proportion of PBers have a weird, Aspergery, incel-esque obsession with making model airplanes.
Not all currently, evidently, but recalling their misspent youth glue-sniffing. In fairness, I think it's a generation thing from the 1950s-1970s - the older ones are passing away and the younger ones are or were computer games enthusiasts.
Something in that. It was Space Invaders and the ZX Spectrum for me, and that game that involved pinging a thing back and forth like electronic tennis for pinheads
Brilliant header, @Dura_Ace . Am I qualified to comment, as a long time since I once built a Hasegawa P38 ? And bodged it horribly.
Somewhere, deep down in a Welsh landfill site, lies a half-completed Airfix Lockheed Lightning, waiting for a 4th millennium archaeologist to look on my works and despair.
Almost all Airix kits in small scales are grot. The 1/24 aircraft are good (I made at least 10 Harriers for retirement gifts) and the 1/12 Blower Bentley is so good it almost bankrupted the company. They probably still haven't made a penny profit off it even though it's been in production for 50 years.
"Schools are safe", he says, overlooking that it's the children bringing the virus home that isnt safe
This subject is divisive across the country
However, it is vital that schools remain open as the damage to the children with closures will be do dreadful damage to their life chances
Schools should only close as a last resort
In two months things will be a lot better because of lockdown and vaccine. In three months the pressure on the NHS will have largely gone.
This is a last resort and if schools are closed for say a month it really wont make much difference to life chances. It is not an open ended closure like last time.
Have you any idea just how much damage this has already caused my granddaughter as she takes her A levels to secure her place in University in September. She is exceptionally talented but is receiving counselling for the stress she is undergoing with school closures and the lack of social connection with her friends
Oh please. I have a daughter who just started at university this year. I didn't get to see her at all for nine and a half months because of this. I know how hard it is for her.
I also have a friend whose friend has had their life-saving surgery cancelled because the operating theatre is being converted into Covid ICU.
The emergency is now. This is the time to take all the remaining "last resort" actions we have left.
I agree. This month is panic stations, a desperate race between the new variant and the vaccine with the winner having the hospitals. If we go fast enough with the vaccine next month might start to get better but we really need to move. Israel is vaccinating 1% of its population a day, that is about 680k for us. It seems a reasonable target.
To me, this moment in our Covid Crisis, seems very much like the fateful time Churchill visited the crucial 11th Fighter Group HQ, during the Battle of Britain, and looked at the map, showing the deployment of all RAF forces.
Churchill asked "So, where are the reserve fighters?"
The top brass said, "There are none, that's it".
As Churchill put it later, that “the odds were great; our margins small; the stakes infinite.” For fifty minutes, there were no more British fighters available
We are in that moment. Throw everything we have at the virus, via vaccinations. Or face the worst.
It's No. 11 Group not "11th Group" for fuck's sake.
Quite right too. We're not Americans.
On topic - what's your view of the UK launchpads? Presumably OK for throwing small sats into polar orbits? But not much else - IIRC that was the whole rationale for building Woomera in the middle of **** all down south in Oz.
"Schools are safe", he says, overlooking that it's the children bringing the virus home that isnt safe
This subject is divisive across the country
However, it is vital that schools remain open as the damage to the children with closures will be do dreadful damage to their life chances
Schools should only close as a last resort
In two months things will be a lot better because of lockdown and vaccine. In three months the pressure on the NHS will have largely gone.
This is a last resort and if schools are closed for say a month it really wont make much difference to life chances. It is not an open ended closure like last time.
Have you any idea just how much damage this has already caused my granddaughter as she takes her A levels to secure her place in University in September. She is exceptionally talented but is receiving counselling for the stress she is undergoing with school closures and the lack of social connection with her friends
Oh please. I have a daughter who just started at university this year. I didn't get to see her at all for nine and a half months because of this. I know how hard it is for her.
I also have a friend whose friend has had their life-saving surgery cancelled because the operating theatre is being converted into Covid ICU.
The emergency is now. This is the time to take all the remaining "last resort" actions we have left.
I agree. This month is panic stations, a desperate race between the new variant and the vaccine with the winner having the hospitals. If we go fast enough with the vaccine next month might start to get better but we really need to move. Israel is vaccinating 1% of its population a day, that is about 680k for us. It seems a reasonable target.
To me, this moment in our Covid Crisis, seems very much like the fateful time Churchill visited the crucial 11th Fighter Group HQ, during the Battle of Britain, and looked at the map, showing the deployment of all RAF forces.
Churchill asked "So, where are the reserve fighters?"
The top brass said, "There are none, that's it".
As Churchill put it later, that “the odds were great; our margins small; the stakes infinite.” For fifty minutes, there were no more British fighters available
We are in that moment. Throw everything we have at the virus, via vaccinations. Or face the worst.
It's No. 11 Group not "11th Group" for fuck's sake.
Quite right too. We're not Americans.
On topic - what's your view of the UK launchpads? Presumably OK for throwing small sats into polar orbits? But not much else - IIRC that was the whole rationale for building Woomera in the middle of **** all down south in Oz.
It's a Potemkin village and a Scottish job creation scheme. I suspect they'll give up and use commercial launches before it ever amounts to anything.
Certainly the proclaimed stats for Shetland employment seemed very surprising for what amount to jumped-up V2s on trailers (and probably easier to launch too, esp. if solid fuel). All you need is a bit of concrete. Just be grateful they are using a moor and not the centre of Den Haag or Princes Street Gardens.
I believe the estimated 13bn shortfall is over a 10 year timeframe.
It's about a 3-4% shortfall but I suspect nobody really knows or wants to know what it would look like in 10 years. We'll be balls deep in Tempest, Dreadnought, T4X, Astute replacement and the gods of war knows what by then.
An interesting Twitter thread on Scottish independence which looks at the issue from the wrong angle. It isn't reasons why departure is so problematic that is concerning people, its reasons why staying is so problematic.
We've just had Brexit. Leaving the EU, EEA and CU very clearly sets this country back yet it is supported because staying in was perceived as worse. The same is true in Scotland where the UK is increasingly the "other" that is repressing their ability to forge their own path.
Saying "leaving won't be easy" is to rerun the failed brexit remain campaign. Positive reasons to stay need to be argued - not just hot air ones but practicalities as to how Scotland can be made better inside a refreshed union. Not "rebellious Scots to crush" as advocated by the Baronet of Epping Forest.
I agree and the positive reasons for remaining in the union will become apparent when indyref2 happens
Don't forget that the positive reasons are actual things the Union will bring to Scotland, not "this is better than if you leave which will be really shit".
I really struggle for what those positives are right now. The UK is a disfunctional mess.
Compare COVID vaccination rate with the EU. Could SINDY have afforded the furlough scheme etc? (Not that ScotGov has spent all the money on Scottish businesss).
You really are a nasty piece of work. We would of course have just borrowed money for it , just like the UK did. How can unionists be so dumb to assume other people don't understand that.
Is that before or after you’ve met the Copenhagen criteria to join the EU?
Scotland already meets all of the criteria for EU membership, other than being an independent country. The convergence criteria are for the final stage of EMU and need not be met to become an EU member state.
The EU constitution requires membership of either Schengen or the Common Travel Area. The UK leaving doesn't end that. Scotland could opt to join (remain in) the Common Travel Area.
Also 'Sweden' for the bollox Euro adoption argument as well.
Technically the rules have been tightened since Sweden got themselves an unofficial opt out. Though still the Scots could opt out.
But I still think the SNP should advocate Euro membership and seek to win the argument on that. It is the best honest answer to the currency question, the idea of a "Sterling union" is nonsense, if you want that then stay within the United Kingdom.
The only honest independent Scotland currency options is an actual Scottish currency (not printing Scottish sterling notes) and the Euro.
That is right, the SNP need to embrace an independent currency as a stepping stone to the euro. Clinging to sterling isn't a viable option. Sweden don't have an unofficial opt out, they are just choosing not to exercise their obligation to join the euro right now. Scotland could do that too but I think it would make more sense to adopt the euro once the convergence criteria are met (which won't happen quickly). I think it should be fairly easy to arrange a 1-2 year transition arrangement with rUK regarding the border, CTA etc, while the currency is set up and EU accession talks start. It should be possible to set up a trusted trader scheme for most cross border trade to minimise paperwork. The border is quite simple, only a handful of crossing points and loads of space for infrastructure. The CTA would continue, I think - the political pressure to do so on both sides of the border would be immense, and Ireland is a significant precedent. If rUK refused Scotland could join Schengen immediately, even before joining the EU. Scotland would probably take on a population weighted share of UK debt, although that would have to be negotiated - legally the liability would fall on rUK. I think both sides would be reasonable - Scotland can offer a 5 or 10 year lease on Faslane as a gesture of goodwill, I doubt rUK would want to find a new home for its nukes immediately.
You talk as is severing a 300 year old union is like leaving student digs for a different flat down the road. If Brexit has shown anything, it has shown that major geopolitical disruptions - and partitions - have unimaginable consequences, many of them very bad, and departure is much much harder than anyone can really comprehend.
If you are sold on Scottish independence for emotional/sovereign reasons, fair enough: you are unpersuadable, and that's your right.
But let's not be stupid. Scottish indy would plunge Scotland into economic Depression and immediate fiscal nightmare, it would also provoke a long and deep recession in rUK. The political aftershocks would persist for many years, the wrangling might last a decade (Brexit has taken nearly 5 years, and will still go on in a lesser way).This is one reason why referendums should only be once a generation, and also why the power to allow a referendum resides with the UK government at Westminster - where Scots MPs are fully represented, alongside the English, Welsh and Northern Irish.
If the Scots government is allowed to call a referendum every time they have a majority - ie any time they like - the uncertaintly and chaos will paralyse the whole British nation in perpetuity. It cannot be permitted.
Boris is right. Once in a generation. If this decision by the UK government so enrages Scots that they become evermore committed to indy, then so be it. That means they have given up on the UK and will leave anyway, evenetually. That doesn't mean Boris' decision is wrong. It is morally, economically and politically correct. He has to govern and make decisions on what is best for the whole of the UK.
There will be no indyref 2 until at least the next GE in 2024.
If you want to override the clearly expressed will of the Scottish population you are going to have to be prepared to do so by force. HYUFD is right on that. I don't disagree that Scottish independence will raise many economic challenges in the short run. That is why I used to be a Unionist, I thought it wasn't worth it. But Brexit has changed the calculus - Scotland is being taken in a direction its people have explicitly rejected, with absolutely no consideration given to its interests. The Union has become an unbalanced, toxic, abusive relationship. It is worth absorbing that short term pain to escape that.
Given Sturgeon is saying she will not hold an indyref2 without Westminster consent even if the SNP win a majority in May Boris may not even need to go as far as Rajoy did with Catalonia in 2017 in order to stick to his line that he will not grant the Scots a legal independence referendum.
Then the divisions would start to emerge between the SNP hardliners and those around Sturgeon
Journos being rather naughty by only quoting part of what he said...which was if this is the case, the vaccines will be able to be adapted in a few weeks.
The border control issue, I still have no idea after all thrse months and being an island how the government haven't managed to come up with a solution where they are effectively closed to all but a very small subsection of crucial workers.
An interesting Twitter thread on Scottish independence which looks at the issue from the wrong angle. It isn't reasons why departure is so problematic that is concerning people, its reasons why staying is so problematic.
We've just had Brexit. Leaving the EU, EEA and CU very clearly sets this country back yet it is supported because staying in was perceived as worse. The same is true in Scotland where the UK is increasingly the "other" that is repressing their ability to forge their own path.
Saying "leaving won't be easy" is to rerun the failed brexit remain campaign. Positive reasons to stay need to be argued - not just hot air ones but practicalities as to how Scotland can be made better inside a refreshed union. Not "rebellious Scots to crush" as advocated by the Baronet of Epping Forest.
I agree and the positive reasons for remaining in the union will become apparent when indyref2 happens
Don't forget that the positive reasons are actual things the Union will bring to Scotland, not "this is better than if you leave which will be really shit".
I really struggle for what those positives are right now. The UK is a disfunctional mess.
Compare COVID vaccination rate with the EU. Could SINDY have afforded the furlough scheme etc? (Not that ScotGov has spent all the money on Scottish businesss).
You really are a nasty piece of work. We would of course have just borrowed money for it , just like the UK did. How can unionists be so dumb to assume other people don't understand that.
Is that before or after you’ve met the Copenhagen criteria to join the EU?
Scotland already meets all of the criteria for EU membership, other than being an independent country. The convergence criteria are for the final stage of EMU and need not be met to become an EU member state.
The EU constitution requires membership of either Schengen or the Common Travel Area. The UK leaving doesn't end that. Scotland could opt to join (remain in) the Common Travel Area.
Also 'Sweden' for the bollox Euro adoption argument as well.
Technically the rules have been tightened since Sweden got themselves an unofficial opt out. Though still the Scots could opt out.
But I still think the SNP should advocate Euro membership and seek to win the argument on that. It is the best honest answer to the currency question, the idea of a "Sterling union" is nonsense, if you want that then stay within the United Kingdom.
The only honest independent Scotland currency options is an actual Scottish currency (not printing Scottish sterling notes) and the Euro.
That is right, the SNP need to embrace an independent currency as a stepping stone to the euro. Clinging to sterling isn't a viable option. Sweden don't have an unofficial opt out, they are just choosing not to exercise their obligation to join the euro right now. Scotland could do that too but I think it would make more sense to adopt the euro once the convergence criteria are met (which won't happen quickly). I think it should be fairly easy to arrange a 1-2 year transition arrangement with rUK regarding the border, CTA etc, while the currency is set up and EU accession talks start. It should be possible to set up a trusted trader scheme for most cross border trade to minimise paperwork. The border is quite simple, only a handful of crossing points and loads of space for infrastructure. The CTA would continue, I think - the political pressure to do so on both sides of the border would be immense, and Ireland is a significant precedent. If rUK refused Scotland could join Schengen immediately, even before joining the EU. Scotland would probably take on a population weighted share of UK debt, although that would have to be negotiated - legally the liability would fall on rUK. I think both sides would be reasonable - Scotland can offer a 5 or 10 year lease on Faslane as a gesture of goodwill, I doubt rUK would want to find a new home for its nukes immediately.
You talk as is severing a 300 year old union is like leaving student digs for a different flat down the road. If Brexit has shown anything, it has shown that major geopolitical disruptions - and partitions - have unimaginable consequences, many of them very bad, and departure is much much harder than anyone can really comprehend.
If you are sold on Scottish independence for emotional/sovereign reasons, fair enough: you are unpersuadable, and that's your right.
But let's not be stupid. Scottish indy would plunge Scotland into economic Depression and immediate fiscal nightmare, it would also provoke a long and deep recession in rUK. The political aftershocks would persist for many years, the wrangling might last a decade (Brexit has taken nearly 5 years, and will still go on in a lesser way).This is one reason why referendums should only be once a generation, and also why the power to allow a referendum resides with the UK government at Westminster - where Scots MPs are fully represented, alongside the English, Welsh and Northern Irish.
If the Scots government is allowed to call a referendum every time they have a majority - ie any time they like - the uncertaintly and chaos will paralyse the whole British nation in perpetuity. It cannot be permitted.
Boris is right. Once in a generation. If this decision by the UK government so enrages Scots that they become evermore committed to indy, then so be it. That means they have given up on the UK and will leave anyway, evenetually. That doesn't mean Boris' decision is wrong. It is morally, economically and politically correct. He has to govern and make decisions on what is best for the whole of the UK.
There will be no indyref 2 until at least the next GE in 2024.
If you want to override the clearly expressed will of the Scottish population you are going to have to be prepared to do so by force. HYUFD is right on that. I don't disagree that Scottish independence will raise many economic challenges in the short run. That is why I used to be a Unionist, I thought it wasn't worth it. But Brexit has changed the calculus - Scotland is being taken in a direction its people have explicitly rejected, with absolutely no consideration given to its interests. The Union has become an unbalanced, toxic, abusive relationship. It is worth absorbing that short term pain to escape that.
Given Sturgeon is saying she will not hold an indyref2 without Westminster consent even if the SNP win a majority in May Boris may not even need to go as far as Rajoy did with Catalonia in 2017 in order to stick to his line that he will not grant the Scots a legal independence referendum.
Then the divisions would start to emerge between the SNP hardliners and those around Sturgeon
Jesus, That's it. That's the nightmare. The vaccines don't work.... they have to be remodelled....it takes a year.... we're all dead. Great.
mRNA rework wouldn't take a year. iirc one of the top Phifzer guys said it would be six weeks.
Obv the Pfizer guy knows a shit-ton more than me, but how can he be so precise? Have they scrutinized the Afrikaaner Bug in the lab?
I hope so and I hope he is talking with authority, but I have my amateurish doubts, and - IF this new strain is resistant - then I could see it taking a lot longer for the NEW vaccine to go from creation to manufacture to actual distribution around the world.
And during that time the virus may mutate again, of course. That is why it is so vital to squash it now, ASAFP
An interesting Twitter thread on Scottish independence which looks at the issue from the wrong angle. It isn't reasons why departure is so problematic that is concerning people, its reasons why staying is so problematic.
We've just had Brexit. Leaving the EU, EEA and CU very clearly sets this country back yet it is supported because staying in was perceived as worse. The same is true in Scotland where the UK is increasingly the "other" that is repressing their ability to forge their own path.
Saying "leaving won't be easy" is to rerun the failed brexit remain campaign. Positive reasons to stay need to be argued - not just hot air ones but practicalities as to how Scotland can be made better inside a refreshed union. Not "rebellious Scots to crush" as advocated by the Baronet of Epping Forest.
I agree and the positive reasons for remaining in the union will become apparent when indyref2 happens
Don't forget that the positive reasons are actual things the Union will bring to Scotland, not "this is better than if you leave which will be really shit".
I really struggle for what those positives are right now. The UK is a disfunctional mess.
Compare COVID vaccination rate with the EU. Could SINDY have afforded the furlough scheme etc? (Not that ScotGov has spent all the money on Scottish businesss).
You really are a nasty piece of work. We would of course have just borrowed money for it , just like the UK did. How can unionists be so dumb to assume other people don't understand that.
Is that before or after you’ve met the Copenhagen criteria to join the EU?
Scotland already meets all of the criteria for EU membership, other than being an independent country. The convergence criteria are for the final stage of EMU and need not be met to become an EU member state.
The EU constitution requires membership of either Schengen or the Common Travel Area. The UK leaving doesn't end that. Scotland could opt to join (remain in) the Common Travel Area.
Also 'Sweden' for the bollox Euro adoption argument as well.
Technically the rules have been tightened since Sweden got themselves an unofficial opt out. Though still the Scots could opt out.
But I still think the SNP should advocate Euro membership and seek to win the argument on that. It is the best honest answer to the currency question, the idea of a "Sterling union" is nonsense, if you want that then stay within the United Kingdom.
The only honest independent Scotland currency options is an actual Scottish currency (not printing Scottish sterling notes) and the Euro.
That is right, the SNP need to embrace an independent currency as a stepping stone to the euro. Clinging to sterling isn't a viable option. Sweden don't have an unofficial opt out, they are just choosing not to exercise their obligation to join the euro right now. Scotland could do that too but I think it would make more sense to adopt the euro once the convergence criteria are met (which won't happen quickly). I think it should be fairly easy to arrange a 1-2 year transition arrangement with rUK regarding the border, CTA etc, while the currency is set up and EU accession talks start. It should be possible to set up a trusted trader scheme for most cross border trade to minimise paperwork. The border is quite simple, only a handful of crossing points and loads of space for infrastructure. The CTA would continue, I think - the political pressure to do so on both sides of the border would be immense, and Ireland is a significant precedent. If rUK refused Scotland could join Schengen immediately, even before joining the EU. Scotland would probably take on a population weighted share of UK debt, although that would have to be negotiated - legally the liability would fall on rUK. I think both sides would be reasonable - Scotland can offer a 5 or 10 year lease on Faslane as a gesture of goodwill, I doubt rUK would want to find a new home for its nukes immediately.
You talk as is severing a 300 year old union is like leaving student digs for a different flat down the road. If Brexit has shown anything, it has shown that major geopolitical disruptions - and partitions - have unimaginable consequences, many of them very bad, and departure is much much harder than anyone can really comprehend.
If you are sold on Scottish independence for emotional/sovereign reasons, fair enough: you are unpersuadable, and that's your right.
But let's not be stupid. Scottish indy would plunge Scotland into economic Depression and immediate fiscal nightmare, it would also provoke a long and deep recession in rUK. The political aftershocks would persist for many years, the wrangling might last a decade (Brexit has taken nearly 5 years, and will still go on in a lesser way).This is one reason why referendums should only be once a generation, and also why the power to allow a referendum resides with the UK government at Westminster - where Scots MPs are fully represented, alongside the English, Welsh and Northern Irish.
If the Scots government is allowed to call a referendum every time they have a majority - ie any time they like - the uncertaintly and chaos will paralyse the whole British nation in perpetuity. It cannot be permitted.
Boris is right. Once in a generation. If this decision by the UK government so enrages Scots that they become evermore committed to indy, then so be it. That means they have given up on the UK and will leave anyway, evenetually. That doesn't mean Boris' decision is wrong. It is morally, economically and politically correct. He has to govern and make decisions on what is best for the whole of the UK.
There will be no indyref 2 until at least the next GE in 2024.
If you want to override the clearly expressed will of the Scottish population you are going to have to be prepared to do so by force. HYUFD is right on that. I don't disagree that Scottish independence will raise many economic challenges in the short run. That is why I used to be a Unionist, I thought it wasn't worth it. But Brexit has changed the calculus - Scotland is being taken in a direction its people have explicitly rejected, with absolutely no consideration given to its interests. The Union has become an unbalanced, toxic, abusive relationship. It is worth absorbing that short term pain to escape that.
Given Sturgeon is saying she will not hold an indyref2 without Westminster consent even if the SNP win a majority in May Boris may not even need to go as far as Rajoy did with Catalonia in 2017 in order to stick to his line that he will not grant the Scots a legal independence referendum.
Then the divisions would start to emerge between the SNP hardliners and those around Sturgeon
Where has she said that, please?
'In a message to her impatient party activists, Ms Sturgeon again ruled out a wildcat referendum if Mr Johnson keeps blocking Indyref2. “We are committed to a legal, constitutional route to becoming an independent state.” ' https://archive.is/ASn72#selection-1599.4-1603.89
Brilliant header, @Dura_Ace . Am I qualified to comment, as a long time since I once built a Hasegawa P38 ? And bodged it horribly.
With scale aviation modelling redemption is only as far away as the box of the next kit.
I am somehow unsurprised to discover that a large proportion of PBers have a weird, Aspergery, incel-esque obsession with making model airplanes.
Makes a change from collecting train numbers
Or posting on PB. At least one has something to put on the shelf, hang from the ceiling, or shoot with an air rifle as required. The latter two at least are frowned upon when it comes to dealing with fellow PBers.
Journos being rather naughty by only quoting part of what he said...which was if this is the case, the vaccines will be able to be adapted in a few weeks.
The border control issue, I still have no idea after all thrse months and being an island how the government haven't managed to come up with a solution where they are effectively closed to all but a very small subsection of crucial workers.
Unfortunately the opposition and media don’t care about shutting borders, so it never gets discussed and government gets away with it.
Jesus, That's it. That's the nightmare. The vaccines don't work.... they have to be remodelled....it takes a year.... we're all dead. Great.
mRNA rework wouldn't take a year. iirc one of the top Phifzer guys said it would be six weeks.
Obv the Pfizer guy knows a shit-ton more than me, but how can he be so precise? Have they scrutinized the Afrikaaner Bug in the lab?
I hope so and I hope he is talking with authority, but I have my amateurish doubts, and - IF this new strain is resistant - then I could see it taking a lot longer for the NEW vaccine to go from creation to manufacture to actual distribution around the world.
And during that time the virus may mutate again, of course. That is why it is so vital to squash it now, ASAFP
Yes. We only have even vaguely enough of what works now because we were mfring it on spec for 6 months solid.
Journos being rather naughty by only quoting part of what he said...which was if this is the case, the vaccines will be able to be adapted in a few weeks.
The border control issue, I still have no idea after all thrse months and being an island how the government haven't managed to come up with a solution where they are effectively closed to all but a very small subsection of crucial workers.
Does that 'few weeks' include manufacturing time as well as research time ?
And how many thousands of lives might be lost in those 'few weeks' ?
An interesting Twitter thread on Scottish independence which looks at the issue from the wrong angle. It isn't reasons why departure is so problematic that is concerning people, its reasons why staying is so problematic.
We've just had Brexit. Leaving the EU, EEA and CU very clearly sets this country back yet it is supported because staying in was perceived as worse. The same is true in Scotland where the UK is increasingly the "other" that is repressing their ability to forge their own path.
Saying "leaving won't be easy" is to rerun the failed brexit remain campaign. Positive reasons to stay need to be argued - not just hot air ones but practicalities as to how Scotland can be made better inside a refreshed union. Not "rebellious Scots to crush" as advocated by the Baronet of Epping Forest.
I agree and the positive reasons for remaining in the union will become apparent when indyref2 happens
Don't forget that the positive reasons are actual things the Union will bring to Scotland, not "this is better than if you leave which will be really shit".
I really struggle for what those positives are right now. The UK is a disfunctional mess.
Compare COVID vaccination rate with the EU. Could SINDY have afforded the furlough scheme etc? (Not that ScotGov has spent all the money on Scottish businesss).
You really are a nasty piece of work. We would of course have just borrowed money for it , just like the UK did. How can unionists be so dumb to assume other people don't understand that.
Is that before or after you’ve met the Copenhagen criteria to join the EU?
Scotland already meets all of the criteria for EU membership, other than being an independent country. The convergence criteria are for the final stage of EMU and need not be met to become an EU member state.
The EU constitution requires membership of either Schengen or the Common Travel Area. The UK leaving doesn't end that. Scotland could opt to join (remain in) the Common Travel Area.
Also 'Sweden' for the bollox Euro adoption argument as well.
Technically the rules have been tightened since Sweden got themselves an unofficial opt out. Though still the Scots could opt out.
But I still think the SNP should advocate Euro membership and seek to win the argument on that. It is the best honest answer to the currency question, the idea of a "Sterling union" is nonsense, if you want that then stay within the United Kingdom.
The only honest independent Scotland currency options is an actual Scottish currency (not printing Scottish sterling notes) and the Euro.
That is right, the SNP need to embrace an independent currency as a stepping stone to the euro. Clinging to sterling isn't a viable option. Sweden don't have an unofficial opt out, they are just choosing not to exercise their obligation to join the euro right now. Scotland could do that too but I think it would make more sense to adopt the euro once the convergence criteria are met (which won't happen quickly). I think it should be fairly easy to arrange a 1-2 year transition arrangement with rUK regarding the border, CTA etc, while the currency is set up and EU accession talks start. It should be possible to set up a trusted trader scheme for most cross border trade to minimise paperwork. The border is quite simple, only a handful of crossing points and loads of space for infrastructure. The CTA would continue, I think - the political pressure to do so on both sides of the border would be immense, and Ireland is a significant precedent. If rUK refused Scotland could join Schengen immediately, even before joining the EU. Scotland would probably take on a population weighted share of UK debt, although that would have to be negotiated - legally the liability would fall on rUK. I think both sides would be reasonable - Scotland can offer a 5 or 10 year lease on Faslane as a gesture of goodwill, I doubt rUK would want to find a new home for its nukes immediately.
You talk as is severing a 300 year old union is like leaving student digs for a different flat down the road. If Brexit has shown anything, it has shown that major geopolitical disruptions - and partitions - have unimaginable consequences, many of them very bad, and departure is much much harder than anyone can really comprehend.
If you are sold on Scottish independence for emotional/sovereign reasons, fair enough: you are unpersuadable, and that's your right.
But let's not be stupid. Scottish indy would plunge Scotland into economic Depression and immediate fiscal nightmare, it would also provoke a long and deep recession in rUK. The political aftershocks would persist for many years, the wrangling might last a decade (Brexit has taken nearly 5 years, and will still go on in a lesser way).This is one reason why referendums should only be once a generation, and also why the power to allow a referendum resides with the UK government at Westminster - where Scots MPs are fully represented, alongside the English, Welsh and Northern Irish.
If the Scots government is allowed to call a referendum every time they have a majority - ie any time they like - the uncertaintly and chaos will paralyse the whole British nation in perpetuity. It cannot be permitted.
Boris is right. Once in a generation. If this decision by the UK government so enrages Scots that they become evermore committed to indy, then so be it. That means they have given up on the UK and will leave anyway, evenetually. That doesn't mean Boris' decision is wrong. It is morally, economically and politically correct. He has to govern and make decisions on what is best for the whole of the UK.
There will be no indyref 2 until at least the next GE in 2024.
If you want to override the clearly expressed will of the Scottish population you are going to have to be prepared to do so by force. HYUFD is right on that. I don't disagree that Scottish independence will raise many economic challenges in the short run. That is why I used to be a Unionist, I thought it wasn't worth it. But Brexit has changed the calculus - Scotland is being taken in a direction its people have explicitly rejected, with absolutely no consideration given to its interests. The Union has become an unbalanced, toxic, abusive relationship. It is worth absorbing that short term pain to escape that.
Given Sturgeon is saying she will not hold an indyref2 without Westminster consent even if the SNP win a majority in May Boris may not even need to go as far as Rajoy did with Catalonia in 2017 in order to stick to his line that he will not grant the Scots a legal independence referendum.
Then the divisions would start to emerge between the SNP hardliners and those around Sturgeon
Where has she said that, please?
'In a message to her impatient party activists, Ms Sturgeon again ruled out a wildcat referendum if Mr Johnson keeps blocking Indyref2. “We are committed to a legal, constitutional route to becoming an independent state.” ' https://archive.is/ASn72#selection-1599.4-1603.89
Not the same thing. It depends what you mean by 'legal' and 'constitutional'. You'rte going by Englishy constitutional law. We have yet to see what happens with Scots law.
An interesting Twitter thread on Scottish independence which looks at the issue from the wrong angle. It isn't reasons why departure is so problematic that is concerning people, its reasons why staying is so problematic.
We've just had Brexit. Leaving the EU, EEA and CU very clearly sets this country back yet it is supported because staying in was perceived as worse. The same is true in Scotland where the UK is increasingly the "other" that is repressing their ability to forge their own path.
Saying "leaving won't be easy" is to rerun the failed brexit remain campaign. Positive reasons to stay need to be argued - not just hot air ones but practicalities as to how Scotland can be made better inside a refreshed union. Not "rebellious Scots to crush" as advocated by the Baronet of Epping Forest.
I agree and the positive reasons for remaining in the union will become apparent when indyref2 happens
Don't forget that the positive reasons are actual things the Union will bring to Scotland, not "this is better than if you leave which will be really shit".
I really struggle for what those positives are right now. The UK is a disfunctional mess.
Compare COVID vaccination rate with the EU. Could SINDY have afforded the furlough scheme etc? (Not that ScotGov has spent all the money on Scottish businesss).
You really are a nasty piece of work. We would of course have just borrowed money for it , just like the UK did. How can unionists be so dumb to assume other people don't understand that.
Is that before or after you’ve met the Copenhagen criteria to join the EU?
Scotland already meets all of the criteria for EU membership, other than being an independent country. The convergence criteria are for the final stage of EMU and need not be met to become an EU member state.
The EU constitution requires membership of either Schengen or the Common Travel Area. The UK leaving doesn't end that. Scotland could opt to join (remain in) the Common Travel Area.
Also 'Sweden' for the bollox Euro adoption argument as well.
Technically the rules have been tightened since Sweden got themselves an unofficial opt out. Though still the Scots could opt out.
But I still think the SNP should advocate Euro membership and seek to win the argument on that. It is the best honest answer to the currency question, the idea of a "Sterling union" is nonsense, if you want that then stay within the United Kingdom.
The only honest independent Scotland currency options is an actual Scottish currency (not printing Scottish sterling notes) and the Euro.
That is right, the SNP need to embrace an independent currency as a stepping stone to the euro. Clinging to sterling isn't a viable option. Sweden don't have an unofficial opt out, they are just choosing not to exercise their obligation to join the euro right now. Scotland could do that too but I think it would make more sense to adopt the euro once the convergence criteria are met (which won't happen quickly). I think it should be fairly easy to arrange a 1-2 year transition arrangement with rUK regarding the border, CTA etc, while the currency is set up and EU accession talks start. It should be possible to set up a trusted trader scheme for most cross border trade to minimise paperwork. The border is quite simple, only a handful of crossing points and loads of space for infrastructure. The CTA would continue, I think - the political pressure to do so on both sides of the border would be immense, and Ireland is a significant precedent. If rUK refused Scotland could join Schengen immediately, even before joining the EU. Scotland would probably take on a population weighted share of UK debt, although that would have to be negotiated - legally the liability would fall on rUK. I think both sides would be reasonable - Scotland can offer a 5 or 10 year lease on Faslane as a gesture of goodwill, I doubt rUK would want to find a new home for its nukes immediately.
You talk as is severing a 300 year old union is like leaving student digs for a different flat down the road. If Brexit has shown anything, it has shown that major geopolitical disruptions - and partitions - have unimaginable consequences, many of them very bad, and departure is much much harder than anyone can really comprehend.
If you are sold on Scottish independence for emotional/sovereign reasons, fair enough: you are unpersuadable, and that's your right.
But let's not be stupid. Scottish indy would plunge Scotland into economic Depression and immediate fiscal nightmare, it would also provoke a long and deep recession in rUK. The political aftershocks would persist for many years, the wrangling might last a decade (Brexit has taken nearly 5 years, and will still go on in a lesser way).This is one reason why referendums should only be once a generation, and also why the power to allow a referendum resides with the UK government at Westminster - where Scots MPs are fully represented, alongside the English, Welsh and Northern Irish.
If the Scots government is allowed to call a referendum every time they have a majority - ie any time they like - the uncertaintly and chaos will paralyse the whole British nation in perpetuity. It cannot be permitted.
Boris is right. Once in a generation. If this decision by the UK government so enrages Scots that they become evermore committed to indy, then so be it. That means they have given up on the UK and will leave anyway, evenetually. That doesn't mean Boris' decision is wrong. It is morally, economically and politically correct. He has to govern and make decisions on what is best for the whole of the UK.
There will be no indyref 2 until at least the next GE in 2024.
If you want to override the clearly expressed will of the Scottish population you are going to have to be prepared to do so by force. HYUFD is right on that. I don't disagree that Scottish independence will raise many economic challenges in the short run. That is why I used to be a Unionist, I thought it wasn't worth it. But Brexit has changed the calculus - Scotland is being taken in a direction its people have explicitly rejected, with absolutely no consideration given to its interests. The Union has become an unbalanced, toxic, abusive relationship. It is worth absorbing that short term pain to escape that.
Given Sturgeon is saying she will not hold an indyref2 without Westminster consent even if the SNP win a majority in May Boris may not even need to go as far as Rajoy did with Catalonia in 2017 in order to stick to his line that he will not grant the Scots a legal independence referendum.
Then the divisions would start to emerge between the SNP hardliners and those around Sturgeon
Where has she said that, please?
'In a message to her impatient party activists, Ms Sturgeon again ruled out a wildcat referendum if Mr Johnson keeps blocking Indyref2. “We are committed to a legal, constitutional route to becoming an independent state.” ' https://archive.is/ASn72#selection-1599.4-1603.89
The key word there is legal. If/when Boris says Nope, Sturgeon will go to the courts (there is already a case about t be heard in a Scottish court). This will end up at the Supreme Court in London (eventually), where it is very likely - to my mind - the judges will rule in favour of HMG: the right to call referendums is reserved to Westminster
Then the ball is back with Nicola. What does she do? She will have half her party baying for UDI, or a wildcat vote, and the other half saying wait, time is on our side, stoke the grievance until 2024 when the SNP will very possibly have their chance....
Jesus, That's it. That's the nightmare. The vaccines don't work.... they have to be remodelled....it takes a year.... we're all dead. Great.
mRNA rework wouldn't take a year. iirc one of the top Phifzer guys said it would be six weeks.
Obv the Pfizer guy knows a shit-ton more than me, but how can he be so precise? Have they scrutinized the Afrikaaner Bug in the lab?
I hope so and I hope he is talking with authority, but I have my amateurish doubts, and - IF this new strain is resistant - then I could see it taking a lot longer for the NEW vaccine to go from creation to manufacture to actual distribution around the world.
And during that time the virus may mutate again, of course. That is why it is so vital to squash it now, ASAFP
Probably as they did it in about that time first time around, and it’s simply repeating the process. If anything it would be easier second time around. Bulk manufacturing is a different matter, but the plant has been built now, so it wouldn’t take all that much longer.
FWIW, I doubt the SA strain fully evades the current vaccines anyway.
Comments
Churchill asked "So, where are the reserve fighters?"
The top brass said, "There are none, that's it".
As Churchill put it later, that “the odds were great; our margins small; the stakes infinite.” For fifty minutes, there were no more British fighters available
We are in that moment. Throw everything we have at the virus, via vaccinations. Or face the worst.
P.S. Let's hope no one in the Argentine Government subscribes to PB!
https://twitter.com/oldnorthroad/status/1345341397411516418?s=20
'conjure thoughts of mischief'
Not so for smaller sects.
Some institutions have cut rents as a result - but that does nothing to help the students in private rentals.
So really what the NUS want to demand is something like £4k cash for every student - but they know that will look bad to people on 80% furlough.
They should be making simple demands - like full rent refunds - and leave the government to work out the problems with private rentals (and give them 50%). Instead they're paralysed.
Places of worship should be open at most for informal prayer, definitely not for organised services.
Add to that the impossibility of having a rational discussion with a government which continues to insist that schools are “absolutely safe”, while refusing to publish the evidence or advice on which they make that claim.
https://twitter.com/redouad/status/1345696322641416193?s=20
Sweden don't have an unofficial opt out, they are just choosing not to exercise their obligation to join the euro right now. Scotland could do that too but I think it would make more sense to adopt the euro once the convergence criteria are met (which won't happen quickly).
I think it should be fairly easy to arrange a 1-2 year transition arrangement with rUK regarding the border, CTA etc, while the currency is set up and EU accession talks start. It should be possible to set up a trusted trader scheme for most cross border trade to minimise paperwork. The border is quite simple, only a handful of crossing points and loads of space for infrastructure. The CTA would continue, I think - the political pressure to do so on both sides of the border would be immense, and Ireland is a significant precedent. If rUK refused Scotland could join Schengen immediately, even before joining the EU. Scotland would probably take on a population weighted share of UK debt, although that would have to be negotiated - legally the liability would fall on rUK. I think both sides would be reasonable - Scotland can offer a 5 or 10 year lease on Faslane as a gesture of goodwill, I doubt rUK would want to find a new home for its nukes immediately.
We are now 21 hours from the official start of term and still nobody has a clue what’s happening.
If you are sold on Scottish independence for emotional/sovereign reasons, fair enough: you are unpersuadable, and that's your right.
But let's not be stupid. Scottish indy would plunge Scotland into economic Depression and immediate fiscal nightmare, it would also provoke a long and deep recession in rUK. The political aftershocks would persist for many years, the wrangling might last a decade (Brexit has taken nearly 5 years, and will still go on in a lesser way).This is one reason why referendums should only be once a generation, and also why the power to allow a referendum resides with the UK government at Westminster - where Scots MPs are fully represented, alongside the English, Welsh and Northern Irish.
If the Scots government is allowed to call a referendum every time they have a majority - ie any time they like - the uncertaintly and chaos will paralyse the whole British nation in perpetuity. It cannot be permitted.
Boris is right. Once in a generation. If this decision by the UK government so enrages Scots that they become evermore committed to indy, then so be it. That means they have given up on the UK and will leave anyway, evenetually. That doesn't mean Boris' decision is wrong. It is morally, economically and politically correct. He has to govern and make decisions on what is best for the whole of the UK.
There will be no indyref 2 until at least the next GE in 2024.
I don't disagree that Scottish independence will raise many economic challenges in the short run. That is why I used to be a Unionist, I thought it wasn't worth it. But Brexit has changed the calculus - Scotland is being taken in a direction its people have explicitly rejected, with absolutely no consideration given to its interests. The Union has become an unbalanced, toxic, abusive relationship. It is worth absorbing that short term pain to escape that.
There are great benefits in independence (agility to tackle unexpected problems and opportunities, the emotional benefit of sovereignty/freedom) as we have seen with Brexit.
But there are also great benefits in union to use scale to tackle big slow moving problems and opportunites, such as trade, climate change, China etc.
It seems to me that the solution is massive devolution, not only to the nations states but also to Local Authorities, with a very light federal structure for the really big issues where scale matters.
The problem is that the owners of power (i.e. the UK Government, previously Brussels) are not likely to willingly give up any power but will seek to accrete even more.
LibDem policy is unionist with heavy devolution within a light federal structure but it is unlikely to get past the Westminster powerhouse. So it will have to be the second best option - Scottish independence.
I’ve talked with a few deeply conflicted and stressed teachers this morning.
It is a mess.
Am I qualified to comment, as a long time since I once built a Hasegawa P38 ? And bodged it horribly.
Oh... wait.
But in addition to no trust, there is no clarity, no consistency and even no common sense. If you want people to know what you’re doing, don’t issue three contradictory sets of instructions in 24 hours.
So between the two, what are we meant to do? Well, what we’re told.
If anyone finds out exactly what that is, please let me know.
Is it perhaps that the pace of development of non military technology has so far accelerated (while military procurement schedules are preserved in aspic) that tweaked civilian technology will increasingly take over ?
That’s happening even in the more difficult to do stuff - SpaceX, a company which didn’t exists a decade ago is now the US military’s prime launch contractor. With marginal costs much more than an order of magnitude less than those it has supplanted.
That will of course also greatly lower the bar for smaller countries to possess dangerous capabilities.
https://twitter.com/dgmoore75/status/1344666729373442052?s=20
On topic - what's your view of the UK launchpads? Presumably OK for throwing small sats into polar orbits? But not much else - IIRC that was the whole rationale for building Woomera in the middle of **** all down south in Oz.
https://twitter.com/TomMcTague/status/1345707222714691592?s=20
Chilling.
I still have in the attic a C130 I built as a kid.
I would get out more, but being a pedant’s more fun.
When I were a lad and an inveterate model builder (I pretty much had a Tamiya Panzerarmee), Airfix were seen as poor man's kit building. Checking the eponymous magazine on Tesco's shelves, they're right at the forefront now; I hope Liz Truss is pushing trade deals for this vital sector!
Then the divisions would start to emerge between the SNP hardliners and those around Sturgeon
The border control issue, I still have no idea after all thrse months and being an island how the government haven't managed to come up with a solution where they are effectively closed to all but a very small subsection of crucial workers.
I hope so and I hope he is talking with authority, but I have my amateurish doubts, and - IF this new strain is resistant - then I could see it taking a lot longer for the NEW vaccine to go from creation to manufacture to actual distribution around the world.
And during that time the virus may mutate again, of course. That is why it is so vital to squash it now, ASAFP
https://twitter.com/IDEpiPhD/status/1345176257995165696
“We are committed to a legal, constitutional route to becoming an independent state.” '
https://archive.is/ASn72#selection-1599.4-1603.89
And how many thousands of lives might be lost in those 'few weeks' ?
- The SNP will win an outright majority in Holyrood in May on a manifesto of a new referendum in this parliament.
- A motion for a new referendum will carry easily at Holyrood.
- Boris Johnson will outright reject another referendum
- Unionist ranks in Scotland are in a minority and deeply split
- Stalemate and massive constitutional issue
This much is almost certain. What happens next is far from clear.Then the ball is back with Nicola. What does she do? She will have half her party baying for UDI, or a wildcat vote, and the other half saying wait, time is on our side, stoke the grievance until 2024 when the SNP will very possibly have their chance....
Bulk manufacturing is a different matter, but the plant has been built now, so it wouldn’t take all that much longer.
FWIW, I doubt the SA strain fully evades the current vaccines anyway.