QResear.ch

#21348102 at 2024-08-04 10:48:33 (UTC+1)
Q Research Scotland #10: Humza In Hot Water Edition

>>21231267

https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/snp-government-preside-over-huge-33383338

SNP Government preside over huge ?3.6m rise in special adviser and civil servant cost to 'gloss' over failures

In just 20 years, the amount of taxpayer-funded political appointments and civil servants has sky-rocketed, with the SNP accused of using public money to defend their 'farce and failures.'

David Walker
2 AUG 2024

The Scottish Government has been accused of wasting millions of taxpayer cash to defend "farce and failures" after it was revealed that the bill for special advisers and civil servants working in Minister's Private Offices has sky-rocketed by ?3.6m in the last 20 years.

Scotland's public sector has become bloated in recent years as the number of staff employed by the Executive and its quangos has exploded to record levels. The civil service has reached the highest number on record, with 8,757 bureaucrats employed, a rise of over 87% on 10 years ago.

Finance Secretary Shona Robison has promised to lower this level amid creaking public finances, with the operating costs of the Scottish Government reaching ?696.1m. But this has not been undertaken yet, with policy documents delayed until the end of the year.

And now a new freedom of information request showed that the number of special advisers, who are hired directly by SNP ministers and are party political, and the number of civil servants working exclusively for ministers, has ballooned in the last 20 years.

In 2003, when Scotland was governed by a Labour/Lib Dem coalition there was distinctively less ministers than in current years. There were 17 ministers serving under Jack McConnell, with this including his Cabinet and their junior counterparts, while John Swinney's government has 24, with this including 10 Cabinet Secretaries.

This means there are more civil servants working in their Private Offices, as in December 2003 there were 67 bureaucrats doing so, at a salary cost of ?1,327,229. This increased to 79 and ?2,244,036 in 2013 before exploding to 95 and ?3,536,368 in 2023 under Humza Yousaf.

The cost of special advisers has also sky-rocketed by more than 100% in 20 years, going from 11 being in post at a cost of ?596,555 in 2003 to 18 being employed in 2022-23 with a bill of ?1,909,843. Outlay on the aides rose by nearly ?500,000 between 2021-22 and 2022-23, and doubled during Nicola Sturgeon's reign to the highest level under devolution.

She surrounded herself with the likes of Liz Lloyd with the pair coming under fire during the UK Covid Inquiry for discussing government policy during the pandemic through WhatsApp messages, before insisting that they were not making any decisions.

Rivals pointed out that this huge spend on civil servants and special advisers could have went elsewhere, and that the money was used to hide SNP failures during the time in charge.

Scottish Conservative deputy spokesman for the constitution, external affairs and culture Alexander Stewart told the Scottish Daily Express: "Hard-pressed Scots will be appalled to learn that at the same time as they impose swingeing cuts to key public services, the SNP Government are allowing the cost of their army of spin doctors to skyrocket.

"While glossing over the nationalists' litany of failures is undoubtedly demanding, there is no justification for growing their PR team to this size. This is money that could, and should, have been used to tackle the real problems that Scotland is currently facing, such as our cash-starved councils and overstretched NHS."

Scottish Liberal Democrat Willie Rennie MSP added: "The SNP are obsessed with defending their farces and failures. These eye-watering sums would be far better spent on tackling the crisis in our NHS, cleaning up the sewage in our rivers and beaches and getting islanders ferries that have never arrived. This government is bloated with desperation and no amount of spin can save it."

A Scottish Government spokesman said: "In 2023, the UK Conservative Government spent eight times that amount on Special Advisers at a total of almost ?16 million. Since 2003 the Scottish Government has taken on further responsibility for Scotland's railways, planning, management of the Crown Estate, a number of important social security measures and full control over income tax."

#21333150 at 2024-08-01 14:26:56 (UTC+1)
Q Research Scotland #10: Humza In Hot Water Edition

>>21231288


https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/snp-soft-touch-justice-rapists-33364900

SNP soft-touch justice as rapists set to be handed more lenient sentences

The Scottish Sentencing Council (SSC) has outlined new guidance which recommended a four to six year sentence for rapists in some cases where there is 'psychological harm or trauma or physical harm' but no other factors which would make it more serious.


David Walker
31 JUL 2024

The SNP's soft touch approach to justice has been blamed for proposals to potentially hand rapists prison sentence as short as four years. Currently, the average jail time for rape is six years and eight months but this could come down if the new guidelines are passed by a justice quango.

The Scottish Sentencing Council (SSC), which was set up by the SNP Executive, is consulting on plans for jail terms of four to 13 years for rapists, with a life sentence only being utilised for the most dangerous offenders. Those who carry out attacks judged to be less severe could face only four years behind bars.

Calls have previously been made by the Scottish Tories to reform the SSC and give victims a bigger say when sentencing guidelines are devised. The quango was mired in controversy after introducing guidelines that urged leniency for criminals under the of 25 as it claimed that their brains are still not mature enough to be dealt with as an adult.

This has led to a number of disputed sentences handed to younger cons, including rapists dodging jail and violent assaults leading to just community service. A senior detective warned that organised gangs were taking advantage of this guidance and using youngsters to commit crimes, knowing they would probably avoid prison.

The SSC document outlined proposed guidelines for rape sentences and stated that courts should use a table to "identify the appropriate sentencing range." Sentences of four to six years are recommended for rapists in cases where there was "psychological harm or trauma" or 'physical harm" but no other factors which would make it more serious.

Factors that would bring about more serious sentences included a "significant degree of planning" by the perpetrator. Jail terms ranging from 10 to 13 years are suggested for violent cases where there is judged to be "extreme impact" on the victim.

For the cases deemed to be the worst, the court can impose an Order for Lifelong Restriction. Judges can depart from the guidelines, but they have to explain any decision to do so.

Opposition rivals blasted the new guidance, with Scottish Tory deputy justice spokesman Sharon Dowey saying: "Rape survivors, and the vast majority of the public, will be dismayed that the SSC has opted to recommend such a short minimum sentence."

Thomas Ross KC, a leading criminal lawyer, wrote on LinkedIn: "It probably comes as a surprise to non-lawyers that the usual sentence for rape in Scotland is around five years - less if the accused is under 25. Last year, I had a client who got more than five years for a cannabis farm."

An SSC spokesman said: "The appropriate sentence imposed in a particular case will depend upon the specific circumstances of the offence, and the guidelines make clear that culpability, or level of blame, of the offender and harm caused to the victim are key considerations."

Scottish Government Justice Secretary Angela Constance said: "I would encourage anyone with a view on the independent SSC's draft guidelines to take part in the consultations."

#21332386 at 2024-08-01 11:17:18 (UTC+1)
Q Research Scotland #10: Humza In Hot Water Edition

>>21231267

https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/snps-privatise-nhs-hypocrisy-thousands-33348375

SNP's 'privatise NHS' hypocrisy as thousands of Scots go private due to huge waiting lists

The SNP based its entire General Election campaign on accusing Labour of planning to privatise the NHS in the UK, but have basically done this in Scotland as thousands of Scots have 'emptied their savings' to pay for operations privately.

David Walker
29 JUL 2024

The SNP have been accused of forcing thousands of Scots into debt and "emptying their savings" as they access private healthcare due to huge NHS waiting lists. The Scottish Government have presided over record backlogs in Scotland's health service.

It comes after the Nats accused Labour of wanting to privatise the NHS in England during the General Election campaign, while at the same time desperate patients north of the border are forced to fork out huge sums for operations they would have to wait for years to get for free.

New figures showed that at least 14,383 patients were removed from waiting lists after opting for private treatment between 2019 and 2024, while a further 1,564 have paid medical bills this year alone. Seven health boards recorded a surge in the number of Scots being removed from waiting lists due to them going private instead.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, one of the country's busiest health boards, does not record who opts to pay for treatment but recorded a 77.7% increase in patients being treated at private healthcare clinics. The SNP surprisingly based their General Election campaign around accusing Sir Keir Starmer and his Health Secretary Wes Streeting of attempting to privatise the NHS by allowing private companies to help out.

But this has came back to bite them as Scottish Labour exposed their hypocrisy while urging them not to squander an expected injection of cash from the new UK Government. Health spokeswoman Jackie Baillie said: "This new data shows that thousands of Scots have been forced into the arms of private healthcare due to SNP failure to support our NHS.

"With nearly one in six Scots now on an NHS waiting list, it's no surprise that individual patients are emptying their savings accounts or going into debt because they just want the pain to stop. But it's also clear that the NHS in Scotland is struggling to deliver the services it used to just a few years ago and is forced to rely on referrals to private health services as a result.

"The UK Labour government is providing the funding for 160,000 additional appointments to reduce waiting lists but it's up to the SNP not to fritter that money away on sticking plaster approaches. The SNP must act now to tackle waiting lists and get the NHS back to full strength so that everyone gets the healthcare they need."

Opting for private treatment is often a last resort for desperate patients due to how much they cost. The average price for knee and hip replacements is about ?15,000.

NHS waiting lists in Scotland reached a record high earlier this year, with Public Health Scotland recording more than 690,000 waits for appointments or treatments for non-urgent care as of March 31. It also reported more than 8,000 waits over two years and 85,000 waits of over a year for either an outpatient appointment or to start treatment.

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: "On Thursday the Health Secretary confirmed initial investment of ?30 million to target reductions to national backlogs that built up through the pandemic, targeted at specialty areas where it can have the greatest impact against the longest waits, including cancer, ophthalmology, orthopaedics, dermatology and diagnostics.

"NHS Scotland makes limited use of the independent sector. In 2022/23, total spend represented just 0.7% (?116 million) of the total frontline health budget, and has been consistently below 1% since 2006/07. This compares to NHS England who spent 10.4 per cent of their ?159.6 billion total outturn in 2022 - 23 on the purchase of healthcare from non-NHS bodies.

"The use of the independent sector to provide additional capacity is not a new development. As is the case across the UK, in certain circumstances limited use of alternative providers, within or without the local area, including independent sector providers, may be required in response to capacity constraints."

#21318121 at 2024-07-30 00:28:01 (UTC+1)
Q Research Scotland #10: Humza In Hot Water Edition

>>21231263


https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/nicola-sturgeon-held-secret-covid-33344511

Nicola Sturgeon held secret Covid meeting with John Swinney and Catherine Calderwood ahead of Covid Inquiry

Exclusive: The former First Minister and three of her closest confidantes during the early stages of the pandemic met with senior Scottish Government officials last summer ahead of giving evidence to the Covid Inquiry.

David Walker & Douglas Dickie
28 JUL 2024

Nicola Sturgeon held a secret meeting about the UK Covid Inquiry with senior Scottish Government officials, as well as two of her closest confidantes ahead of giving evidence, the Scottish Daily Express can reveal. The former First Minister, John Swinney, and former chief medical officer Catherine Calderwood are understood to have attended the summit last summer.

The details of the secretive meeting have been kept under wraps by the SNP Executive, but bombshell emails seen by the Scottish Express show that Ms Sturgeon was keen to discuss pressing issues about the Inquiry with senior civil servants. It came about after all three had given evidence to the probe in London but before their appearances when the Inquiry arrived in Edinburgh earlier this year.

It was during these hearings that Ms Sturgeon and Mr Swinney admitted deleting WhatsApp messages relating to the government's handling of the pandemic. Ms Calderwood, who resigned from her role as CMO in disgrace, was due to give evidence but pulled out due to illness.

According to the correspondence, on July 24 the former First Minister sent a letter co-signed by four witnesses, including former health secretary Jeane Freeman, to the Scottish Government's Permanent Secretary John Paul Marks which is understood to have included "feedback" to how the Inquiry process had gone so far. A meeting was then organised between the group and two senior government officials, Lesley Fraser, Director-General Corporate and Claire Tynte-Irvine, Director of Covid Inquiries for August 10 at the Scottish Parliament.

At Ms Sturgeon's insistence, a short paper was prepared with issues raised by the former First Minister that allowed them to "properly respond to the latest Inquiry request". Both Ms Sturgeon and Mr Swinney were backbench MSPs at the time.

Ms Calderwood infamously quit as CMO after being caught visiting her second home while the country was locked down in April 2020. The Scottish Government earlier this year denied accusations it had 'coached' Inquiry witnesses before giving evidence.

Scottish Conservative chairman Craig Hoy said: "John Swinney and Nicola Sturgeon would be advised to explain what the purpose of this meeting was - and what was discussed at it. We know from the UK Covid inquiry that both the current and former First Ministers, along with senior SNP Government officials, were complicit in an orchestrated mass deletion of WhatsApp messages, so it's only natural that the public will be suspicious about this meeting prior to them giving evidence."

The correspondence shows Ms Calderwood was in touch with the Scottish Government about the Covid Inquiry as early as January 2023 - six months before the first public evidence hearings. In one message, a civil servant thanks her for attending a meeting to "ensure that a full and well account is given to the covid inquiries" is recorded.

In another email, staff discuss what support they can offer Ms Calderwood in creating her statement while another communication suggests Ms Calderwood, who went on to work for the Golden Jubilee Hospital near Glasgow, had asked for a government laptop, a request that was denied. The meeting, which the Express understands was not attended by Mr Freeman, came just weeks after Ms Sturgeon was grilled by lawyers during the first module of the Inquiry which looked at preparedness for a pandemic in June 2023.

She was quizzed about her fractured relationship with the UK Government, and was rebuked by counsel Hugo Keith KC after launching an attack on Brexit. Asked if putting some elements of pandemic planning on hold to prepare for a no-deal Brexit was a "false economy", she replied: "I think every aspect of Brexit has been a false economy, if I can put it mildly but that's another issue altogether".

#21300191 at 2024-07-27 01:00:14 (UTC+1)
Q Research Scotland #10: Humza In Hot Water Edition

>>21231267



https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/keir-starmer-urged-end-snp-33324496

Keir Starmer urged to end all SNP spending on 'embassies' and independence by reviewing Scotland Act

The House of Lords debated devolution and the Scotland Act, with former Scottish Tory Minister Lord Offord calling on the UK Government to introduce the likes of sanctions for John Swinney overstepping and spending money on reserved matters like the constitution.

David Walker
25 JUL 2024


Sir Keir Starmer has been urged to act quickly to stop the SNP spending any more taxpayer cash on "embassies" and independence. The Prime Minister is facing demands to review the Scotland Act and lay out what is reserved and devolved so that the Scottish Government can focus on issues Scots care about.

John Swinney confirmed that he still wanted to pursue breaking up the UK despite the country overwhelmingly voting out the Nats at the General Election. But unlike his predecessors, he has not asked the new occupant of Number 10 Downing Street for a Section 35.

Scottish Tory peer and former Scotland Office Minister Lord Offord has now urged Sir Keir to do what his party had started and amend the Scotland Act to ensure that public money is not wasted on reserved matters, and to police the activities of the SNP Executive.

Speaking in the House of Lords this week, he mentioned the "establishment of foreign Scottish embassies in eight overseas cities where the UK already has embassies, at a cost of ?1 million each, and about the use of civil servant time in publishing a series of independence papers, as well as the indulging of new state planning at a cost of ?20 million."

His speech followed that of regularly Nat-basher Lord Foulkes who insisted that the SNP has "weaponised devolution and the Scottish Parliament" and "opened pretend embassies overseas, because it could use our high commissions and embassies and the people who are there, and it wants advocates for independence in its own offices."

Lord Offord pointed out that there are some flaws within the Scotland Act that means Mr Swinney can get away with stepping into reserved matters, like the constitution as "necessary checks and balances were not put in place to ensure good law-making, nor indeed were sanctions designed to discourage ultra vires behaviour."

He highlighted that it was Labour who created the Scotland Act in the first place and it was now time for them to "tidy up their previous work and review and improve it." It would be "very simple" to do this, he insisted as "you can put it on one piece of A4 paper.

"On the left-hand side of the paper you have reserved matters and on the right-hand side you have devolved matters. Harmony is ensured when His Majesty's Government-the UK Government-focus on reserved matters and the Scottish Government focus on devolved matters."

Lord Offord added: "The sad reality is that, in the 17 years under an SNP Government, every single KPI in devolved matters in Scotland has gone backwards. Our education system, once the gold-plated education system in the United Kingdom-which allowed me to go from a tenement to this place-has been reduced from outstanding to average.

"Police numbers are now at a record 15-year low, and let us not talk about the A9, the single-track railways or the ferries. On health, one in seven Scots is currently on a waiting list, and local authorities are being denuded.

"I take this opportunity to urge the new Government to take a fresh look at and review the 25 years of devolution. There have been many good things achieved, but we must take the opportunity now to ensure that the Scottish Government get focused on doing the day job of running the police, the schools and the roads, which has been expressed in this Chamber this evening.

"On devolution, we all agree a consensus that it is about bringing power closer to the people in matters that matter in their local areas. We need to focus on this, rather than Parliament having fancy nation-building and looking at a land of milk and honey."

Responding on behalf of the UK Government Lord Khan pointed out that Sir Keir travelled to meet the First Ministers in each country within his first 48 hours in office. He also added that a "council of nations and regions" will be established to ensure "reform and national renewal" happens across the UK.

#21299955 at 2024-07-27 00:33:22 (UTC+1)
Q Research Scotland #10: Humza In Hot Water Edition

https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/bbc-scotland-channel-should-shut-33322887


BBC Scotland channel should shut 'immediately' claims critic amid low viewing figures and ?40m taxpayer cost

One critic has called for BBC to completely scrap its BBC Scotland channel as it is costing ?40m a year to run and has not managed to win viewers.

David Walker
25 JUL 2024

Calls have been made for the BBC Scotland channel to immediately be closed down due to its huge ?40m cost to taxpayers and lack of viewers. We previously told how fewer than one in eight adults watched the BBC Scotland channel each week last year, with some shows getting less than 100 live viewers.

Since launching in 2019, it has cost the public purse more than ?160m and is undergoing an emergency revamp this year due to plummeting viewing figures. Two flagship current affairs shows have been axed, with hour-long news show The Nine and The Seven both going.

It comes as the channel only reached 13% of Scots and was only watched for an hour and 34 minutes a week by the average viewer. The cost of running it rose from ?35m a year to ?40m, meaning the cost per user hour for the channel and its content on iPlayer was 43p.

Media commentator and former BBC Editor Professor Tim Luckhurst called for BBC Scotland to be scrapped as it was not offering value for money. He told the Daily Mail: "The number paying the licence fee has declined and the BBC faces financial challenges that can only be met by making staff redundant.

"For BBC Scotland to spend millions of pounds on a channel that attracts a tiny minority of the population in these circumstances is unreasonable. The BBC Scotland channel should close immediately - it costs money the BBC cannot afford."

The Beeb's annual report revealed that ?162m had been spent on programming since the channel's launch in 2019. The accounts also revealed that 44,000 fewer licences fees were paid north of the border in 2023/24 than in the previous year, meaning a loss of ?7m in estimated income from Scotland, a drop from ?304m to ?297m.

Back in January, the broadcaster faced more heavy criticism for a "deplorable waste of money" after it emerged that only 200 people watched The Seven, which is a 15-minute news programme on BBC Scotland on January 7. Three days later only 1,700 viewers, which is about 0.1% of those watching TV at the time, tuned into The Nine, its flagship news show.

This has now been axed, alongside entertainment news show The Edit and news review Seven Days. Ofcom indicated a decline in the average audience from approximately 17,000 viewers in 2020 to 10,000 last year.

Reflecting this, the broadcaster regulator approved plans in May which halved peak time news programming on the BBC Scotland channel from 250 hours to 124 hours annually. These changes include regularly extending Reporting Scotland on BBC1 and boosting investment in online news, with the BBC saying these proposals would affect costs or jobs, with any savings redirected into news and current affairs output.

Scottish Tory culture spokeswoman Meghan Gallacher said: "When Scots are continuing to grapple with a cost of living crisis, BBC Scotland bosses need to ensure output delivers value for money. With concerns around viewing figures for the BBC Scotland channel in particular, we need to know the corporation remains responsive to the quality programming its audience deserves."

A BBC Scotland spokesman said: "The BBC remains the most used brand for media in Scotland, used by 84 per cent of adults in Scotland on average per week. With a move towards watching on demand rather than 'live', viewing of Scottish content on BBC iPlayer has more than doubled since the launch of the BBC Scotland channel, and iPlayer views are not reported in the channel's live reach figure."

#21298512 at 2024-07-26 20:56:01 (UTC+1)
Q Research Scotland #10: Humza In Hot Water Edition

>>21231294
>>21298453


https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/secretive-snp-government-refuse-publish-33327685

Secretive SNP Government refuse to publish legal advice behind block on releasing hidden Nicola Sturgeon report

Exclusive: The Scottish Government suffered a humiliating court defeat last year in an attempt to keep James Hamilton's report on the former First Minister private, and now refused to publish the legal advice behind more attempts to stonewall the publication.

David Walker
26 JUL 2024

The secretive Scottish Government has refused to publish the legal advice it got to once again fail to publish the full report into Nicola Sturgeon's behaviour during the investigation into sexual misconduct allegations about Alex Salmond. James Hamilton garnered witness evidence to help him decide whether she breached the ministerial code.

A special Holyrood committee probed the mishandling of the SNP Executive's investigation into the former First Minister which was later found to be biased. During Ms Sturgeon's appearance, she failed to tell MSPs about a meeting she had with his adviser Geoff Aberdein in her office.

It led to a vote of no confidence in the long-serving SNP leader, as well as her referring herself to the independent ministerial code adviser, Irish lawyer Mr Hamilton. He concluded that she did not breach the code but said she had given an "incomplete narrative of events", adding that it was up to MSPs to decide if she had misled parliament.

The committee found that she had "unknowingly" broken the rules but she survived a key Holyrood vote to remain First Minister. Ever since the dramatic events in 2021, a secrecy battle has been fought over the full version of Mr Hamilton's report with the Scottish Government refusing to publish it.

This culminated in an embarrassing court defeat for the SNP Executive after the Scottish Information Commissioner took them to court after ruling that officials did hold the information asked for. It took the judges a matter of second to rule in the favour of the watchdog, at a cost of ?30,000 to the taxpayer.

But the government once again withheld the data asked for following numerous more freedom of information requests, relying on a loophole which states "disclosure of the evidence" would likely "deter individuals from providing free and frank evidence in such investigations in future".

The Scottish Daily Express used the same FOI laws to ask for all advice and internal correspondence about the decision to block the release, and were handed a number of emails which showed that Shona Robison and chief special adviser Colin McAllister were both asked to approve the refusal.

But the juicy aspects of the correspondence, i.e the legal advice about whether the government were allowed to once again not publish the information, were completely redacted. Officials wrote: "An exemption under section 36(1) of FOISA applies to some of the information requested because it is covered by the Scottish Ministers' legal professional privilege.

"We recognise that there is some public interest in release as part of open and transparent government, and to inform public debate. However, this is outweighed by the strong public interest in maintaining the right to confidentiality of communications between legal advisers and clients, to ensure that Ministers and officials are able to seek and receive legal advice in confidence, like any other public or private organisation."

SNP rebel Fergus Ewing was leading the charge for the government to fully publish this document, and has also called for parliamentary privilege to be extended to Holyrood to allow details about the Salmond scandal to be said without fear of legal action. Tory MP David Davis used Westminster's privilege to name Ms Sturgeon's former chief of staff Liz Lloyd as the person who allegedly leaked the details of Salmond's alleged sexual misconduct to the press.

#21252046 at 2024-07-20 14:12:57 (UTC+1)
Q Research Scotland #10: Humza In Hot Water Edition

>>21231263


https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/senior-snp-government-official-claimed-33268088

Senior SNP Government official claimed Covid message retention system was 'adequate' despite deletion scandal

Exclusive: Nicola Sturgeon and John Swinney were lambasted by the UK Covid Inquiry for deleting all their messages during the pandemic despite being warned not to do so, with one senior Scottish Government official proclaiming that this policy was 'adequate.'

David Walker
18 JUL 2024

The Scottish Government have been blasted as "grossly insensitive" after a senior official proclaimed that their records management system was "adequate" amid the Covid messages deletion scandal. Former First Minister Humza Yousaf ordered a review into how they handle WhatsApp correspondence in January.

It came after it was revealed that a number of senior figures within the Executive had wiped their messages during the pandemic. This included Nicola Sturgeon and her Deputy John Swinney, as well as medical leaders Gregor Smith and Jason Leitch.

UK Covid Inquiry lead counsel Jamie Dawson lambasted the secretive Scottish Government for failing to hand over scores of documents and correspondence, and had to get a legal order to do this. It led to accusations that Mr Yousaf and Shona Robison had broken ministerial code by claiming they had handed over everything asked for.

An independent external review of the records management system is understood to be ongoing at the moment, but in a preliminary review undertaken by senior civil servant Geoff Huggins in January, and acquired by the Scottish Daily Express using freedom of information legislation, he labelled the current process as "adequate."

This is despite confusion reigning about whether it was government policy to delete or retain informal messages surrounding policy decision-making. Former Finance Secretary Kate Forbes and Mr Yousaf both kept their correspondence, while Mr Swinney and Ms Sturgeon deleted theirs, claiming that this was the guidance at the time.

Mr Huggins wrote that following his analysis he recommended "that we do not make any immediate changes to the Record Management Plan, Record Management Policy or Mobile Messaging Policy on the basis they are adequate in respect of their primary purpose and give clear direction to officials in respect of the requirements to create and retain records."

He does go on to add that they should "take forward a review looking at the wider issues in relation to information retention, including the interaction with the technologies we use, the governance, guidance and training to ensure the set of policies and practices we have in place operate in a coherent manner and meet the full range of business and legal requirements."

Opposition parties blasted this choice of words from the senior civil servant, especially due to the hurt caused by deleting messages to Covid Bereaved families. Scottish Tory Chairman Craig Hoy told the Scottish Daily Express: "Covid bereaved families will find this assessment grossly insensitive and insulting.

#21227916 at 2024-07-17 16:36:45 (UTC+1)
Q Research Scotland #10: Humza In Hot Water Edition

https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/police-scotland-pay-officers-attend-33263651


Police Scotland to pay officers to attend Pride marches despite cutting back on fighting crime

Despite plummeting numbers of cops on the beat, and a reluctance to investigate minor crime due to financial and staffing issues, officers have been allowed to take time off or be paid for attending Pride marches in Glasgow, West Lothian, Oban and Stirling.

David Walker
17 JUL 2024

Police Scotland is paying its officers to take part in Pride parades at the same time as it is cutting back on fighting crime and scores of staff are leaving. The revelation was described as "setting a dangerous precedent" for the under-fire force which is grappling with financial issues.

Cops are being encouraged to represent the service at LGBTI events in exchange of either pay or a day off in lieu. It comes as cuts see some communities without a local bobbie to deal with issues.

Officers are already utilised on duty at the parades to ensure they go smoothly but police chiefs now want other officers to join in off-duty to show support for the marchers. Plainclothes cops on light duties will be even given special Pride badges to show off.

Police Scotland shelved inquiries into minor crimes such as vandalism and theft if there are no witnesses or leads, claiming it frees up cops to deal with more serious incidents. It has been claimed that it will "embolden" criminals to commit crimes, knowing they won't be caught.

The number of officers has also plummeted to the lowest count in 16 years due to money issues, with years of SNP under-funding biting. Critics blasted the use of public funds to take part in parades which are often "highly politicised."

According to the Daily Mail, Calum Steele, former General Secretary of the Scottish Police Federation (SPF) said: "Moving to a situation where officers are paid to march is an astonishing development and has to raise questions over the effective use of resources."

Current SPF General Secretary David Kennedy insisted that police participation in parades should not be a priority for the force. He said: "Police Scotland is setting a dangerous precedent as to what events they should and shouldn't support in this manner.

"The police service is absolutely stretched; they are not answering routine calls and members of the public are having to wait over 20 minutes for 101 [non-emergency] calls to be answered. The priority must be to make sure that frontline resources are kept to a maximum level and are fully supported."

An internal Police Scotland memo by Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs was the source of the revelation, with him calling on cops to sign up to represent the force at Pride events in Glasgow, West Lothian, Oban and Stirling in the coming months. it has been organised by the Scottish LGBTI Police Association.

It promises officers a "a shift change or a day back will be provided for those participating in line with regulations" as it was "recognised that this [Pride] is a community engagement opportunity, therefore participation will be considered a duty day." The memo adds: "[Officers] will parade in full uniform and modified/light-duty officers [taken off the frontline because of injury or suspension] will wear plain clothes with Pride badge (supplied) to show their affiliation to policing."

The first Pride event will be held in Glasgow this Saturday and the last is in Stirling on September 21. Cathy Larkman, who served in the force for more than 30 years and is now the national policing lead for the Women's Rights Network, blasted the new push to have police involved in the "highly political" parades.

She said: "Having officers being pulled away to participate in a march isn't right and it's hard to envisage any other situation where that would be permitted, let alone encouraged."

Assistant Chief Constable Catriona Paton said: "Police Scotland is responsible for policing a diverse community and one of our great strengths is that our officers and staff are drawn from different backgrounds and experiences. What unites us is our shared and non-negotiable set of values - integrity, fairness, respect and a commitment to upholding human rights. We value the relationship we have with all diverse groups and it is important Police Scotland is represented at events such as these."

#21144734 at 2024-07-05 21:37:25 (UTC+1)
Q Research Scotland #10: Humza In Hot Water Edition

>>21144622
>>21144356


https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/jk-rowling-revels-defeats-kirsten-33178489

JK Rowling revels in defeats for Kirsten Oswald and John Nicolson as he tears up at losing seat

The Harry Potter author seemed to enjoy the General Election night as she took digs at Nicola Sturgeon, as well as two SNP MPs who have clashed with her over women's rights.

David Walker
5 JUL 2024

JK Rowling got her revenge on two now former SNP MPs as she revelled in the defeats of two high-profile Nats. John Nicolson and Kirsten Oswald both fell to dramatic losses in a remarkable change of the guard at the General Election.

Mr Nicolson even teared up as he made a loser's speech at Alloa Town Hall where he was beaten quite soundly by Labour's Brian Leishman in the Alloa and Grangemouth seat, losing by 6,122 votes. It means the former journalist has now lost his seat for the second time in less than a decade.

Ms Rowling seemed to have a great General Election night, as she also poked fun at Nicola Sturgeon sitting in the ITV studio to watch her party's downfall. She wrote: "Nobody likes Schadenfreude. That said, Nicola Sturgeon's expression as the exit poll results were announced..."

And she also had harsh words for Ms Oswald and Mr Nicolson for the role they played in the trans debate which she is involved in. Former SNP deputy Commons leader Ms Oswald became infamous last year after being photographed beside an offensive "decapitate all Terfs" sign at a trans rally.

Ms Rowling highlighted this as she wrote on social media: "Kirsten Oswald (left) has lost her parliamentary seat. Incredibly, it seems palling around with people who want to decapitate women isn't a vote winner." She also had harsh words for Mr Nicolson who was shifted out of the Ochil and South Perthshire constituency due to boundary changes.

The Edinburgh-based author was quick to troll the former journalist on X as she posted a picture of him alongside a quote attributed to him from September 2022. It read: "You are a lesbian because you declare yourself one."

https://x.com/jk_rowling/status/1809050508465696980

These remarks came at a tribunal where the SNP MP gave evidence on behalf of transgender charity Mermaids as it attempted to get the LGB Alliance removed from the charity register. On Friday morning, Ms Rowling took a dig at him by writing: "Now try declaring yourself a winner, John."

She was a critic of the SNP's gender recognition reform bill which was passed by MSPs in December 2022 before being blocked by the UK Government. She branded Ms Sturgeon a "destroyer of women's rights" over the legislation and called out Humza Yousaf for continuing on the same path.

Mr Nicolson teared up as he said goodbye to public life at Alloa Town Hall, and also hinted at having a tilt at Holyrood in 2026, where there is set to be major SNP competition for seats. He said: "MPs who lose are in the public eye but it's worth remembering that when we go, a whole hard working team of people lose their jobs too.

"It's worth remembering that because they've devoted the last five years handling thousands of cases, most of which are out of the public eye. We often get the glory but they're the ones who do all the immensely hard work so I'm sorry I could not win for you tonight.

"It's no fun losing, politics is about swings and roundabouts and no more is this true than in Scotland where the constitution is often so central in elections. It's also clear that folk were desperate to get rid of the Conservative government and they've used the Labour Party as a vehicle at this election. However, never fear, I am quite convinced that the SNP will be back - there's a Holyrood election in two years and this will be an exciting two years of preparation."


Long running distaste of JK at sexualisation of children and other related matters. A star indeed is Ms Rowling…God bless.

#21144417 at 2024-07-05 20:42:42 (UTC+1)
Q Research Scotland #10: Humza In Hot Water Edition

>>21056452


https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/mystery-surrounds-nicola-sturgeons-covid-33154537

Mystery surrounds Nicola Sturgeon's Covid phone as it was never wiped officially despite being used for government business

Exclusive: The former First Minister confirmed during the Covid Inquiry that she used a personal phone to send message during the pandemic before handing it to a family member.

David Walker
3 JUL 2024

Nicola Sturgeon has been embroiled in a new Covid scandal as mystery surrounds whether she breached security rules by not having a phone she used for government business officially wiped before giving it to a family member. The former First Minister faced the ire of the public after confirming she deleted messages relating to the pandemic meaning they could not be handed over to the Inquiry.

She was directly asked by Channel 4 News in August 2021 whether she could "guarantee to the bereaved families that you will disclose emails, WhatsApps, private emails if you've been using them. Whatever. That nothing will be off limits in this inquiry?' She had replied at the time: "If you understand statutory public inquiries you would know that even if I wasn't prepared to give that assurance, which for the avoidance of doubt I am, then I wouldn't have the ability. This will be a judge-led statutory inquiry."

But the UK Inquiry were told that Ms Sturgeon appeared to have retained no informal messages in connection with her management of the pandemic. She confessed to deleting them but insisted that all government decisions had been retained officially.

It was revealed that she used her own personal phone to send messages during the pandemic and had never used the one issued by her government out of "personal preference." But this couldn't be handed over to the inquiry because she had gifted it to a relative in December 2020 when she upgraded her device.

Her written evidence revealed that it was passed on to a "family member whose phone had broken". And despite her having governmental details on it, the Scottish Daily Express can reveal it was never handed into either government or Scottish Parliament officials to have it wiped, sparking security concerns.

Through freedom of information legislation, we asked both organisations whether a phone had been wiped but were told no. Ms Sturgeon previously informed the inquiry that "I have never opted to use a government-issued mobile telephone (except for temporary periods when overseas where use of devices operated at home was advised against).

"It was my personal preference not to operate multiple devices which would have been necessary had I used a government-issued phone, as I could not have made party/constituency related calls on it. It was never suggested to me at any time that not having a government-issued phone was inappropriate".

Opposition rivals claimed that the former First Minister still had "questions to answer" over her pandemic electronics use. Scottish Tory MSP Murdo Fraser told the Scottish Daily Express: "It appears Nicola Sturgeon has questions to answer over the security measures she took before gifting her phone to a relative.

"Having shamefully deleted her Covid WhatsApp messages - breaking a promise she made publicly that these would be available for the inquiry - she must provide assurances that she wasn't cavalier with legitimately confidential government information when it came to a family member."

Scottish Liberal Democrat Willie Rennie added: "Nicola Sturgeon's phone has been a huge focus of controversy. Now, we learn that it may not even have been wiped, which raises big security concerns. This is the same phone where she kept WhatsApps for the Salmond Inquiry, but where she deleted every single one of her Covid WhatsApps, breaking her promise to bereaved families.

"Every vote for the Scottish Liberal Democrats is a vote to end the SNP's culture of scandal and secrecy and restore your faith in politics."

The Scottish Government confirmed that it does not clear non-government devices and it is the responsibility of the device owner. Meanwhile, the Scottish Parliament added: "We can confirm that we do not hold information about Nicola Sturgeon's parliamentary mobile phone being wiped in November or December 2020."

It is understood that she did wipe it before handing to a family member, but not through the official parliament and government channels. Alister Jack, the Scottish Secretary, also admitted that he deleted all his WhatsApp messages during the pandemic.

#21112776 at 2024-06-30 00:41:20 (UTC+1)
Q Research Scotland #10: Humza In Hot Water Edition

>>21056454



https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/revealed-thousands-scots-civil-servants-33115040


Revealed: Thousands of Scots civil servants 'sleep' on the job as they get an extra hour off every week as public services suffer

Exclusive: More than 12,000 taxpayer-funded bureaucrats in the public sector, including those working for Transport Scotland, are given an extra hour off work a week to take part in their own activities.

David Walker
27 JUN 2024

A pilot which allows Scots civil servants an extra hour off work every week also includes 11 different agencies, the Scottish Daily Express can reveal. The SNP Government provoked anger last year after launching a Wellbeing Hour policy for the 9,000 core Holyrood staff.

It allows staff members to take a paid additional 60 minutes off per week, either in one go or split up over several hours. The guidance says that it should go towards them "undertaking activities" to improve physical or mental wellbeing, with this including yoga, a walk, reading or a snooze.

Previous reports claimed that only 9,000 of the core government staff were involved in this pilot, but a freedom of information request revealed that there are actually 11 different agencies also piloting the proposals, which will be assessed on September 30.

A number of Quangos such as Transport Scotland, Student Awards Agency for Scotland, Social Security Scotland, Scottish Public Pensions Agency, Disclosure Scotland and Accountant in Bankruptcy are also running the scheme. In addition, non-ministerial offices are also involved, with Community Justice Scotland, Food Standards Scotland, National Records of Scotland, Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator, Revenue Scotland, Scottish Fiscal Commission and Scottish Housing Regulator all giving staff an extra hour break a week.

It is an estimated there are over 12,000 taxpayer-funded bureaucrats who get an extra hour of "wellbeing" each week. This equals an estimated 450,000 hours of work being lost annually - the equivalent of more than 250 staff.

And the average salary for the public sector is around ?34,000. That means the wages cost for the wellbeing initiative is over ?9million a year. This revelation was blasted by campaign group TaxPayers' Alliance, with Benjamin Elks telling the Scottish Daily Express: "Scottish taxpayers are sick and tired of paying for civil servants to slack off.

"While public services continue to nosedive despite a record tax burden, bureaucrats in Scotland are literally sleeping on the job. Ministers should put a stop to this absurd scheme and focus on delivering for taxpayers."

The policy has been trialled since July last year and is for permanent staff who are not senior, and excludes the like of special advisers. The cost to taxpayers of Scotland's soaring number of civil servants has risen from an estimated salary bill of ?1.010billion in 2016 to ?1.623billion this year.

SNP ministers have previously been criticised for presiding over a bloated public sector, with the number employed by the central government and its quangos rising by 24% between 2016 and 2023, from 43,050 to 53,495. The Executive also face pressing financial circumstances, with a huge billion pound hole in public finances and more service cuts coming. There are also thousands of Scots on waiting lists for the NHS.

In documents promoting the Wellbeing hour, employees are encouraged to "connect," "be active" or even learn a new skill during their paid time off, like cooking, fixing a bike or learning to play a musical instrument.

A Scottish Government spokesman said: "The Scottish Government is piloting a wellbeing hour scheme to support employees' physical and mental health, and to evaluate the impact of a shorter working week on staff productivity. The pilot has been designed so there is no extra cost and no reduction in productivity or service levels."

#21112736 at 2024-06-30 00:34:21 (UTC+1)
Q Research Scotland #10: Humza In Hot Water Edition

>>21056470



https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/john-swinneys-manifesto-blunder-confirms-33134545

John Swinney's manifesto blunder as it confirms huge income tax rises or budget cuts

The First Minister was quick to highlight an Institute for Fiscal Studies report into Labour's manifesto but ignored the fact that the same document indicated that the Scottish Government would need to make substantial cuts as well.

David Walker
29 JUN 2024

John Swinney has bungled his own manifesto plans after analysis revealed that the spending plans will mean either budget cuts or income tax rises. And the First Minister even highlighted this report in a bid to hit out at Labour for planning significant cuts to the public sector.

The SNP were blasted last week for including independence on line one, page one of their General Election proposals, while also costing joining the European Union, despite no plans for any of the main Westminster parties to reverse Brexit. But a report from the Institute of Fiscal Studies (IFS) has blown a hole in the manifesto.

We previously told how the document included a huge ?24bn budget black hole as it commits to ?90bn of spending in the next parliament but only just under ?70bn of savings. Their pledges include an additional ?20bn in NHS funding by 2028/29 and the investment of ?28bn in green energy, ?18bn to "bring austerity to a halt" and ?20.3bn to provide a basic rate of social security.

And now the IFS have highlighted that some of these sums would "probably" see "cuts to some unprotected services unless income tax was further raised in Scotland." Economist David Phillips has already said that the manifesto had a major gap in its costings due to forgetting about the impact of complex funding rules in the Barnett Formula.

In a new report into the impact of all the parties' plans on spending for devolved nations, he has now confirmed that the SNP's own plans included probable cuts. It is a huge blow for Mr Swinney who has spent his General Election campaign insisting that both Labour and Tory plans will include ?18bn of cuts, according to IFS.

Mr Phillips highlighted that plans to increase NHS spending in Scotland by ?1.6bn a year would see the SNP "probably need to make cuts to some unprotected services, unless income tax was further raised in Scotland." Income tax was already increased in April as the tax differential between England and Scotland rose, with anyone earning more than ?28k paying more to the state.

Despite this damning report, the First Minister pointed to it as well, claiming it confirmed "Labour cuts" as he said it would see "cuts in funding for investment and only modest increases in funding for day-to-day spending" for the Scottish Government. He added: The independent IFS have been warning about this for months, and they've now written it down in black and white - Sir Keir Starmer and his Labour government are planning massive cuts to the Scottish budget and Scotland's public services."

Mr Swinney is currently touring his battle bus around the country as he aims to make the SNP more visible to voters. But it was revealed that the bright-yellow campaign vehicle is the same one used by Celtic last season. It is owned by Park's of Hamilton and will be touring the central belt this weekend.

#21112053 at 2024-06-29 22:32:07 (UTC+1)
Q Research Scotland #10: Humza In Hot Water Edition

>>21056454



https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/catastrophic-failures-ferguson-marine-confirm-33129583


'Catastrophic failures' Ferguson Marine confirm more delays for ferry fiasco ship days after Kate Forbes assured MSPs they were on time

The Glen Sannox and Glen Rosa were meant to be completed and in CalMac service six years ago but remain under construction, with costs rising to ?400m from an initial ?97m,

David Walker
28 JUN 2024


The already hugely delayed ferry being built at Ferguson Marine has been delayed once again, days after Kate Forbes offered assurances to MSPs that it will be ready on time. The Glen Sannox's completion date has been set back by another three weeks due to issues with installing its dual fuel system.

Critics blasted this "catastrophic failure" which means that islanders will be stuck using CalMac's unreliable and ageing ferries for another busy summer season. And they pointed out that no one has ever lost their job within the SNP Government for presiding over the scandal.

There have been difficulties with the much boasted about liquefied natural gas (LNG) equipment which is meant to be environmentally friendly fuel. It will be used to power the two ships along with traditional diesel.

The Glen Sannox was meant to be delivered to CalMac for trials on July 31 but now will not be handed over until at least August 19. The boat will need to be tested out for two months before it can serve islanders, meaning that it will probably not be in service until late Autumn.

Deputy First Minister Ms Forbes refused repeatedly on Tuesday to say whether the ferry delivery would be delayed again after the shipyard sacked its project manager. She told MSPs that she met Ferguson Marine chairman Andrew Miller and interim chief executive John Petticrew a few weeks and ""both of them confirmed to me that they see no change to the commitment to deliver the vessel by the end of July."

But she faced accusations that she was attempting to shy away from criticism by announcing the delay after Holyrood broke off for recess, which is exactly what happened. The Glen Sannox should have been completed six years ago and serving the busiest CalMac route between Arran and Brodick.

However, the construction has been beset with delays and issues, including the shipyard plunging into administration and having to be nationalised. The cost of the two ships has also sky-rocketed from ?97m to close to ?500m.

In the latest progress update published on Friday, Ferguson Marine also admitted that work on the Glen Rosa was "not at the rate we would like to see", but did not signal any delays or cost increase. Mr Petticrew said: "The LNG system has been well documented as the biggest challenge we were facing since our last report.

"It has proved even more difficult and has impacted the progress in other areas, namely the engine compartments. We still have a small portion to complete in the commissioning, but this has been moved to an alternate shift so as not to have further interference with other critical activities.

"This has resulted in a movement of the schedule causing a slight delay, with delivery now being the week commencing August 19. We are working with CalMac and [Scottish Government ferry owners] Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited at the highest level to ensure there will be no further delays.

"Regarding the final cost to go, we have reviewed the status and even with the revised delivery date, we remain confident within the range previously forecast, namely the ?145.5 million to ?149.1m."

#21111992 at 2024-06-29 22:20:01 (UTC+1)
Q Research Scotland #10: Humza In Hot Water Edition

>>21056454



https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/snp-government-confess-doomed-plans-33122285

SNP Government confess 'doomed' plans for National Care Service could cost 'eye-watering' ?5bn

Former First Minister claimed that her National Care Service could provide a "lasting and positive legacy", in the same way as the "tragedy" of World War Two led to the creation of the National Health Service

David Walker
27 JUN 2024


The Scottish Government has been urged to rip up its plans for its "doomed" attempt to centralise social care in Scotland after admitting it could cost the public purse an "eye-watering" ?5bn. The plans have been criticised as they make their way through the Scottish Parliament, but were passed through due to SNP and Scottish Greens support.

Concerns have been raised about the true cost of it after the initial plans did not include any proper costings. It passed stage one despite only being a framework, meaning that the detail of it still needs to be fleshed out.

Even unions, who helped to devise it originally, removed themselves from the policy after hitting out at the added bureaucracy which would be caused by it. It was a flagship plan introduced by Nicola Sturgeon but it has been subjected to repeated delays, being pushed back from 2026 to 2028/29.

The former First Minister said a new body could provide a "lasting and positive legacy", in the same way as the "tragedy" of World War Two led to the creation of the National Health Service. It was meant to simplify community health and social care across the nation, giving SNP ministers the power to oversee it and removing this from councils. It would eventually be expanded from helping the old and disabled to the homeless, addicts, families and unpaid carers.

Costs were originally estimated to be between ?644m and ?1.26bn over five years but this has now sky-rocketed to ?5bn for the first decade of it. In a fact sheet published by the Scottish Government on Thursday, the last day of Holyrood before summer recess, officials admitted this higher cost.

The document read: "The most recent financial year that we have full figures for spending on social care in Scotland is 2021 to 2022. In that year, ?4.7 billion was spent on social care. There will be some extra costs in future years to make the NCS a reality. We expect these to come to around ?345 million over the 10 years from 2022 to 2032."

Critics blasted this huge spend as they urged the SNP to scrap the policy. Scottish Tory Shadow Health Secretary Dr Sandesh Gulhane said: "The SNP's plans for a centralised care service were doomed to fail from the beginning. Instead of diverting funds towards our cash-strapped local services which are in crisis on the SNP's watch, nationalist ministers have decided to throw ?5bn at their reckless centralised care proposals.

"Carers and medical professionals have been very clear, a local approach towards care must be the way forward, rather than a one size fits all approach. The shady SNP are trying to keep the public and MSPs in the dark over this muddled policy, but my party will always oppose the flawed national care service."

Scottish Labour Health Spokeswoman Jackie Baillie added: "The SNP's botched National Care Service plans could expose the public purse to eye-watering costs. Scottish Labour will not sign a blank cheque for SNP incompetence - that is why we voted against this flawed Bill.

"Social care in Scotland is at breaking point, with Scots struggling to get the care they need and staff feeling underpaid and underappreciated. The SNP's plans will deliver a National Care Service in name only - it will not fund a single extra care worker, nor will it fix any of the fundamental issues in our social care sector."

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP said: "The costs of this billion-pound bureaucracy continue to balloon beyond all sense. All of this is money that would be far better spent on staff and services, not a ministerial power grab.

"Scottish Liberal Democrats have set out plans to fix the crisis in social care by introducing a new national minimum wage for carers. That way, we can fix problems at their root and ease pressures throughout the rest of the NHS."

In defence of the National Care Service, the government claimed that it would "improve the experience of people who receive care" by "improving national standards and ensuring access to complaints processes." This includes "supporting unpaid carers to protect their health and wellbeing is also important. This includes young carers.

"The NCS will help drive improvements in these areas. The NCS has the potential to lead to large benefits for people who access or deliver community health, social work or social care support. This includes unpaid carers."

#21111856 at 2024-06-29 21:45:56 (UTC+1)
Q Research Scotland #10: Humza In Hot Water Edition

>>21056470


https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/snp-ministers-should-banned-making-33133884

SNP ministers should be banned from making false statements as John Swinney urged to correct the record

Calls have been made for the Scottish Parliament to be tougher on politicians who make misleading statements while out on the campaign trail after the First Minister and Kate Forbes repeated an energy myth.

David Walker
29 JUN 2024

Calls have been made for a ban on SNP ministers making false statements after John Swinney and Kate Forbes were collared for doing so outwith Holyrood. The First Minister and his deputy repeatedly claimed that more than 100% of Scotland's electricity came from renewable sources.

This is untrue as the country still relies on fossil fuels and nuclear in order to keep the lights on due to the unpredictable nature of renewables such as wind and solar power. Both Nat figures told interviewers and the public that Scotland was sustainable through environmentally friendly heating and electricity.

A complaint has been made to Holyrood's standards committee after the senior SNP politicians made these claims during the General Election campaigning. Scottish Tory MSP Liam Kerr is demanding a change to the rules which would outlaw using false statements while electioneering.

In a statement to MSPs last month, Mr Swinney said: "When we came to office, 20 per cent of Scotland's gross electricity consumption was coming from renewable energy, and that is now the equivalent of 113 per cent." He repeated that claim in an election speech in Glasgow, while Ms Forbes has said similar in broadcast interviews.

Full Fact, a fact-checking organisation, has previously reprimanded the First Minister and his former boss Nicola Sturgeon for using this line as it is not true. Scotland does generate more electricity from renewables than the total amount of electricity it uses but fossil fuels are required to keep the lights on.

This is because it is not possible to store all renewable energy when there is no demand, and because a lack of wind or sun means that renewables cannot be relied on around the clock. According to the latest statistics, in the 12 months to June 2023 about 64% of the electricity Scotland used came from renewables, with 20% from nuclear power plants and 15% from fossil fuels.

In 2022, Sir Robert Chote, the chairman of the UK Statistics Authority, stepped in after it was reported to him and he asked Scotland's chief statistician to "ensure that the First Minister's office is briefed on this matter" after Ms Sturgeon said a similar statement.

Mr Kerr has asked the standards committee to look at whether the ministerial code should have greater enforcement powers over inaccurate statements made outside parliament as he wrote that "this seems particularly egregious coming as it does during an election.

The Times reports that he plans to submit an amendment to the Scottish Elections (Representation and Reform) Bill, which passed its first parliamentary hurdle on Thursday, which would make it law for parliamentarians to provide accurate information when out campaigning..

He said: "It has never been more important for politicians to be factual and credible with the information they circulate. Both John Swinney and Kate Forbes know fine well their claims on renewable energy were wide of the mark - I told them as much in parliament. Yet they have continued to rehearse them time after time, in public and even on national television.

"Arguably, if parliament had more stringent rules around accuracy and correcting the record, such misleading statements could be stopped in their tracks. If that is accepted, it must be in the interests of all to tighten up the rules on this front."

A government spokesman said the first minister had written to Kerr and the presiding officer to "correct the record". He said: "The Scottish government is clear that although renewable technologies generated the equivalent of 113 per cent of Scotland's gross electricity consumption in 2022, 64.7 per cent of the electricity consumed in Scotland in 2023 came from renewable resources."

But Mr Kerr said on social media that he had yet to receive this letter.

#21111536 at 2024-06-29 20:47:15 (UTC+1)
Q Research Scotland #10: Humza In Hot Water Edition

>>21056470


https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/john-swinney-running-scared-voters-33126924

John Swinney 'running scared' of voters as he dodges appearance on BBC phone-in

The First Minister was meant to appear on BBC Radio Scotland's Stephen Jardine phone-in but pulled out at the last minute, with no explanation given.

David Walker
28 JUN 2024


John Swinney has been accused of "running scared" of voters after he refused to go on a BBC Radio phone-in where he would have answered questions from voters. The First Minister became the only Scottish party leader to not appear on Stephen Jardine's BBC Radio Scotland show to speak to Scots.

The SNP leader is set to launch his General Election battle bus on Friday in Edinburgh as he will be touring around constituencies in the central belt and south of Scotland. But he has angered some Scots by failing to take their questions live on radio.

His party are polling badly in Scotland as they are stuck in second place behind Labour with projections estimating that the SNP could lose more than half of their seats after July 4. Mr Swinney is expected to stay on as First Minister until the Holyrood election even if they suffer catastrophic losses.

BBC Radio Scotland have been trailing all week that the SNP leader was set to appear on radio to answer questions from voters, but with one week left in the General Election campaign he rejected this chance. It has led to claims that his appearance would have lost even more votes, hence why he did not go on.

The Scottish Tories insisted that the SNP were "running scared" of voters and treating them with contempt. BBC confirmed that they were told no one from the Nats was available to appear on radio.

Scottish Conservative chairman, Craig Hoy, said: "Every time John Swinney interacts with the public, the SNP loses another vote. In numerous debates and interviews throughout this campaign, he refused to answer people's genuine questions and arrogantly dismissed their concerns.

"Now it's clear John Swinney has been scarred by the rejection of voters and he's running scared of speaking directly to people in Scotland. But on July 4th, whether John Swinney likes it or not, voters will have the opportunity to cast their verdict on the SNP by voting Scottish Conservative in the many key seats where it's a straight fight between us and the nationalists. A vote for any other party - including Reform - will only risk an SNP win."

On social media, Scots showed their distaste at the fact they could not quiz the First Minister. One person wrote: "Radio Scotland been trailing all week that this morning John Swinney would be available to answer questions from listeners. No one now available from SNP but no further explanation."

Another added: "I just got off the phone to BBC Radio Scotland, all set to ask John Swinney questions about women's rights, only to be told he has cancelled his appearance. Apparently they are going to get him on their show next week, before the election."

Scottish Liberal Democrat Willie Rennie MSP said: "Less than a week to go and it's clear John Swinney is running scared of this election. It's little wonder that he refuses to speak to the public. After almost two decades of failing our NHS, axing public services and letting education slide down the international rankings, no one is buying the SNP's excuses anymore.

"People desperately want change, and that's exactly why Liberal Democrats are growing. With a Liberal Democrat, you have someone who will get the basics right and stand up for you and your community."

The SNP has been approached for comment.

#21104152 at 2024-06-28 16:05:22 (UTC+1)
Q Research Scotland #10: Humza In Hot Water Edition

>>21056470


https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/john-swinney-blames-1980s-margaret-33119651

John Swinney blames the 1980s and Margaret Thatcher for SNP's health failures as back-benchers branded 'clapping seals'

The First Minister was condemned for attempting to lay blame for the SNP Government's numerous NHS failures, including drug deaths and delayed discharges, at the doors of the Tory Government from the 1980s.

David Walker
27 JUN 2024

John Swinney was condemned after he attempted to blame Margaret Thatcher and policies from the 1980s for the SNP's 17 years of failure in healthcare. And his back-bench MSPs were branded "clapping seals" for supporting the record number of drugs and alcohol deaths in Scotland at a heated FMQs.

He was also accused of focusing on independence over trying to make the country healthier, with Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross insisting that "the SNP was bad for Scotland's health." He listed a number of nationalist failures, including delayed discharge and thousands of Scots being on waiting lists.

Despite the SNP being in power since 2007, and healthcare being devolved, the First Minister attempted to blame policies from the 1980s for this. He said: "One of the things Douglas Ross put to me was about alcohol related deaths and I want to share a quote with parliament because it's the type of evidence that the parliament has to chew over and consider when we're dealing with the kind of rhetoric that we hear from Douglas Ross.

"Professor Jamie McCartney, the professor of wellbeing and economy at Glasgow University, said this and I quote 'you see lag defects from decades ago of urban planning, policy decisions, and the 1980s economic changes, and how that translated into people's alcohol deaths a decade or two decades later.'

"So it is not unprecedented, I simply put that evidence to Parliament because we have to understand the consequences of the devastation wreaked on our country by the policies of Margaret Thatcher's Conservative government."

Mr Ross hit out at the First Minister, pointing out that while he is "considerably older" than him, "he is blaming the failures here in Scotland now to a period before I was born, and apparently it has nothing to do with the 17 years the SNP have been in charge." He added: "We know that apart from separating Scotland from the rest of the UK, nothing else matters to John Swinney.

"Independence will always come first before our NHS, before jobs, before schools, before the economy, before everything. People up and down Scotland want the focus to be on these issues, the things that really matter today, but we all know what John Swinney wants.

"If it's not page one, line one, it's not the priority for the SNP. Right now in 2024, the SNP leader from 2004 is trying to take us back to the division of 2014. We've had 17 years of decline and broken promises. Isn't it time to finally move on from the division of this SNP Government and focus on the issues that really matter in Scotland."

Mr Ross also pointed out that alcohol deaths were at their highest level in 16 years, and that Scotland was the drug deaths capital of Europe. Life expectancy in Scotland is also lower after "17 years of SNP Government." Mr Swinney hit back by insisting that the Tories would have stripped money from the NHS and paid it out to the hospitality sector in the last budget after business rates were cut in England but not in Scotland.

This was applauded by SNP MSPs, which provoked the Scottish Tory leader to say: "John Swinney wants to get applause from the clapping seals behind him for record drug deaths in Scotland." He was reprimanded by the Presiding Officer for insulting the Nat back-benches.

#21079392 at 2024-06-24 21:28:41 (UTC+1)
Q Research Scotland #10: Humza In Hot Water Edition

>>21056470


https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/john-swinney-backs-gender-ideology-33098071

John Swinney backs gender ideology being taught in Scottish schools amid General Election row

The First Minister was the SNP Education Secretary who introduced the concept of teaching children as young as five about different trans sexualities as he hit out at Sir Keir Starmer for refusing to axe guidance introduced by the Tories.

David Walker
24 JUN 2024

John Swinney has spoken out against banning gender ideology in Scots schools amidst concerns about the impact it is having on children. Parents and education experts have demanded that the Scottish Government follow Westminster in outlawing teaching kids as young as five about how many genders there are.

Gender neutral toilets have also been installed in a number of educational establishments across the country. Ministers and officials are meant to be reviewing the Cass report into gender affirmation care for children and teenagers but have delayed a decision on this until after the General Election.

The Tories and Rishi Sunak have vowed to ban the teaching of gender ideology if they get back into government, with Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer insisting he would not rip up the proposed ban on educating children about this subject in England and Wales.

Mr Swinney, who attended a Pride march in Edinburgh at the weekend, indicated that he was "surprised" at Sir Keir's stances, claiming he was being guided by newspapers rather than "doing the right thing." He told pro-indy newspaper the National: "I'm a bit surprised about that because I heard his shadow education secretary [Bridget Phillipson] on the [Laura] Kuenssberg programme yesterday saying something very different.

"What that possibly says to me is that Keir Starmer is influenced by the position that's set out on the front pages of some newspapers rather than what's the right thing to do."

This was a major u-turn from the Labour leader as Ms Phillipson told the BBC that she had no plans to continue with the proposed ban. She said: "We absolutely do need to see guidance, the Labour government - if we win the trust of the British people - will make sure that happens, but let's make sure children's wellbeing is at the heart of this.

"Let's stop this being a political football. This is our children's lives, their wellbeing, it's too important to make this a culture wars issue on the front pages of newspapers. Let's take a more responsible approach, give schools the clear guidance that they need and make sure our young people are supported as well."

Mr Swinney was the Education Secretary who encouraged the introduction of LGBT inclusive teaching in Scotland and insisted that he trusted educational professionals to decide what is appropriate to teach children. He said: "I was the education secretary who encouraged the introduction of LGBT inclusive education within Scottish schools.

"I think that's important as part of our overall approach relationships education in our schools because young people have got to be given appropriate educational insight into these questions. These are important societal questions. Now, what's appropriate to discuss with a 16 year old is completely different to what is appropriate to discuss with an eight year old and I trust education professionals to essentially come to those conclusions."

But concerns have been raised about the influence charity LGBT Youth Scotland is having on teaching as it wrote the guidance used by teachers. The organisation believe puberty blockers should be given out to children despite Dr Cass's research calling on this to be stopped.

They also encourage schools to appoint kids as young as four to roles such as LGBT "champion" where they are encourage to ask pupils if they are gay, lesbian or trans. The UK Department for Education introduced draft guidance for schools which states that schools should not teach about the concept of gender identity.

Children should be taught the law on gender reassignment, the revised guidance said, but if asked about the topic of gender identity, schools should "teach the facts about biological sex and not use any materials that present contested views as fact, including the view that gender is a spectrum".

#21036848 at 2024-06-17 15:42:11 (UTC+1)
Q Research Scotland #10: Humza In Hot Water Edition

>>20905029


https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/taxpayer-forks-out-over-400k-33033005

Taxpayer forks out over ?400k to sack shamed Sheriff Jack Brown and nearly a million to cover his wages

First Minister John Swinney laid an order before the Scottish Parliament to officially axe the Aberdeen-based Sheriff from the Sheriffdom but not until after he had run up over ?1m in wages and court costs.

David Walker
14 JUN 2024

Sacking shamed Sheriff Jack Brown cost the taxpayer over ?400k after a six year probe which has been described as "extraordinary" by one critic. It means that the legal professional's case has cost the public purse more than ?1m since the investigation began in 2018.

He was suspended on full pay for six years over alleged sexual harassment which meant he pocketed his substantial salary while sitting at home. He was finally found unfit for office this year after a second tribunal ended following the first one being botched.

The Scottish Government published the full cost of these tribunals on Friday, and revealed that it cost ?436,329 for the decision to be made to remove him from the Sheriffdom. The majority of this bill (?258K) comes from fees paid to Legal Counsel or Solicitors.

Brown, 64, clung on to his job after a judge ruled that a first tribunal failed to consider evidence from other alleged victims, so a second one was ordered in February 2022. This second one, convened by Nicola Sturgeon, found that he was unfit for judicial office.

The tribunal said that there were "serious concerns as to the character and integrity" of the Aberdeen Sheriff which are "wholly contrary to the standards of conduct and probity expected" of the judiciary. John Swinney laid an order before the Scottish Parliament last month that removed Brown from office on June 7.

He had been suspended on full pay in December 2018, with his salary being ?157,705 a year, meaning he has been paid nearly ?950,000 for staying at home. He was found guilty of "serious improper conduct" due to his inappropriate behaviour towards two women, one being a lawyer, known as D, in 2018 and another female in 2001 and 2002.

An earlier tribunal found that Brown had acted "entirely inappropriately towards D but concluded that his conduct did not meet the test to justify removing him from office. A judicial review disputed this and ruled that the tribunal had "ignorance of the availability of other evidence" as two other women making similar claims had not been allowed to give evidence.

The new tribunal did hear from the other two females known as B and C and established that Brown touched D on the cheek and made an inappropriate remark in 2018. It also found he had hugged her inappropriately and that he kissed C on the lips in late 2001 or early 2002, and squeezed her buttocks in 2004. Tribunal chair Lord Malcolm said: "In our unanimous view [Brown's] misbehaviour renders him unfit for judicial office."

Scottish Tory Justice spokesman Russell Findlay hit out at the cost and length of time it took for Brown to be finally sacked. He told the Scottish Daily Express: "It seems extraordinary that it took the judiciary five years to deal with this rogue sheriff who is rightly now being kicked off the bench. This costs taxpayers a fortune but, even worse, has added to and prolonged the trauma of female complainers."

Scottish Government Justice Secretary Angela Constance said: "Under Section 23(6) of the Court Reform (Scotland) Act 2014, Scottish Ministers are obliged to pay such expenses as they consider are reasonably required to be incurred to enable a tribunal to carry out its functions. Given the nature and gravity of the tribunal's findings, the First Minister decided that Sheriff Brown should be removed from office. The order removing him came into force on 7 June 2024."

#21036708 at 2024-06-17 15:01:37 (UTC+1)
Q Research Scotland #10: Humza In Hot Water Edition

>>20905039


https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/john-swinney-suffers-embarrassing-election-33030489


John Swinney suffers 'embarrassing' by-election defeat as SNP battered in one of its 'safest' seats

Scottish Labour trounced the SNP in yet another by-election with Clydebank Central, formerly an area with a 'Yes' majority, electing Fiona Hennebry instead of another Nat councillor.

David Walker
14 JUN 2024

The SNP's shocking run of by-election defeats hit 14 in a row as the party lost in one of its safest seats across Scotland. The candidate for the Nats was soundly beaten in Clydebank Central, which is a nationalist stronghold and one of the regions which voted Yes in the independence referendum.

It was labelled an "embarrassing" loss for John Swinney who has not been able to turn the tide on the awful spate of results which was first presided over by Humza Yousaf. Scottish Labour picked up the seat with a 12% swing giving them two councillors in Clydebank Central compared to one SNP and one independent.

The SNP vote plummeted by 14%, while Labour's rose by 9.2%. In a weird outcome, winner Fiona Hennebry actually beat her own nephew, Nathan Hennebry, who was standing for the Communist Party of Britain, to win the seat.

It was two Nats and two Labour but Diane Docherty quit the party over its stance on gender reforms, meaning they lost another councillor. The turnout for the by-election was 24.3% with 2,845 votes cast andit was called after the incumbent was jailed for being a paedophile.

Disgraced Craig Edwards resigned his seat on the council in March after pleading guilty to owning hundreds of indecent images of children. Despite being charged he refused to quit after being sacked by Labour. Sheriff William Gallacher said the images "plumb the depths of depravity and abuse".

Scottish Labour's Fiona Hennebry was declared the winner at stage four of the count of the single transferable vote election and won 1,425 votes. The party branded this win an "extraordinary result" as the ward is known as one of the safest SNP ones in Scotland.

Scottish Labour Deputy Leader Jackie Baillie said: "This is an extraordinary result for Scottish Labour in one of the safest SNP wards in the country, and an embarrassing defeat for John Swinney. This win shows that Scots are desperate for change after 14 years of Tory chaos and 17 years of SNP incompetence.

"Fiona Hennebry will be a fantastic Councillor and a local champion for her community. The people of Clydebank Central have voted for change and on July 4 voters across Scotland will have the opportunity to do the same.

"It's time for change - and every vote for Scottish Labour is a vote to deliver that change. Every vote for Scottish Labour is a vote to make sure we get rid of the Tories, put Scotland at the heart of a Labour government and deliver the change our country needs."

Ms Hennebry added: "I am delighted to be elected to represent the area I call home. For too long our community has been failed by two out of touch and incompetent governments - but this result shows that change is possible. I am looking forward to getting to work representing our fantastic area and I will work tirelessly to repay the trust the people of Clydebank Central have put in me."

Clydebank has both a SNP MSP and MP in Marie McNair and Martin Docherty-Hughes but the latter is facing a tough battle to retain his seat at the General Election. According to Ballot box Scotland, the town's wards a "real rarity" as they have "an absolute majority of the vote for a single party, in this case the SNP."

#21016845 at 2024-06-13 15:27:40 (UTC+1)
Q Research Scotland #10: Humza In Hot Water Edition

>>20905029


https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/unacceptable-snp-water-quango-splashed-33012088

'Unacceptable' SNP water quango splashed out ?280k of public cash on sending staff to Argentina and New York

The Water Industry Commission for Scotland's accounts are being scrutinised by Audit Scotland after the agency was slated for 'inappropriate use of public funds' under former boss Alan Sutherland.

David Walker
12 JUN 2024

Scotland's water watchdog has been branded "unacceptable" after it was revealed that it splashed out ?288k of taxpayer cash sending staff on courses in Argentina and New York, as well as paying for "executive coaching." The Water Industry Commission for Scotland (Wics) is currently being scrutinised by Audit Scotland.

The probe comes after the agency was slated for "inappropriate use of public funds" under former boss Alan Sutherland who was forced to resign last year. Under his leadership staff claimed for expenses without proper receipts and spent over the limit on alcohol.

Wics did not get proper approval to spend ?77,350 to send its chief operating officer on a course at Harvard Business School in the US, with the Scottish Government granting retrospective permission for this without even scrutinising it. It led to a rebuke from Auditor General Stephen Boyle who allayed concerns about this breaching expenses rules, and encouraging other spends that haven't been signed off.

Mr Sutherland spent ?400 on a meal for two at Champany Inn near Linlithgow and clocked up ?130k in expenses, mainly on travel, since April 2019. He also clawed back ?14,000 for some of the annual leave he did not use, while backing inflation-busting water price rises for Scots.

Wics acts as the economic regulator for the water sector and sets a cap on the amount that Scottish Water can charge and promotes the interests of water and sewage customers. The Times reports that documents released under a freedom of information request showed that the organisations spend of taxpayer cash was even more lavish than reported.

It paid out vast sums to send some of its 26 staff to South America and the US. The agency's head of retail went on an executive MBA programme run by London Business School between 2018 and 2020, some of which took place in London, as well as a five-day placement in Argentina, with this cost coming to ?95,476 due to travel, accommodation and expenses.

Another senior manager undertook an MBA with London Business School which included time in the English Capital and give days in Buenos Aires between 2017 and 2019, with taxpayers charged ?84,508 for this. In addition, the head of external relations completed a certificate of management at Columbia University in New York that cost more than ?21,000 and another ?87,768 was spent on "executive coaching" from April 2019 to March this year.

Scottish Tory net zero spokesman Douglas Lumsden blasted this spend as he said: "It's entirely unacceptable that hard-pressed Scots should be expected to foot the bill while this quango spends money like water."

In response, Wics insisted that its most important asset was its people and said: "In recognition of this, Wics has invested on average 1.5 per cent of revenue per year over the eight years [since 2016] on all types of training, from cyber resilience to management development. Anyone completing an MBA is subject to a two-year lock-in and is required to pay two thirds of the cost to exit this contract."

An investigation into the agency's finances by Audit Scotland found that in its 2022-23 financial year, 7.5% of its expenses transactions (?12,419), were found to have non-compliant proof of purchase. The figure was 12% (?7,314) between April and December 2023.

The most lavish spend included ?2,669 on meals exceeding ?50 per head and "significant expenditure on alcohol" with ?359 spend on booze as part of a ?1,123 bill at Gaucho in Edinburgh. David Satti, the Wics interim chief executive, said actions to strengthen expenses policy had been taken.

#21015891 at 2024-06-13 12:17:58 (UTC+1)
Q Research Scotland #10: Humza In Hot Water Edition

>>20905029



https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/skint-snp-government-splash-out-33017306

Skint SNP Government splash out almost ?10k on lavish Eid celebration at Edinburgh Castle

The Scottish Government contributed almost ?10,000 towards an Eid Ul-Fitr event which was held in Scotland's capital in April and attended by the then-First Minister Humza Yousaf.

David Walker
13 JUN 2024

The cash-strapped Scottish Government splashed out almost ?10,000 to hold a lavish Eid Mubarak celebration at Edinburgh Castle in April. The event was attended by then-First Minister Humza Yousaf and hundreds of the Muslim community from throughout Scotland.

But the amount of public cash utilised to put on the event may raise eyebrows considering the significant budget cuts passed by the SNP Executive last year, and the financial trouble it finds itself in again. Fiscal experts have warned that there will be need to be more "significant spending reductions" in the next year to balance the books.

A freedom of information request published on the Scottish Government website revealed that ?9,985 of public cash was spent on the event at Edinburgh Castle to mark Eid Ul-Fitr in April. The celebration marks the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting with Muslims usually enjoying lavish meals together with loved ones.

The request also came with a breakdown of the costs, with ?7,137 being spent on catering the event, ?820 on entertainment, ?903 on AV and ?1,125 on transport. The celebration was posted about on the official First Minister social media account on April 19, with Mr Yousaf writing: "The Muslim community is an important and integral part of Scottish society and @ScotGov value the contribution they make. First Minister @HumzaYousaf reiterated his commitment to stand against all forms of hatred as he hosted an event @EdinburghCastle to mark Eid Ul-Fitr."

He also made a speech which was published on social media where he said: "My commitment as First Minister to tackle all forms of hatred- Islamophobia, Antisemitism, whatever it is, is absolutely firm, unwavering, unshakeable, that we will stand up against those forms of hatred.

"You have my promise and my commitment, and I think I can speak, I'm certain I can speak, for my friends across the political spectrum, that we will all stand together united against hatred. So ladies and gentlemen, you are most welcome. The Muslim community is a beloved community to Scotland. We are a part of Scotland.

"We're not being hosted here. We're not a community that has come from afar. We are an integral part of this country. And we should take great pride in the fact that we have as a community, contributed so much over the years, so my thanks is to you."

Eid Ul-Fitr usually begins the day after the sighting of the new crescent moon which marks the end of Ramadan and the onset of the month of Shawwal, the tenth of the Islamic Hijri calendar.

#21015808 at 2024-06-13 11:41:06 (UTC+1)
Q Research Scotland #10: Humza In Hot Water Edition

>>20905029


https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/snp-minister-claims-government-wants-33016113


SNP minister claims government wants 'value for money' amid huge ?3.5m spend to install heat pumps in office worth just ?275k

SNP Public Finance Minister Ivan McKee faced questions from rebel Nat Fergus Ewing about the massive spend on the Elgin Procurator Fiscal office which is becoming zero carbon.

David Walker
12 JUN 2024

An SNP minister admitted that he was "concerned" about the Scottish Government splashing out ?3.5m of taxpayer cash on heat pumps for a creaking office worth just ?275k. Public Finance Minister Ivan McKee faced a question about the cost of upgrading Elgin's Procurator Fiscal premises.

We previously told how the Nationalist Executive had spent that substantial sum on the office which saw heat pumps fitted and insulation improved, even though the gas bills were only about ?2,500 a year. But due to the complexity of the project the cost increased from an initial ?2.2m to ?3.5m after investigations into the "nature of the building."

It was meant to be a flagship initiative for "decarbonising" properties owned by the government but has ended up being a costly mistake. The refurbishment is still ongoing and is expected to take 1,000 years to recoup in energy savings.

SNP rebel Fergus Ewing brought the scandal up at the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday, and demanded to know whether this project would be replicated across Scotland. He asked the government "regarding the application of the principles in the Scottish Public Finance Manual, what its position is on whether the reported estimated cost of ?3.56 million for refurbishment to decarbonise the Procurator Fiscal's Office in Elgin represents value for money, in light of the property being valued at ?275,000 in March 2022."

Mr McKee responded by insisting that the government "takes getting best value for money from public spend seriously" and added that "we also recognise the need to meet our climate commitment that includes spending the limited public money available for that purpose most effectively to achieve our targets."

He did confess that Mr Ewing "raises valid concerns about the value for money aspects of this particular investment" and that he "very much shares those concerns." In defence of the huge spend, he said: "This project was intended to increase understanding of the technology and processes around deep retrofit of historic buildings.

"As such it will not be replicated but lessons learned should support cost effective delivery of future projects." He added that Mr Ewing should "rest assured that any future projects will be rigorously assessed to ensure public money is used most effectively to deliver the government's objectives, taking into account strict value for money criteria."

The push for net zero buildings was spearheaded by former Scottish Greens minister Patrick Harvie who was ousted from government in April. His policy will mean all public buildings and homes in Scotland will have to comply with strict new laws which mean they need to be zero carbon by 2045.

But there are fears that this will cost too much money and push some struggling households into financial ruin. It is one of the policies being looked at by John Swinney's new administration.

Mr Ewing welcomed Mr McKee's comment as he pointed out that he was calling for a "new broom" to take over after the shambles of the SNP/Greens coalition. He added: "I'm pleased he will be able to secure valie for money and avoid wasted money in investment and public buildings."

#21004332 at 2024-06-11 10:33:08 (UTC+1)
Q Research Scotland #10: Humza In Hot Water Edition

>>20905029



https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/scottish-government-launch-new-probe-32999042

Scottish Government launch new probe into Ferguson Marine's 'missing' ?128m of public cash

SNP ministers have ordered a new probe into how the Port Glasgow shipyard spent the significant cash before it plunged into administration in 2019 after Audit Scotland previously confirmed that the money was not accounted for.

David Walker
10 JUN 2024

The Scottish Government has launched a new probe into how ?128m of taxpayer cash was spent at Ferguson Marine before the beleaguered shipyard fell into administration. The publicly-owned ferry owning and procurement agency Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL) ploughed significant money into the company as it built the two ferries which are still incomplete.

Audit Scotland told MSPs that Ferguson Marine could not tell them what these funds were spent on in 2022. Some were labelled as milestone bonuses but the Glen Sannox and Glen Rosa were not near completion when the cash injection was put in.

The ferry fiasco will cost taxpayers up to ?500m when the scandal is complete next year, and the two ferries finally serve long-suffering CalMac customers. This is more than quadruple the original ?97m contract, with no one within the SNP administration losing their job because of this.

An independent probe has been launched into the books of Ferguson Marine to discover how the ?128m was spent as the shipyard plunged into administration after receiving it in August 2019. The funds were ?83.25m in milestone payments from the government-owned ferry owning and procurement agency Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL) and ?45 million in loan payments from the Scottish Government.

Delivery of the two vessels are now over six years late, with the completion date put back every couple of months. An investigation into the money trail is being outsourced to external auditors which will be funded by taxpayers, and will feature a deep dive into the financial accounts of the company before it was nationalised.

It will be limited to where the money went, but former shipyard boss Jim McColl believes it should be expanded to look at more than just the financials. He told the Herald: "I welcome an investigation into where the money went because it went into the ships. But it needs to look at why it was needed.

"It is easy to do a review of the records, and the default position is that FMEL didn't do it properly. There would be no proper exposure of what caused the costs, so if they are just looking at the financials… it would be very easy to set up a review like this which is just a waste of money. Because, I tell you they won't come up with anything that shows anything wrong with where the money went."

In the initial probe of where the public money went, Scotland's Auditor General Stephen Boyle told MSPs that the shipyard had no idea where the cash had been spent due to shoddy record-keeping. He said: "Ferguson Marine Port Glasgow (FMPG) has advised us that it holds FMEL's records, as required by the Sale and Purchase Agreement between the two bodies.

"FMPG advise that these records exist in both digital and hard copy forms, but they are not organised or categorised. The Sale and Purchase Agreement does not require FMPG to review these records and FMPG has informed us that it has no plans to do so. FMPG is therefore not aware of what information exists and indeed whether this information will explain how FMEL spent the ?128.25 million."

A Scottish Government spokesman said: "We are in the process of commissioning an independent examination of the accounting records of the former Ferguson Marine Engineering Limited. The report from this will be presented to both Audit Scotland and the relevant Parliamentary Committees in due course."

#21004294 at 2024-06-11 10:22:01 (UTC+1)
Q Research Scotland #10: Humza In Hot Water Edition

>>20905037
>>20905022


https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/beggars-belief-snp-still-owe-32984199

'Beggars belief' that SNP still owe Peter Murrell ?60k as party suffers financial woes

Exclusive: The Scottish Tories have blasted the SNP for continuing to be linked with the party's former Chief Executive as it still owes him a substantial amount of money.

David Walker
7 JUN 2024

The SNP have been slated for continuing to owe former Chief Executive Peter Murrell ?60k, and for failing to have cut all ties with him as he faces embezzlement charges. The latest Electoral Commission figures revealed the Nats are still in debt for the substantial amount.

Nicola Sturgeon's husband has kept a low profile since being charged by Police Scotland in relation to embezzling money from the party he used to run. Crown Office are currently considering the standard prosecution report and will decide on the next steps.

Mr Murrell loaned his own party ?107k in 2021 to help with "cashflow issues" and received almost half of this back within months. But there remains ?60k outstanding which has yet to be handed back to him.

The Scottish Tories have blasted the fact the SNP still have substantial links with the former Chief Executive. Chairman Craig Hoy told the Scottish Daily Express: "It beggars belief that the SNP are still in financial hock to their disgraced former chief executive. The SNP should have cut all ties with Peter Murrell - especially now that he has been charged with embezzlement - and repaid what they owe him in full."

Mr Murrell's loan was published by the Electoral Commission in 2022, with it revealing that he gave the party ?107,620 in June 2021, but three years later ?60,000 has not been repaid. The SNP's financial woes have been well-documented, with its latest accounts showing that it was ?800,000 in the red in a non-election year.

John Swinney pleaded with supporters once again on Friday to donate to the party as he hinted at the "expensive" four weeks ahead of them. The party is attempting to contest more than 50 seats across Scotland with no major donations reported so far this year.

It means that they need to rely on the Short Money coming from the MPs, as well as smaller donations from the apparent thousands of paid-up SNP members. Crowdfunders have also been launched by a number of the party's MPs to raise cash to campaign properly.

Operation Branchform remains an active police investigation, with the Crown Office studying the charge sheet sent in by Police Scotland. A spokesman said: "A standard prosecution report has been received by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service from Police Scotland in relation to a 59-year-old man and incidents said to have occurred between 2016 and 2023. Connected investigations of two other individuals, a man aged 72 and a 53-year-old woman, remain ongoing.

"Professional prosecutors from COPFS and independent counsel will review this report. They will make decisions on the next steps without involving the Lord Advocate or Solicitor General. All Scotland's prosecutors operate independently of political influence.

"Before deciding what action to take, if any, in the public interest, prosecutors will consider if there is enough evidence. There must be evidence from at least two separate sources to establish that a crime was committed and that the person under investigation was the perpetrator.

"This evaluation will involve a thorough examination of the numerous witness statements and extensive evidence collected by police. Prosecutors may instruct the police to conduct further investigations before taking a decision. Decisions on how to proceed are taken by prosecutors acting independently, and are based upon available evidence, legal principles, and the merits of each case. They are not influenced by political events."

An SNP insider said: "Perhaps Craig Hoy should be more concerned with handing back over ?15million the Tories have accepted from someone they think is a 'racist'. This is a pathetic attempt to deflect from his own part in the backstabbing of David Duguid - an act that is simply inhumane, even by the gutter standards of the Tories."

#21004269 at 2024-06-11 10:11:07 (UTC+1)
Q Research Scotland #10: Humza In Hot Water Edition

>>20905037
>>20905033


https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/secretive-snp-government-redact-minutes-32984918

Secretive SNP Government redact all minutes from Humza Yousaf's meeting with Chinese diplomat despite Grangemouth discussion

Exclusive: The former First Minister met with Zhang Biao, the Consul General, in January but the full meeting minutes were completely redacted despite important topics like the Grangemouth Refinery being discussed.

David Walker
8 JUN 2024

The secretive Scottish Government completely redacted all minutes from a top secret meeting between Humza Yousaf and a Chinese diplomat. The former First Minister met with Zhang Biao, the Consul General, on January 16, with one of the topics of discussion being the Grangemouth refinery.

PetroChina is one of the owners of the Scottish site, with plans announced last November to shut the premises down by 2025. This would cause hundreds of job losses and be economically devastating for the region.

Mr Yousaf met Mr Biao at Bute House just a month after his Constitution and Europe Minister Angus Robertson flew out to Beijing to glad-hand officials. His trip was criticised by some within the SNP, who pointed out that China is a hostile country towards the UK, and has been accused of spying on Westminster.

But in a bid to further relations between the Scottish Government and China, they held a summit in January to "to build on the reinvigorated relationship between" the two countries. However, when the Scottish Daily Express attempted to get the minutes from this meeting, it was fully redacted.

Government officials relied on section 32 of the freedom of information legislation which states "its disclosure under this Act would, or would be likely to, prejudice substantially relations between the United Kingdom and any other State; relations between the United Kingdom and any international organisation or international court; the interests of the United Kingdom abroad; or the promotion or protection by the United Kingdom of its interests abroad."

Even though there is a public interest clause, because of the "openness and transparency and because of elevated interest in the Scottish Government's international work in the media" the request was still redacted as it "prevents damage to relations between the UK government and other states and interest in Scotland being able to build relationships with other countries."

Briefing notes prepared ahead of the discussions revealed that the pair were set to discuss the Grangemouth Refinery amid a current campaign to save it. The SNP have been accused of not doing enough to save the jobs on the site, with PetroChina owning half of it with Ineos.

Mr Yousaf was told to ask him for help to "secure a long term future for the refinery whilst maximising the opportunities for the workforce to support planned new operations such as a biorefinery." He confirmed that Mr Robertson met with senior figures in the company to discuss the future of the site.

The briefing added: "This engagement was valuable in signalling Scottish Government's interest in a sustainable future for Grangemouth and lines of communication will remain open. The recent announcement regarding the Grangemouth Refinery is of concern to the Scottish Government and we wish to ensure that refining continues for as long as possible at Grangemouth.

"I would welcome your support in ensuring that we can secure a long term future for the refinery whilst maximising the opportunities for the workforce to support planned new operations such as a biorefinery."

But the public won't be able to find out if this support was achieved as the entire meeting minute is redacted. China reacted furiously to the UK Government accusing officials of subterfuge with the two countries currently at war over the arrest of two former government aides over this scandal.

#20998429 at 2024-06-10 11:20:17 (UTC+1)
Q Research Scotland #10: Humza In Hot Water Edition

>>20905039


https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/snp-general-election-odds-worsen-32956955

SNP General Election odds WORSEN after John Swinney's bomb scare STV debate appearance

The nationalists are now even less likely to win the most seats in Scotland after the First Minister's STV appearance where he floundered under questioning on oil and gas.

David Walker
4 JUN 2024

The odds of the SNP winning the General Election actually got WORSE after John Swinney's bomb scare appearance at the first leaders debate. The First Minister performed poorly in front of the STV audience, failing to answer questions about his position on new oil and gas licences.

And this has been reflected in the new bookies odds, with Betfair slashing the chance for Scottish Labour winning, with Anas Sarwar now 87% likely to secure the most seats north of the border, up from 77% pre-debate. Sadly for the Nats, their odds rose to 7/2 or 22%, down 3%.

If this result played out in Scotland, it would mean that Humza Yousaf's independence plans, where the SNP would seek to break up the UK if they won a majority of seats, would be vanquished in brutal fashion. The bookies give both the Tories and Lib Dems just a 1% chance of winning the election north of the border.

Current polling has been unpredictable, with the SNP backed to either lose heavily or lose moderately, with some surveys having them down at single figures. This is why the odds for them winning 19 seats or less and 20 seats of more are so close, at 51% and 52%.

Betfair spokesman Sam Rosbottom said: "The SNP may have a new man at the helm, but John Swinney did little to dissuade Betfair Exchange punters his party have much of a future in Scotland after July 4. The SNP's chances at the general election worsened after last night's debate, with the SNP going from 25% chance of winning the most seats in Scotland to a 22% chance today.

"This mirrors the result of a blockbuster poll released just hours before the STV debate that showed the SNP winning a paltry 17 seats. Despite coming under fire over their plans for North Sea oil and gas, Labour's momentum appears to have been further fuelLed by their leader Anas Sarwar's performance.

"Scottish Labour were already strong favourites north of the border. Their chances of winning most seats in Scotland surged from 77% before the debate, to an 87% chance this morning."

In terms of the overall UK General Election, Labour are heavy favourites to win most seats at 1/33 or 97% chance, and the Tories far behind on 37/1 or 2%. Sir Keir Starmer is also being backed at 1/14 to win an overall majority (93%), with no overall control at 19/1 (5%) and Rishi Sunak at 84/1 (1%).

The first leaders debate of the General Election involved Mr Swinney, Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross, Scottish Lib Dem chief Alex Cole-Hamilton and Scottish Labour's Anas Sarwar. But it was the performance of the SNP that raised the most eyebrows.

Scottish Labour's Ian Murray said: "John Swinney just confirmed he is happy for nurses and teachers to pay more income tax but the excess profits of the oil & gas companies shouldn't be touched. Madness."

Scottish Tory MSP Russell Findlay added: "Accidental First Minister "honest" John Swinney claims he will "rebuild trust". >He won't sack his lying, expenses-fiddling SNP pal. >He would shut down Scotland's oil and gas sector but point blank refuses to tell the truth."

#20983263 at 2024-06-07 14:53:17 (UTC+1)
Q Research Scotland #10: Humza In Hot Water Edition

https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/maggie-chapman-suggests-only-wealthy-32967933

Maggie Chapman suggests only 'wealthy white men' benefit from upgrading roads and reducing journey times between cities

Highlands MSP Ariane Burgess also called for no more Scottish Government investment in road upgrades despite her constituents urging for the A9 between Inverness and Perth to be dualled.

David Walker
5 JUN 2024

A Scottish Greens MSP was heckled at Holyrood after calling for NO new road upgrades in Scotland, despite representing a community which has been crying out for one. Highlands MSP Ariane Burgess called on public transport improvements instead.

And her colleague Maggie Chapman even suggested that "road building is a subsidy for wealthy, usually white men who are the main beneficiaries of reducing journey times between cities."

The Scottish Tories brought in a debate about the current poor state of roads across the country, including the pothole scarred city routes. They blamed "17 years of SNP neglect, underfunding and broken promises" for this situation, which includes the A9 dualling being delayed by a decade.

When in the Scottish Government, the Greens were blamed for various delays on the A9 and also the A96, with the SNP repeatedly denying the Bute House Agreement was the reason for this. But the mask slipped on Wednesday as Ms Burgess ranted about the need to save money and not upgrade the roads.

She represents the Highlands, with the majority of Scots there backing the dualling between the region and Perth after a series of high profile deaths. Despite this, she still called for no more investment into the ?3.7bn project.

Ms Burgess said: "Too often our transport plans seem to start and end with road upgrades and expansions rather than looking at all the transport options that we need to invest in from buses to bikes, rail and ferries. The Scottish Government has committed to reducing care kilometres by 20% by 2030 a target that aligns with our legally binding climate commitments.

"However, the proposed road upgrades and expansions such as the full duelling of the A9 and A96 directly contradict this. Building more and bigger roads will only encourage increased car usage, generate more greenhouse gas emissions and undermine our efforts to combat climate change.

"Over the past decade, the Scottish Government has spent ?4bn on road building projects, with ongoing or planned projects estimated to cost at least ?7bn. Shockingly, the average completion costs of these projects has escalated by 86%. This is a poor use of taxpayer money and a misguided approach to addressing our transportation need.

"Instead of investing billions in high carbon new road infrastructure, we should redirect these funds towards sustainable alternatives that benefit all of Scotland's residents." Her comments led to heckling from veteran SNP MSP Fergus Ewing who has been a firm advocate of dualling the A9.

Scottish Tory shadow transport minister Graham Simpson accused the Nats of having "contempt for those who live in rural Scotland." He pointed out that there were "144 deaths on Scotland's major trunk roads that go outside the Central Belt between 2020 and 2023 - and 104 of those were on sections that were not dualled."

He said: "Our local roads are dangerously scarred by potholes due to years of the SNP Government starving our councils of cash. The crisis is so bad that an analysis of 69 British cities, found Glasgow was the worst, followed by Edinburgh."

As he concluded his words during the debate, Mr Simpson quoted a number of Nat figures about the failure to dual the A9. He mentioned how Nicola Sturgeon insisted that she did not accept the 2025 target was not met because "we just did not bother" and that they were "committed" to it.

Current Net Zero Secretary Mairi McAllan was also mocked for saying "the A9 is the backbone for Scotland, it needs to be as safe and reliable as possible, and that is what the Scottish Government will deliver."

#20980420 at 2024-06-07 00:32:06 (UTC+1)
Q Research Scotland #10: Humza In Hot Water Edition

>>20905029

https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/scandal-snp-wasted-5bn-taxpayer-32975260

'Scandal:' SNP has 'wasted' ?5bn of taxpayer cash as EU funding denial called into question

The SNP was accused of 'wasting' the substantial sum during their 17 years being the Scottish Government as Kate Forbes was forced to defend a European Union underspend.


David Walker
6 JUN 2024

The SNP has been accused of wasting ?5bn on public cash during their 17-year stint in the Scottish Government as Kate Forbes was forced to defend the party's record. And Scottish Parliament researchers confirmed that more than ?250m of European Union cash is also set to be squandered by the Nationalist Executive.

We previously told how the Deputy First Minister vehemently denied reports at the weekend that SNP ministers would be forced to hand back ?500m of funding from the EU after failing to utilise it. She claimed that the programme referenced was not finished and that there were plans to spend the rest.

But a Scottish Parliament researcher confirmed that the government had confessed that ?157.6 million would be handed back as "a result of expenditure targets not being met." A deadline of the end of June has been set for ?280.4 million to be claimed or it will be lost back to the European Commission.

They added: "As at 4 June 2024, around two-thirds (64%) of the revised ?783.4 million had been paid out to the Scottish Government, with ?280 million (36%) of the revised total remaining to be claimed. The Scottish Government has confirmed to SPICe it will make a further two claims to the European Commission for payment of the structural fund programmes with the first claim likely to be submitted in late July.

"However, even after these further claims are taken into account, figures provided to SPICe by the Scottish Government show that around ?136 million of the updated value of the programme has not been committed to lead partners with the end of 2023 deadline now passed. The Scottish Government has told SPICe that it is continuing to work with the European Commission to explore ways to ensure it is able to use as much of the funding allocated to Scotland as possible."

This situation was described as a "scandal" by Scottish Labour who revealed a dossier which claimed that the SNP had wasted ?5bn of public cash since taking office in 2007. Deputy Leader Dame Jackie Baillie claimed that the EU situation was "just the latest example of SNP financial incompetence."

She said: "At a time when people are crying out for help during a cost of living crisis and our public services are stripped to the bone, it is unforgiveable that the SNP is wasting taxpayers money. New analysis published by Scottish Labour today reveals the SNP has wasted ?5 billion pounds since they came to office.

"That includes agency spend costing the NHS over ?1.6 billion, delayed discharge costing the NHS over ?1.3 billion, ferries now ?330 million over budget. People are tired of the chaos, tired of the sleaze, and tired with SNP politicians not treating Scottish taxpayer's money with respect.

"Failing to use ?450 million pounds isn't treating the taxpayer with respect, wasting ?5 billion pounds of public money isn't treating the taxpayer with respect, and defending Michael Matheson and his ?11,000 pound iPad bill isn't treating the taxpayer with respect.

"People across Scotland are sick of the SNP putting party before country and sick of the financial incompetence that they end up paying for. Last year Kate Forbes attacked Humza Yousaf saying that continuity wouldn't cut it - but she seems to have failed to learn her own lesson. All we have heard today is more of the same."

The Deputy First Minister hit back at her rival at Holyrood, claiming there was "no evidence" in the parliament report on the ?450m claim. She said: "We said that very clearly earlier this week. And the Spice report also indicates that ?450 million is not one that they recognise. First of all final expenditure figures will not be known until the programme formally closes in 2025." She added she expected the the final figures to be markedly different from elsewhere in the UK, or from previous programmes.

#20950802 at 2024-06-01 14:37:14 (UTC+1)
Q Research Scotland #10: Humza In Hot Water Edition

>>20905029
>>20941328


https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/snp-quango-caught-up-new-32934259

SNP quango caught up in new transparency row over public funding of hardcore sex show

Creative Scotland is once again embroiled in a row over transparency after it failed to tell MSPs about requests to publish the Rein application form

David Walker
31 MAY 2024

Scotland's culture body has been caught up in another transparency row as it was rebuked for failing to inform MSPs about why it funded a hardcore sex project. Creative Scotland bosses gave evidence to Holyrood on Wednesday after being accused of lying to MSPs about Rein.

Chief Executive Iain Munro claimed that he had no idea that the show would feature actual sex, despite the application making it clear there would be "genital contact." A massive public outcry over the initiative, which called for sex workers to help out, meant that the organisation pulled ?85k of funding.

But Creative Scotland took months before being forced to publish the application forms which indicated that they may have misled MSPs and the public. And members of the Scottish Parliament's Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee are demanding to know why they weren't given first sight of these documents.

They have written to the cultural body to raise further concerns over the transparency and handling of the funding decision for Rein, with fears it has caused reputational damage. No one in the organisation lost their job despite losing about ?30k of taxpayer cash to the project and the entire scandal surrounding it, which saw the public body accused of giving money to "state-funded porn."

Convener and SNP MSP Clare Adamson described how there were "a number of concerns around how Creative Scotland handled its response to the funding of Rein." These include why the information in the applications "was not made available to us in the correspondence provided by Mr Munro."

She was also concerned that "there was no mention of any FOI requests, or that our request for the application to be published was being considered as part of the FOI process, in Mr Munro's letter dated 16 April, or in subsequent communication with the clerks" as she went on to say that "It is also unclear why we were not, as a minimum, provided with the application on 21 May."

Ms Adamson confirmed that the committee thought that Creative Scotland could have avoided the controversy by them "being more open and transparent around how it handled the funding of Rein once the decision had been publicly challenged." She added: "The initial letter dated 16 April did not provide the Committee with the full picture and this is regrettable.

"In our view, much of the information which was provided to the Committee in oral evidence yesterday should have been communicated much earlier and it is unclear why it was not.

"This raises questions around the extent to which Creative Scotland has sought to be open and transparent with us in addressing this matter. The Committee requests that the Board considers whether it is content that Creative Scotland has been fully open and transparent in its communication with the Committee."

Calls have been made for Mr Munro to be sacked over the scandal but the board confirmed on Wednesday that they still had trust in him. The Holyrood Committee called on them to consider "the extent to which Creative Scotland's handling of this matter has caused reputational damage not only to its own role, but also to the cultural sector more widely, and most importantly, the Rein artists."

A Creative Scotland spokesperson said: "We have received the letter from the Parliamentary committee and will respond accordingly."

#20941328 at 2024-05-30 23:05:27 (UTC+1)
Q Research Scotland #10: Humza In Hot Water Edition

>>20940667
>>20905029


https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/snp-quango-boss-who-gave-32924988


SNP quango boss who gave public cash to hardcore sex project denies he knew there would be real sex despite lubricant request

Creative Scotland Chief Executive Iain Munro faced calls to resign after being accused of lying to MSPs about why his organisation handed ?86,000 to Rein when the application revealed there would be 'a sex scene with genital contact.'

David Walker
30 MAY 2024

The boss of an SNP quango which handed out ?86k to a hardcore sex project claimed that he didn't expect "real sex" in the show, despite calls for lubricants in the original application. Creative Scotland were forced into an embarrassing u-turn earlier this year after supplying public funding to Rein.

Iain Munro has faced calls to resign as Chief Executive of the cultural body after being accused of lying to MSPs after insisting they didn't know about the explicit scenes planned in the project. A casting notice put out by director Leonie Rae Gasson asked for actors with previous sex work experience "particularly in porn contexts" and said there would be "non-simulated" sex scenes.

The show was going to involve "Daddies lurking in the woods; a muddy wrestling-cum-f*g bog; princesses playfully trying to drown each other on a loch; bare arsed lovers frolicking in long grass". It adds: "Your climax: a secret cave sex party featuring a feast of fisting, squirting, wet work and mess, exploding onto the screens."

Creative Scotland pulled funding for this after these revelations, but confirmed it would not manage to claw back about ?30k in development funds. And the quango insisted that it had no idea about the plans for "real sex."

Application forms, seen by the Scottish Daily Express through Freedom of Information laws, showed that the body was told that there would be a "sex scene with genital contact" and the use of "lubricant" was also mentioned. But Mr Munro claimed that this did not mean "real sex."

The forms made clear that in the show's development phase the company would "work on a sex scene with genital contact with three of the cast, in addition to Intimacy Coordinator." Mr Munro told MSPs: "The mere mention of it does not mean real sex. Genital contact can be simulated - I would suggest you only need to switch on the TV or go to a streaming platform to see sexual activity of a simulated nature."

But Scottish Tory Deputy Leader Meghan Gallacher, who has called on the Chief Executive to be sacked, pointed out the Rein application had spoken of the need for lubricant, which should have led to the agency assuming "this was much further than simulated sex".

Mr Munro replied: "I can appreciate you reading it in that way, it wasn't our reading of it." He also confessed that the ongoing row over Rein has been "reputationally damaging" for the organisation. He said: "I'm as concerned about the extent to which this is damaging for the sector as a whole and the risks it poses to undermine the case that we've been so diligently speaking about.

"I want to be quite clear though that one controversial award does not make a systemic problem with our processes, and I would want to reassure the committee and others more widely about the robustness of our processes."

Robert Wilson, chairman of Creative Scotland, told the committee the agency would be more cautious in future. But he also defended Mr Munro from the threat of losing his job, claiming he retained the support of the board.

#20940667 at 2024-05-30 21:57:45 (UTC+1)
Q Research Scotland #10: Humza In Hot Water Edition

>>20905029


https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/snp-quangos-taxpayer-cash-boost-32436165

SNP quango's taxpayer cash boost to hardcore sex project to be probed by MSPs

Creative Scotland got into deep trouble after handing out ?85,000 of public cash to a project which promised explicit sex, with the public body demanding the money be repaid.

David Walker
25 MAR 2024

A Scottish Government quango's decision to hand thousands of pounds of taxpayer cash to a "hardcore" sex project is set to be probed by MSPs. We previously told how Creative Scotland have now demanded that the Rein project give the money back for breaching contract rules.

Complaints were made when it was revealed that almost ?85,000 of public funds were awarded to director Leoni Rae Gasson who later advertised for performers, including cam and adult ones, to participate in "non-simulated" and hardcore "sex scenes."

As well as promising "bare-a**ed lovers frolicking in long grass", a "raucous communal exploration of dyke sexuality" and "daddies lurking in the woods", Rein's "climax" is advertised as a "secret cave sex party" that would be "exploding onto the screens".

Actors were offered a fee of ?270 per day to take part, appealing to those with prior experience "particularly in porn contexts". The job advert said: "Some roles will involve just snogging, others will involve vanilla sex and others more hardcore acts."

Creative Scotland, which is a public body that utilises taxpayer funds, later pulled the funding after claiming that there had been a "significant change to the nature of the work presented in the original application which was assessed for funding". Culture secretary Angus Robertson later denied any knowledge of the funding decision.

The Scottish Parliament's Culture Committee has written to Iain Munro, chief executive of Creative Scotland, to find out how this happened. In a letter, they urged him to supply more details about how the decision to fund Rein was made, as there is a "legitimate public interest" in doing so.

They have urged him to reconsider a request to publish the original funding applications "in the interest of accountability and transparency. The project originally received ?84,555 through the National Lottery Open Fund, but it was claimed that the director did not list the explicit acts originally.

Clare Adamson, committee convener, said "public concern" had been noted, adding: "While we recognise that it would not be appropriate for the committee to be involved in individual funding decisions, there is nevertheless a legitimate public interest in how public money is spent."

She said the committee was seeking clarification on how much money has been allocated to the project to date and details of the process for seeking recovery of the cash. The committee also sought additional details on the criteria and process for considering funding applications and told Mr Munro he may be invited to give evidence in future.

The letter added: "The committee also believes that, in the interest of accountability and transparency, consideration should be given to publishing the original funding application." Creative Scotland previously said it could not publish to full application details due to "business confidentiality".

However, in its decision to withdraw funding, the arts body said there had been a "significant change" to the project since it applied for funding. The contract for the fund said "no changes may be made to a project without prior written permission".

Creative Scotland has been asked for additional comment.

#20933977 at 2024-05-29 18:27:55 (UTC+1)
Q Research Scotland #10: Humza In Hot Water Edition

>>20905039
>>20933649


Michael Matheson banned from Holyrood for 27 days as 'bully boy' John Swinney fails to save disgraced 'friend'

The disgraced former Scottish Government Health Secretary tried to claim ?11k of 'improper' expenses and then lied to journalists and the Holyrood authorities about it.

David Walker
29 MAY 2024

Michael Matheson has been suspended from the Scottish Parliament for almost a month, and will lose his salary for 54 days. The disgraced former SNP Health Secretary was sanctioned by the Standards Commission for "improperly" claiming ?11k of expenses, and then lying about it.

Despite the best efforts of his "good friend" John Swinney, MSPs still voted to ensure he was punished through the 27-day ban, the longest in Holyrood history, and the salary removal. But he will remain as an MSP as there is no mechanism for his constituents to get rid of him, even though he will be unable to serve them properly.

Opposition MSPs demanded that Mr Matheson show integrity and choose to resign following the scandal, with a vote to be held later on Wednesday on this issue. The First Minister whipped the SNP into abstaining from the final vote to decide the sanctions, but added in an amendment raging about the process which saw the lengthy ban handed down in what was described as a "bizarre" approach the scandal.

Kate Forbes changes insisted that the entire ban was "prejudiced" due to Scottish Tory MSP Annie Wells previously publicly criticising the behaviour of the ex-Cabinet Secretary. She called on an internal probe to investigate these allegations, but the Nats couldn't get the support to oppose the sanctions, being rejected by the Scottish Greens, who did vote for the Deputy First Minister's amendment.

This meant that the amended motion did pass, meaning Mr Matheson will be banned from Parliament for the 27 days. He failed to appear at Holyrood to face MSPs and his suspension starts on Thursday, with the SNP abstention meaning they voted for no punishment.

Mr Swinney has u-turned numerous times on his party's position, indicating that they would not back the punishment in a lengthy rant at FMQs last week. But then the SNP indicated it would back them, before a final change of opinion hours before the vote.

Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross blasted the behaviour of both SNP members and Mr Swinney, accusing them of attempting to "derail" the "due process". He said: "We must be honest, any other Scot would have been handed their P45 straightaway if they were found to have falsely claimed ?11,000 from their employer then lied about it as part of the cover-up, they would have been sacked.

"This was a deliberate attempt to pull the wool over the eyes of the parliament and public… This independent process exists for a reason and should be respected and upheld by members across the Chamber, yet instead what we have seen from SNP members and specifically from John Swinney, the First Minister, is an attempt to derail and undermine due process and this has been done for the sole purpose of protecting one of their own.

"The actions of John Swinney, the actions of the First Minister towards my colleague Annie Wells, would make Donald Trump blush. It is disgusting and disgraceful behaviour that demeans the office of the First Minister because he has targeted members of an independent committee in this Parliament and is attempting to undermine due process with his bully boy tactics."

He then took aim at the SNP strategy of putting forward an amendment and refusing to vote for it, calling it a "unique and bizarre in the extreme approach" and that this was "uncharted territory" for the Parliament.

Martin Whitfield, chairman of the Standards Committee, set out that it took five meetings for them to decide on the sanctions, and that the two Tory representatives wanted a higher ban than 27 days, while the SNP wanted lower.

Ms Forbes defended her party's position on the scandal, claiming that Ms Wells "prejudged" the complaint due to her comments, and that the ban was not a "proportionate" sanction. She pulled at the heartstrings by saying he has already been punished by losing his cushy cabinet job and he and his family have dealt with the emotional toll of the scandal.

SNP MSP Christine Grahame abstained from both votes due to being involved in the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body. Speaking afterwards to journalists, Mr Swinney outlined that he belatedly accepted the sanctions, but that Mr Matheson should not resign.

He added that he did back a recall petition, as suggested by opposition parties but this would not be sorted in time to punish his SNP colleague and added that it was "not in his campaign plans" to back him to the hilt.

#20933649 at 2024-05-29 17:10:39 (UTC+1)
Q Research Scotland #10: Humza In Hot Water Edition

>>20905039

https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/john-swinney-sparks-snp-chaos-32917229

John Swinney sparks SNP 'chaos' as he 'u-turns his u-turn' and won't support Michael Matheson ban

The First Minister was accused of presiding over a 'confused and chaotic' SNP as he backtracked on his own party's motion and confirmed they would be voting against sanctions.

David Walker
29 MAY 2024

John Swinney has u-turned on his u-turn as the First Minister has now insisted that he will no longer support the expected ban on his "good friend" Michael Matheson. He has been accused of sparking "chaos" within the SNP once again by changing tact for the second time in less than a day.

Last Thursday Mr Swinney shocked the political world by hitting out at the sanctions handed down to the disgraced former Health Secretary, suggesting that the Standards Committee were "prejudiced" against him due to the length of the ban they wanted. They decided on a 27-day suspension from Holyrood, and his salary deducted for 54 days.

He claimed that the "integrity" of the Scottish Parliament was at risk due to the hefty punishment and indicated he would vote against it. But last night, Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes suggested an amendment to today's vote which supports the sanctions but calls into question how they were decided.

But now hours before the vote is about to commence, Mr Swinney has seemingly changed his mind again and WON'T be supporting the ban. He said: "I won't be supporting the sanctions that are put in place. Our position will be put to parliament today and parliament will hear all about that."

This has provoked fury from the Scottish Tories who called it "confusion and chaos." Leader Douglas Ross said: "John Swinney seems to have u-turned on his u-turn. Confusion and chaos were the hallmark of Humza Yousaf's time as First Minister and John Swinney is doing more of the same.

"The supposedly safe pair of hands has dropped the ball big time. John Swinney should be sacking Michael Matheson, but it turns out he won't even vote to sanction his 'friend'. It's scandalous that he wants to let the disgraced former health secretary off scot-free for lying to the public, press and parliament about his ?11,000 iPad bill.

"Independence is line one of the SNP manifesto and it seems incompetence is line two. On July 4th, voters can give their verdict on John Swinney backing Michael Matheson by voting Scottish Conservative to beat the SNP in key seats up and down Scotland."

It is understood that Mr Swinney and the Nats will back Ms Forbes amendment to the ban, but will then abstain on the final vote which is likely to pass anyway.

Mr Matheson lied repeatedly to journalists and also to Holyrood officials about his data roaming bill he racked up in Morocco, claiming it was for parliamentary work before admitting his kids had used it to stream Scottish football games. However, he still told the media that there was no personal use even after this.

MSPs are set to vote on the sanctions at just after 3pm, and the SNP face an embarrassing defeat after the Scottish Greens confirmed they would back them.

Scottish Labour Deputy Leader Jackie Baillie said: "Once again the SNP has decided to close ranks and protect their party interest instead of the national interest. John Swinney has demeaned himself, the Scottish Parliament and the office of First Minister throughout this sorry saga.

"Michael Matheson isn't fit for office - but his job shouldn't be in the hands of him or John Swinney. This scandal exposes the need for Scotland to have the Right to Recall its MSPs."

#20933605 at 2024-05-29 17:02:33 (UTC+1)
Q Research Scotland #10: Humza In Hot Water Edition

>>20905039


https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/john-swinney-treating-michael-matheson-32903299

John Swinney treating Michael Matheson 'like the victim' as he 'stakes reputation' on backing disgraced 'friend'

Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross was campaigning in Falkirk on Monday as he called on MSPs to back his party's call for the shamed SNP MSP to resign and spark a local by-election.

David Walker
27 MAY 2024

John Swinney has been accused of treating his disgraced "friend" Michael Matheson like the victim amid his ?11k expenses scandal. The shamed former Scottish Government Health Secretary tried to fleece taxpayers of this substantial sum through an "improper" claim for expenses.

A Scottish Parliament committee voted to ban him from Holyrood for 27 days, and strip him of 52 days salary, leaving him on the edge of resignation. But the First Minister has insisted that he will not support this and has accused the Scottish Tories of breaching impartiality rules and politicising the incident.

It was this shock defence that has dominated the SNP's first week of General Election campaigning and has boosted his closest rivals in Scottish Labour and the Scottish Conservatives. A vote will be held at the Parliament this week to call on Mr Matheson to quit his role.

Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross took advantage of this scandal by campaigning in Falkirk on Monday where he urged his fellow MSPs to show they respect the wishes of Scots by voting for the SNP MSP to be booted out. Polling has found that most Scots want him to go.

He said that he should avoid this humiliation and stand down, and claimed the SNP were "rallying around defending him." He added: "The Scottish Conservatives are bringing forward a vote this week urging Michael Matheson to resign so we can have a by-election here in Falkirk West on the same day as the General Election.

"I think every MSP should consider their vote on Wednesday. This is something that John Swinney has staked his reputation on. He would rather support his good friend than defend the integrity of parliament. Michael Matheson lied to Parliament, he lied to the Presiding Officer and, most importantly, he lied to the public."

He exclaimed that the First Minister has "made Michael Matheson out to be the victim here." He rejected claims that his colleague Annie Wells' public comments that his explanation was "riddled with lies" prejudiced the decision to suspend him for a month.

Mr Ross stood with activists holding up letters spelling "sack Matheson" as part of his effort to get him to quit. He was asked if he was worried his plan was going to fail, he said: "Well I hope every MSP considers their position on Wednesday because if they vote against our motion they are endorsing Michael Matheson's actions. I'm certainly picking up right across the country people can't understand why John Swinney is defending Michael Matheson."

He is pushing for a by-election in Falkirk West to be held on July 4, which is the same day as the General Election. The SNP MSP was slammed by the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body for lying about the ?11k data roaming bill he racked up in Morocco, both to the media and parliament officials.

Mr Swinney doubled down on his defence of Mr Matheson on Monday, but dodged a question on whether he was being impartial or not because he is a long-term friend and ally of his Nat colleague. He insisted that he should be punished but not to the extent put forward.

#20933473 at 2024-05-29 16:30:01 (UTC+1)
Q Research Scotland #10: Humza In Hot Water Edition

>>20905037



https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/former-nicola-sturgeon-adviser-scathing-32906820

Former Nicola Sturgeon adviser in scathing attack on SNP's 'weak, rudderless' leadership as he turns back on Nats

Benny Higgins worked closely with the SNP Scottish Government to help set up the Scottish National Investment Bank and also chaired an advisory group on post-Covid economy recovery which has been ignored by nationalist ministers.

David Walker
28 MAY 2024

A former adviser to Nicola Sturgeon has launched a scathing attack on the SNP, hitting out at the Scottish Government's "weak, rudderless leadership." Ex-Tesco Bank CEO Benny Higgins also blasted the Nationalist executive for its inaction, claiming it believes "one more review after another, has been viewed by politicians as an alternative to taking action."

He worked closely with the government to help set up the Scottish National Investment Bank and also chaired an advisory group on post-Covid economy recovery. But he pointed out that despite outlining a number of recommendations which were well-received, they were then "barely mentioned" since.

The senior businessman is backing Sir Keir Starmer at the next General Election, with Scottish Labour looking to overtake the SNP in a number of seats north of the border. Anas Sarwar's party is on track to become the biggest party in Scotland according to recent polling.

Writing in the Herald, Mr Higgins claimed that the country had "suffered from the political malaise created by the Tories in Westminster and the SNP in Holyrood". He hit out at the failure of SNP ministers of trying to boost the economy despite his recommendations.

He said: "To support a society that cares about social justice, the NHS, social care and so much more, we need a vibrant economy. We need to make it an easy choice to invest in Scotland. We need government to support and encourage businesses, not hinder them.

"It is precisely four years ago that I was completing my report for the Scottish Government on economic recovery beyond the pandemic. All 25 recommendations were warmly welcomed and accepted. Most have barely been mentioned since then.

"Instead, the formation of one group after another, and the pursuit of one more review after another, has been viewed by politicians as an alternative to taking action. This forthcoming General Election puts the opportunity in our hands to say: 'no more'."

In John Swinney's first major speech as First Minister he claimed that he would be after "more action and less policy documents" in a dig at his predecessor Humza Yousaf's approach to governing. The former SNP leader promised a new deal for business but failed to live up to this vow.

Mr Higgins claimed that "strong leadership is the essential ingredient needed to propel collective human endeavour" as he claimed that "for too long this country has languished because of weak, rudderless leadership. In particular in Scotland, we have suffered from the political malaise created by the Tories in Westminster and the SNP in Holyrood."

He added: "Trust is the glue that binds us together. We need to rebuild trust in the institutions that underpin the wellbeing of people and communities across this country. It is only through political change that we can embark on this journey with optimism.

"At the turn of the year, I produced my 'Higgins Report', which was an independent detailed survey of business opinions in Scotland. The level of despair and frustration expressed was overwhelming. Almost 80% of the jobs in this country are in the private sector, and a huge proportion of them are in small businesses."

#20933244 at 2024-05-29 15:37:32 (UTC+1)
Q Research Scotland #10: Humza In Hot Water Edition

>>20905036
>>20905034
>>20905022


https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/snp-finally-consider-stripping-lord-32914733

SNP to finally consider stripping Lord Advocate of Cabinet role amid Operation Branchform concerns

The Scottish Government is finally looking at splitting the Lord Advocate role in two amid conflict of interest fears, meaning Dorothy Bain can no longer advise SNP ministers and be head of the prosecution service.

David Walker
29 MAY 2024

Scotland's Lord Advocate could finally be stripped of a role in the Scottish Government's Cabinet amid major legal reforms. SNP ministers are set to consider a bombshell report which could suggest that the job is split into two - a senior law officer to give advice to the First Minister and another as the head of the prosecution service.

Nicola Sturgeon promised to do this in the SNP's 2021 Holyrood manifesto but failed to make much progress before being replaced by Humza Yousaf who faced calls for reform before quitting. And now, an expert report is expected to be handed over in the coming weeks.

Concerns have been raised about current Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain's role in the ongoing Operation Branchform probe into the SNP's finances, which has seen Ms Sturgeon and Nat MSP Colin Beattie arrested and released without charge. Former chief executive Peter Murrell was charged with embezzlement last month.

She has not been involved in this case, as it is standard practice that any case regarding politicians is dealt with by prosecutors without the involvement of the Lord Advocate or Solicitor General. But this has been pointed at by critics as another reason why the role should be separated.

Previously, SNP MP Joanna Cherry has pushed for this change to happen quicker. She said: "Concern about potential conflicts in the role of the Lord Advocate has increased in recent times because of some high-profile cases, including the Scottish Government's handling of complaints against Alex Salmond, the scandal in relation to malicious prosecutions over the takeover of Rangers football club, and the police investigation into SNP finances."

The KC had attempted to speed up the process after lodging a private member's bill in the House of Commons that would have devolved the power to Holyrood to amend the role of Scotland's law officers but will now fall due to the upcoming General Election.

Russell Findlay, the Scottish Conservative justice spokesman, urged the Scottish Government to bring forward the reforms quicker. He said: "While no one can credibly question the integrity of the office holder, to be a member of the Scottish government while also being head of the independent prosecution service creates a minefield of potential conflicts," he said.

"This dual role is clearly untenable and John Swinney's government must be fully transparent about the terms and timescales of this review." Calls were made by former SNP minister Alex Neil to allow an independent law expert to decide on the Operation Branchform charges amid fears it was taking too long.

Malcolm McMillan, the chief executive of the Scottish Law Commission and former government lawyer, is writing the report which will look at the roles of the Lord Advocate, the Solicitor General and the junior law officer position and compare how the roles work against other countries.

Angela Constance, the Scottish Government Justice Secretary, said the report would contain a "summary of insights and comments on the Scottish law officers' roles from former and current holders of these offices and relevant officials". In response to a parliamentary question from Mr Findlay, she added: "The work to publish the final report is ongoing."

In England and Wales, the head of the prosecution service and chief legal adviser to the government posts are held by different people to avoid any possible conflict of interest.

#20908482 at 2024-05-24 11:39:55 (UTC+1)
Q Research Scotland #10: Humza In Hot Water Edition

>>20905022


https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/scottish-news/police-submit-report-prosecutor-over-32879612

Police submit report to prosecutor over Peter Murrell's SNP embezzlement charges as Crown Office confirm Nicola Sturgeon still a suspect

Peter Murrell, 59, was charged on April 18 with embezzling money from the SNP while he was chief executive

David Walker & Mark Connor
23 MAY 2024

A report has been handed to the prosecution service in connection with the ongoing Operation Branchform investigation. Peter Murrell, who was chief executive of the SNP, is charged with embezzling money from the party.

Following a long probe in which his wife, former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, was arrested, Murrell, 59, was charged on April 18. A report has now been handed to the Crown Office as the investigation takes a step forward.

A statement from Police Scotland said: "Police Scotland has today (Thursday, 23 May, 2024) submitted a standard prosecution report to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service in relation to a 59-year-old man who was charged on 18 April, 2024, in connection with the embezzlement of funds from the Scottish National Party. Investigations continue and we are unable to comment further."

The Crown Office confirmed it has received the report, and revealed that both Ms Sturgeon and Colin Beattie were still suspects in the live investigation. A spokesman also added that the document would be looked at independent of the Lord Advocate, who sits in the Scottish Government cabinet.

He said: "A standard prosecution report has been received by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service from Police Scotland in relation to a 59-year-old man and incidents said to have occurred between 2016 and 2023. Connected investigations of two other individuals, a man aged 72 and a 53-year-old woman, remain ongoing.

"Professional prosecutors from COPFS and independent counsel will review this report. They will make decisions on the next steps without involving the Lord Advocate or Solicitor General. All Scotland's prosecutors operate independently of political influence.

"Before deciding what action to take, if any, in the public interest, prosecutors will consider if there is enough evidence. There must be evidence from at least two separate sources to establish that a crime was committed and that the person under investigation was the perpetrator.

"This evaluation will involve a thorough examination of the numerous witness statements and extensive evidence collected by police. Prosecutors may instruct the police to conduct further investigations before taking a decision. Decisions on how to proceed are taken by prosecutors acting independently, and are based upon available evidence, legal principles, and the merits of each case. They are not influenced by political events.

"When making a decision, prosecutors will consider all the specific facts and circumstances of a case. The criteria for decision making and the range of options available to prosecutors are set out in the publicly available Prosecution Code. These matters are active under the Contempt of Court Act 1981. The provisions of this Act protect the integrity of proceedings, preserve access to justice for victims and secure the rights of people under investigation.

"Anyone publishing items about active cases is advised to exercise caution as material must not be commentary or analysis of evidence, witnesses or accused. Contempt of Court carries penalties of up to two years in prison and/or an unlimited fine."

#20903991 at 2024-05-23 13:20:08 (UTC+1)
Q Research Scotland #10: Humza In Hot Water Edition

>>20903907
>>20903916
>>20771576
>>>20669782 Initial Law and Disorder Bun | Updated Michael Matheson Scandal Bun
>>20849325


https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/john-swinney-defends-michael-matheson-32876187

John Swinney DEFENDS Michael Matheson as he claims suspension was 'prejudiced'

The First Minister came to the defence of his long-term Scottish Government colleague as he insisted the 27-day suspension was too much, and that it would 'bring parliament into disrepute' if MSPs backed it.

David Walker
23 MAY 2024

John Swinney has thrown his support behind his "good friend" Michael Matheson as he claimed his 27-day suspension from the Scottish Parliament was "prejudiced" and confirmed he would be voting against this. His defence on his colleague was described as "incredible" and "indefensible" by rivals.

The shamed former Scottish Government Health Secretary is facing growing calls to resign as an MSP as he could be banned from the premises for almost a month, as well as losing a chunk of his salary. He attempted to claw back ?11k from the taxpayer through expenses, which were labelled "improper" by the Standards Committee.

After days of claiming the data roaming bill was due to constituency work, he finally admitted that it was his kids who used his data roaming to watch Scottish football. He was found guilty of failing to tell parliamentary authorities about this, and quit his role as a Cabinet member.

Despite the damning committee report, Mr Swinney defended his friend and told MSPs at FMQs that he believed the process was "prejudiced" due to public comments made by Scottish Tory MSP Annie Wells. He claimed that if the sanctions were voted through, then it would bring the "parliament into disrepute."

But he was slated by Scottish Tory Douglas Ross who could barely hide his incredulity that a First Minister who promised to govern for all of Scotland was instead backing "his pal" and supporting the SNP over the country. He pointed out that Mr Matheson could have been sacked in real life over the incident.

He called on the SNP MSP to resign, and for a by-election to be held in Falkirk West on July 4, the same day as the General Election, and indicated he would be calling for a debate next week which would cover this. He told Mr Swinney that if he didn't back this, then he would not be doing "the right thing" for his country.

Mr Ross said: "The deep damage Michael Matheson has done to public trust in parliament demands that he resign - but we know he is unlikely to do that. What will shock and appall people across Scotland is he is now being endorsed by the First Minister.

"So if the SNP won't do the right thing, then the Scottish Conservatives will seek to bring forward a vote in this chamber stating that Michael Matheson should resign for misusing taxpayers' money and making false statements to the public, press and parliament.

"Will John Swinney do what he promised he would and lead this government on behalf of the whole of Scotland and support our call for Michael Matheson to resign, or will he support his nationalist friend? Michael Matheson made a false claim for ?11k. He did not tell the truth to the press, public and parliament. But the SNP claimed there was nothing to see here, they defended Michael Matheson every step of the way.

"Anyone in the real world would lose their job for what Michael Matheson did. But John Swinney is saying it's acceptable for an MSP to take public money then not be honest about it. The public disagrees - and they will soon have the chance to have their say."

Mr Swinney hit back at Mr Ross, admitted that Mr Matheson is a "good friend and colleague" and adding "I do have an issue where people have pre-judged the case. Because that brings this parliament into disrepute. As a consequence of the conduct of this process, I don't believe this is a sanction that can be applied."

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar called Mr Swinney's comments an "embarrassment" and said this was a sign that he backed the SNP over Scotland.

Speaking to journalists afterwards, Mr Matheson insisted that the punishment was "excessive." He claimed that the process had become "highly politicised" and this "compromised the fairness of the process." He said that whatever parliament decides, he will abide by it but refused to say if he would resign.

#20903907 at 2024-05-23 12:40:56 (UTC+1)
Q Research Scotland #10: Humza In Hot Water Edition

>>20771576
>>>20669782 Initial Law and Disorder Bun | Updated Michael Matheson Scandal Bun


https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/shamed-michael-matheson-suspended-parliament-32874407

Shamed Michael Matheson suspended from parliament for 27 days over expenses scandal

The former Scottish Government Health Secretary was handed a hefty suspension after being found guilty of making an 'improper claim' under the Scottish Parliament's expenses scheme.

David Walker
23 MAY 2024

Shamed former Scottish Government Health Secretary Michael Matheson has been suspended from Holyrood for almost a month over his iPad expenses scandal. The Scottish Parliament's Standards Committee found him guilty of making an "improper claim" and failing to come clean to MSPs about how the bill was racked up.

The SNP MSP billed taxpayers for ?11k for data roaming while he was on a family holiday to Morocco in December 2022. He repeatedly told the media and Holyrood that the bill was due to him doing constituency work and it was down to a faulty sim card.

However, he later confessed that it was his children who used his hotspot to watch Scottish football games leading to a parliamentary probe into his behaviour. The decision was confirmed on Thursday, with Mr Matheson receiving a hefty ban from attending work, with this the longest-ever suspension in Scottish Parliament history.

He has been suspended from Holyrood for 27 sitting days and will lose his salary for 54 days. If this was Westminster, he would face a recall petition but his constituents will not get a chance to axe him.

The committee found that he failed to ensure that data on his iPad was not being used for non-work commitments and that he did not investigate it properly before applying for expenses, and did not tell the parliament in November that his request was unsound.

Their final report will be published after it is finalised, with Mr Matheson complaining about the handling of the scandal by parliamentary authorities. Standards committee convener Martin Whitfield said that the publication showed the standards expected of MSPs "have not been met".

He said: "The unanimous view of the committee is that it is therefore appropriate to recommend sanctions for consideration by Parliament." Two SNP MSPs voted against the 27 day suspension, but it passed due to Tory members Annie Wells and Oliver Mundell, with the convener casting the deciding vote.

The decision will now go before MSPs for approval. Mr Matheson was found guilty of breaching two aspects of the MSP code of conduct in failing to investigate before he submitted the expense, and for misuse of parliamentary resources.

Mr Whitfield said that there was also a "failure to inform the SPCB during the period 9 to 16 November 2023, that he was aware that the assurance he had provided that the claim was made for a purpose permitted under the Scheme was unsound, was not in accordance with the Scheme Principles."

In mitigation, Mr Matheson described the impact the scandal has had on his family, but was told that his actions had an "adverse impact on the reputation of the Expenses scheme.

Mr Whitfield added: "The Committee has concerns about the fact that the non-parliamentary usage of the data was not drawn to the attention of the parliamentary authorities, including the Presiding Officer, more timeously. Mr Matheson had chosen not to share with the Parliament his knowledge of non-parliamentary use prior to 16 November, and the Committee notes that the Parliament could not have been expected to take into account matters of which it was not aware.

#20902237 at 2024-05-23 00:03:46 (UTC+1)
Q Research Scotland #10: Humza In Hot Water Edition

>>20849322


https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/jason-leitch-secrecy-row-details-32861746

Jason Leitch secrecy row as details of salary and 'golden goodbye' kept secret amid unusual pay deal


Exclusive: The former National Clinical Director resigned from his role last month, but Scots will never be able to find out how much he was paid for his decades-long service due to his unusual employment arrangements.

David Walker
22 MAY 2024

The Scottish Government has been engulfed in another secrecy row, this time surrounding controversial former National Clinical Director Jason Leitch. The medical figure, who shot to fame during the Covid pandemic through his various TV appearances, officially quit his role at the end of April.

He stood down from the job following a turbulent few months for him where he faced calls to resign or be sacked following startling revelations from the UK Covid Inquiry. His 'blokey' friendship with Humza Yousaf was called into question as he gave him advice on how to circumvent mask-wearing rules.

And he also criticised opposition politicians for daring to question pandemic measures, telling the then-health secretary that Labour MSP Paul Sweeney "will tell you how to do your job. He also labelled Labour's Daniel Johnson a "a smart a**e" and said Tory MSP Edward Mountain was "rude" and "harrumphing like a child" at a briefing.

Prof Leitch also deleted his WhatsApp messages and even joked that it was a "pre-bed ritual" for him. Members of the SNP administration were blasted for wiping their correspondence relating to the pandemic, claiming it was Scottish Government guidance.

He stepped down from his role as National Clinical Director in April after working for the Scottish Government since 2007. However, he was not actually employed there, instead being on secondment from NHS Tayside - as exclusively revealed by the Scottish Express.

This means that his salary details have not been made public for all those years, and even though he has now left, how much he netted from the public purse is being kept secret. And whether he got a "golden goodbye" which is a payment for leaving was also not disclosed.

The Scottish Daily Express asked both the Scottish Government and NHS Tayside for these details but were rejected because it was "personal details." We asked how much cash had been given to the health board to cover his employment but were told "NHS Tayside cannot release personal information under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002.

"NHS Tayside considers the information you have requested to be personal information of a member of staff and therefore cannot disclose this information under section 38(1)(b) of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 - Personal Information."

'The public deserve a full account of how their money is spent'

This was the same answer given to a further request on how much he netted after quitting his role, with a spokeswoman responding: "As stated in the FOISA, staff expect NHS Tayside to maintain confidentiality with all aspects of their personal information including any information about remuneration and would not expect that very personal data to be disclosed to the public."

The Scottish Government also refused to answer this question "as Jason Leitch resigned from his employer board". But calls have been made for this to be reversed, as it is public funds that are being used.

Scottish Conservative deputy health spokesperson Tess White told the Scottish Daily Express: "Jason Leitch's admissions about deleting WhatsApp messages during the pandemic cast a huge cloud over his record. In those circumstances, it's even more important that there should be full transparency about his salary and any deal around him standing down. The public funds such officials, and they are entitled to a full account of how their money is being spent."

#20896246 at 2024-05-21 17:00:39 (UTC+1)
Q Research Scotland #10: Humza In Hot Water Edition

>>20896216


https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/scots-nurseries-adopt-guidelines-claiming-32823674

Scots nurseries adopt guidelines claiming kids can 'come out' as transgender at any age

Glasgow City Council admitted that it signposted nurseries and pre-schools to Scottish Government guidance about gender, despite this being written up by controversial groups Stonewall and LGBT Youth Scotland.

David Walker
16 MAY 2024


Alarm has been sounded after it was revealed that Scots nurseries have adopted SNP guidelines which claim that children can "come out" as transgender at "any age." And nine of Glasgow City Council's 110 pre-schools have obtained "gender friendly nursery" status which means staff had been trained on "harmful impacts of gender stereotyping".

It is the latest revelation about gender ideology being adopted in places of learning for children north of the border, with the Scottish Government being urged to rethink policies following the Cass Review. Most of the rules have been written up by controversial charity LGBT Youth Scotland.

Dr Hilary Cass's report into gender care for children in England is currently being analysed by a workgroup set up by SNP ministers, with the results due to be published before Holyrood's summer recess. She recommended that kids who think they are transgender should be given holistic care and not just rushed into treatment.

Scottish Government guidelines call on staff to "be affirming" and ask for a child's new name and pronouns when they say they identify as a member of the opposite sex. According to an FOI request reported by the Daily Telegraph, Glasgow City Council admitted that its nurseries were "signposted" to this guidance.

Activist groups such as LGBT Youth Scotland and Stonewall helped to write them, with the latter previously claiming that kids as young as two can "recognise their trans identity". Scottish Tory deputy leader Meghan Gallacher called on new guidance to be written up for nurseries, which serve kids between two and five.

She said: "Parents will understandably be alarmed at this response from Glasgow City Council. While it's important that all trans people get the support they need, pre-school kids are far too young to understand complex issues about their gender, when their minds and bodies are nowhere near fully developed.

"Parents want age-appropriate guidance to be provided to their children and - however good the intentions behind this are - this 'signposting' is not suitable for toddlers."

Staff at "gender friendly" nurseries were told that gender was a "fluid, cultural concept" and that gender associations of pink and blue was a "relatively new thing" as pink was once "a shade of military red" and blue was seen as a colour for girls "as it was the colour of the Virgin Mary's clothes".

Scottish Government guidance also endorses social transition, meaning kids can change names, pronouns and physical appearance. The document says: "Transgender young people may recognise and discuss their gender identity at any age. Before puberty, any transition or change is limited to socially changing their name, pronoun and gender expression."

In the FOI response, SNP-led Glasgow City Council said that in cases where a child "is presenting as a different gender" in nurseries, it asked that "wishes of the family and child are supported wherever possible". The local authority also confirmed that pre-schools were "signposted to the Scottish Government's publication 'Supporting transgender young people in schools: guidance for Scottish schools'."

A spokesman added: "The most important part of this learning is about instilling confidence and rights from a young age to expect equality and challenge discrimination of any kind.

"Staff in our schools and nurseries are supported in a variety of ways and this includes signposting to national advice - but that does not detract from every situation being dealt with on a case-by-case basis. All our schools and nurseries value and respect the needs and rights of every child."

#20893861 at 2024-05-21 01:04:53 (UTC+1)
Q Research Scotland #10: Humza In Hot Water Edition

https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/scottish-news/american-troops-land-scotland-help-32845695

American troops land in Scotland to help train Highlands-based battalion on new technology

US Army soldiers have arrived in the Highlands to help train the 3 Scots Royal Regiment of Scotland on new equipment which will help them work with Nato.

David Walker & Katrine Bussey
20 MAY 2024

US Army soldiers have travelled to the Highlands to help train a Scottish battalion on new communications technology which will reshape the way they engage on the battlefield. The third battalion of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, known as 3 Scots, have taken on a role which will see them operate as part of smaller, dispersed teams alongside Nato allies.

Its soldiers are now getting to grips with smartphone devices which flip down from the front of their body armour, offering new capabilities and enhanced security. An American team flew into Fort George, where 3 Scots are based, to pass on their knowledge of the system after using it in their own operations.

The lightweight smartphones aid situational awareness as they display live maps - enabling the soldiers to track where their own team, and allied teams, are. They also offer new, non-verbal ways of communicating as orders can be given over messages and waypoints can be directed via the maps in real time.

The British Army calls the system experimental dismounted situational awareness (EDSA) and it is designed to speed up decision-making on the battlefield, as well as allowing troops to mark hazards like minefields and enemy locations. Sergeant Dean Tudor, of 3 Scots, said: "When we're out on the battlefield, we spend a huge amount of time reporting to each other about where we are and what we're doing.

"These new smartphones will share a lot of this information with soldiers naturally, without any prompts needed, helping us to focus on the mission at hand. The impact of carrying less equipment, too, is not to be underestimated on longer operations.

"Good communication is of paramount importance and so we're grateful to our partners in the US for taking the time to ensure we're getting the best possible use out of this new kit."

The Royal Regiment of Scotland has a partnership with the Washington-based 5th Security Force Assistance Brigade of the US Army. As part of the 11th Security Force Assistance Brigade, soldiers from 3 Scots will be working in dispersed teams alongside Nato allies.

#20888848 at 2024-05-19 23:45:32 (UTC+1)
Q Research Scotland #10: Humza In Hot Water Edition

>>20849318
>>20849322
>>20887058
>>20883395



https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/nicola-sturgeon-john-swinney-wanted-32843144

Nicola Sturgeon and John Swinney wanted STRICTER Covid restrictions on Scots during pandemic

The former First Minister and her then-Deputy wanted tighter control in Scotland in 2021, and a potential return to lockdown-like conditions a full year after the pandemic first hit,.

David Walker
19 MAY 2024

Nicola Sturgeon and John Swinney wanted tighter control of Scots lives during the Covid pandemic as they threatened harsher restrictions on public transport and in shops, a year after the virus first hit. The pair were accused of "micromanaging" during the public health disaster in newly revealed documents.

Despite Scotland having some of the strictest rules in the UK, the former First Minister and her loyal deputy wanted to go even further, and complained about not being told about some menial changes at the Scottish Government HQ. Draconian restrictions lasted longer north of the border than in England.

At the UK Covid Inquiry, both leading SNP figures confirmed that they closed schools for a second time despite having no proper evidence to do so. Ms Sturgeon also decided to virtually lock the country down again during Hogmanay 2021 due to the Omicron variant which was found not to be as dangerous.

Now, the Scottish Sun reports some new insider details about the government's decision making during the pandemic, including the fact both Mr Swinney and his leader were angered by floor arrows being removed from the Scottish Government HQ. The former First Minister was also annoyed when talk of a potential circuit-breaker lockdown in 2021 was leaked to journalists.

Papers from a Gold Command meeting were revealed through freedom of information laws, months after minutes could not be supplied to the Covid Inquiry as they couldn't be found. It details how Ms Sturgeon discussed restrictions with a tight group of people, Mr Swinney, Chief Medical Officer Sir Gregor Smith, strategy chief Dominic Smith and Professor Jason Leitch, National Clinical Director.

Notes from August 26, 2021, reveal that Ms Sturgeon refused to rule out the return of stricter Covid restrictions after a huge number of infections were reported, with 6,835 recorded. She said she was "unable to rule this out" when asked if they would return to a lockdown-like state.

Mr Swinney moaned that ScotRail were "not enforcing face coverings" with Ms Sturgeon doubling down on this as she told him it was "worse than that as Lothian Buses had tweeted they weren't enforcing face coverings as the Government don't expect them to". The current First Minister warned that they may have to "turn up the dial" on restrictions."

He added that he had been surprised by the removal of floor arrows in St Andrew's House in Edinburgh to show civil servants where to walk to restrict contacts, with his leader telling him the move had happened two weeks earlier and she was "not consulted." She added that she wanted to look "to get the sectors such as supermarkets to take hard actions".

The notes added: "She expressed her annoyance that she had read in newspapers 'someone close to SG planning' leaked that the government is planning a circuit breaker." Critics of the SNP pointed out that these notes showed that the pair wanted to control everything and shy away from transparency.

Scottish Tory MSP Murdo Fraser told the Scottish Sun: "These minutes confirm two of the former First Minister's worst traits - her desire to micromanage everything and her aversion to transparency. The latter explains the shameful decision to delete all her pandemic WhatsApp messages despite having promised she'd retain them."

Scots Lib Dem leader Alex Cole-Hamilton added: "Nicola Sturgeon and a tiny group of advisers took control of everything from lockdowns to floor arrows. There was no one who could push back when errors were made."

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: "The Scottish Government is committed to responding to both the Scottish Covid-19 and UK Covid-19 inquiries, as learning lessons from the pandemic is vital to prepare for the future. It would be inappropriate to comment on the detail of evidence being considered by either Inquiry while hearings are ongoing."

#20888794 at 2024-05-19 23:30:20 (UTC+1)
Q Research Scotland #10: Humza In Hot Water Edition

>>20849318
>>20849322


https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/political-meddling-snp-special-adviser-32836575

'Political meddling' SNP special adviser demanded Scottish Government civil servant blame Westminster for huge funding cut

Exclusive: The SNP have been blasted for 'political meddling' and of attempting to stoke more 'constitutional grievance' after a special adviser demanded that the UK Government be blamed for Shona Robison's decision to cut funding for Clyde Gateway.

David Walker
18 MAY 2024

The SNP have been blasted for "political meddling" after a taxpayer-funded special adviser demanded a Scottish Government civil servant blame Westminster for a brutal funding cut. The media officer was told to include a line pointing the finger at the UK Government instead of admitting fault.

Critics have claimed that the nationalists attempt to "stoke constitutional grievance" was an attempt to distract from its own major financial failings. The row revolves around the removal of funding to Clyde Gateway, when a printing error was blamed for getting the organisation's hopes up.

The Sunday Mail reported that Clyde Gateway expected to get ?5m in the government's 2024/25 budget, but were actually scheduled to get ?500,000 with an error in the document blamed. It led to officials being lambasted by the Finance Secretary Shona Robison who demanded to know how this happened, with it eventually being put down to human error.

Numerous media organisations asked the government to comment on the situation, with the press officers outlining a draft response to send to them. But they were ordered to add in a line blaming the UK Government for the removal of funding.

The initial line which was sent to special advisers, who are brought in by the First Minister and utilised to advise on policy, at the cost to the public purse, said: "As a result of the extremely challenging financial context, there is currently no capital budget allocated to Clyde Gateway for the coming year.

"However we are working with Clyde Gateway and other partners to mitigate the impact of this as far as possible. We are also continuing to support place-based community-led regeneration in our most disadvantaged communities with ?45.8m capital investment in 2024-25."

But an unnamed special adviser rebutted this, and ordered an extra line to be added: "Can we explicitly mention the 10% cut to our capital budget from UKG please?" The fact they meddled in the situation has been blasted by the Scottish Tories.

Party chairman Craig Hoy MSP told the Scottish Daily Express: "This further exposes the SNP's political meddling in the civil service. It is wholly unacceptable that a nationalist spin doctor ordered a government press officer to include a line in response to a media inquiry that was designed to deliberately stoke constitutional grievance.

"It is typical that the SNP were looking to deflect blame elsewhere for these cuts, rather than accept they have completely mismanaged the record funding they have at their disposal from the UK Government." The SNP Executive were forced to apologise for the "printing error" to Clyde Gateway which is an urban regeneration organisation that promotes inbound investment and improvements for people in several towns, including Rutherglen.

Ms Robison's spending plans were published on December 20 and included the line about ?5m to the project, when it should have been ?0.5m, with then-Local Government Minister Joe FitzPatrick forced to apologise in person to Clyde Gateway Chief Executive Martin McKay who had outlined his disappointment at the original decision. Following a public outcry, the organisation did net ?1m in capital funding a few months later.

#20878917 at 2024-05-17 18:00:30 (UTC+1)
Q Research Scotland #10: Humza In Hot Water Edition

>>20878724
>>20849322


https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/soft-touch-justice-snp-want-32826742

'Soft-touch justice' SNP set to release up to 500 criminals from jail early to ease overcrowding

The Scottish Government's Justice Secretary Angela Constance will ask MSPs to vote on releasing prisoners early after the number of cons exploded to almost record highs in prison.


David Walker
16 MAY 2024

The Scottish Government has outlined plans to release up to 500 criminals from prison early in a bid to solve "dangerous" overcrowding in jails. Justice Secretary Angela Constance will consult MSPs on this in the next two weeks, with the freeing of cons scheduled for after this.

And she also put forward two more "soft-touch" justice solutions to help deal with a bloated prison estate, with the number of people locked up at the second highest level on record. The population has risen sharply, from 7,948 on 18 March to 8,348 this morning.

MSPs will get the final say on whether criminals can be released into the public early, but this vote is expected to go the way of the minority SNP Government. Dangerous long-term prisoners could also be allowed automatic early release despite this being abolished almost 10 years ago.

It means that the SNP are using a brand new power it has created for itself through its Bail and Release from Custody Act, with this coming into force on May 26. Ms Constance claimed that she "hoped this would never need to be used."

She admitted that up to 500 cons would be freed early, with those serving under four years eligible, except for individuals who are behind bars due to domestic abuse or sexual offences. It is the second time this will happen, with a mass release also occurring during the Covid pandemic.

A total of 348 criminals were let out early, but almost half of them committed crimes afterwards. The SNP minister also wants to increase the period of time cons can spend on release under licence conditions. She told MSPs: "And be in no doubt, that is what we are facing. If our prisons are to remain functional and able to house the most dangerous offenders, we have no choice but to take urgent action to reduce pressure on the estate.

"On 26 May, we will bring into force section 11 of the Bail and Release from Custody (Scotland) Act 2023, which was scrutinised by Parliament last year and provides Ministers with a power to release prisoners in emergency situations. My hope was that this would never need to be used. However, as things stand today, my view is that we have reached the threshold for taking emergency action.

"The sudden and sharp rise over recent weeks, combined with an already high population, has significantly increased the risk to the health, safety and welfare of both prisoners and SPS staff, as well as to the security and good order of the prison estate. Serious concerns have been formally raised to me by the Chief Executive of SPS, His Majesty's Chief Inspector of Prisons, and the Prison Governors Association.

"If the legal test for use of emergency release is satisfied when the provisions come into force on 26 May, I intend to bring forward a proposal for Parliament's consideration as soon as possible within the following two weeks. Members will have the opportunity to scrutinise and debate the approach and, in this instance, we will not release a single prisoner without Parliament's consent. I also want to work with Parliament to expedite that process."

All those released would be serving sentences of under four years, with no one serving jail time for sexual offences or domestic abuse being let out early, with a governor veto also available. She added: "This is not a decision I take lightly and I appreciate the concerns it will raise. But we must ensure the safety and wellbeing of SPS staff and those in their care, and that our prisons continue to function effectively to accommodate those who pose the greatest risk of harm."

But critics urged the government to ensure they protect the public safety, and that this doesn't become another "soft touch approach to justice." Scottish Tory justice spokeswoman Sharon Dowey said: "It is crucial that you ensure that individuals released from prison do not pose a risk to the public.

"And therefore if the government is going down this path they must ensure it's done in a way that public safety is not at risk, caution must be taken and safety checks must be carried out. It's not the time for the SNP to follow their soft-touch approach to justice." She also called on Ms Constance to be clear to the public what the criminals had been in jail for and how many are released.

It's probably fuck all to do with overcrowding in prisons, they'll be letting people out in the hope they don't sue for being imprisoned by an illegal, unlawful and unconstitutional government/judiciary… and it's all going to come out sooner, rather than later.

#20878724 at 2024-05-17 17:04:24 (UTC+1)
Q Research Scotland #10: Humza In Hot Water Edition

>>20849322
>>20867741
>>20861984
>>20856229


https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/dorothy-bain-insists-shares-collective-32827707

Dorothy Bain insists she 'shares collective position' of SNP ministers in rare Holyrood appearance

The Lord Advocate finally appeared in front of MSPs at the Scottish Parliament to answer questions about the Post Office Horizon scandal and insisted it was never her position to oppose mass exoneration of victims.

David Walker
16 MAY 2024

Scotland's Lord Advocate has insisted that she "shares the collective position" of SNP ministers as she made a rare appearance at Holyrood to answer questions from MSPs. Dorothy Bain was called on to give evidence about the Crown Office's role in the Horizon Post Office scandal.

She spoke days after a new emergency bill was introduced at the Scottish Parliament which will see a mass exoneration of Scots sub-postmasters who were wrongly convicted due to faulty Horizon evidence. The Scottish Government became embroiled in a cross-border row after Westminster declined to legislate for them, citing the separate legal systems.

Ms Bain's previous public comments on the scandal also called into question whether she backed a blanket exoneration of victims which is what the new legislation will do. But she rejected that suggestion on Thursday, pointing out that as a member of the government cabinet she needs to support their policies.

Scottish Tory justice spokesman Russell Findlay welcomed the fact she had finally been hauled in front of MSPs but asked her a number of questions about the scandal. He said: "In her statement, the Lord Advocate said that she has not previously opposed mass exoneration as this bill proposes.

"Now that was the impression given by her previous statement in January, so I'd like to ask her to use this opportunity to be clear whether or not she agrees with her cabinet colleagues that mass exoneration is the right thing to do. It's also regrettable that the SNP has sought to turn this into yet another excuse to pick a constitutional fight with UK ministers.

"In their own words, the Scottish Government now recognises the need for standalone Scottish legislation. It's also regrettable that the Scottish Government now suggest that the passing of this bill can only happen after the UK law has passed, I'd urge the Scottish Government to have confidence in this parliament to commit to passing this legislation before summer, we have the power to do so."

Ms Bain pointed out that the government's bill reflects their position and that "like all ministers I share that collective position." She claimed that her comments previously "were taken out of context" as she was instead stating that she did not have the powers to grant a blanket exoneration.

She also gave an update on the current position on Scottish Horizon cases, with six being quashed so far, two currently before the Appeal Court and 10 more before the Scottish Criminal Cases Review system. She also announced that she had stripped the Post Office of its status as a specialist reporting agency "because of its fundamental and sustained failures" and added that it was "not fit to be a specialist reporting agency" meaning it can now no longer able to investigate and report allegations to the Crown."

And Ms Bain also addressed complaints that the Crown Office continued to convict using faulty Horizon evidence after a summit in 2013 where they were told about issues with it. She confirmed four cases have been identified which took place between 2013 and 2015 and involved Horizon data and guilty pleas, but blamed the Post Office for this.

Speaking afterwards, Mr Findlay insisted that the Lord Advocate still had questions to answer. He said: "Following multiple Scottish Conservative requests, the Lord Advocate rightly returned to parliament, but many questions remain unanswered. We still don't know whether or not she believes in the legislation's blanket exoneration of Horizon victims.

"Dithering SNP ministers also need to stop using the UK legislation as a phoney excuse to delay the Scottish bill. They need to get on with it, for the sake of the Post Office victims.

"Former Lord Advocate Frank Mulholland was in charge during this mass miscarriage of justice and it is only right that he should also come to parliament."

#20878165 at 2024-05-17 13:58:00 (UTC+1)
Q Research Scotland #10: Humza In Hot Water Edition

>>20849322


https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/scotland-seen-basket-case-global-32807442

Scotland seen as 'basket case' by global investors thanks to the SNP as billionaire brothers slate John Swinney

The Easdale brothers blasted the Scottish Government for pursuing 'financially illiterate policies' which has damaged the country's standing worldwide, including the push for independence.

David Walker
14 MAY 2024

John Swinney and the SNP have been blasted by Scotland's billionaire brothers who called into question the new First Minister's claims that he will "dedicate every fibre" to delivering economic growth for the country. The Easdales claimed that global investors regard Scotland as a "basket case" due to the nationalists pursuing "financially illiterate policies."

The pair, who run bus companies McGills, were particularly scathing about decision-making in Glasgow, highlighting a number of taxpayer-funded "vanity projects" which deserve to be scrapped. These include nationalising the bus network in the region, and the ?15bn Clyde Metro initiative, with both potentially having a negative impact on the Easdales business.

Both projects are expected to cost billions of pounds over the next decade and make public transport in Glasgow and the surrounding areas easier. But the Metro project has been scheduled for years with barely any progress being made, with plans to link Glasgow Airport to the city centre already scrapped.

Mr Swinney blamed the UK Government for Scotland suffering a cost-of-living crisis last week in his first few interviews as First Minister, but he has been told to look closer to home for blame. Sandy Easdale said: "Mr Swinney said UK government policies were preventing the country from realising its full potential. We feel he needs to look closer to home. Try Glasgow for a start."

The Easdales claimed they had spoken to one of Europe's leading place branding consultants to ask how the government and local authority were doing attracting inward investment, and were told that there were key aspects that were looked at: political stability, high taxes, competence of local government and roads, street lighting and sewers.

They insisted that the consultants claimed that the push for independence and the current state of Glasgow would deter global investors. James Easdale said: "What financial investors are going to commit to ?15bn which would probably end up as double that bearing in mind Scotland's track record? Also, when they sit in their European offices and hear John Swinney saying that Scotland will be independent in five years, that raises so many red flags."

Sandy Easdale added: "Glaswegians and folks in the neighbouring areas must wonder where all the money is coming from for these vanity projects. They need after-hours doctors and access to emergency hospital treatment, never mind getting the potholes fixed and the rat infestations cleared out."

#20870144 at 2024-05-15 16:53:04 (UTC+1)
Q Research Scotland #10: Humza In Hot Water Edition

>>20869755
>>20849322


https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/snp-declaring-housing-emergency-means-32819492#source=breaking-news

SNP declaring a housing emergency 'means absolutely nothing' as it 'self-congratulates' its own failure

The Scottish Government announced a housing emergency in Scotland, six months after claiming that there wasn't one, but were savaged by opposition parties for refusing to accept any responsibility for it.

David Walker
15 MAY 2024

The Scottish Government officially announcing a housing emergency "means absolutely nothing" sniped rivals as it refused to "take responsibility" for the 10,000 children in temporary accommodation, and the rising numbers of Scots declaring homelessness. Six months ago, SNP ministers refused to accept this was an issue, voting down Scottish Labour.

But now Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville confessed at the Scottish Parliament that the country faced a housing crisis and vowed to fix it. Her admission came about due to fears John Swinney was about to fall to a humiliating defeat in his first week in charge, as the Greens were set to vote with Labour.

She said: "It is clear that the Scottish Government has recognised there is a real and genuine challenge within the housing sector and we have done for some time… it is very important that we move past debating how we define the problem and move onto the solutions.

"That's why I am very happy that we do so today and that we all collectively declare there is a housing emergency because the important point is what we then do about it." She then called on all parties to work together on this, while hitting out at the UK Government again.

Her comments closing the debate for the SNP came just minutes after Housing Minister claimed that he was "proud" of his government's record in housebuilding. He said: "We are making available nearly ?600 million this year towards the delivery of more unaffordable social homes…this includes a recent boost of ?80 million over two years to facilitate the acquisition of existing properties".

He then compared Scotland to England and Wales, pointing out that there has been "40% more affordable homes delivered in Scotland, per head of population than in England and over 70% more than in Wales. But rivals blasted the SNP Executive for refusing to take responsibility for the crisis.

Scottish Lib Dem MSP Willie Rennie highlighted that this could have been declared six months ago, and that there was nothing being put forward by the government to fix the issue. He said that the declaration "means absolutely nothing" and added: "The speech the minister made was almost exactly the same speech he made last November except for the words "accepting the housing emergency has been added in, nothing else has changed.

"It was one defence after another in his contribution, and then blaming Westminster, which was exactly what he did last year. The Scottish Government has choices, it could do something different, one of those was a dramatic cut in the more homes budget.

"The problem has been building for years, this isn't going to be turned around overnight but we need to start to reverse the damage, so the acceptance of a housing emergency must mean something but from the Minister I'm afraid it means absolutely nothing."

Scottish Labour housing spokesman Mark Griffin described the motion from the Scottish Government as "self-congratulatory" and "blames everyone and everything" and that the government must "take responsibility for the fact there are 10,000 children in temporary accommodation, that not enough homes are being built, that far too many homes are lying empty, and to start to come up with solutions for that."

Scottish Conservatives shadow housing secretary Miles Briggs claimed the government has had to be "kicked dragging and screaming" to accept there is a housing emergency in Scotland. He added: "We must see ministers act and urgently outline to Parliament, what will change across all government portfolios and what fresh leadership will actually be brought to this housing emergency.

"Scottish ministers need to bring forward an urgent housing emergency plan. That is why I hope we will not just see this debate, but cross party talks."

#20869755 at 2024-05-15 15:27:35 (UTC+1)
Q Research Scotland #10: Humza In Hot Water Edition

>>20849322


https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/housing-been-devolved-25-years-32814825


'Housing has been devolved 25 years!' SNP minister slated after blaming Westminster for Scotland declaring a housing emergency

Scottish Government Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville pointed the finger at the UK Government for the SNP being bounced into declaring a housing emergency as homelessness grows in the likes of Glasgow and Edinburgh

David Walker
15 MAY 2024


A Scottish Government minister has been slated after she attempted to blame Westminster for SNP plans to declare a housing emergency on Wednesday. The Nationalist Executive is set to hijack a Scottish Labour debate on housing to make this declaration, just six months after refusing to do so.

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville laid the blame at the door of the UK Government, and even refused to accept any failings when pressed on Radio Scotland's Good Morning Scotland. The move comes amid fears that the SNP will lose a first major vote at the Scottish Parliament.

Five local authorities have declared housing emergencies in recent months, including Glasgow and Edinburgh, due to a lack of available homes and growing numbers of people declaring themselves homeless. The issues come amid the government cutting ?200m from the affordable housing budget.

But Ms Somerville insisted it was not her fault and pointed to a lack of funding from Whitehall. She said: "I want to make sure we use the debate today to recognise the context which the Scottish Government is working in, for example 9% cut in our capital budget by the UK Government which inevitably has an impact on our plans going forward.

"To see what can do under our devolved powers. I think it's very important we do look at the context, the financial reality we are in, we have seen the cut in our capital budget at the same time as rocketing construction inflation because of Tory mismanagement of the UK economy, and of course building on austerity, that's not blaming someone, that's the context of the situation we are in."

She pointed out that they had boosted the sector with ?80m, but this is over the next two years, meaning it will take five years for the cuts to be restored. And Shelter Scotland pointed out that the cut to the capital budget "didn't need to translate into a 26% cut to the housing budget."

Her comments were blasted by the Scottish Tories, with former leader Jackson Carlaw pointing out that "housing has been devolved for 25 years." His colleague Jamie Halcro Johnston added: "An SNP Government that slashed the housing budget by ?200m+ has today been forced to declare a housing emergency while desperately trying to wash their hands of any responsibility."

And Murdo Fraser wrote: "SNP rent control plans have led directly to a collapse in investment in the build-to-rent sector. That's nothing to do with Westminster and entirely down to decisions taken by inept politicians in Edinburgh."

Scottish Tory shadow housing secretary Miles Briggs claimed that the SNP "have had to be dragged kicking and screaming into this long overdue acceptance of reality." He added: "The Scottish Conservatives have repeatedly called for a national housing emergency to be declared, but these calls fell on deaf ears until now. SNP ministers have also ignored the calls from charities, as well as five local councils declaring emergencies in their own areas.

"This situation is entirely of the SNP's making. Shirley-Anne Somerville has typically tried to blame Westminster but the SNP have received a record block grant and it is them who shamefully slashed ?200 million from the affordable housing budget. They - along with Labour - also backed the Greens illogical rent freeze policy which has instead hit tenants with soaring rents and has put the pause on much needed housing developments.



"Finally declaring a housing emergency must be more than lip service from the SNP. We must see ministers now reverse their deeply damaging cuts and take the urgent action required - including bringing thousands of empty properties back into use - to tackle Scotland's housing crisis."

The UK Government said: "The Scottish Government receives around 25% more funding per person than equivalent UK government spending in other parts of the UK."

#20861756 at 2024-05-13 19:30:29 (UTC+1)
Q Research Scotland #10: Humza In Hot Water Edition

>>20849322


https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/scots-want-less-migrants-scotland-32795589

Scots want less migrants in Scotland in shattering blow to SNP's Scexit claims

The nationalist-led Scottish Government has released independence papers claiming that the country is more welcoming to immigration than the rest of the UK but a new report has suggested this is partially false.

David Walker
13 MAY 2024

Scots want less migrants coming north of the border, according to new research, blowing a massive hole in the SNP's independence claims. The nationalist party have based a number of their Scexit prospectuses on statements which indicate the Scotland is more welcoming to immigration than those south of the border.

SNP MP Kirsty Blackman even claimed that immigration to Scotland would be "unlimited" in the event of the break up of the UK. She said: "The whole idea of whole Rwanda scheme, all of this is built on a premise that immigration is bad, right? The whole idea, the whole trying to win votes on.

"This only works if you start from the premise that immigration is a bad thing, and that we shouldn't have it, and that we need to reduce it and that we need to stop people coming here." And Westminster leader Stephen Flynn has repeatedly insisted that targeting small boats and the Rwanda policy was "not Scotland's values."

But according to research from Migration Policy Scotland, support for immigration north of the border has cooled over the last year, with those wanting less immigration rising from 28% to 42%. Now, almost half of Scots want to reduce the flow of migrants, with this indicating that the Tories are right to be targeting illegal immigration.

Immigration in to Scotland has been rising since the turn of the century with about one in 10 people living here being born outside the UK. The SNP want to increase those numbers after Scexit in a bid to boost the economy and help with the ageing population.

The survey found that 25% of respondents wanted immigration reduced substantially and another 17% by "a little." This compared to 10% wanting immigration increased "a lot" and 21% wanting it pushed up by a "little" while the single biggest group, 26%, wanted levels to remain the same.

Sarah Kyambi, director of Migration Policy Scotland, wrote in the Times that views over immigration had "cooled" in the last year. She said: "John Swinney, Scotland's first minister, has called for more immigration to stimulate economic growth.

"Research from Migration Policy Scotland indicates that Swinney's view is better aligned with what the Scottish public want. Historically high-net migration figures could be interpreted as signalling time for greater restrictiveness. And this representative survey does find that Scottish views have cooled over the past 12 months. Yet the research also shows a clear if cautious pragmatism."

The think tank did discover significant differences in attitudes between supporters of different parties, with those who voted for the Tories in 2019 overwhelmingly supporting a reduction in immigration levels (68%), compared to 43% for Labour, 31% for Lib Dems and 28% for the SNP.

And Scottish nationalists are the most likely to back increased immigration at 48%. Scots remain more pro-immigration than the UK average. However, the gap is narrowing.

The report added: "For the UK as a whole, a majority (52 per cent) favour a reduction in immigration. While this is now also the most common response in Scotland, at 42 per cent it remains shy of a majority response. The gap in views between the Scottish and UK-wide surveys has shrunk across the board with the greatest alignment of views occurring in relation to the proportion of responses favouring a reduction - a 20 percentage point gap in 2023 has shrunk to a difference of 10 percentage points."

#20856456 at 2024-05-12 14:59:55 (UTC+1)
Q Research Scotland #10: Humza In Hot Water Edition

>>20843810


https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/snp-ministers-conflict-interest-row-32782202

SNP ministers in 'conflict of interest' row over wind farms as they net almost ?100m income from turbines on public land

Exclusive: Campaign group Scotland Against Spin have shed doubt on why the Scottish Government overturn so many wind farm rejections as they net a pretty penny from taxes and domestic rates from developers.

David Walker
10 MAY 2024

The Scottish Government have been accused of a "conflict on interest" in allowing huge wind farm developments to be built on publicly-owned land. SNP ministers want to increase the amount of turbines across the country in order to hit net zero climate targets.

However, it has been revealed that there is also a monetary reason for these plans, with the nationalist Executive netting almost ?100m in income from wind farm companies in just a year. It has led to concerns that Scots are not being "given a voice" in how publicly owned land is being utilised.

We previously told how a SNP quango has chopped down 17 million trees in Scotland over the past 24 years in order to make way for renewable energy developments. This provoked anger in some rural communities who claim that their landscape has been blighted by massive turbines.

Aberdeenshire, Moray and rural Perthshire are all saturated with wind farms, with 19,000 planned to be built over the next six years to increase the amount of power generated by them. Statistics published last year showed that the government has overturned 50 per cent of appeals to stop wind farms being built.

Campaign group Scotland Against Spin want SNP ministers to adopt stricter rules around the building of more turbines, following the UK Government's footsteps where communities are allowed the final say, rather than civil servants. And they revealed the eye-watering amount of money raked in from developments.

At July 2022, an estimated ?82.2m was anticipated to be raised in 2022/23 in non-domestic rates and ?13.2m in rental income from wind farms and single turbines. This comes from all the public land which is used to build the renewable energy sources.

A spokeswoman for Scotland Against Spin pointed out that the Scottish Government is the biggest landowner in Scotland, but the "public are not being given a voice" in how the public land is being used. She told the Scottish Daily Express: "This is the biggest conflict of interest that could be imagined as Scottish Ministers are in charge of consenting s36 wind farms (big wind farms over 50MW) which will line their own pockets against the wishes of many local communities and local authorities, and the public who really 'own' that land.

"Some windfarm developers like Scottish Power Renewables are now applying for permanent planning permission on publicly owned land - that means the public never gets its land back , even if the political climate changes and communities/the public are given a say on how publicly owned land is used in future.

"It means, for example, that if the Whitelee Hydrogen project is consented (permanently) although this is not all on publicly owned land, that even if it does blow up or does cause downstream flooding, or other nuisance, there is nothing that can be done about it; it is there in perpetuity. "

There are a number of huge wind farm developments being considered by SNP ministers, including for the tallest turbines in the UK on Royal Deeside. The proposals for 16 massive turbines, which measure up to 656ft and twice the height of Big Ben, at Hill of Fare near Banchory have received over a 1,000 objections but it is up the government to decide on whether it goes ahead.

A Scottish Government spokesman said: "We need bold action to tackle the climate emergency and Scotland has extensive renewable generation capabilities with which to accelerate the just transition to net zero by 2045. We are clear that increasing renewable energy must benefit people across Scotland.

"Scotland has some of the most stringent environmental impact regulations anywhere in the world and our planning and consenting system ensures that local communities can always have their say. It is vital that local communities are fully engaged in and derive lasting benefits from any onshore wind development. A new sector deal, published last September, commits the industry to engagement at all stages of the project life cycle."

#20847244 at 2024-05-10 15:57:42 (UTC+1)
Q Research Scotland #10: Humza In Hot Water Edition

>>20835613
>>20835621


https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/scotlands-lord-advocate-urged-come-32780935

Scotland's Lord Advocate urged to come clean on whether she agrees with blanket exoneration of Horizon Post Office victims

Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross has written to Dorothy Bain to demand she makes a statement at Holyrood on whether she backs the Scottish Government's plans for mass exoneration of Scots Horizon Post Office victims.

David Walker
10 MAY 2024

Demands have been made for Scotland's Lord Advocate to appear in front of MSPs and come clean about whether she backs Scottish Government legislation which will exonerate all victims of the Horizon Post Office scandal. It has been claimed that there has been "mixed messaging" from the SNP Executive on their position on the issue.

Dorothy Bain told Holyrood earlier this year that she believed every case should be looked at individually, while former First Minister Humza Yousaf raged after the UK Government refused to extend their blanket exoneration law to Scotland. The legal system north of the border is much different to the one in England and Wales.

It has meant that Justice Secretary Angela Constance and her officials are writing up their own legislation which should clear all sub-postmasters of guilt and allow them access to the UK-wide compensation scheme. But the Lord Advocate has yet to say if she agrees with this process.

Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross has now written to Ms Bain to urge her to make a statement to parliament on this issue to clear up the government's "mixed messaging." She previously defended the slow process currently ongoing to exonerate Horizon victims.

She told MSPs: "'The process that we have in place is the right one. There should be due process, in recognition of the fact that, as I have said, not all Horizon cases will result in a finding of a miscarriage of justice. In some cases, there was other evidence that indicated a reasonable basis for a finding of guilt.'

Mr Ross wants clarity on whether this is still her position and whether she disagrees with the principles underline the bill. It was confirmed this week that stage one of the Post Office Offences Bill is scheduled to be debated on May 21 at Holyrood.

In his letter he writes: "As head of the prosecution service in Scotland, you already have the power to expedite the process of exonerating sub- postmasters and confirmed this to the Scottish Parliament on 16th January 2024. You stated that you have not used this power 'for reasons of sound public policy'.

"This heavily implies you oppose the principle which will now be enshrined in a piece of legislation that you will have been consulted on. It is clearly in the public interest to know, ahead of this important legislation coming before Parliament, if you as Lord Advocate and someone who attends the Scottish Cabinet still believes it would be wrong to allow the mass exoneration of sub-postmasters. Crucially sub-postmasters who have fought for so long to right the wrong of their convictions deserve a clear answer from you and the Scottish Government on this."

Mr Ross also accused SNP ministers of "gagging" the Lord Advocate and instead spearheading "weeks of confected outrage" due to the UK Government not extending its legislation. He added: "What undermines their argument most is that the Lord Advocate is apparently opposed to the principles underpinning a bill that SNP ministers wanted to apply here, and which they are now largely replicating.

"Scottish victims of this appalling miscarriage of justice need to know if the person who is both head of the Crown Office and the SNP Government's legal advisor actually believes in their bill, or if she rejects blanket exonerations. I have written to the Lord Advocate urging her to make a statement to parliament to clear up the mixed messaging we're hearing from John Swinney's government.

"It's imperative she does so, given that stage one of the bill is just 10 days away and the presiding officer has confirmed there is absolutely no obstacle to her doing so."

A spokesman for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service confirmed that Ms Bain was willing to make a statement. He said: "The Lord Advocate is fully supportive of her accountability to Parliament and is willing to make another statement. When she appeared in January the Lord Advocate said the Crown is continuing to use the existing mechanisms to address miscarriages of justice in Scotland.

"She rejected the proposition that she had the authority to facilitate an approach to blanket exonerations through the court. She did not comment on convictions being set aside by legislation as that is a matter for politicians and Parliament. She hopes to come to an agreement with Parliamentary authorities about the timing of this statement at the earliest possible opportunity."

#20844534 at 2024-05-10 00:50:18 (UTC+1)
Q Research Scotland #10: Humza In Hot Water Edition

>>20842052


https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/embarrassing-snp-minister-fails-answer-32773686

'Embarrassing' SNP minister fails to answer any questions about his brief in 'new low' for Holyrood

Jim Fairlie, the Scottish Government Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity, was slated after failing to answer any unscripted questions about his brief in an 'embarrassing' appearance at Holyrood.

David Walker
9 MAY 2024

A member of John Swinney's government has been ruthlessly mocked as an "embarrassment" as he failed to answer repeated questions about one of his briefs at Holyrood. Jim Fairlie, the Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity was subbing in for Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon on Wednesday during the SNP reshuffle.

But his performance was so awful a point of order was raised about his inability to answer any unscripted questions about the portfolio, instead insisting he would either write to the MSP, or ask Ms Gougeon about it. Critics labelled it a "new low" for the Scottish Parliament.

With all Cabinet Secretaries at Bute House for the "reshuffle" it was left to Mr Fairlie to answer queries about Rural Affairs but he failed to do so. Scottish Tory MSP Rachael Hamilton asked about property rights within the Land Reform Bill but was told that a full answer would be supplied afterwards as he was not involved in this legislation.

This became a pattern to his answers as he told Alexander Burnett he could not defend trees being cut down for wind farms as "this is not my bill or my area. I was not aware of the issue that you have raised, but I will get the cabinet secretary to write to you with the details."

He repeated a similar line five times during the session, including to questions about Scotland selling off land to foreign investors, and about cuts to the forestry scheme. His inability to respond was blasted by the Scottish Tories in the chamber.

Finlay Carson pointed out "the issue is not so much whether the right tree is in the right place, but whether we have the right minister in the right place. He then asked about "what other sources of funding for new woodland creation does the Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity expect to become available? Specifically, how many additional hectares does he believe that that funding will deliver in the coming financial year?"

But continuing with his theme, Mr Fairlie revealed that "the honest answer to that is that I do not know." He added: "I am answering questions on behalf of the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands, and I do not have the answer to that question, but we will write to the member with a suitable answer."

An exasperated Ms Hamilton raised a point of order as she said: "We are here for rural questions, but we have had not one answer other than the scripted ones. Could the cabinet secretary not have come to rural question time and then dealt with whatever she had to do following that, given that she has been seen on social media at Bute house?"

Afterwards, a clip of Mr Fairlie's poor performance went viral, and was mocked by Scottish Tory MSPs. Stephen Kerr wrote: "This must be watched. The SNP are laughing at us. This is a new low for the SNP and the Scottish Parliament." Ed Mountain added: "This was a truly dismal performance."

Jamie Halcro Johnston said: "Just embarrassing. Colleagues from across the Chamber asked questions but got no answers. I asked a question I first asked in March and he still said he'd have to get the Cab Sec to write to me... ...which is exactly what he promised to do 2 months ago."

#20843810 at 2024-05-09 22:56:01 (UTC+1)
Q Research Scotland #10: Humza In Hot Water Edition

https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/anger-17-million-trees-chopped-32774066?int_source=nba

Anger as 17 million trees chopped down in SNP's Scotland to clear way for wind farms

A Scottish Government quango has commissioned the destruction of more than 17 million trees in the last 24 years in order to build wind farms on public land.

David Walker
9 MAY 2024

The Scottish Government has been blasted after it was revealed that more than one million trees have been chopped down on publicly owned land in just a year to make way for wind farms. This mass cutting down of trees came despite the SNP and Scottish Greens claiming environmental credentials.

Communities in rural Scotland have complained about massive turbines blighting their landscapes, with even more planned in areas such as Aberdeenshire and Moray. And now it has been revealed that a SNP quango is getting rid of healthy trees in order to make space for them.

According to new statistics, more than one million trees were chopped down on public land, which is the equivalent to 2,700 per day. Critics described this as "appalling" and warned that the rising number of wind farm developments are causing "irreparable damage" to the countryside.

In a freedom of information request, the Scottish Government estimated that 17.05 million trees had been cut down since 2000 in areas that are currently managed by public agency Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS). This is based on a figure of 8,503 hectares, using an average number of trees per hectare of 2,000.

According to analysis, it means that around 1.3 million more trees have been felled since last year when the figure stood at 15.7 million. There are also currently 24 wind farms in operation on FLS managed land, with three currently in construction, 13 at pre-construction stage and five in planning.

Alexander Burnett, Scottish Tory MSP for Aberdeenshire West, hit out at the government for causing "irreparable damage" to Scotland's "spectacular countryside at a rapid rate of knots." He added: "It's appalling that in the space of a year, more than ?1 million trees have been chopped down without any community consent.

"The sheer size of these developments and the damage which is being caused are making many areas inhabitable for people. Having met residents whose communities have been tarnished and are now dominated by wind farms, I've heard first-hand how their lives have been impacted on an industrial scale.

"The Scottish Government cannot continue to knock down trees at this substantial level otherwise, not only will areas of historic importance be jeopardised, but both residents and tourists will abandon these once wonderful places."

A spokesman for Forestry and Land Scotland said: "Renewable energy generated from windfarms is a key element in Scotland's response to the Climate Emergency and the shift towards Net Zero and the infrastructure on land that we manage generates enough power for 600,000 homes.

"The trees felled to accommodate this infrastructure were productive conifer that would in any event have been harvested at some stage. All our harvesting activity is subject to the normal approval processes, which includes consultation with stakeholders such as local and affected communities.

"As we have clarified on previous occasions, the quantity of trees felled to make way for renewable energy infrastructure since the year 2000 equates roughly to our annual harvesting programme. Over the same period, FLS has planted around 25 million trees every year - productive conifer and new woodland creation - which amounts to over 500 million trees."

#20842052 at 2024-05-09 14:42:22 (UTC+1)
Q Research Scotland #10: Humza In Hot Water Edition

>>20826329


https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/desperate-john-swinney-fails-answer-32770423

'Desperate' John Swinney fails to answer questions on education as he has only been in role for 48 hours

The new First Minister faced MSPs for the first time since taking over from Humza Yousaf but excused himself from answering questions in full due to only taking on the role this week, despite being in government for 16 of the 17 years the SNP have been in charge for.

David Walker
9 MAY 2024

John Swinney was accused of utilising the "same old excuses" as he refused to answer a question four times about whether he will live up to a SNP promise of adding 3,500 extra teachers. He warned that the country faced a "very significant financial pressures in Scotland in our public finances."

The new First Minister faced his first FMQs since being parachuted in to replace Humza Yousaf and described how the last two weeks was a "traumatic" time for the party. However, he parroted the same lines about "success" the nationalists have had in education, as his "indefensible" record as Education Secretary was highlighted.

Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross highlighted the hundreds of teacher jobs being cut by cash-strapped SNP-led Glasgow City Council, and asked Mr Swinney to dissuade fears that the flagship teacher vow would be dropped four times but was rebuffed each time.

The new First Minister even used the excuse that he had only been in the job "48 hours" for failing to answer questions about the state of schools and education in Scotland. Mr Ross called him out for offering the "same old excuses" as his predecessors.

He said: "John Swinney's record in education is one of broken promises. He introduced a flagship education bill that could have improved standards - then abandoned it. He promised a free laptop for every child - that hasn't happened. Three years ago, the SNP said Education Scotland would be reformed - nothing has happened. The government he served in promised the SQA would be replaced - but it's still here.

"John Swinney served as education secretary from 2016 to 2021. During that time, education was supposed to be the SNP's top priority. They wanted to be judged on their education record. When John Swinney was in charge of Scotland's schools, results fell to record lows in the OECD's PISA rankings. These tests measured performance for maths, reading and science.

We have however managed to convince kids into chopping off their sexual organs in their droves.

"John Swinney is not being straight with the public on whether he agrees or not with his own promise to increase teacher numbers. But we know already they are falling under this SNP Government. For 16 years, John Swinney has been at the heart of a government that has let down pupils, parents and teachers. Now he's the head of the government, what's going to change?"

Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie also blasted his former coalition partners for bringing in Kate Forbes to the government, claiming that many LGBT people were now worried due to this. He also urged him to continue with "progressive taxation" rather than dropping income tax rises.

Mr Swinney claimed that he was not fully on top of the issues due to not "being on the front bench for 12 months or so." But his excuses were called out by rival politicians.

Scottish Tory MSP Murdo Fraser wrote: "don't see the line from @johnswinney that he's only been FM 'for 48 hours' working as a defence, when he's been in this Government for 16 out of the last 17 years." Jamie Halcro Johnston added: "When failing to answer straightforward Yes/No questions from @Douglas4Moray, 'I've only been FM for a few days' excuses himself an FM who's been a key figure in the SNP government for 16 of the last 17 years. It's desperate stuff.

#20839902 at 2024-05-09 00:46:15 (UTC+1)
Q Research Scotland #10: Humza In Hot Water Edition

>>20826329


https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/john-swinney-keeps-humza-yousafs-32765139

John Swinney keeps Humza Yousaf's 'continuity' and 'chaotic' cabinet - and adds extra ?112k-a-year role for Kate Forbes

The new First Minister has acted like the old First Minister by keeping in place the majority of his predecessor's Cabinet, only adding an extra role in Gaelic and Economy for Kate Forbes.

David Walker
8 MAY 2024

John Swinney has been slated as "uninspiring" after announcing a "continuity" Cabinet which will remain almost exactly the same as Humza Yousaf's, except for an extra taxpayer-funded ?112k role for Kate Forbes. The former SNP leadership contender has been appointed Deputy First Minister with responsibility for the economy and Gaelic.

But otherwise the "continuity" First Minister has stuck by the nine figures who led Scotland under Mr Yousaf, the second shortest-serving First Minister of all time. It means that Shona Robison remains Finance Secretary, but now with responsibility for local government.

Mr Swinney claimed that the "new" Scottish Cabinet will "help drive real and urgent progress in eradicating child poverty, driving economic growth, and tackling the climate emergency." He has already angered the Scottish Greens through his promotion of Ms Forbes to a senior role.

Jenny Gilruth remains on Education, Angela Constance keeps her Justice brief, Mairi McAllan has a shortened role of Net Zero and Energy, Fiona Hyslop is still Transport Secretary, Neil Gray is on Health, Shirley-Anne Somerville remains Social Justice Secretary, "Air Miles" Angus Robertson can continue to enjoy his trips abroad as Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture and Mairi Gougeon keeps the Rural Affairs brief.

It means the number of Cabinet members has increased to 11, the largest of all time. Critics have blasted the failure of Mr Swinney to show any initiative by going with new blood, with the rest of his ministers set to be confirmed "in due course."

And former coalition partner Patrick Harvie also outlined his distaste for the new Deputy First Minister, posting a tweet showing a sigh which said "no right turn" at jibe at Ms Forbes centre right views. He added: "There will be many people across our country who will be very concerned and who will want to know that this Scottish Government remains committed to a greener and more equal future for Scotland.

Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross mocked Mr Swinney as he said: "John Swinney doesn't want to be labelled the continuity First Minister but he has just spent hours reappointing the entire cabinet he inherited Humza Yousaf to the same posts they failed in before."

Scottish Tory chairman Craig Hoy called it "Humza Yousaf's cabinet with a different figurehead." He added: "The return of Kate Forbes is a desperate attempt by both John Swinney and his new deputy to gloss over the huge splits in the SNP and fixate on independence."

He also pointed out that the First Minister and Ms Forbes traded barbs last year during the leadership election, as he questioned whether she was an "appropriate individual" to lead the party, and that the former Finance Secretary claimed that "continuity won't cut it."

Mr Hoy added: "This uninspiring cabinet is further evidence that John Swinney as First Minister will just mean more of the same. His fingerprints are all over the failed SNP policies that have damaged Scotland, while he's already doubled down on the SNP's independence obsession, instead of focusing on the public's real priorities such as fixing our ailing public services and growing the economy."

Scottish Labour deputy leader Dame Jackie Baillie dubbed it a "continuity cabinet that cannot be trusted to fix the chaos and instability they have created." She added: "With two of the former Finance Secretaries responsible for trashing public finances now in the top jobs, more SNP chaos lies ahead. Scotland needs change and the people of Scotland know continuity won't cut it - we need an election."

Scottish Lib Dem leader Alex Cole-Hamilton said: ""We need ministers that won't make empty promises but will get the basics right. Relying on all the same ingredients is a recipe for disappointment. This parade of familiar faces proves that nobody in the SNP ever pays the price despite 1 in 7 Scots being stuck on NHS waiting lists, sewage dumping in our rivers reaching record levels, and islanders waiting forever for ferries.

Mr Swinney claimed that he had selected a team that "blends experience and energy, with a strong focus on the priorities my government will pursue - eradicating child poverty, driving economic growth, meeting climate obligations and investing in our vital public services."

#20813366 at 2024-05-03 12:26:25 (UTC+1)
Q Research Scotland #10: Humza In Hot Water Edition

>>20813293


https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/secretive-snp-almost-fully-redact-29236952

Secretive SNP almost fully redact key documents involving Sanjeev Gupta and Dalzell Steelworks

The Scottish Lib Dems blasted the Scottish Government for refusing to be open about their dealings with troubled steel tycoon Sanjeev Gupta as a FOI document was almost completed redacted.

David Walker
17 FEB 2023

The secretive SNP Government has been blasted after they published key documents surrounding Sanjeev Gupta and Dalzell Steelworks- but redacted almost all of the information.

And the Scottish Lib Dems, who originally made the request, are appealing to the Scottish Information Commissioner in regards to the lack of transparency around the issue.

They have been campaigning for a long time for the SNP to be more open about their "shady" deal with troubled steel tycoon Mr Gupta who bought Dalzell Steelworks from the Scottish Government in 2016.

Scotland's last active steel plant was originally bought by the government for ?1 from Tata and then sold on to Liberty Steel which continues to operate it now.

But questions have been asked about the viability of the deal after it was revealed that the agreements may have breached state aid rules.

In a bid to find out more information on the deal, a freedom of information request was made asking for a copy of the due diligence carried out by Ernst and Young in 2016 on Liberty's financial standing and business plan to take over the Dalzell Clydebridge Steelworks.

It was published on the government website on Thursday but most of the 66-page document has been redacted, with only the most basic of information left in.

The importance of the document is that it should reveal if ministers had properly considered the financial viability of selling the steelworks to Liberty considering the money crisis the company is going through now.

Mr Gupta is currently under investigation by the Serious Fraud Office and had his offices raided by them. This is due to his role in the collapse of Greensill Capital.

It has led to accusations that the Scottish Government may have risked millions of taxpayers money by loaning him cash, as they handed him ?7m in 2017 to help with running Dalzell.

They also signed a controversial deal with Mr Gupta's GFG Alliance who own a Lochaber smelter which guarantees the power purchase obligations of the smelter from the nearby hydroplant at a potential cost of ?568m to the taxpayer.

Scottish Liberal Democrat economy spokesperson Willie Rennie MSP blasted the Scottish Government for refusing to be transparent with a subject which could cost hundreds of jobs.

He told the Scottish Daily Express: "This was an FOI request submitted by the Scottish Liberal Democrats. It has been incredibly difficult to get the government to be open about the consequences and risks of its high-profile investment in Mr Gupta's companies.

"We will appeal to the information commissioner about this latest block. Transparency matters because millions of pounds, skilled jobs and the credibility of the SNP Government's industrial strategy are all at stake."

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: ""FOI responses are issued in line with the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act and Ministers remain committed to transparency.

"The Scottish Government acted at pace in 2016 to support a transaction involving Tata Steel and Liberty House to ensure steel communities in Scotland had a future.

"This saved the Dalzell and Clydebridge steel works, rescued more than 100 jobs and retained steel plate production in Scotland. Subsequently, ministers were advised that one specific part of the contract arrangement may not comply with state aid rules.

"This finding was reported promptly to the Scottish Parliament and means in the unlikely event of the indemnity ever being called upon, no money would legally have to be paid out by the Scottish Government."

#20795711 at 2024-04-29 20:12:35 (UTC+1)
Q Research Scotland #10: Humza In Hot Water Edition

>>20794507


https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/kate-forbes-giving-serious-consideration-32696947

Kate Forbes giving 'serious consideration' to SNP leadership tilt as John Swinney backed by Nat establishment

The former Scottish Government finance secretary lost out to Humza Yousaf in the contest to replace Nicola Sturgeon last year, and is now set to throw her hat in the ring again.

David Walker
29 APR 2024

Kate Forbes is reportedly considering a second tilt at SNP leadership as allies fear a "Anyone But Kate" campaign is being orchestrated against her. The former finance secretary only narrowly lost out to Humza Yousaf last year in the race to replace Nicola Sturgeon.

The Highlands MSP has remained influential among Nat MSPs while on the back benches after she rebuffed attempts by her former rival to serve as rural affairs secretary. And she refused to be drawn on speculation when she posted about the first minister on social media.

She wrote: "As First Minister @HumzaYousaf cared passionately about Scotland. Few of us will forget his statesmanship and compassion on Gaza. He is an honourable man, who displayed dignity and humility today. I wish him and Nadia well with their impending new arrival in the summer."

But as the SNP start to make manoeuvres on who will replace the first minister, a number of big names have already backed former leader John Swinney. The likes of potential contenders Neil Gray and Jenny Gilruth have thrown their backing behind him, as has Westminster leader Stephen Flynn and predecessor Ian Blackford.

We previously told how he informed journalists that he would consider taking the top job and has been labelled as the only Nat politician who will be able to unite non-party MSPs behind a minority government. And now that SNP's "old guard" want to install him as well.

The same situation happened last year when Ms Sturgeon's close allies backed Mr Yousaf to replace her, and he eventually won the contest, only to resign just over a year later about a shambolic time in Bute House. And it looks like the SNP "old boys club" are aiming to do similar again.

According to the Scotsman's Alistair Grant, SNP MSP Michelle Thomson, who ran Ms Forbes' leadership campaign, says she understands that the former finance secretary is giving "serious consideration" to standing again. SNP MP Joanna Cherry hit out at the attempts to "stitch up" Mr Yousaf's replacement.

She said: "As Humza, who should be thanked for his service, will remain FM until we have a new leader there is no need for an unseemly rush by the (old) boys club to stitch up the succession. The leader of the SNP should be chosen by our members not by men in grey suits."

SNP veteran Fergus Ewing also backed his Highlands colleague: "Kate Forbes has the biggest majority of any MSP. If any other candidate is chosen because the Greens say they won't work with Kate Forbes - we're actually allowing the Green party to determine who the next first minister will be, that's surely absurd.

"Politicians should work together far more than they do. Most of the political agreements seem to be more about theatre than substance. There's no doubt in my mind that the people in the leadership of the other main parties - Tory, Liberal and Labour - respect Kate Forbes. They will trust her, they will work with her."

But supporters of the former finance secretary are concerned by the potential rebirth of the "Anyone But Kate" which was launched last year to help Mr Yousaf to victory, and was co-ordinated by the "SNP old guard" who were Sturgeonites.

#20794179 at 2024-04-29 12:39:27 (UTC+1)
Q Research Scotland #10: Humza In Hot Water Edition

>>20771578
>>>20771513 Final Humza Yousaf Bun


https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/humza-yousaf-quits-first-minister-32692434

Humza Yousaf QUITS as first minister as shambolic reign comes to an end before he faces humiliating no confidence vote

The long-suffering SNP leader has finally quit as first minister after a turbulent year in charges as Bute House Agreement axing is final blow to his career.

David Walker
29 APR 2024

Humza Yousaf has quit as first minister before he faced two no confidence votes in his leadership. It means the SNP are hunting for a new leader just over a year since a bruising contest to replace Nicola Sturgeon.

It has been turbulent time in office for Mr Yousaf in the last week as he brutally axed the Scottish Greens and the Bute House Agreement on Thursday in a hastily arranged press conference. But this has backfired majorly as it has led to Patrick Harvie and Lorna Slater seeking revenge.

Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross lodged a motion of no confidence in the first minister which would have been debated on Wednesday but is now unlikely to go ahead. The SNP leader struggled to find backing for his minority government despite sending "humiliating" begging letters to all major parties.

The Greens, Tories, Labour and Lib Dems all confirmed they would be voting against him, leaving Alba Party's only MSP Ash Regan with the deciding vote. But the thought of getting into bed with Alex Salmond, who outlined a list of demands at the weekend, has been unpalatable for the SNP.

Mr Yousaf announced he was quitting at a press conference at Bute House where he admitted that he could not keep a minority government together without trading his "principles and values" to stay in power. He will remain first minister until a new SNP leader is installed.

He became the second shortest serving first minister ever after Henry McLeish, and the shortest serving SNP first minister, following in the footsteps of Ms Sturgeon and Alex Salmond. It leaves a huge chasm in the nationalist leadership as the party needs to regroup to retain control of the Scottish Government.

Former deputy first minister John Swinney is being backed as a temporary replacement for Mr Yousaf as he is mostly likely to bring the divided party together and negotiate with other parties. In the longer terms, Jenny Gilruth has emerged as one of the front-runners alongside Kate Forbes.

#20776389 at 2024-04-25 13:44:28 (UTC+1)
Q Research Scotland #10: Humza In Hot Water Edition

>>20776285
>>20773053


https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/humza-yousaf-running-zombie-government-32658919

Humza Yousaf running a 'zombie' government as SNP held hostage by the Scottish Greens

Fears have been raised that the first minister and his administration may be scared to introduce legislation over the next month to not scare off the Scottish Greens.

David Walker
24 APR 2024

Humza Yousaf is now running a "zombie government" it has been claimed while the SNP await the results of the Scottish Greens' Bute House Agreement vote. It means that the nationalist administration will struggle to push through any legislation and will be looking to placate the environmentalists.

This was shown on Tuesday when the first minister's flagship justice reforms barely made it through the first stage of debate with only 60 MSPs voting for it, compared to 62 abstaining. It included a mini rebellion of Nat MSPs, as Kate Forbes, Fergus Ewing, Annabelle Ewing, Michelle Thomson, Ivan McKee and Christine Grahame all refused to vote for it.

And the Scottish Government was blasted over its response to the Cass Review as it failed to announce anything of something substance, with rivals suggesting this was to placate the Greens whose grassroots membership raged about the pause on puberty blockers to those under-18.

Now, concerns have been raised that Mr Yousaf's administration will be in a state of "paralysis" until a decision is made on the Bute House Agreement. The first minister outright refused to give his own party a vote, telling journalists on Wednesday it was "not needed or wanted" despite growing calls from some Nats for this to happen.

Opponents have accused him of creating a vacuum which will have an impact on the current administration as it will be too worried to put forward anything controversial. Scottish Tory chairman Craig Hoy said: "Scotland can't afford to endure weeks of a zombie government while Green members decide on the future of their pact with the SNP.

"This coalition of chaos has been a disaster for Scotland and it's a measure of how painfully weak Humza Yousaf is that he's now at the mercy of another party's vote. If he had any backbone, he'd be pulling the plug on the Bute House Agreement himself rather than leaving the country in limbo while others determine whether he leads a majority or minority government.

"The anti-growth Greens should never have been invited into government in the first place and so long as the First Minister is desperately trying to placate them - as he did with the vacuous ministerial statement on the Cass review - Scotland is in a state of paralysis."

Many commentators have claimed that it would be another humiliation for Mr Yousaf to have agreement collapse around him without him even being involved. He has yet to show leadership since being appointed, failing to distance himself from Nicola Sturgeon despite the scandals embroiling her.

Scottish Labour business manager Martin Whitfield said: "Any shred of credibility the Scottish Greens had left has been abandoned with Scotland's 2030 climate targets." Former SNP minister Ash Regan lodged a no confidence motion in Mr Harvie due his failure to accept the Cass Review, but it is unlikely to even be debated due to a lack of support from other parties.

A Scottish Government source told the Daily Mail: "The Scottish Government was urging calm, and for people to use the time and space between last week and the Green vote in May to consider the issue in a dispassionate manner: more light, less rushing to judgment in the heat of the moment. I'd say it's important not to make the end of the BHA a self-fulfilling prophecy."

#20772584 at 2024-04-24 22:52:20 (UTC+1)
Q Research Scotland #10: Humza In Hot Water Edition

>>20772472


https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/crown-office-hasnt-received-peter-32652489

Crown Office hasn't received Peter Murrell embezzlement charge report five days after his re-arrest

The former chief executive of the SNP, and Nicola Sturgeon's husband, was officially charged by Police Scotland last week but prosecutors have yet to receive a standard prosecution report.

David Walker
23 APR 2024

Scotland's Crown Office has still not received a report from Police Scotland about former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell, almost a week since he was charged by cops. Prosecutors have not caught sight of a charge sheet involving Nicola Sturgeon's husband, who is accused of embezzling from his former party.

Cops have yet to send a standard prosecution report to the procurator fiscal which could mean a number of things, including that further charges in relation to an individual or the overall investigation are still being considered. The former first minister and ex-party treasurer Colin Beattie are still suspects in Operation Branchform.

A spokesman for the Crown Office told the Scottish Daily Express: "Senior professional prosecutors from COPFS and an Advocate Depute are working with police on this ongoing investigation. It is standard practice that any case regarding politicians is dealt with by prosecutors without the involvement of the Lord Advocate or Solicitor General. All Scotland's prosecutors act independently of political interference.Not according to Roger Livermore.

"As is routine, to protect the integrity of ongoing investigations, we do not comment in detail on their conduct." It is understood a report has not been sent to prosecutors to consider whether to take the case to court or not.

Mr Murrell was re-arrested by cops on Thursday morning and grilled for around nine hours at Falkirk police station before being charged with embezzlement as part of the police's long-running probe into the finances of the SNP. Operation Branchform launched in the summer of 2021 to look at whether ?600k of ring-fenced funds donated for independence referendum campaigning had been illegally spent elsewhere.

Former Police Scotland chief constable Sir Iain Livingston suggested before he stepped down that the probe had been expanded to look at allegations of fraud, misuse of funds and embezzlement. Cops raided the marital home shared by Ms Sturgeon and her husband in April 2023 and seized a number of items.

We previously told how senior figures in the SNP feared that more charges would be brought against members of the party, in addition to the single charge brought against Mr Murrell. It has caused turmoil within the party as well, with Humza Yousaf's leadership questioned as he failed to distance himself from the former chief executive.

Mr Murrell refused to comment on the issue when he returned home on Thursday evening before it was revealed that he had resigned his membership of the party he served as chief executive for more than two decades. Ms Sturgeon revealed it was a "difficult" time for her.

She has now cancelled her appearance in front of MPs next week, where she was due to be grilled about her time in Bute House. However, she will now need to reschedule this.

Speaking to journalists last week, she said: "There is absolutely nothing I can say given the circumstances. I'm now going to go a walk if that's alright with you. I know you've got jobs to do but can I ask you to maybe give my neighbours some peace.

"There is nothing going to be happening here. It's incredibly difficult, but that's not the main issue. I can't say anymore, I'm not going to say any more. I hope you can appreciate I'm quite a new driver, try not to distract me while I'm driving away."

#20771997 at 2024-04-24 20:57:53 (UTC+1)
Q Research Scotland #10: Humza In Hot Water Edition

>>20771576
>>>20669769
> Initial Hate Crime Law Bun

https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/top-scots-cop-claims-police-32646298

Top Scots cop claims police shouldn't be dealing with 'hurt feelings' in latest Hate Crime criticism

Chief superintendent Gordon McCreadie claimed that there should be more frontline policing in communities, but in order to do this there either needed to be more cops on the street, or take them off dealing with 'hurt feelings.'

David Walker
APR 2024

A top Scots cop has hit out at Humza Yousaf's Hate Crime shambles as he insisted that officers should not be dealing with "hurt feelings." Chief superintendent Gordon McCreadie pointed out that if this was the case then the force needs more officers on the beat so that crime can be dealt with as well.

The new law was brought in on April 1 and led to a huge influx of complaints, with Police Scotland inundated with more than 7,000 in just the first week. The vast majority of these were not taken any further than the initial report, with only just over 200 dealt with under the legislation.

It has meant that already overworked officers need to investigate every single complaint, with overtime bills being racked up in their thousands. Concerns were also raised that it would take bobbies away from dealing with other crimes such as assault or theft.

Ch Supt McCreadie made the comments on Twitter in response to a complaint from a user that there is no longer a visible force in communities to deter criminals in the first place. He is also the local policing commander in Renfrewshire and Inverclyde and posted originally about his Friday night spent on the frontline.

He wrote: "Our response officers are one of the most important facets of policing. On Friday night I joined them and saw them tackling a range of challenging & dangerous incidents with partners, from knife carriers (below) to flat fires, missing children and bar fights.

"Being out on Friday night across Paisley, Renfrew and Johnstone absolutely affirmed the incredible and RELENTLESS work our response and community officers do protect communities. Thanks too to all our partners I saw deployed."

A social media user responded to him by airing his concerns about a lack of community policing: "Let's get back to highly visible routine patrols and community policing. Responding quickly to a call is one thing but being a visible deterrent in the first place is better."

Ch Supt McCreadie replied: "Completely agree. Something has to change though as the maths simply don't work. From what I saw and hear one of two things is needed: A) We need to stay in our lane. Prevention first and tackling crime and the upper tariff of wellbeing (not hurt feelings) B) More officers."

The number of cops in Scotland has reduced massively in recent months, despite a vow from the Scottish Government to keep them at steady levels. The Scottish Police Federation claimed that it has fallen to below 16,000, although this has been disputed by Police Scotland.

And they now need to deal with reports from people claiming that a hate crime has been committed, with advertising claiming that if you perceive this to happen, then you should report it to cops. The Scottish Tories are calling for the legislation to be repealed, and welcomed Ch Supt McCreadie's comments.

Scottish Conservative shadow justice secretary Russell Findlay MSP told the Scottish Daily Express: "Out-of-touch SNP ministers believe that everyone else is wrong in their blind defence of Humza Yousaf's hate crime law which could be scrapped. They need to start listening to the testimony of experienced officers like this who understand that effective policing involves the presence of officers in our community and a focus on tackling real crimes, not hurt feelings."

A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: "Scotland's police officers do an outstanding job to keep communities safe, with recorded crime at one of the lowest levels since 1974 and down 39% since 2006-07.

"Despite deeply challenging financial circumstances due to the UK Government settlement, our Budget for next year includes record police funding of ?1.55 billion - an increase of ?92.7 million. This enables Police Scotland to retain police numbers of around 16,500-16,600. Scotland continues to have more police officers per capita than England and Wales and higher pay ranges for officers at all ranks."