If you liked the bedroom tax you'll LOVE the next coalition

Wednesday, 08 May 2013 22:48

6 Comments

By Ken Ferguson

The sweeping gains by the "fruitcakes" of UKIP - which we look at elsewhere in this Voice - throws a harsh spotlight on the growing chasm between the politics of England and Scotland.

Bluntly put, in the mainstream of Westminster's largely English-based politics, the dominant trend is moving policies increasingly to the hard right backed by shrill campaigns - often racist - in the tabloid press, which in turn set the tone of the debate.

Scotland Inspires Me

Wednesday, 08 May 2013 21:51

5 Comments

By Gordon S. Kerman

I had heard about Scotland all my life, growing up in a Canadian family with a Scottish mum, whom I call M. Before leaving Canada I travelled the length and breadth of it, from British Columbia to Nova Scotia and Dawson City, Yukon Territories to the border of the United States and beyond.

My first holiday in Scotland was in August 1995 for a two-week period. I was immediately taken by how different and beautiful the country was in comparison to Canada.

Independence is the key to unlocking Scottish business potential

Tuesday, 07 May 2013 20:42

2 Comments

By Kenneth Anderson

Scotland still has vast business and economic potential, that remains untapped. Despite the negativity of the No campaign there is no doubt we are fortunate to live in a country amongst the wealthiest on the planet.

This wealth derives not just from oil and gas, but from a diverse range of sectors including renewables, tourism, food and drink, engineering, our Universities, life sciences and financial services such as asset management and insurance.

Dr Who is Frances Barber?

Tuesday, 07 May 2013 17:27

9 Comments

By Natalie McGarry

Last year I had perhaps the most baffling Twitter interlude of my 4 year presence on that site: an apparently well respected actress, Frances Barber, told me to "F*ck off and die". Clearly something precipitated this, otherwise why would a celebrated luvvie react with such vitriol?

Frances Barber – in her bio – is, or was, a Labour Party member. She is also pro-union. So, what was I guilty of which provoked her very offensive response? I must have tweeted something pretty abhorrent, right? Here is the exchange, you decide:

The UK must find constitutional equilibrium to survive

Monday, 06 May 2013 22:56

3 Comments

By Mark McNaught

The Edinburgh accords were signed in October 2012, giving legal sanction to the Scottish referendum. The result is that both sides are bound by law to respect the will of the Scottish people and work to enact the result in good faith.

David Cameron promised that in the event of a ‘no’ vote, more powers would be devolved to Scotland, and additional powers to Wales and Northern Ireland. Since then, Westminster has refused to grant further taxing powers to Northern Ireland, and Wales is awaiting news of what further powers could be devolved to their parliament.