Dad/step to diamonds, Mr @MhairiEWilson
- Tweets 27,218
- Following 1,203
- Followers 10,703
- Likes 14,921
Elections fact for today: In 2015 David Cameron’s Conservatives won the UK election with a manifesto commitment to hold a Brexit Referendum. They went onto deliver on that pledge. They did so having won 36.9% of the vote.
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Norwegian independence cannot work. Overly dependent on oil, too far north, border posts will be needed to Sweden. The Banks will leave and their currency will crash and they won't be able to borrow so taxes will have to rise. A crazy idea and it just won't work.
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Scotland is richer today than any country was when they declared their independence since the war. It is not about the starting point but about the country and society we seek to create. Honesty needed about the transition required but standing still in this storm is high risk.
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An entire career devoted to public health, working round the clock during a global crisis to lead our nation’s response. A very human error of judgement made. We all do. Apologise & be forgiven. Armchair politicos pls focus energies positively. Please. Forgiveness so important.
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Those You Gov Results Tables. Scottish residents under age of 65: Independence: YES 58% NO 42%. Is everyone paying attention?
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My son, 11, is autistic. He knows better than to use conditions as an insult. UR rich. Well done. Your character & integrity are dirt poor. nitter.app/arron_banks/status/845…
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I like Michael but this is not right. @KateForbesMSP was asserting herself calmly & strongly. Never a raised voice. I saw a few men that should know better saying it last week too. Women being strong is not women shouting. I don’t like this one bit
thetimes.co.uk/article/scott…
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Spot on from @NicolaSturgeon on all fronts. Go high. Build support. Detail how it will work as we seek a return to the European Union. Build legitimacy and UK intransigence will be demonstrably illegitimate. Retain the option of legal test. Win. Win big. Make good the decision.
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I tell you what @CelticFC must be delighted they didnt get conned out of that extra few hundred grand that could have secured John McGinn after 188 senior appearances. Unlike the £3m they paid for Eboue Kouassi following his epic ten senior games at FC Krasnodar.
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Listening to the latest Scottish Conservative argument the only democratic route they will accept to a referendum is for @theSNP to win 326 of Scotland’s 56 Westminster constituencies.
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The current constitutional position of the UK Government and opposition parties would appear to be that @theSNP has to win 326 of Scotland’s 56 Westminster constituencies for their to be an independence referendum.
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This video got sent to me by Tam Cowan last night for my son. What a magic thoughtful thing to do. I can say that on twitter because Tam pretends he isn't on twitter. What a good man he is:
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For Scotland - collectively - not to be thinking, preparing and considering our best interests would be a dereliction of duty to ourselves and the next generation. This is not as good as it gets.
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Just at the SNP club. Bumped into a few scottish law lords. Singing caledonia and watching Local Hero on the telly. Totally pumped. Emptied at 730 to go canvassing. Wigs on and all. These guys are totally biased as everyone knows.
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This is a material question. If me and my pals do a march do we get prime time? More people watch Wishaw Juniors than were on this march. The average Edinburgh tram hosts more people. Should they be on the news?
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Norwegian independence will never work; too small, too remote, subsidised by Sweden and the banks will leave. As for oil & gas it will be a curse & anyway it is volatile. Oh & the beer is really expensive & with Norway outside the Customs Union the border wont work.
Very happy Constitution Day to all Norwegians from your neighbours in Scotland #ConstitutionDay #17May #Norway #Scotland 🇳🇴🏴
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The Czech Republic joined the EU nearly 15 years ago. There is no sign of them adopting the Euro. Nor Poland. Sweden joined in 1995 and while obliged under Treaty of Accession has chosen not to join the ERM II without prior referendum approval - for nearly a quarter of a century.
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Truly reprehensible behaviour that could cost the lives of people and for what? Who is behind this?
Crowds can be heard booing social distancing at today's anti-mask protest in Edinburgh
Read more here trib.al/9ngrern
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Godson Connor in flat in Motherwell with no garden and a wee boy desperate for the swimming baths. So the young batman got a surprise. They would like to apologise to the downstairs neighbours for what will inevitably ensue. "Thanks Dad" xxx (this will cheer you).
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Irish independence is a crazy idea. They can't afford it. The banks will leave and all of their trade is with the UK. I really wouldn't start from here.
Big moment for Ireland. One of the most important roles in Europe. And another Irishman (Philip Lane) is now chief economist of the European Central Bank
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Thank you to @FT for the opportunity to write about the opportunity of independence. And how to do it well. on.ft.com/3oCDEnn
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Just off the phone to my big brother who spent 40 years building a business employing 14 in Hamilton. Last night teetering. Now, hope. Massive human relief from Govt intervention tonight. Huge. people feel secure in facing a still horrific storm. May not be enough. But bravo.
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I saw footage. It's clear that he was making his way towards Mr Farage to ask a question about his childcare policy. He then slips as he leans into listen to the detailed account of parental concerns and inadvertently loses control of the milkshake. Could happen to anyone.
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The results are in. The new Parliament has the strongest mandate for an independence referendum ever. So is the UK a democracy of consent? We shall see.
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I will quit yoga if appointed Dalai Lama
Douglas Ross says he will quit refereeing if elected first minister 🤔
thenational.scot/news/187845…
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Irish independence will never work. They are completely dependent on exports to the UK, they are subsidised and run a huge deficit and anyway what currency will they use? Crazy idea.
NEW: Ireland’s economy grew 8.2% last year and even when the profits of multinationals were stripped out, GNP grew at the smaller rate of 6.5% - @CSOIreland
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Their independence from Sweden will never work. They are totally dependent on a volatile oil price, the banks will leave and there will be a border with their biggest market. Oh and they will waste their time trying to get to the South Pole. Mad. 🇳🇴
Sorry America, Norway ranks No. 1 for ‘life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness’ marketwatch.com/story/americ…
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Cannot believe they took such a crazy step. They will be doomed until doomsday to work hard, create their own future and co-operate with partners for mutual success. This will never work. Far better to continue relative decline and massive inequality.
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This completely beautiful man turns 14 tomorrow. 14 imagine that. He is a diamond of great note “more precious than rubies”. The world demeans autistic people & will not understand. We must. Someone told me i would be alone with him as a result. Thats OK with me x
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Irish independence will never work.
Ireland takes over presidency of UN Security Council rte.ie/news/world/2021/0831/…
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That is by a distance the best @theSNP manifesto I have ever seen content wise and beautifully produced. Never perfect but bravo. Lots of work has to go into that by a lot of unsung heroes. True of all the parties in this election. Thank you to them all.
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Labour has one Scottish MP.
Gordon Brown to lead a commission to settle the issue of the Union, Keir Starmer announces.
*Smart politics. Should put to bed an attack line from the Conservatives at the election that there'll be a second indy referendum if Keir Starmer needs a coalition with the SNP.
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Me and my dad, Harry. 90 today surrounded by his family who adore him. A glowing light in the lives of us all: positive, disciplined, humble, loving and funny. From Kings is where we come x
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Interesting @AndrewMarr9 show this morning. @BorisJohnson answer on referendum block rests on one remark in a campaign 6 years ago (once in generation) having greater constitutional & democratic legitimacy than a manifesto, election result & Parliamentary vote to come. Play odd.
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Sanity prevails thank goodness - it will be great to have
@mstewart_23 back on the BBC enhancing its analysis of our game. Forthright & fair is exactly what I have always found Michael to be. Good news! Friday's cup game at Easter Road should be a great one for him to return on
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The cost overrun on Crossrail is twice the size of @hmtreasury estimates in 2014 of the set up costs for an independent Scotland.
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“Brexit Britain is high risk, while taking responsibility for ourselves is much less so.No-one is suggesting it will be easy. It will take hard work, clever thinking and a clear transition plan. It will be an effort. That effort will be worth it”.
thetimes.co.uk/article/scotl…
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This a thousand times over. The behaviour is orchestrated & given permission by those who ought to know better. Lies & calumny everywhere. Schoolboy sniggers. Slights & misogyny. And yet she remains dignified & head & shoulders above her critics. Oh and the poll rating...
Read an interview with Nicola Sturgeon. Or don’t. Agree with her. Or don’t. But take your naff & misogynist wee Jimmy Krankie memes & your “boycott the press” threats and fuck right off. The comments below this tweet are honkin. This bile is shaming. It lowers all of us.
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Finland became independent from its huge neighbour and main market in 1919. If you live above the arctic circle there is a 1 in 4 chance you live in Finland. Your language is understood by few outside Finland, Estonia & Hungary.Yet independence is a success /1
Happy Independence Day! 🇫🇮
Yesterday more than 500 children from different parts of Finland celebrated our independence at the House of the Estates with the theme ‘Finland in the World and the World in Finland’. Today it is the grown-ups’ turn to celebrate.
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So sad for the wonderful @StephenGethins a superb MP and person. Hard to hold on with the Liberals up even a touch from their post coalition slump. He has a great future ahead of him though. A persuasive voice for progress and independence. He will be back.
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Canada must urgently give up its independence and become the 51st state of the USA. You cannot trade with a country you are not part of. Go figure.
82% of Scotland’s exports are to the 🇬🇧 UK and non-EU countries. The SNP’s bid to break Scotland away from the rest of the UK is perhaps not such a great idea.......🙄
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Independence would be hard work and effort — anything worth having always is. It would not be easy, but more and more Scots believe it is worth it. on.ft.com/3oCDEnn
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No I mean what I say, no active verb. No change. We would also set up a central bank immediately. It’s all in the policy detail. Very unlike you to have missed. I also believe there is nothing to stop us joining the EU in this policy. But staying as we are guarantees we are out.
By ‘retain sterling’ you mean sterlingisation. For an unspecified period. During which you would not be able to join the EU. Or set your own interest rates. Or have an independent monetary policy or central bank.
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IDEA: now would be a very good time for Scottish twitter to take a period off shouting at each other about whatever position you take on the union/independence. The crisis is global, all countries are responding. This is not a constitutional issue in any direction. At all. Behave
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63 seats decided 66 to go: so far: Record turnout. Record votes, vote share, FPTP seats for @theSNP. Lab/tories lost vote share and seats. Liberals lost vote share and 44 deposits (c70pc of seats). Remarkable for a 4th term govt.
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Rubbish. They are totally dependent on the soviet union for trade. They cant afford independence and the banks will leave. What have they got? Some timber company called Nokia and a monster in a forest. It will never work.
Good luck to our neighbours in Finland for their @EUCouncil Presidency. A sovereign and independent member of the EU about the same size as Scotland #EU2019FI - good to see climate change and rule of law on the agenda
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Tell me this isnt true? This takes the absolute biscuit. It is too funny. Can such gifts truly come from the sky?
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Feels like a good time to repeat loving advice to all independence supporters: do not engage the entrenched & partisan who are increasingly shrill. Focus on persuasion, keep composure, recognise how not to conduct oneself in watching the UK in action. Timing is everything
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Pretty surprised to see Royal Family activity briefed to Sunday papers as “pro union” tour and statements. If Kensington and Buckingham Palace has agreed to that it is a major miss-step in my humble opinion.
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The UK doesn't have a written constitution. Now at a moment of colossal crisis the unwritten constitution abetted by Erskine May (ironically which is written) is being deployed by the speaker as is his job. Crisis shines a light on the dark recesses of how any organisation works.
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With great respect the relaying of what people tell you without inserting editorial challenge and analysis has been a large part of the problem of @BBCSportsound these last few weeks. The BBC can be much better.
A chief executive of an SPFL club texted me during the show to say that Neil was informed of bullying on the day of the resolution vote. I would imagine that Neil will completely reject that.
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The whole point of the need for indyref2 is the exit of Scotland from the EU against our choice. No amount of federalism will solve that. However it creates a conversation in rUK about what the new relationships in the British Isles could be, post independence. This is overdue.
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It is incumbent on us all to care when anyone speaks in such terms especially a woman @BBCsarahsmith is a great professional whom I have known for almost 3 decades. She is independent of party or constitutional position. The culture of politics does need civilised & on all sides.
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And despite the barrage of criticism he received over the years he still felt able to write this. BRAVO. More consideration should be given to making it easier for people by gently persuading rather than hollering disdain.
Exclusive: The editor behind ‘The Vow’ in 2014 supports independence for Scotland
thetimes.co.uk/article/60fc7…
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One more time dear pals: do NOT waste time, energy and spirit engaging with the entrenched and partisan. Focus on the circa 20pc of persuadable. Always.
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My Harry, H1, first of his ilk. 16th birthday dinner at the sumptuous @TheWitcheryEdin of his choosing. This day I shall never forget. Love this young man x
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Suggestion for independence campaigners: dont engage the hard pro-union voices who are entrenched, angry and, well, on edge. The potentially persuadable arent watching for clues. Focus laser like on the winnable.
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Farcical decision by Bobby Madden. Two pens to Rangers neither strong but second just ludicrous. 2 clear penalties for us denied. Was ever thus.
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Once again Powell cuts to the core of the whole sorry sham. Oh to have adults like him in the actual room.
“It is not a serious proposal and presumably what they’re doing is simply trying to avoid a deal to get to no-deal.”
Former Northern Ireland negotiator Jonathan Powell says the PM’s Brexit offer is a political strategy to enable a no-deal Brexit
#Newsnight
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We get that @ClareFoges doesn't like @NicolaSturgeon for partisan reasons. However when writing an analysis for a paper of the stature of @thetimes it would be an idea to spend a bit of time trying to understand the detail, nuances and dynamics at play.
thetimes.co.uk/article/nicol…
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No it hasnt. This is extremely silly. The South East has boomed and everywhere else has not. This is the most unequal economic performance in the developed world. Try engaging party policy brain in what to do about that. Heseltine did. What do you guys actually think?
Scotland’s economy has continually struggled in comparison to the rest of the UK, year after year.
The economy in the rest of the UK has been growing at almost twice the rate of Scotland under the SNP.
express.co.uk/news/uk/117972…
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Good morning I missed all this last evening apologies. @theSNP policy on this set out in great detail and passed at Spring conference in April 2019. In short - retain sterling as at present until conditions met to create own currency when in balance of our economic interests.
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This is exactly the point that makes the Gove, Sunak defence ('not a crime to care for family') so wrong. What does it say to Colin and the millions like him who did what was right? The message from the top is now that we should all just exercise our own judgement by our family.
New Govt advice “It’s about doing the right thing”. Kicking myself now that as a family we let my Dad die alone. 😡😡😡
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In fact total cost of living & tax & quality of life makes Scotland the BEST part of the UK to live. That should be our message, all of us.
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His party implemented a Brexit referendum on the back of 36.9% of the vote in the UK general election & 14.9% in Scotland. It seems the UK constitution places more importance on a line in a TV debate than on an election & a manifesto mandate.
Alister Jack says these are the conditions for another independence referendum.
1: A generation (which he defines as 25 years) must have passed and,
2: 60% support for a referendum sustained over 12 months and,
3: 60% support for independence sustained over 12 months.
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So @BBCSportsound idea of balance is to bring on an extremist right wing politician. Nice work. We do not need our game to be a tool in Northern Irish politics.
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Thank you to all for such a flood of goodwill and engagement. I am interested in the wall of criticism from the entrenched and partisan and will be so keen to engage when an alternative prospectus is set out. That would be an actual debate. #GrowthCommision
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Outstanding #SNP19 capped by the best political leader’s speech you will hear in these islands, easily. A choice is coming between a case for the UK which has evaporated and an honest prospectus for Scotland’s independence that is compelling. Hard work. Effort. Worth it.
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History is going to credit the strength of FM integrity and character. She has stuck to her position and the national interest. Even when it hurt. That others actively campaign for self harm will also be judged by history.
Early start @GLA_Airport. Heading to London to make #Brexit speech @theRSAorg. As talks reach impasse in Brussels, @scotgov will continue to exhaust all possibilities for compromise and common sense. Staying in single market/customs union only credible Brexit option for UK.
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From a Scottish perspective the governance of @BBCScotland and @Ofcom Scotland has just become a very significant issue.
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In the tables: 70% of under 45 year olds and 64% of under 55's now in favour of independence.
How the Scottish Parliament might shape up if the new @STVNews / @IpsosMORIScot poll is replicated at the ballot boxes on May 6: bit.ly/3cYGUap
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The case against the economics of independence now amounts to: “all aboard the Titanic everyone, no matter what happens it is just too hard for it to be any other way. Scotland is unlike every other country”
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This wee lamb is my best man Hamish. Told me today how he led an assembly at school all about autism which is brother has. One of his fellow pupils talked about her own difference. All about understanding each other. So proud of him.
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Magnificent interview with @Dieter_Helm by @BBCGaryR on @BBCScotland just there. Listen back. “Scotland has outstanding natural capital on its balance sheet, measure it and manage it sustainably”. Rationale and clear thinking and ambition. Bravo.
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The latest polling by Survation on independence is remarkable. Those aged over 55 & over 33% forYES 67% NO. For those aged under 55: 57% YES and 43% NO. This generational gap is a material issue for those who care about our country. We - all of us - need to talk about the future
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Michael Forsyth. Pro poll tax. Anti Scottish Parliament. Anti Europe. Unelected. Thatcherite. We should hear more from him. @bbcquestiontime
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When oh when is @JohnSwinney and the Scottish “education system” going to teach my kids not to put empty packs back in the cupboard/fridge? Eh ? Eh?
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Good morning. This about Prof Duncan MacLennan is hugely significant for @theSNP & the independence case.
thetimes.co.uk/article/senio…
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Everyone is feeling pressure today. More than yesterday and no wonder given all. My wee clan too. Shout though for my ASD son whose urge for structure has made him a titan. Every day 0730 bed made, showered and pristine. Dog walked. Nan would be so proud. I am. In spades x
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If we only counted those 'born in Scotland' as Lord F suggests here in the 2014 vote, Scotland would already be independent. We didn't because it is about where u choose to make your life not where ur born that matters in a civic democracy. Should Boris vote for the US President?
“If they do have that referendum that’s something that everybody who was born in Scotland and has eligibility to be in the Scottish state, should have a right to have a say”
Tory Lord Finkelstein on new Scottish independence referendum
#politicslive bbc.in/2Z00oUq
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Interesting: Emily Gray MD of Ipsos Mori Scotland: “the leaders of Britain’s biggest businesses are relatively relaxed about the potential implications of Scottish independence for their companies, viewing it as something they will adapt to if necessary.” thetimes.co.uk/edition/scotl…
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For those not watching: the tory government took £750m out of BBC budget and asked them to fund over75 licenses which they committed to in their election manifesto. The BBC have - for reasons i struggle to follow - agreed to take the hit for not doing. This is a tory choice.
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Messages from all across the country and in many different communities are hugely encouraging. People are engaging and thinking and talking about how we navigate the way ahead. Debate elevated from the trenches. Which is great. #GrowthCommision
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Oh and here is another remarkably positive piece in another globally renowned newspaper on the economics of independence. Have you ever seen this before? #GrowthCommission
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David Cameron put a Brexit Referendum Bill having won 36.8% of the vote at a UK level, 14.9% in Scotland. If that doesn’t highlight a problem for any reasonable person……
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It seems self evident I know, but for all who wish Scotland to be an independent country the focus must be on reasoned persuasion of those who are unconvinced, together with respectful understanding of those who feel they never will be.
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Chris used to work with Mr Johnson as his editor. This affords his point of view more than a degree of credibility.
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Oh my goodness what a monumental error of judgement. On so many levels this is a mistake. This will only focus attention on the governance of such a decision. And a cursory look does not reflect well.
@BBCScotland I understand that you have decided to cease broadcasting the FM Covid19 briefings, however I cannot find the reason. Can you provide it please?
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Just reflecting on where the world is. I dont think the case for Scotland and our independence has ever been in a better position. It is extraordinarily exciting. But with this opportunity comes the responsibility to listen, persuade and win. Game on!
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I joined @theSNP when I was 16 - 34 years ago. I was politicised by CND then the steel and poll tax campaigns. They were all things done to Scotland and unfair democratically because of a Westminster “supermajority” for the Tories for decades. Supermajorities are anti-democratic.
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