Shona Robison portrays Alister Jack's intervention as if it was an outrage. The reality, of course, is that Jack has acted entirely within the law. So, it is not Jack's intervention that is outrageous but the law which permits it. Under Section 35 of the Scotland Act 1998, the Secretary of State for Scotland needs … Continue reading What are you prepared to do?
Invoking Section 35 isn't so much a new and shocking development as merely the latest phase in a process which was foreseen a decade ago and more. It has been evident since 2007 that the British state regards devolution as a failed experiment. What was supposed to kill the SNP 'stone dead' had instead empowered … Continue reading As it was, so shall it be
There's a bit of a tussle going on following the British Conservative & Unionist Party in Scotland (BCUPS) conference as two of their 'big-hitters' vie for the award for the most interesting thing said. Neither of them is Boris Johnson, who I suspect only bothered to turn up at the event because his job requires … Continue reading A question of ownership
When I read of Mhairi Black's letter to Alister "Union" Jack suggesting - nay insisting - that he devote himself to Scotland and Scotland's interests rather than the British state and the interests of the British ruling elite, my first thought was that it is a very foolish demand. A bit like ordering the leopard … Continue reading For Scotland?
I detest Alister Jack. More even than Boris Johnson, Jack epitomises - to my mind at least - all that is vile about British Nationalism in Scotland. Boris is the enemy at the gate. Jack is the worm-tongued agent of that enemy within the walls. There is a certain character type - someone who will … Continue reading A wolf in wolf’s clothing
Rather than the now routine outrage at some British politician's lies it might have been more interesting and thought-provoking to consider why this phrase is being so enthusiastically weaponised by the British political elite and their lackeys in the British media.
The combination of Boris Johnson and Don Cummings may be revolting, but it is revoltingly successful.
This being a political appointment the normal rules probably don't apply to the task of selecting someone to fill the role of Secretary of State for Scotland. Or, at least, not to the same extent. Usually, one would first define the role in order that a set of criteria could be established. This must still … Continue reading A vacancy for vacant
It is becoming clearer by the day why Alister "Union" Jack was chosen to replace David "Fluffy" Mundell. The latter is a functionary. Dull, plodding, unimaginative, but mindlessly loyal and unthinkingly obedient. He could be relied upon to do his masters' bidding dutifully and with mechanical efficiency. The ideal person to manage the setting-up of … Continue reading The right man for the job
The metamorphosis of the old Scottish Office is not yet complete. It will soon emerge as an unelected shadow administration accountable, not to Scotland's voters, but solely to the British executive. A British government department to govern a British territory in the interests of the British ruling elite.
Peter A Bell 