The SNP could still gain “independence by the back door” through an “ultra extreme” form of devolution in a post-election deal, Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie will say tonight.Peter A Bell's insight:Willie Rennie is known as someone who is a considerable way short of being the brightest bulb on the Christmas tree. But, continuing the … Continue reading Lib Dems: SNP could gain independence by back door

A MAJOR summit on devolution to UK cities will take place in Glasgow next month, it has been announced.Peter A Bell's insight:If we were not already justifiably wary of the new-found enthusiasm for localism among British politicians then Gordon Matheson’s ill-judged remarks should serve as a warning. Unable to conceal his hatred of the Scottish … Continue reading Major city devolution summit to be held in Glasgow

THE Scottish Government’s huge £444m underspend is an absurd waste of resource and opportunity, writes Brian Wilson.Peter A Bell's insight:If I repeatedly remark on the eagerness of British nationalist fanatics such as Brian Wilson to make fools of themselves in the name of defending the ruling elites of the British state it is only because … Continue reading Brian Wilson: SNP government underspend is a waste

THE SCOTTISH Government has come under fire after appearing to rule out the publication of any fresh oil forecasts in the near future as the crisis continues to engulf the industry.Peter A Bell's insight:This is infantile stuff from the British parties. Forecasting oil prices and revenues is fraught with problems at the best of times. … Continue reading Oil crisis: SNP under fire over forecasts refusal

THE Scottish Government ended last year with a record underspend, despite repeated complaints from the SNP administration about Westminster austerity cuts squeezing its budget.Peter A Bell's insight:This article certainly raises questions. Principally, why does The Herald feel the need to take a very trivial piece of information about the Scottish Government’s finances and spin it … Continue reading Scottish Government in record £444m underspend

RUTH Davidson has said the idea that Alex Salmond might be the UK’s next deputy prime minister “scares the bejesus out of me”.Peter A Bell's insight:The British parties in Scotland really are a disaster zone. Why is Ruth Davidson talking about British Labour forming the next UK Government, with or without SNP support? Why is … Continue reading Salmond as Deputy PM? That scares the bejesus out of me, says Ruth Davidson

The Scottish Nationalists have been accused of ignoring the independence referendum result after a senior SNP MSP described as “insensitive” plans to put the Union flag on new UK driving licences.Peter A Bell's insight:How is it possible to see this move by the UK Government as anything other than, at best, insensitive and, at worst, … Continue reading SNP attacks ‘insensitive’ Union flag on UK driving licence – Telegraph

"Even people as self-important as Alex Salmond have to win over the electorate," said the deputy prime minister.Peter A Bell's insight:Nick Clegg just called over 90,000 SNP members (more than the LibDems in the whole UK) and somewhere in the region of 45% of the electorate in Scotland a “ragtag mob”. Does he really think … Continue reading Nick Clegg Pledges To Stop Alex Salmond And His "Ragtag Mob Of Nationalists"

Labour MPs, English Tories and Ukip have attacked Scottish Labour leader Jim Murphy’s plan to pay for 1,000 extra nurses through taxes on mansions south of the Border.Peter A Bell's insight:I really do wish people would stop referring to Murphy’s “1000 nurse” thing as a “plan”. The term implies that the matter was given significant … Continue reading Labour MPs join English Tories and Ukip to attack Murphy’s nurse plan

Labour’s “vindictive” plan to tax London millionaires to pay for nurses in Scotland will set one part of the country against another and create resentment, Boris Johnson has claimed.Peter A Bell's insight:It is difficult to tell who are the biggest idiots here. British Labour in Scotland for coming up with such a totally incoherent “policy”. … Continue reading Johnson: Labour’s vindictive plan to pay for nurses with mansion tax funds will set one part of UK against another