Just a quick note to let you know that I've written today's online-only 'National Extra' piece, about how wonderfully convenient it is that the extension of furlough suddenly became possible when the south of England faced lockdown. You can read it HERE.
I'm glad Nicola Sturgeon made public comments stating that she hopes that the same financial gestures are extended to Scotland should we need to go into a lockdown later, and England doesn't
ReplyDeleteAdding that ,do we only benefit when it's England's time of need
If Scotland doesn't get the same help in its time of need, then I hope that her comments resound with those people that still think the UK is a fair Union and that this can be another one of those stark awakening moments for what is the now minority
I think even Dougie Ross realises the power of that argument, which is why he's backing Nicola's position.
ReplyDeleteIf some scottish small businesses are frustrated at the 5 tier system in Scotland they sure as hell should be treated the same as in England if we go into lockdown.
Our system seems to be working and keeps people in work.
In England it's - wait a month then follow the science. Madness on stilts. No way to run a country...
Striking how obviously and obliviously 'imperial'the management of furlough has become. The Westminster cabal simply cannot find it in themselves to see the other three nations, or even the north of England, as equal priorities to the south. Union - what union ?
ReplyDeleteI doubt anyone in the UK has missed the 'SE English lives and jobs first' of the magic return to furlough.
DeleteThe magic money tree exists for everyone south of the Watford gap.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-54766012
Covid: Furlough backlash amid Welsh firebreak snub claims
The way Wales has been treated over cash for jobs during its firebreak compared to England is "not fair at all", says its first minister.
Mark Drakeford said requests to boost wage subsidies when a national lockdown was introduced in Wales were repeatedly turned down by the UK Treasury.
In October, the UK government paid up to 60% of furlough pay - including in the first week of the Wales firebreak.
It will now rise back to 80% across the UK as England's lockdown begins...
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-54769232
DeleteCovid lockdown: 'North worth less than South' mayor claims
Increased furlough payments for the national Covid lockdown shows the government "believes the North is worth less than the South", Liverpool's metro mayor has claimed.
Boris Johnson announced workers would receive 80% of their wages if businesses close during a four-week lockdown in England from Thursday.
Only 67% of pay was offered during tier three closures in the north of England...
£1 spent in Croydon is worth more than £1spend Strathclyde.
Delete£1 [of Scots tax] spent in Croydon is worth more...
DeleteAn explanation of the Croydon/Strathclyde reference:
Deletehttps://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.businessforscotland.com/the-croydon-principle-how-westminster-secretly-sends-scotlands-budget-south/&ved=2ahUKEwjT1dL4zuPsAhWPRxUIHTtoC9YQFjAFegQIBRAB&usg=AOvVaw2QmlZ888uxMXPO_ycPJxRv
Not sure I need to read the explanation. What is said to me. If your in poverty you will remain in poverty because our priority is only one part of the country.
DeleteIt's really not looking good for UKOK.
Delete'UKFurlough support will only be made available when England needs it; Scottish, Welsh and NI lives / jobs just don't matter!' continues to be the message coming out of No. 10.
This is going to spell the death knell for the UK unless Johnson changes tack. Not just Scotland, but Irish reunification and even Welsh indy.
Dougie Ross kens it.
For those SNP members thinking of voting for Craig Murray I did like this tweet of his from 4/4.
ReplyDelete"What people forget about King Augeas is that he built superb stables. Huge and well constructed. Once Hercules removed the excrement, they were magnificent again.
Just like the SNP. It's sound as a bell. We just need to cart some s**t out that tried to fit up Alex."
I couldn't agree more.
Boris's answer to Douglas Ross in Westminster over furlough is the most obvious set-up since Ross's denouncing of Dominic Cummings's away day trip to Durham.
ReplyDeleteLooks like it backfired though as most
TV pundits seem "unconvinced", Ditto the rest of us.
The USA election is today. It reminds me of when we used to vote on Tuesday for the local government elections.
ReplyDeletehttps://electoral-vote.com/
Joe Biden335 Donald Trump203
ReplyDeleteMy prediction
1. It is off said by Gradualists that Sturgeon doesn't just want to hold a referendum she wants to win it.
ReplyDelete2. It is oft said by the same people that we need to make sure the polls are consistently demonstrating a solid majority for independence, say 60%, before having a referendum.
That being the case why did Sturgeon ask Johnson for the sec 30 after the Dec 2019 GE victory? Neither 1 or 2 above were in place.
The answer is that there is no plan just excuses to avoid a referendum
That is so disheartening. People in America can clearly see what this man is and they went out and voted for him in such numbers. We all doomed what a despicable human race
ReplyDelete