LABOUR HYPOCRISY DESERVES DEFEAT IN GLASGOW EAST

by Joe Middleton

One begins to wonder just how stupid the Labour party think the electors of Glasgow East are. Are they really expected to swallow the enormous lie that Labour are still socialists despite the fact that Labour's every move in Government has been designed to appeal to traditional Conservative voters?

The SNP's John Mason said there was little difference between Gordon Brown and Mrs Thatcher, given the idolisation of the latter by the former this is a statement of simple fact. The Labour party try and translate this into the SNP being Conservative supporters. One can't accuse them of originality since they have been attempting to stick the SNP with a Tartan Tory Tag since the 1970's.

Their other big idea is that the SNP are extremist nationalists. Why? Because the SNP believe in full self determination for the people of Scotland. Wait a minute aren't the Labour party also nationalists? Are they not absolutely desperate to maintain the British union? British nationalists are still nationalists they just think it's OK for their countrymen to be outvoted 10-1 at Westminster, probably because their parties are all completely controlled from inside the city of London.

Mason's support for independence (which is the same as every other member of the SNP) makes him supposedly a 'hard liner' ie an extremist. No, he's not a member of the IRA or the BNP but he might decide to keep campaigning for independence after an unsuccessful referendum. What a shock!

Yes, everyone no doubt imagined the SNP would just give up if a future referendum failed didn't they, after all didn't the devolutionists do just that when Labour swindled Scotland out of devolution despite a vote in favour in 1979?

The only policies the SNP have co-operated with the Conservatives on have been those previously contained in the SNP manifesto. Labour on the other hand have destroyed the principle of free education by introducing student loans and tuition fees and voting against the latter's removal. They are in the process of creating a new internment for potential islamic terrorists and have already realised plans to snoop on every person's individual correspondence and telephone conversations.

Pointless ID cards, part privatisation of the NHS in England, new nuclear power stations and most importantly wasting billions on new nuclear weapons show exactly where Labour's loyalies lie and it is not towards their former working class supporters. Their support for the discredited Council tax over a system based on ability to pay and their removal of the 10 pence tax band proved that Labour could not care less about the poor, unless of course they are in a by-election in Glasgow and then they pretend they are redder than John MacLean.

I'm sorry but it just won't wash. Labour should expect to pay the logical price for their hypocrisy on the 24th of July. If they however survive and their gaffe prone candidate becomes their new Scottish leader then don't expect the SNP to lose any sleep. The bitter illogical rubbish which has been generated by this campaign will not sustain any serious politician and will certainly provide no serious threat to Alex Salmond.

GLASGOW EAST BY-ELECTION CAMPAIGN SHIFTS UP A GEAR AS POLLS SHOW GAP CLOSING FAST BETWEEN SNP AND LABOUR

While most recent polls show Labour in the lead they also show that the SNP's candidate John Mason is closing the gap. Huge amounts of SNP activists are travelling through to Glasgow every day. If people wish to contribute financially to the SNP's campaign they should visit the SNP's website www.snp.org

Glasgow East Political Analysis:

Labour's decision to hold a crucial by-election during the traditional Glasgow holiday shows that they prefer to have elections without any candidates and even without any voters if it suits their purposes. If you don't want to be disenfranchised and live in Glasgow East the SNP have recommended that you should get a postal vote.

Labour's Margaret Curran strongly attacked Alex Salmond for serving in two parliaments. No doubt they had a fair point at the time (though no doubt like Ian Paisley FM Salmond finds it handy to make the occasional visit to Westminster) but it seems a tad hypocritical that they are now rushing to do the same thing after all the genuinely local candidates ran for the hills.

Labour's own internal rules didn't allow dual roles. That is until they had an emergency meeting of their NEC and changed them. Suddenly it's quite OK to spend time in both parliaments, no doubt it will be a positive advantage by the end of the campaign.

Of course the media are taking their usual impartial stance with their coverage heavily in favour of Labour and constant pictures of Ms Curran (though given her miserable coupon that might not be the best idea!). During the proposed TV debate however I think we will see the true nature of Labour and their unionism. We got a taster with their other Glasgow MSP suddenly welcoming a 7 day festival devoted to the Orange Order. Great! Unless you are a Catholic or simply not a bigot.

Of course these issues are not crucial but they tend to suggest Labour will do anything to get re-elected. Luckily it's not up to them but to Glasgow's voters. The only fundamental question in this by election for those voters is: 'Are you happy with what Labour have done with your area and their conversion via New Labour to a pseudo Conservative party?'

If not, then they have nothing to lose by kicking Labour where it hurts on the 27th July. Why not give the Scottish party a chance? Why shouldn't Scotland run our own affairs? Labour have never explained what makes us uniquely incompetent among the peoples of the world in this area.

With independence we could revitalise Scotland, we certainly couldn't do any worse than the UK Labour Government which will soon be returning to the usual shade of Tory blue.

Of course it's that nice Mr Cameron, not the nasty Mrs Thatcher. Er no, not any more he isn't. In this by-election Cameron decided to turn extremely nasty and had a kick at the poor, and just for good measure, fat people! Saying that they deserve all they get. Don't help, just ignore them. The Tories have always blamed the poor and praised the rich but to pop up and spit on the locals is pretty unusual behaviour for a party which are supposedly campaigning for votes!

Then again it's not any real surprise because just like Labour the Tories only care about that bit of Britain where the most votes are, and it's not Scotland. That's why in a parliament in London where we are outvoted 10 to 1 the only sensible thing to do is to leave it but before then we need MP's who put Scotland's interests first.

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WENDY ALEXANDER QUITS - NEW HEADACHES FOR UK LEADER GORDON BROWN

"It wisnae me - it's aw' the SNP's fault" commented Ms Alexander.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown received a fresh blow to his leadership Saturday after the head of his Labour Party in Scotland, Wendy Alexander, resigned in a row over donations. Alexander, who was suspended from the Scottish parliament Thursday for a day for failing to declare donations to her leadership campaign last year, said the issue had become a "distraction" from serious politics in Scotland.

The move came the day after Labour was pushed into fifth place in a by-election in Henley, behind fringe parties like the far-right British National Party, on the first anniversary of Brown taking over as premier from Tony Blair. A string of recent opinion polls suggest that Labour faces defeat at the next general election, which must take place by mid-2010.

The latest telephone poll by ComRes in Saturday's Independent newspaper gave the main opposition Conservatives, led by David Cameron, 46 percent of voters' support compared with 25 percent for Labour. The poll surveyed a sampling of 1,007 people and was conducted this week. Lord Michael Levy, Labour's fundraiser under Blair, said Friday the party should "seriously consider" getting rid of Brown, while backbench lawmaker Ronnie Campbell reportedly branded the leader "a loser".

There are more by-election worries ahead after Labour lawmaker David Marshall announced Saturday he was quitting the House of Commons because of ill-health, which will force a poll in Glasgow, Scotland. And Scottish Labour now faces a leadership contest in the coming months which leaves it in flux as it battles the pro-independence policies of the Scottish National Party (SNP) which is in power in Edinburgh.

Alexander is the sister of one of Brown's closest allies, International Development Secretary Douglas Alexander. She took over as Labour's leader in Scotland last year, soon after the SNP led by Alex Salmond took power in the devolved Scottish government on a platform of full independence from England.

Last month, Wendy Alexander broke with Brown's position on how to tackle the nationalist threat by urging a referendum on the issue before 2010. The SNP wants a referendum in the second half of that year. Brown, a Scot who is strongly opposed to Scottish independence, has long rejected the idea of a popular vote on the issue. He pointedly refused to support Alexander's call in public and was reportedly furious with her in private.

Following her resignation announcement after just nine months in office, the prime minister praised Alexander's "commitment to devolution" and said she would be "greatly missed". But Salmond's deputy as first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, said Alexander's departure highlighted wider problems within Labour.

"Decay from within is characteristic of the decline of the New Labour project, and Wendy Alexander's resignation is a symptom of this wider malaise," she said.

MCCONNELL URGED TO QUIT HOLYROOD - BY ELECTION LOOMS FOR LABOUR

Scotland's former first minister has been urged to quit as an MSP in order to take up his new diplomatic job. MPs said it would be "unsatisfactory" for Jack McConnell to stay at Holyrood while preparing to become British High Commissioner to Malawi.

Mr McConnell said the arrangements were a matter for the Foreign Office. He quit as Scottish Labour's leader after the SNP's election win last May. The Commons foreign affairs committee urged the Foreign Office to resolve the situation "swiftly" by announcing a start date for the new job within the first half of next year - meaning Mr McConnell would have to stand down as an MSP, triggering a by-election.

But he has so far shown no sign of quitting Motherwell and Wishaw - where his majority at the last Holyrood election was cut to 5,938 with a 6.9% swing from Labour to the SNP.

DOT-SCO CAMPAIGN SUCCEEDS - SNP GOVERNMENT TO GET NEW SCOTTISH DOMAIN NAME

SNP ministers are to press ahead with plans to ditch the “.uk” at the end of internet addresses for the Scottish Government and replace it with “.sco”.

Details of the switchover are set to be finalised by the end of the year and to go ahead in 2009 after internet regulators agreed to a shake-up of web-naming rules. The web address will change from  www.scotland.gov.uk to www.scotland.gov.sco.

This has been a long standing political campaign and the Scottish Independence Guide congratulates it on its imminent success.

BASQUE REFERENDUM BILL APPROVED

The Basque Government has voted in favour of a referendum bill introduced by Basque President Juan José Ibarretxe last month.

A majority of just one was enough to give the President the power to hold the first part of a referendum on 25th October 2008. The referendum will ask two questions, the first of which will ask if people are in favour of a "negotiated solution' to the ETA 'conflict' if thearmed group end its violence. The second question, which will be put to a second referendum asks if all Basque political parties should work toward an agreement on what it calls the Basques 'right to decide their future'.

The Bill was passed by 34 votes to 33, with 7 abstentions and one non attendance. The one vote deciding vote came from the Basque Communist Party (Euskal Herrialdeetako Alderdi Komunista - EHAK). The EHAK decided last week to give their limited support to the bill, despite having been given the cold shoulder by Ibarretxe earlier on in the year when their party was looking at a possible ban by the Spanish state.

However, the referendum bill has not been without its critics. Inside the Basque socialist/nationalist movement the bill has been criticized, among other things, for not going far enough, being too complicated and only applying to the three out of the historical seven provinces the Basque Country - Biscay, Alava, and Gipuzkoa. Labourd, Lower Navarre, Soule (in the state of France) and Navarre (now an autonomous region in the state of Spain), will not be included in the referendum vote.

The bill has also been heavily criticised by Basque socialist party (PSE-EE) and the Spanish controlled Popular Party (PP). The PSE-EE has said repeatedly that if the bill was passed by the Basque Government, they would seek a court order to prevent the referendum going ahead on the argument that the bill is unconstitutional. Ibarretxe has said in the past that he wants a future Basque country 'freely associated' with Spain, with its own separate legal system and European Union representation.

In 2005 the Spanish Foreign Policy Minister said that this could not happen under an EU Constitution – perhaps one of the reasons why the Spanish Government are still so eager to push forward the Lisbon Treaty, despite the Irish NO vote.

IRELAND REJECTS EU REFORM TREATY

Ireland has rejected the EU reform treaty in a referendum. The decision places massive doubt over the future of the pact designed to bring more European integration.

All 27 European member states have to ratify the treaty for it to go come into force next year. So far it has been approved by 18 members including Britain, but Ireland is the only country to put it to a public vote.

The leaders of the 26 other member states watched with dismay as Ireland voted “no”, a decision that will inevitably lead to much infighting and bickering across Europe.

Despite benefiting from £32 billion in European Grants in recent years, a low turn-out (45 per cent) of the Irish electorate discarded the Treaty, designed to streamline the EU.

The outcome was triumph for a highly-effective No Campaign masterminded by the Libertas group led by the multimillionaire Declan Ganley.

Libertas argued that the Treaty would undermine Ireland’s influence in Europe, would open the door to interference in taxation and enshrine EU law above Irish law.

LONDON CALLING! CONFUSION NOW REIGNS OVER WHETHER LABOUR WILL SUPPORT 2010 REFERENDUM

Gordon Brown, Labour Prime Minister appears to have stamped on Wendy Alexander's calls for a referendum. Alexander said categorically that Labour would not vote down a referendum on independence however suddenly they're not so sure.

Let's be clear about this the British Government DOES NOT support the sovereign right of the Scottish people to choose independence. The proof is here: www.independence1st.com/comment/not_acceptable.shtml

Up till recently it seemed that the Scottish branches of Labour, Tories and Lib Dems didn't either because all refused to countenance a referendum on independence and yet this is the only point of genuine conflict. Scottish Labour (if there is such a beast) in the shape of Wendy Alexander seemed to have changed their tune for a brief moment but they have rapidly returned to form.

The only way to guarantee as much power as the parliament requires is by voting for independence. Those who oppose that choice don't support the sovereign right of the Scottish people to decide their own destiny and as such don't deserve one vote in Scotland.

LABOUR IN SHOCK AS WENDY SUPPORTS INDEPENDENCE REFERENDUM

Perhaps the most interesting development in Scottish politics since the SNP's win at the last Scottish elections, Wendy Alexander has left her whole party open mouthed as she declared at the weekend that she now favoured giving the Scottish people a choice on independence and that the SNP should 'Bring it On'.

This of course flatly contradicts everything Labour have said recently though MS Alexander did hint something of the sort in September last year. Nicol Stephen's Liberal Democrats will be sick as the proverbial parrot. After all, this was the only reason they rejected a coalition with the SNP and yet now their old pals having involved them in a commission which specifically rules out independence, are now saying that not only is independence an option but they are quite happy to put it to a vote.

Wendy appears to believe that she can win a referendum if it is held early before the SNP have finished their national conversation. She is right to be worried about the conversation as the SNP are now moving swiftly in on Labour territory, the latest body to discuss the conversation, the Church of Scotland, after Alex Salmond got a rousing reception from the STUC conference and after that body actually subsequently backed a referendum on independence.

However I can't see Wendy's strategy as likely to work. The SNP are not going to adjust their timetable to suit her. Her erstwhile friends in the British Unionist Movement, the Tories and Liberal Democrats are bound to feel betrayed after she has left them out on a limb as the only parties now opposing the concept of Scottish popular sovereignty. How can her commission justify excluding independence when she now says the people must consider it and vote for or against it? In these circumstances I can't see them voting for a snap vote.

If Wendy decided to ask the precise question the Scottish Government wants answered then she could find her bluff called. The SNP have the cash to fight a campaign and they have never been better prepared. They are riding extremely high in the polls, though of course they believe they can go even higher once they reach even further into civil society. Still they might be tempted.

However I think they will want to hold a referendum at the most opportune time and they can easily say that their conversation with the people is not over, a democratic and entirely sensible stance. Given Wendy's new stance she cannot now seriously oppose the referendum bill in 2010.

This means that the papers can now no longer claim that there is no realistic chance of a referendum in this parliament. Now it could happen at any time as the numbers are now there to get a vote through. Is this a desperate ploy by Wendy? The Scotsman reports: One Labour MP asked if Ms Alexander "was off her head", adding: "What is she thinking?"

A source close to Gordon Brown, the Prime Minister said: "We have no plans to initiate a referendum. If the Labour Party in Scotland wants to take a position, that's a matter for them" which indicates that Wendy didn't clear her plans with her main ally first, and therefore there will be no help from Westminster to have a rigged '79 style referendum.

Normal powers versus the usual scaremongering from Labour? Independence versus dependence? Whenever the referendum is held I believe the logical case for independence will win.

BBC LEAVES SCOTS 'POORLY INFORMED'

Scottish television audiences are poorly informed and have a skewed perspective on events in their own country because of a failure by the national BBC news programmes to provide coverage of events outside England.

The verdict, a key finding of a major report commissioned by the BBC Trust, is said to have senior BBC figures "quaking in their boots".

The study, entitled "Accuracy and impartiality in coverage of the four nations", was produced by Professor Anthony King from Essex University. King's brief was to find out how well informed viewers are about the operations of the UK's several devolved administrations.

Senior academics found that a lack of Scottish, Welsh or Northern Irish stories in the UK network news left audiences with a skewed perspective on events in their own countries.

SNP MP Pete Wishart MP said the report confirms that Scottish people are 'poorly served by BBC news'.

“BBC news and current affairs services are increasingly irrelevant and at times misleading," hew said.

“The BBC have failed to keep pace with Scotland’s evolving political and cultural life and are failing to properly reflect the everyday experience of ordinary Scots. Professor King’s report finds a lack of Scottish stories leaving a “skewed” perspective of events in Scotland and this now has to be addressed.

“We need an urgent review of how the BBC delivers Scottish news and current affairs programming.

“Securing our news through a London metropolitan prism is simply not working for Scotland. We need to look at the whole issue of national, UK and international news being delivered through a Scottish produced 6 o’clock and 10 o’clock news service.

“This is not about being parochial, it’s about having relevant news services, and right now were getting a second class service.”

ISLE OF MAN CELEBRATES THE CELTIC NATIONS

Click the above picture to buy Stamps from the Isle of Man Government.

INDEPENDENCE NOW WINNING - SUPPORT AT 41% FOR INDY 40% FOR UNION

Scottish independence has taken a dramatic lead in a new opinion poll on Scotland's constitutional future. An exclusive TNS System Three poll has found that 41% of Scots want the SNP government to negotiate an independence settlement, compared to 40% who are opposed to breaking up the UK.

First minister Alex Salmond said the result showed Scots were now ready to vote for a separate Scottish state in a referendum. The Scottish government last year laid out its plans in a white paper for a referendum on independence.

TNS System Three has since conducted a tracker poll based on the SNP administration's favoured referendum question, namely whether "The Scottish government should negotiate a settlement with the government of the United Kingdom so that Scotland becomes an independent state".

The latest findings, which were gathered between March 26 and April 4, show that 41% of the 977 respondents agreed that the Scottish government should negotiate an independence settlement. This contrasts with 40% of people who did not agree with the SNP's number one priority, while 19% said they did not know how they would vote in a referendum.

TNS's first poll on the SNP government's question, in August, revealed that 50% of Scots were opposed to independence, compared to 35% of respondents who were in favour. The polling firm's next snapshot of opinion, in November, revealed the gap had narrowed to four points, with opposition at 44% and support at 40%. Support for a negotiated independence settlement has risen by 6% since August, while opposition to separation has dropped by 10% over the same period. The number of "don't knows" has increased by 4% in eight months.

The results are broadly in line with polling data published last week by Scottish Opinion, which found that 41% of respondents approved of independence, with 43% disapproving. The lead for independence will fuel calls by the Nationalist administration for MSPs to back a constitutional referendum. Salmond has made a poll in 2010 the key plank of his administration.

The referendum policy recently received a boost after entrepreneur Sir Tom Hunter called for a plebiscite on independence. The increased support for independence comes on the eve of Salmond taking his government's "national conversation" to Brussels later this month. The seminar will see the First Minister try to persuade a European audience of the benefits of Scotland being a full member state of the EU.

First minister Alex Salmond said: "The poll is further and dramatic evidence that as the SNP delivers good government in the devolved areas, so support for Scotland to be governed equally well in all areas with independence is surging.

And the poll clearly indicates that Westminster attempts to bully Scotland and the Scottish government are also boosting support for equality for Scotland, and a parliament with full powers. "People want a government that will speak up for Scotland - not shut up for London. It is a tremendous boost for the SNP in the run up to our conference next week - it will have our opponents choking on their cornflakes."

Labour MSP Jackie Baillie said: "There is no doubt that the vast majority of Scots don't want an end to the Union, and the SNP are well aware of that. Scots want to walk tall in the Union, not walk out."

The convener of the Independence Convention, Elaine C Smith, said: "This poll is welcome, but the support for independence is something we have known about for some time. The Scottish people must now have their right to speak in a referendum."

TNS managing director Chris Eynon said: "This represents a very dramatic turnaround over the period of eight months since August 2007. The poll suggests that, based on the SNP's performance in power since the May election, public confidence in the ability of Scotland to run its own affairs as an independent state has increased."

The polling data also comes as new figures appear to show that 500,000 households in Scotland will be adversely affected by tax changes in the UK government's 2007 budget. Prime minister Gordon Brown has been criticised for abolishing the 10 pence rate of tax, which had been introduced to benefit low income-workers.

According to figures produced by the Scottish government, 680,000 households north of the border will experience a decrease in income, while 500,000 will witness a fall in their net income.

SSP LEADER CALLS FOR INDEPENDENCE REFERENDUM

The Scottish Socialist Party conference has called for a referendum on Scottish independence. Party leader Colin Fox's speech was the highlight of the party's annual conference in Glasgow. Mr Fox said the current worldwide financial instability showed that the free market could not provide "never-ending economic prosperity."

The SSP's pro-independence stance was also re-affirmed by Mr Fox, who called for an early referendum on the issue. He said: "We fully support an early referendum on independence and will work flat out for a Yes vote.

"We believe working people will be economically, socially, culturally and politically better off if able to determine our own future and make our own decisions here in Scotland."

The party lost all four of its MSPs at last year's Holyrood election in a campaign beset by squabbling with rival socialist party Solidarity, led by former SSP leader Tommy Sheridan.

BILLIONAIRE TOM HUNTER CALLS FOR 'INDEPENDENCE REFERENDUM NOW'

Scotland's richest man has called for an immediate referendum on independence. Billionaire tycoon and philanthropist Sir Tom Hunter said a vote was needed to allow the nation to move on - either as an independent country or as part of the UK.

He accused Scotland's political parties of "posturing, positioning and pontificating" over attempts to reform the constitution. Sir Tom Hunter said: "It is my firm belief that the Scottish people deserve the right to vote unequivocally on one key issue. Other issues follow, but there is only one vote: do you want Scotland to be independent or not? Yes or no?"

He added: "We need a majority of Scots to say 'yes' or 'no' to independence, end of story...a referendum is compelling because Scots want an answer to our future now so that we can invest in it, whatever we choose, for our collective future over the long term."

Sir Tom Hunter, who declined to back either option, said it is Scotland's right as a nation, to "determine our destiny".

His intervention came after Labour, the Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives announced they planned to support an independent commission to examine more powers for Holyrood, but without full independence. Sir Tom Hunter also criticised a suggestion by First Minister Alex Salmond that a referendum might be held under the Single Transferable Vote (STV) system.

Under the system, voters list their preferences in order. The tycoon says that such a system - which he describes as "Simon Cowell's X Factor voting system" - could not be used to determine Scotland's future.

The SNP wants a referendum in 2010 on whether Scotland should become independent, but at present lacks majority support to get this through Holyrood.

SCOTTISH LABOUR MPS, MSP AND MEP CALL FOR A REFERENDUM ON SCOTTISH INDEPENDENCE

SNP Constitutional Affairs Spokesman Pete Wishart MP has challenged Wendy Alexander and Gordon Brown to come clean and accept a referendum on Scottish Independence after three Scottish MPs publicly backed holding a referendum. Mr Wishart led a debate at Westminster on Scotland’s constitutional future.

MPs John Robertson, Michael Connarty and David Hamilton all endorsed a referendum on Scottish Independence, alongside Elaine Smith MSP. Speaking from Westminster Mr Wishart said: “Labour MPs are making an April fool out of Wendy Alexander. Wendy Alexander and Gordon Brown are being backed into a corner by their own MPs. It is clear from the comments of these senior MPs that there is a desire within the Labour party for a referendum. It’s no wonder no one wanted to talk about the constitution at Labour conference. John Robertson introduced Wendy Alexander at conference, now he is going behind her back to ask for a referendum."

“Labour’s position is crumbling. It must be up to the Scottish people to decide their constitutional future. Wendy Alexander once said there would be a referendum in 2010. The SNP have offered Labour and their Commission the chance to put it’s proposals for Scotland’s future before the people in that referendum. Before the revolt from her backbenches and London colleagues grows any larger Wendy Alexander should come clean and back a referendum. My debate in Westminster tomorrow will be an opportunity for Labour MPs to set the record straight on where they stand on this crucial issue.”

Labour comments in quotes:

John Robertson MP: “We should go for it now, get this out of the way and then focus on the issues that matter.”

Michael Connarty MP: “we should not be afraid of a referendum, the independence option should have been put to the people at the time of the devolution referendum to make it clear it was a settlement.

David Hamilton MP: “We should have a referendum sooner rather than later”

Elaine Smith MSP: “We should trust the Scottish people”

Wendy Alexander was reported in the Observer on 9th September 2007 saying: "There will be a referendum in 2010."

Former Labour Minister Brian Wilson said: (STV, Politics Now, 27th March) "To be honest I would rather have a referendum than this sort of incremental nonsense of fiddling about with powers."

Labour MEP David Martin said: (STV, Politics Now, 27th March) "I said we should call Alex Salmond's bluff, have a referendum – yes or no on independence – a short sharp debate and get it out of the way."

SCOTS AUTHOR IAIN BANKS THROWS HIS WEIGHT BEHIND SCOTTISH INDEPENDENCE

In a recent interview with the Edinburgh Evening News Iain Banks (who writes Science Fiction as Iain M. Banks) declared his support for Scottish independence. Banks originally nailed his colours to the mast when he became a signatory to the Declaration of Calton Hill which calls for independence and republicanism.

"I voted for the SNP in the past because they were slightly more left-wing than Labour, but then Ted Heath had more left-wing policies than New Labour," he explained. "I have been pleasantly surprised at how well they have done. If that leads to Scotland being more progressive, that's a good thing as well."

In his youth he considered himself British – now, having witnessed the progressive destruction of nationalised industries and Thatcherism, he's less red, white and blue. The Prime Minister next door might want a British pledge but Banks dismisses the notion as "cretinous" and "bananas".

"I'm at a stage of thinking we have to leave England to its fate," he adds. "If it wants to leave the EU, then let it stew in its own past imperial dreamland. Scotland can be a great small country in Europe. We can make a success of it and be a more humane society than this privatised and selfishness orientated country."
 

CONSEU - SCOTLAND REPRESENTED ON INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE

LET THE PEOPLE DECIDE - STARS TURN OUT FOR BURNS NIGHT PARTY AS INDEPENDENCE REFERENDUM PETITION LAUNCHED

Download or electronically sign the petition here: http://www.scottishindependenceconvention.com

REFORM SCOTLAND REPORT HAILS SCOTLAND'S ECONOMIC POTENTIAL

Scotland has the potential to become one of the most successful economic nations in the world, a report by an independent think tank claims. But the Reform Scotland report warned that to achieve that goal, Scotland would need to double its growth rate.

Over the last 30 years the annual average growth rate has been 1.8% - but the report stated that for Scotland to become one of the most successful nations would require a rate of 3.5%, which would also have to be sustained over a period of 10 to 12 years.

Reform Scotland, a right-of-centre research body, said that with the right framework for growth in place – based on lower taxes, smaller government and more financial control – the country could become an international leader, increasing prosperity and raising living standards for Scots.

However, reaching that goal will require an average growth rate of 3.5 per cent over a period of ten to 12 years, according to research carried out by Reform Scotland. Over the past 30 years, Scotland's annual average growth rate was 1.8 per cent.

In its report, Powers for Growth, the think-tank makes four broad recommendations to improve Scotland's economic performance:

• A lower overall tax burden

• A more limited government

• Greater fiscal autonomy

• Better statistical information.

Ben Thomson, chairman of Reform Scotland, said: "The report shows that lowering the overall tax burden and reducing the size of government have a positive impact on economic growth. We would therefore urge all political parties to adopt policies which would deliver these outcomes and bring benefits to the Scottish economy."

MSPS VOTE NO TO NEW NUCLEAR POWER STATIONS

The Scottish Parliament has voted to block any new nuclear power stations north of the Border. MSPs voted by 63 to 58 to reject nuclear power, exactly a week after Gordon Brown, the Prime Minister, committed the UK government to a new generation of such stations. The Holyrood vote was hailed by SNP ministers as signalling a clean, bright future for Scottish energy.

Jim Mather, the energy minister, said: "This vote transforms the terms of the energy debate in Scotland – we now have a parliament and government able and willing to take forward Scotland's clean, green energy future. Scotland's energy future is bright."

An alliance of the SNP, the Liberal Democrats and the Greens was enough to see the policy through, with the Tories and Labour voting to retain nuclear energy.

The vote will give the Scottish Government solid parliamentary backing for its opposition to nuclear power stations and will mean Scotland and England pursuing completely different paths in electricity generation for the foreseeable future.

Energy policy is reserved to Westminster, but Holyrood has control over planning policy, so can veto any applications for new nuclear plants.

Mr Salmond has made it clear he will do just that, an approach that is likely to dissuade energy companies from coming forward with applications.

SCOTLAND PAYS ITS WAY

The Guardian reports that according to an analysis by the consultants Oxford Economics, published in the Glasgow Herald, tax revenues in Scotland almost match the country's £49.2 billion each year, at least if North Sea oil and gas revenues are allocated to Scotland. The figures show, in other words, that despite all the squealing about the Barnett Formula, that Scotland pays its way, and could be economically viable as an independent country. Further, the average of £9,631 public spending per head in Scotland is less than in London (£9,748) and the tax-take from Scotland is outranked only by London. The Glasgow Herald reported (on Nov. 3) that: "Scotland would be the third-wealthiest country in Europe regardless of whether it was allocated 90% or 75% of the UK's oil wealth, according to figures published yesterday... Based on information supplied by the UK Office for National Statistics, the table puts Scotland just behind Luxembourg and Ireland (as the third wealthiest country in Europe) and still ahead of the Netherlands whichever of the two oil share percentage examples are used."

SCOTLAND IS MOVING FORWARD TO INDEPENDENCE SAYS SALMOND

ALEX Salmond taunted Gordon Brown yesterday, telling the British Labour Prime Minister he was powerless to stop the Scottish Government driving towards independence. The First Minister hit out at what he claimed was obstructionism and a clear financial squeeze being imposed by the UK government on Scotland.

And, to loud applause at the SNP conference in Aviemore, he declared: "They are not going to stop us, Scotland is moving forward."

Mr Salmond also claimed Labour had not just lost the election but had "lost touch" with the Scottish people and said his government's aim was to give Scottish society a "Scottish accent and a Scottish dimension".

In a brief but deliberately provocative opening speech, Mr Salmond urged party members to use their grievances for their own advantage, turning Westminster's tight financial settlement for Scotland into a key argument for independence. He contrasted Westminster's financial "squeeze" with the £32 billion a year the Treasury receives from North Sea oil revenues now oil prices are around $86 a barrel.

The comprehensive spending review, announced by Alistair Darling, the Chancellor, earlier this month gave Scotland an extra 1.4 per cent in funding a year for the next three years, but only a rise of 0.5 per cent for next year. This is the smallest rate of growth since devolution and much less than the average received by previous Labour-Liberal administrations.

With fuel prices at a record high, the UK government is taking in £240 million a month more from the surging price of oil than it expected. The government's forecasts were based on oil at $68 a barrel but, with oil hitting $90 a barrel in some world markets, the Treasury is getting much more than expected - while delivering the tightest settlement to Scotland since devolution.

Mr Salmond said yesterday: "The bad financial settlement is an argument for independence and responsibility in Scotland.

"People will look askance at the budget squeeze on Scotland when, this morning, the price of Brent crude is $86 a barrel and heading for three figures. Revenues from Scotland's resources are flooding into the Chancellor's coffers even as he squeezes Scotland's budget over the next three years."

The First Minister contrasted the progress he claimed had been made by the SNP administration in its first 160 days with the obstructionism he claimed was coming from Westminster.

And he argued that his party's election victory in May signified a shift in Scotland's political landscape.

"Labour lost their first election for 50 years in May. As you can probably detect, they don't like it very much. I don't think they just lost the election, they lost touch. They are losing the connection with the Scottish people. More and more, Scottish people identify with the SNP."

The theme of Scotland being robbed of its oil revenues by a UK government squeezing public finances was reinforced by John Swinney, the finance secretary.

Mr Swinney used his conference speech to attack Westminster for its spending settlement. But he hinted that the net result would be less money for Scotland's public services.

He said: "The London way means taxes on small businesses go up and a squeeze on Scotland's public services takes effect. At the same time, our black gold is filling the Chancellor's self-inflicted financial black hole. If there was ever a case for Scotland to be in full charge of our own revenues and spending, the UK spending review made that case as well as any of us could have."

Mr Swinney insisted he would deliver a budget for Scotland which met the aspirations of the Scottish people within the "tight" financial settlement.

But he admitted he was dealing with £1.2 billion less than he expected to have, £500 million of which is being spent on Edinburgh's trams - which the SNP didn't want - and £700 million of expected Treasury money he says never arrived. "We face the tightest financial settlement since devolution," he said.

Mr Swinney added one of his first steps would be to announce his plans to cut business rates, allowing companies "that form the lifeblood of local communities" to "contribute to growing national success".

Hyslop unveils £100m boost for campus building projects

UNIVERSITIES and colleges are to get an extra £100 million for major building projects, Fiona Hyslop, the education secretary, announced yesterday.

She said the package showed the Scottish Government was "serious about supporting colleges and universities".

The £100 million for capital funding will be used to support Anniesland, Langside and Motherwell colleges, all of which are in the advanced stages of building projects. It will also allow new projects to proceed at Dundee, Inverness, Forth Valley and Kilmarnock colleges, and support Paisley University's Ayr campus and Glasgow School of Art. The money is to come from a Scottish Government underspend held by the Treasury.

The university sector is likely to be reassured by this investment. University principals had been pessimistic about their bid for an additional £168 million each year on top of their current level of funding from the Scottish Government to compete with English universities.

Although this £100 million does not form any part of that £168 million, which is still required by universities, it shows the SNP is willing to make substantial investments in higher and further education.

ALEXANDER REPLACES MCCONNELL AS 'SCOTTISH' LABOUR LEADER

Douglas Alexander's sister Wendy Alexander has been appointed the new Scottish Labour party leader. Alexander is touted as having the ear of the Prime Minister and also is supposedly well equipped to re-vamp Labour by virtue of her great intellect (if you believe the papers) and the admitted advantage that she's not Jack McConnell (about to be given his reward by being sent to the human trashcan known as the House of Lords). 

Given that her gormless brother has risen to the heart of the Brown cabinet by virtue of the fact that he does what he's told while not thinking at all, it doesn't suggest that brains are in excessive supply in the Alexander family. Wendy's first move was to call for a reduction in the Scottish block grant (yes, that proves her pro Scottish credentials, eh wait a minute..)  hints that she might actually vote for a referendum (good news if true but highly unlikely) and some vague talk of more powers for the Scottish parliament.

Despite Scotland's past long time love affair with Labour, it's doubtful that some vague promises will be enough to fool the electorate in the light of the new SNP Government but we can guarantee that wee Wendy will be hailed as the new messiah by the Scottish press no matter how awful she performs in the Scottish parliament.      

After all she has already survived a leaked letter she wrote to former SNP deputy leader Jim Sillars, in which she said that perhaps the last time the Labour movement in Scotland had made "a real intellectual contribution" to the party nationally was in 1906.

Former SNP leader Billy Wolfe who was spied on by British secret agents.

FILES REVEAL MASSIVE SURVEILLANCE OPERATIONS BY MI5 AGAINST SNP

(from Scotland on Sunday)

The SNP was spied on by British secret service agents, previously classified Government files seen by Scotland on Sunday have finally proved. Claims of surveillance of nationalist politicians by intelligence officers have circulated for years, but the new papers provide the first incontrovertible evidence that the state spied on the SNP in the 1950s. Agents from MI5 and Special Branch infiltrated the party as part of a campaign to undermine support for Scottish independence, the papers show.

The files, which have been opened and placed in the UK National Archives in Kew, show that throughout the 1950s Special Branch officers posed as nationalist supporters and attended party meetings and rallies. The dossiers contain first-hand accounts from numerous unnamed agents of party meetings, and also include names of SNP members and sympathisers. They also provided transcripts of speeches and give particular attention to members they believed were on the more radical and militant wing of the party.

The dozens of documents also contain the remarkable claim that Dr Robert McIntyre, the then SNP leader, wanted Scotland to pull out of the UK and apply to be the 49th state of the USA. A number of present-day MSPs, including former SNP leadership contender Alex Neil, claim MI5 still monitors pro-independence politicians and may even have stepped up surveillance since the Nationalists won power in May.

Alex Neil, deputy convener of Holyrood's European and External Relations Committee, said: "It does not surprise me in the least to have it confirmed that the UK Government has used dirty tricks against the SNP in the past. I would certainly not discount the idea that the British state is still acting to undermine the SNP, especially given the substantial progress it has made recently. We need to get clear assurances from Westminster that nothing is being done to undermine the democratic wishes of the Scottish people."

A spokesman for the Home Office, which deals with UK intelligence services, said: "We neither confirm nor deny operational matters."

More information

The settiing was Hyde Park in the centre of London. The speaker was a young and charismatic politician who had broken the mould. The crowd was mainly made up of his supporters who gathered to hear his views on self-rule, daring raids on the establishment and possible alliance with a foreign power.

Except for one. He was the "spook" from MI5 and he duly delivered his report on the enemy within - the Scottish National Party - to his political masters in Whitehall. Scotland on Sunday can reveal today for the first time the official papers that prove that MI5 and Special Branch spied on the SNP during the 1950s because of fears over independence.

According to the documents lodged at the National Archives in Kew, government agents routinely attended party meetings to compile lists of SNP members and where they lived, focusing on the more militant individuals. They also provided detailed transcripts of speeches.

The files show that in April, 1951, a government agent attended the party gathering in Hyde Park to keep a close eye on party leader Robert McIntyre, who had made history by becoming the first SNP MP after winning a by-election in Motherwell six years earlier.

A detailed report on his remarks and conduct states: "Dr McIntyre said the party was a constitutional one, but as such it had been ignored by the English. It was only when unconstitutional methods, such as the removal of the Stone of Destiny from Westminster Abbey [in 1950], were used that this country become aware of Scotland's wish for self-rule.

"He thought that Scotland would in fact be better off as the 49th state of the United States, both from an economic and defence aspect." This revelation is at odds with the SNP's stance as a predominantly left-of-centre party, which remained suspicious of the US brand of unfettered free-market capitalism. The files include detailed reports of a meeting held by the London branch of the SNP in Conway Hall, Holborn, on May 31, 1954.

It states: "Attached is a list of the present paid-up members of the Scottish National Party, a list of members from 1953 and a list of names and addresses taken from a 'contact book', which includes the names of people who have expressed their sympathy with the Party at meetings and rallies."

Another Special Branch member filed a report on an SNP rally that took place in Trafalgar Square on April 19, 1953. It lists those who attended, including McIntyre, who died in 1998, and states: "All of the speeches were moderate in tone and no references were made to Coronation, but, as I have detailed, two of the speakers did briefly comment on the title of HM the Queen."

The files record that SNP members eventually became suspicious of government infiltration and proposed that all new members be vouched for by a regular member. The Special Branch agent recorded: "This was on the grounds that a Mr Douglas, who was well versed in politics and spoke well, was regarded as a police spy."

SNP elder statesman said they were "shocked" their suspicions had finally been confirmed.

William Wolfe, who joined the SNP in the late 1950s and led the party between 1969 and 1979, said: "We always suspected that the party was being infiltrated by government agents, but it is still shocking to have that suspicion finally confirmed.

"I remember one individual in particular who claimed he had spent many years in America before joining the party.

"Something about him just didn't add up and we all suspected he was some sort of government informer. A lot of us used to joke about having moles in our midst, but it now appears that it was no laughing matter."

Wolfe added: "It is quite, quite wrong for a legitimate and democratic party to be put under surveillance in this way. I have absolutely no doubt that the UK Government will have several files on me, but I have nothing to hide."

Wolfe, 83, insists he was put under surveillance by M15 as late as the 1970s after he received a bizarre telex from the Ugandan dictator Idi Amin offering support for Scottish independence.

"It was a very strange incident, but I had it confirmed from the police that it led to my phone being tapped."

Security experts said the Home Office would have considered the SNP a legitimate target for surveillance.

Terrorism expert Paul Wilkinson, professor of international relations at St Andrews University, said: "This was the era when the taking of the Stone of Destiny from Westminster Abbey had become a huge national issue. I'm sure there was concern in Westminster and Whitehall that there was a more militant wing within supporters of Scottish independence which posed a threat of illegal actions and it is the job of MI5 to monitor potential dangers of that kind."

SNP PUBLISH SCOTTISH INDEPENDENCE REFERENDUM WHITE PAPER

Party launches 'national conversation' with the public on independence

http://www.anationalconversation.com

Watch a video of the launch

The SNP have launched a three year campaign to appeal to the Scottish public directly on independence.

The scheme was unveiled as part of the First Minister's launch of his "national conversation" on Scotland's future, a process he hopes will involve as many people as possible. Opposition politicians warned they would not take part in the "conversation" until Mr Salmond dropped his plans for independence.

But the First Minister declared: "Today is the moment when, as First Minister, I ask every Scot to pause and reflect not on the kind of country we are, but on the kind of country we could be, we should be.

"And today is the start of the most wide-ranging, inclusive, imaginative and direct effort from any Scottish government to engage with every person in this country, and furth of Scotland, who has a view on the future of our nation."

He admitted the process had so far cost £40,000, a bill that will only rise if his plans for roadshows and exhibitions come to fruition.

Pat Watters, the president of local-government body COSLA, criticised the use of taxpayers' money. "I see little relevance in this exercise for local government and the people we deliver valuable services to. Like me, I am sure they would much rather see money being spent on services," he said.

But Mr Salmond defended the move, saying: "I think determining a nation's future, the price of democracy, is well worth the cost."

With a majority of MSPs implacably opposed to independence, Mr Salmond's strategy is to appeal over their heads directly to the people, inviting them to get involved and influence the process.

He said: "The days of top-down government, government delivered from on high to an unsuspecting and compliant population, are over. This debate, one focused on the question of the next stage of self-government, demands the attention of every Scot."

Mr Salmond published a glossy 48-page document called "Choosing Scotland's Future, A National Conversation" which set out the possible options: the status quo, more powers for the parliament or complete independence.

Members of the public were invited to contribute to the debate, either by writing to the Scottish Executive, registering their views online or taking part in one of the roadshows, meetings and events - sponsored by the Executive - that will take place around the country over the next four years.

• Anyone interested in finding out what really is at the core of the white paper on Scotland's future has to go right to the back of the 48-page brochure. There, in annex B, on pages 44 to 48, is the bill which would authorise a referendum on Scottish independence.

The Referendum (Scotland) Bill is quite a striking document. Set out in legalese and parliamentary language, it specifies all the usual provisions for British plebiscites, from the roll for the returning officers to the hours of polling.

But then, right in the middle, is the proposed ballot paper. Under the request: "Put a cross (X) in the appropriate box," there are then two statements. The first is: "I AGREE that the Scottish Government should negotiate a settlement with the Government of the United Kingdom so that Scotland becomes an independent state."

The second is: "I DO NOT AGREE that the Scottish Government should negotiate a settlement with the Government of the United Kingdom so that Scotland becomes an independent state."

CHAPTER ONE

The first five-page chapter sets out the role and responsibilities of the Scottish Parliament, explaining how the devolution settlement has changed over the past eight years with the addition of new powers. These have been largely non-controversial, with Westminster handing over control of railway infrastructure, fireworks, food safety and the operation of power stations.

CHAPTER TWO

The second nine-page chapter deals with extending Scottish devolution, explaining which powers are still held by Westminster (national security, foreign affairs, monetary policy, broadcasting and benefits among others) and how Scotland could change.

Under sub-heads stating "A Stronger Scotland", "A Fairer Scotland", "A Greener Scotland", it sets out what the Executive claims would be the benefits of taking control.

CHAPTER THREE

The white paper then goes on to deal with the question of independence, setting out how Scotland would change and what benefits would flow from that.

CHAPTER FOUR

The fourth chapter concentrates on the UK constitution as a whole, explaining how the constitution has changed.

CHAPTER FIVE

Deals with legislation and referendums, providing the alternatives for Scotland: the status quo, more powers for the parliament or full independence, and how these could be achieved.

CHAPTER SIX

The final chapter sums up the ideas behind the national conversation and explains how members of the public can contribute.

Read the Paper Online Here: Choosing Scotland's Future

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