Here's some bigoted twerp called Ben proving himself in a Telegraph comments thread:
How did English youth "learn" "hostile drinking" from "the Scots", Simon? Were there cells of subversive Celts hidden, mole-like, in every English pub, ready to spring into action as agents-provocateurs as eleven o'clock approached?
As usual, an interesting and sensitive article has been ruined by the inane bigotry of the Heffer-lump.
The pub is a glorious manifestation of Englishness; Hefferish bigotry is its disgusting and ludicrous dark side.
Celts? An ancient white tribe, surely? The Scots are all sorts - Anglo-Saxon, Pict, Asian, etc.
The "Celtic" ancient white tribe myth is the "disgusting and ludicrous side" to Scottish bigotry. And whilst we're at it, let's not forget Welsh and "Cornish" bigotry.
By all means defend the Scots, Ben, but the Celts were something else entirely. Largely a romantic invention of recent centuries some would say.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Friday, July 24, 2009
Lord Richard Of Ammanford And The Barnett Formula Lords Report - Is The Campaign For An English Parliament On Holiday?
From Wales Online:
Lord Richard, who led a review into the Assembly’s powers in 2003-04, is not a man to mince his words. Barnett has given Scotland and England more than they need and Wales and Northern Ireland too little.
Lord Richard of Ammanford may not be a man to "mince his words" - but he is a man to tell lies. Any clear headed, unbiased assessment of the Barnett Formula reveals that it is most unfair to England, indeed, its creator, Lord Joel Barnett, states that is so (here).
England gets the least and it shows.
That's why they have free NHS prescriptions for everybody, including the very rich, in Wales.
But where is the Campaign For An English Parliament's response to Lord Ammanford's statement? Have we missed something?
Lord Richard, who led a review into the Assembly’s powers in 2003-04, is not a man to mince his words. Barnett has given Scotland and England more than they need and Wales and Northern Ireland too little.
Lord Richard of Ammanford may not be a man to "mince his words" - but he is a man to tell lies. Any clear headed, unbiased assessment of the Barnett Formula reveals that it is most unfair to England, indeed, its creator, Lord Joel Barnett, states that is so (here).
England gets the least and it shows.
That's why they have free NHS prescriptions for everybody, including the very rich, in Wales.
But where is the Campaign For An English Parliament's response to Lord Ammanford's statement? Have we missed something?
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Deliciously Yorkshire (and Humber) - Out To Destroy Historic Yorkshire - And England, Of Course
As the historic county of Yorkshire heads towards abolition and absorption into a tinpot region of the EU, we take a moment to ponder: whatever would Amos and Mr Wilks have thought?We all know that the North East voted 78% against regionalisation in a referendum, and that they were the only area of England allowed a say.
Which the UK Government then ignored and went ahead, breaking up England into nine regions, in consultation with the EU, on the old "divide and rule" principle.
And from that has come groups like "Deliciously Yorkshire" - the "regional food group" for "Yorkshire and Humber".
That fine old EU region.
"Use the local sourcing directory to find producers from across the Yorkshire region. The directory will help you to find fresh, local food and places to dine out," burbles "Deliciously Yorkshire".
But non of the daft twits leaping on to this particular band wagon seem to have noticed the "Humber" or "region" bit. Many would profess to be "proud" Yorkshire men and women, but few seem to know much about what Yorkshire actually is - an ancient English county, part of the ancient country of England - and what it is not - a bland region of the UK and EU.
What a bunch of wallies!
But the production team of the soap Emmerdale think that Yorkshire is a region:
Martin Radmall, from the production buying team of Emmerdale, which is filmed at Harewood, said: "The Emmerdale farm shop will have similar messages to the regional food group, such as supporting local producers and products and buying seasonal, local food. We're very pleased to include such high-quality products from the region; the Emmerdale families will be spoilt for choice."
So there you are, Yorkshire is a region. Emmerdale says so.
Remember, don't buy English (the Scots and Welsh support buyers nationally in Scotland and Wales, but we don't as England doesn't formally exist). Don't support Yorkshire either - it's being dissolved into one of nine EU regions in what was formerly England. No, support "Deliciously Yorkshire (and Humber)" - another one of those groups dedicated to the abolition of the ancient country of England, and, in this case, the ancient county of Yorkshire.
Because Yorkshire and Humber is not Yorkshire.
Links:
Deliciously Yorkshire - http://www.deliciouslyorkshire.co.uk/dy/
The Regional Food Group - http://www.rfgyh.co.uk/
Friday, July 17, 2009
Lord Richard Of Ammanford: Let The People Of England Die For Want Of NHS Equality And Give Wales, My Country, More Money
The House Of Lords Barnett Formula Committee has made its report. Headed by a, we feel, bigoted, anti-English/England Welshman, the Committee comes up with some astounding cobblers:
"When the Committee considered a range of indicators of need it became clear that Wales and Northern Ireland have greater needs per head of population than Scotland and England – the current allocations made through the Formula give Scotland more funds, per head of population, than appears to be justified when compared to Wales and Northern Ireland and their needs."
And what does England get?
Health apartheid (more here) and premature deaths? We don't need medication, do we, Lord Richard?
Lower spending across the board? We don't deserve any better, do we, Lord Richard?
And what does Wales get?
Free prescriptions and lots more?
To make the English jealous, as Rhodri Morgan childishly squawked (more here).
Why on earth was, what appears to be, an English-hating Welsh racist appointed head of the Lords Committee on the Barnett Formula?
And as for saying Northern Ireland, which does best of all out of the odious formula, needs more money - good grief!
"When the Committee considered a range of indicators of need it became clear that Wales and Northern Ireland have greater needs per head of population than Scotland and England – the current allocations made through the Formula give Scotland more funds, per head of population, than appears to be justified when compared to Wales and Northern Ireland and their needs."
And what does England get?
Health apartheid (more here) and premature deaths? We don't need medication, do we, Lord Richard?
Lower spending across the board? We don't deserve any better, do we, Lord Richard?
And what does Wales get?
Free prescriptions and lots more?
To make the English jealous, as Rhodri Morgan childishly squawked (more here).
Why on earth was, what appears to be, an English-hating Welsh racist appointed head of the Lords Committee on the Barnett Formula?
And as for saying Northern Ireland, which does best of all out of the odious formula, needs more money - good grief!
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Inland Revenue: Bank Of England Out, Royal Bank Of Scotland In...
Incredibly, Gordon Brown, Alistair Darling and the rest of the Scottish Raj at Westminster are at it again:
During 2009 the Bank of England will no longer handle the Inland Revenue transactions. The bank accounts will in future be operated by the Royal Bank of Scotland and by Citibank. If you make electronic payments to the Inland Revenue, you will need to update your records to ensure that the payment goes to the correct bank account. Full details will be being issued in the near future.
Great business for the Royal Bank of Scotland, of course.
We know that Gordon Brown and Alistair Darling pledged to put Scotland first in all they did way back in 1989, but this is getting ridiculous.
Big hat-tip to the Cross of St George blog. Read it all here.
Just how much more are the sheep of England prepared to take?
During 2009 the Bank of England will no longer handle the Inland Revenue transactions. The bank accounts will in future be operated by the Royal Bank of Scotland and by Citibank. If you make electronic payments to the Inland Revenue, you will need to update your records to ensure that the payment goes to the correct bank account. Full details will be being issued in the near future.
Great business for the Royal Bank of Scotland, of course.
We know that Gordon Brown and Alistair Darling pledged to put Scotland first in all they did way back in 1989, but this is getting ridiculous.
Big hat-tip to the Cross of St George blog. Read it all here.
Just how much more are the sheep of England prepared to take?
Andy Mycock - Yet More Drivel About The "Union"...
Dr Andrew Mycock is co-founder of something called the "Academy For Study Of Britishness", based in Huddersfield.
Dr Mycock states in an article entitled "The Challenges of A Disunited Kingdom" over at the naffly-named "Our Kingdom":
For most public, high-profile relationships, when rumours of a rocky patch surface there is plenty of 'advice' around. So it is with that most celebrated political marriage: the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Intense debate has raged about its imminent break-up or whether Britishness can be 're-forged'. The recent publication of the Calman Report has energised such debates in Scotland though with significantly less impact in England which would appear to be more concerned about on-going quandary of whether Andy Murray is British or Scottish.
We ask: How much was the Calman Commission reported in England? And how much are devolution issues reported in England? We ask not for the first time, but these do not appear to be the sort of questions that occur to Andy Mycock.
Interestingly, he makes this comment:
If the English are finally sent packing [from Scotland and Wales].
What on earth does Dr Brit Mycock mean by that? Is he sharing in the demonising of the English? You know, like Jack Straw, the old, old tune about how the English were thoroughly nasty in UK history and "subjugated" those around them?
Mr Mycock also tells us:
Many young Asians see Englishness as exclusory, ethnicised and linked with cultural practice such as binge-drinking and sexual promiscuity. Conversely, young white youths see Britishness ‘tainted’ by multilculturalism, meaning Englishness is a more instinctive identity. For some, British identity is a looser, more flexible identity that can mean anything or even nothing. The push for independence at a time of such significant societal transition and community tensions in England could have significant implications, particularly for young Asians who may feel isolated and excluded.
Um, in recent years we have seen changes in this area as Englishness has emerged from the vaults. But of course the Government must lead. And the UK Government demonises or ignores England and Englishness all the time. New arrivals in England have Britishness rammed down their throats.
Desperate Dr Mycock also says:
If separatist nationalists seek to consistently adhere to the principle of self-determination then surely those BOTs who wish to remain part of the UK have an input in debates about its future? The conspicuous absence of policies on such issues would suggest that separatist nationalists assume that England would undertake all post-imperial responsibilities and their associated costs, though Perryman and other English progressive nationalists fail to acknowledge such complications.
We have heard such things mentioned. But there has been no suggestion that England should shoulder the burden of decision and expense alone.
Dr Mycock obviously doesn't suffer as a working class person would from the worst effects of the West Lothian Question, health apartheid, etc.
He makes us fume!
We do realise that the article covers a lot more ground, but we wanted to pluck out a few England-relevant points.
And it's quite clear to see where Dr Andrew Mycock is coming from.
He ends:
Current government approaches in reforming the UK state are piecemeal and often ill-defined, thus stimulating more uncertainty. But those who seek its hasty demise must provide a more coherent and comprehensive view of the post-Union settlement, or they might simply replicate or even intensify divisions within British society.
This makes us so angry!
Let the people be heard!
Just as they were in Scotland and Wales.
And the fact that he ends on the phrase "British society" whilst actually discussing something that would have brought about its end? Read again:
Current government approaches in reforming the UK state are piecemeal and often ill-defined, thus stimulating more uncertainty. But those who seek its hasty demise must provide a more coherent and comprehensive view of the post-Union settlement, or they might simply replicate or even intensify divisions within British society. (our emphasis throughout)
So, if Britain was no more there would still be British society, would there?
My God! We're glad we're not clever!
Dr Mycock states in an article entitled "The Challenges of A Disunited Kingdom" over at the naffly-named "Our Kingdom":
For most public, high-profile relationships, when rumours of a rocky patch surface there is plenty of 'advice' around. So it is with that most celebrated political marriage: the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Intense debate has raged about its imminent break-up or whether Britishness can be 're-forged'. The recent publication of the Calman Report has energised such debates in Scotland though with significantly less impact in England which would appear to be more concerned about on-going quandary of whether Andy Murray is British or Scottish.
We ask: How much was the Calman Commission reported in England? And how much are devolution issues reported in England? We ask not for the first time, but these do not appear to be the sort of questions that occur to Andy Mycock.
Interestingly, he makes this comment:
If the English are finally sent packing [from Scotland and Wales].
What on earth does Dr Brit Mycock mean by that? Is he sharing in the demonising of the English? You know, like Jack Straw, the old, old tune about how the English were thoroughly nasty in UK history and "subjugated" those around them?
Mr Mycock also tells us:
Many young Asians see Englishness as exclusory, ethnicised and linked with cultural practice such as binge-drinking and sexual promiscuity. Conversely, young white youths see Britishness ‘tainted’ by multilculturalism, meaning Englishness is a more instinctive identity. For some, British identity is a looser, more flexible identity that can mean anything or even nothing. The push for independence at a time of such significant societal transition and community tensions in England could have significant implications, particularly for young Asians who may feel isolated and excluded.
Um, in recent years we have seen changes in this area as Englishness has emerged from the vaults. But of course the Government must lead. And the UK Government demonises or ignores England and Englishness all the time. New arrivals in England have Britishness rammed down their throats.
Desperate Dr Mycock also says:
If separatist nationalists seek to consistently adhere to the principle of self-determination then surely those BOTs who wish to remain part of the UK have an input in debates about its future? The conspicuous absence of policies on such issues would suggest that separatist nationalists assume that England would undertake all post-imperial responsibilities and their associated costs, though Perryman and other English progressive nationalists fail to acknowledge such complications.
We have heard such things mentioned. But there has been no suggestion that England should shoulder the burden of decision and expense alone.
Dr Mycock obviously doesn't suffer as a working class person would from the worst effects of the West Lothian Question, health apartheid, etc.
He makes us fume!
We do realise that the article covers a lot more ground, but we wanted to pluck out a few England-relevant points.
And it's quite clear to see where Dr Andrew Mycock is coming from.
He ends:
Current government approaches in reforming the UK state are piecemeal and often ill-defined, thus stimulating more uncertainty. But those who seek its hasty demise must provide a more coherent and comprehensive view of the post-Union settlement, or they might simply replicate or even intensify divisions within British society.
This makes us so angry!
Let the people be heard!
Just as they were in Scotland and Wales.
And the fact that he ends on the phrase "British society" whilst actually discussing something that would have brought about its end? Read again:
Current government approaches in reforming the UK state are piecemeal and often ill-defined, thus stimulating more uncertainty. But those who seek its hasty demise must provide a more coherent and comprehensive view of the post-Union settlement, or they might simply replicate or even intensify divisions within British society. (our emphasis throughout)
So, if Britain was no more there would still be British society, would there?
My God! We're glad we're not clever!
Monday, July 13, 2009
CEP Press Release: Racist? Illegal? Not when it concerns Scotland
RACIST? ILLEGAL? NOT WHEN IT CONCERNS SCOTLAND.
A VOICE FOR SCOTLAND? OF COURSE -A SECRETARY OF STATE AND A WHOLE PARLIAMENT.
A VOICE FOR ENGLAND? NONE AT ALL.
JOBS FOR SCOTLAND? PERFECTLY LEGAL.
JOBS FOR ENGLAND? ILLEGAL AND RACIST.
‘The past week has highlighted how differently Scotland and England are treated’, said Michael Knowles member of the National Council of the Campaign for an English Parliament. ‘A leaked memo from shipbuilders BVT revealed the possibility of large-scale redundancies on the Clyde, affecting both its Glasgow shipyards, Scotstoun and Govan (but, interestingly, not Rosyth in Fifeshire which borders on the constituency of Gordon Brown). Immediately both the UK Scottish Department and the Scottish Parliament swung into action. ‘The UK government is determined to stand by the Clyde,’ announced Jim Murphy Scotland’s Secretary of State. ‘The order book is full. Jobs are guaranteed for at least the next 7 years. We have a commitment to the Clyde, we’re here for the long-term.’ And SNP MSP for Govan, Nicola Sturgeon, deputy First Minister in the Scottish parliament waded in behind. ‘We must have a guarantee from Gordon Brown that the Ministry of Defence will not force the closure of any Scottish shipyard.’
‘Contrast all that with how England is dealt with. The shipyards of Devonport, Portsmouth, Appledore, the Medway, Camel Lairds in Birkenhead, the Tyne and Barrow in Furness, they have all either been reduced or closed, even on occasion work taken from them and transferred to the Clyde, and not one single UK minister even speaks out. There is no voice for England, there is no minister for England, there is no parliament for England. England simply has no recognition. None whatsoever. It’s lost somewhere in the bowels of the UK state.
‘When English workers demonstrated recently for British jobs for British workers at the Lindsey refinery in Lincolnshire, they were told that their demand was illegal. Even racist. But Scottish law demands that in Scotland preference is given to any workers living within 40 miles of a site. The Scottish Parliament exists for no other purpose except to get what is best for Scotland. The legislation for the Welsh Assembly even states that the whole point of the Assembly is to ‘focus on the concerns of the Welsh nation’
‘The CEP welcomes anything that can give the people of Scotland and Wales the best of everything. All it asks is that the same is done for the people of England. A voice for England. A First Minister for England. A Parliament for England. In other words, Equality within the Union for England. How refreshing it would be to hear a First Minister for England announcing in the face of the threat of job cuts: ‘The UK government is determined to stand by the Tyne or Appledore or Devonport or Barrow…We must have a guarantee from Gordon Brown that the Ministry of Defence will not force the closure of any English shipyard.’. The deep truth is that no UK minister is happy to employ the word ‘English’. That is the one taboo in UK politics that has still to be broken.
A VOICE FOR SCOTLAND? OF COURSE -A SECRETARY OF STATE AND A WHOLE PARLIAMENT.
A VOICE FOR ENGLAND? NONE AT ALL.
JOBS FOR SCOTLAND? PERFECTLY LEGAL.
JOBS FOR ENGLAND? ILLEGAL AND RACIST.
‘The past week has highlighted how differently Scotland and England are treated’, said Michael Knowles member of the National Council of the Campaign for an English Parliament. ‘A leaked memo from shipbuilders BVT revealed the possibility of large-scale redundancies on the Clyde, affecting both its Glasgow shipyards, Scotstoun and Govan (but, interestingly, not Rosyth in Fifeshire which borders on the constituency of Gordon Brown). Immediately both the UK Scottish Department and the Scottish Parliament swung into action. ‘The UK government is determined to stand by the Clyde,’ announced Jim Murphy Scotland’s Secretary of State. ‘The order book is full. Jobs are guaranteed for at least the next 7 years. We have a commitment to the Clyde, we’re here for the long-term.’ And SNP MSP for Govan, Nicola Sturgeon, deputy First Minister in the Scottish parliament waded in behind. ‘We must have a guarantee from Gordon Brown that the Ministry of Defence will not force the closure of any Scottish shipyard.’
‘Contrast all that with how England is dealt with. The shipyards of Devonport, Portsmouth, Appledore, the Medway, Camel Lairds in Birkenhead, the Tyne and Barrow in Furness, they have all either been reduced or closed, even on occasion work taken from them and transferred to the Clyde, and not one single UK minister even speaks out. There is no voice for England, there is no minister for England, there is no parliament for England. England simply has no recognition. None whatsoever. It’s lost somewhere in the bowels of the UK state.
‘When English workers demonstrated recently for British jobs for British workers at the Lindsey refinery in Lincolnshire, they were told that their demand was illegal. Even racist. But Scottish law demands that in Scotland preference is given to any workers living within 40 miles of a site. The Scottish Parliament exists for no other purpose except to get what is best for Scotland. The legislation for the Welsh Assembly even states that the whole point of the Assembly is to ‘focus on the concerns of the Welsh nation’
‘The CEP welcomes anything that can give the people of Scotland and Wales the best of everything. All it asks is that the same is done for the people of England. A voice for England. A First Minister for England. A Parliament for England. In other words, Equality within the Union for England. How refreshing it would be to hear a First Minister for England announcing in the face of the threat of job cuts: ‘The UK government is determined to stand by the Tyne or Appledore or Devonport or Barrow…We must have a guarantee from Gordon Brown that the Ministry of Defence will not force the closure of any English shipyard.’. The deep truth is that no UK minister is happy to employ the word ‘English’. That is the one taboo in UK politics that has still to be broken.
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
Isn't "Land Of My Fathers" A Fine Example Of Welsh Racism? Plus BBC Bias And Edith Bowman And T In The Park - ENOUGH!
From the Daily Mail on-line:
Opera singer Katherine Jenkins opened the Ashes today with a rendition of Land of My Fathers.
Cricket chiefs chose the Welsh hymn as they feared that the mainly local Cardiff crowd would not get behind the home team.
The soprano performed to the sold out Sophia Gardens in a striking red dress. Her performance was followed by both the English and Australian National Anthems as well as the hymn Jerusalem.
Um, God Save The Queen is the BRITISH, not the English National anthem - just as relevant to Wales as to England - and isn't Land Of My Fathers a rather bigoted, exclusive hymn to be sung as a national hymn for Wales? After all, we know that the vast majority of migrants settle in England, but what about those who settle in Wales, for whom Wales is NOT the land of their fathers?
Today, I had the grave misfortune to listen to BBC Radio 1, which was asking Welsh cricket spectators what they thought. One of them put forth the opinion that "Wales is better than England".
Would the BBC have broadcast an English person saying that England is better than Wales?
But I feel all this is positive. The break-up of the dis-united Kingdom is coming, this has brought more attention to the facts, and just where a lot of the jingoistic, exclusive nationalistic stuff is actually coming from. Wales, in this case, preening exclusively, with both hands buried deep in England's pockets.
Hopefully the day is not too far away when Wales will truly discover what it is like to be a proud, historic nation - when it finally stands on its own two feet.
And the same for Scotland. I suffered Edith Bowman extolling the virtues of "Scotland's biggest music festival, T In The Park" about five times in a her BBC show, which runs for about three hours. With Ms Bowman it's usually "The UK's biggest this" or "The UK's biggest that".
And to think that the vast majority of people being forced to pay for her organisation live in England. Scotland is another jingoistic little nation, with its hands buried deep in England's pockets.
But on Radio 1, it's like England doesn't exist, or the station broadcasts gross anti-English bias and brainwashing such as that heard on The Surgery - when its Welsh presenter Aled came up with the bright idea that the English were not loyal to England, but to the (imposed EU/NuLabour) regions. The whole Surgery theme was that old familiar song "Aren't the English racists one-and-all?". That show was produced by Anna Bowman. Another BBC Radio 1 Bowman! Read all about The Surgery incident here.
But despite of, or probably because of all this, England is coming back.
Good luck to Scotland and Wales in the future.
And welcome back, England!
Opera singer Katherine Jenkins opened the Ashes today with a rendition of Land of My Fathers.
Cricket chiefs chose the Welsh hymn as they feared that the mainly local Cardiff crowd would not get behind the home team.
The soprano performed to the sold out Sophia Gardens in a striking red dress. Her performance was followed by both the English and Australian National Anthems as well as the hymn Jerusalem.
Um, God Save The Queen is the BRITISH, not the English National anthem - just as relevant to Wales as to England - and isn't Land Of My Fathers a rather bigoted, exclusive hymn to be sung as a national hymn for Wales? After all, we know that the vast majority of migrants settle in England, but what about those who settle in Wales, for whom Wales is NOT the land of their fathers?
Today, I had the grave misfortune to listen to BBC Radio 1, which was asking Welsh cricket spectators what they thought. One of them put forth the opinion that "Wales is better than England".
Would the BBC have broadcast an English person saying that England is better than Wales?
But I feel all this is positive. The break-up of the dis-united Kingdom is coming, this has brought more attention to the facts, and just where a lot of the jingoistic, exclusive nationalistic stuff is actually coming from. Wales, in this case, preening exclusively, with both hands buried deep in England's pockets.
Hopefully the day is not too far away when Wales will truly discover what it is like to be a proud, historic nation - when it finally stands on its own two feet.
And the same for Scotland. I suffered Edith Bowman extolling the virtues of "Scotland's biggest music festival, T In The Park" about five times in a her BBC show, which runs for about three hours. With Ms Bowman it's usually "The UK's biggest this" or "The UK's biggest that".
And to think that the vast majority of people being forced to pay for her organisation live in England. Scotland is another jingoistic little nation, with its hands buried deep in England's pockets.
But on Radio 1, it's like England doesn't exist, or the station broadcasts gross anti-English bias and brainwashing such as that heard on The Surgery - when its Welsh presenter Aled came up with the bright idea that the English were not loyal to England, but to the (imposed EU/NuLabour) regions. The whole Surgery theme was that old familiar song "Aren't the English racists one-and-all?". That show was produced by Anna Bowman. Another BBC Radio 1 Bowman! Read all about The Surgery incident here.
But despite of, or probably because of all this, England is coming back.
Good luck to Scotland and Wales in the future.
And welcome back, England!
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
CEP: Gordon Brown puts Scotland first, not Britain
"On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the Scottish Parliament last Wednesday July 1st Gordon Brown published an article in the Scottish Daily Record," stated Philippa Cullen of Lower Froyle in Hampshire in her end-of-month message to CEP members in the county.
"It reeked with Scottish nationalism. Coming from a British Prime Minister who should put Britain first and speak equally of each nation of Britain it was outrageous. Yet it was totally consistent with his written pledge of March 31st 1989 when as 'one of the leaders of Labour's campaign for devolution' he signed the Scottish Claim of Right vowing 'to make the interests of the Scottish people paramount in everything he said and did'. His government, he says, 'has never stopped focusing on delivering for the Scottish people'.
"In the article he celebrates 'Scotland’s rich and vibrant political history'. He talks of 'the bravery and brilliance of Scots in uniform', no mention of the English who make up the vast bulk of the British Army, Navy and Air Force. He describes how he 'had campaigned for a fairer future for Scotland' and how he had made policy that 'pays off for the Scots. Our decision to build two state-of-the-art aircraft carriers at shipyards including Govan, Scotstoun and Rosyth has secured thousands of jobs in Scotland and protected Scots' hard-earned savings'. He omits to mention that the preservation of shipbuilding jobs in Scotland had been at the deliberate expense of England's shipyards, particularly Devonport and Tyneside.
"He exhibits breathtaking effrontery by saying that 'the Scottish people rightly felt frustrated in recent decades as unpopular decisions were made on health, education and policing', while knowing full well that his fellow Scottish Labour MPs in the UK Parliament have taken away English MPs' choice on foundation hospitals and university tuition fees by voting against them and imposing these against English wishes.
"Unashamedly he boasts that the Scots can enjoy 'influencing decisions in Westminster' while making no mention of the West Lothian Question. He trumpets on about 'Scottish solutions to Scottish issues on things such as free personal care for the elderly, tuition fees, free travel for the elderly and prescription charges', as if England doesn't have exactly the same issues; and as if he is unaware, which he most definitely is not, that in terms of tax revenue it is the English taxpayer who pays for the extra benefits the Scots now enjoy. In terms of tax revenue Scotland is unable to pay its own way. 'The Union Government invests billions of pounds in Scotland beyond the Scottish Parliament’s £35 billion annual budget' he writes. What he does not write is that 90% of the Union Government's revenue comes the English taxpayer.
Because of devolution, Brown writes, 'Scots could finally start taking more control of our daily lives'. Note his use of the word 'our'. He smugly says "For the first time in 300 years, Scotland once again had its own parliament’. There is no fiercer opponent of England having its own parliament and the English having 'control of their daily lives'. than him; and he is using all the instruments of the British state to try to make sure it never happens. He boasts of 'hosting a working dinner in my home in Fife for leaders from all the Holyrood parties'. Would he ever as much as think of getting representatives of the people of England together 'to focus on delivering for the English people'?
As Brown so rightly says in the article, more truthfully than he realizes: 'In short, devolution gives Scotland the best of both worlds'
"It reeked with Scottish nationalism. Coming from a British Prime Minister who should put Britain first and speak equally of each nation of Britain it was outrageous. Yet it was totally consistent with his written pledge of March 31st 1989 when as 'one of the leaders of Labour's campaign for devolution' he signed the Scottish Claim of Right vowing 'to make the interests of the Scottish people paramount in everything he said and did'. His government, he says, 'has never stopped focusing on delivering for the Scottish people'.
"In the article he celebrates 'Scotland’s rich and vibrant political history'. He talks of 'the bravery and brilliance of Scots in uniform', no mention of the English who make up the vast bulk of the British Army, Navy and Air Force. He describes how he 'had campaigned for a fairer future for Scotland' and how he had made policy that 'pays off for the Scots. Our decision to build two state-of-the-art aircraft carriers at shipyards including Govan, Scotstoun and Rosyth has secured thousands of jobs in Scotland and protected Scots' hard-earned savings'. He omits to mention that the preservation of shipbuilding jobs in Scotland had been at the deliberate expense of England's shipyards, particularly Devonport and Tyneside.
"He exhibits breathtaking effrontery by saying that 'the Scottish people rightly felt frustrated in recent decades as unpopular decisions were made on health, education and policing', while knowing full well that his fellow Scottish Labour MPs in the UK Parliament have taken away English MPs' choice on foundation hospitals and university tuition fees by voting against them and imposing these against English wishes.
"Unashamedly he boasts that the Scots can enjoy 'influencing decisions in Westminster' while making no mention of the West Lothian Question. He trumpets on about 'Scottish solutions to Scottish issues on things such as free personal care for the elderly, tuition fees, free travel for the elderly and prescription charges', as if England doesn't have exactly the same issues; and as if he is unaware, which he most definitely is not, that in terms of tax revenue it is the English taxpayer who pays for the extra benefits the Scots now enjoy. In terms of tax revenue Scotland is unable to pay its own way. 'The Union Government invests billions of pounds in Scotland beyond the Scottish Parliament’s £35 billion annual budget' he writes. What he does not write is that 90% of the Union Government's revenue comes the English taxpayer.
Because of devolution, Brown writes, 'Scots could finally start taking more control of our daily lives'. Note his use of the word 'our'. He smugly says "For the first time in 300 years, Scotland once again had its own parliament’. There is no fiercer opponent of England having its own parliament and the English having 'control of their daily lives'. than him; and he is using all the instruments of the British state to try to make sure it never happens. He boasts of 'hosting a working dinner in my home in Fife for leaders from all the Holyrood parties'. Would he ever as much as think of getting representatives of the people of England together 'to focus on delivering for the English people'?
As Brown so rightly says in the article, more truthfully than he realizes: 'In short, devolution gives Scotland the best of both worlds'
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
Co-Operative Supermarkets - Good With Food, Flying The Scottish Flag And Hating England...
Ooh, the Co-op! Another anti-English bunch of supermarket bigots!
Waking Hereward reports on their latest TV ad - in which the Saltire and the word "Scottish" is used to describe some burgers, but no word at all and the Union Flag is used for English sausages.
For the "great British barbecue", of course!
Humph!
Read all about it and see the ad by popping over to Waking Hereward.
Waking Hereward reports on their latest TV ad - in which the Saltire and the word "Scottish" is used to describe some burgers, but no word at all and the Union Flag is used for English sausages.
For the "great British barbecue", of course!
Humph!
Read all about it and see the ad by popping over to Waking Hereward.
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