If this UK government were deliberately trying to produce a downtrodden underclass, what would they be doing differently? Scot.gov have at least moved us in the direction of our progressive Nordic neighbours. Imagine child poverty levels of 2.5%, and the kind of politics that could get us there.

A continuing reduction in child poverty is no mean feat. But how can they afford it? whine the WM politicians. Supporting children at an early stage, helping them participate in normal childhood things will change their lives for ever. Just as forcing them into poverty does, but negatively.

I do hope the SNP campaign is going to, in large part, use this narrative. Let people know how they have persisted and, as much as they can, within the limits of devolution succeeded in many progressive areas. Just not messing with the NHS structure and introducing an "internal market" is a plus.

So sorry to hear that. Four good neighbours, though. Good people looking out for others. So much better if it was to do extra stuff in a decent, fair democracy, rather than hold the line against the worst of us.

Kia-Ora is also a brand name for a concentrated orange drink in the UK and Ireland. It originated in Australia and was named for the Māori greeting. Is it still sold in the antipodes? Wiki only mentions continued production in Ireland.

It's a thought.

Or tree branch loppers, perhaps.

By the way, I was particularly aiming my remarks at Westminster politicians. Their jeering playground rhetoric is offensive to me as a voter. That Kier 63% of the seats for 35% of the vote Starmer can pontificate on what he will and will not allow is a travesty of democracy.

My bad. I responded to the poster without noticing his post was part of a conversation. I agree that SNP1 Green2 is the best option. Apart from anything else it reflects the reality of PR and gives progressive SNP MSPs more support against their own rightwingers

What really matters is how big the voting majority is. Politicians always switch to the insiders game as soon as an election is over. It doesn't occur to them that they are also insulting the voters. They don't even "see" them. Another major failing of FPTP. A huge majority changes that.

Funnily enough, the question not put was - Would it make any difference to your vote if the referendum was held at a time other than your preferred choice? The news outlets endlessly banged on as though a preference about timing overturned a desire to see a mandate honoured. 2/2

I remember after the last election polling numbers showed more support for a referendum than had voted for SNP and Greens. That question was not asked again. Instead the question was - what is your preferred time for a referendum? Look! most people say the ref should be in five years' time. 1/2

An impoverished immigrant from Lewis, she was in constant pain from osteoporosis, possibly partly because of a poor diet as a child. Her husband was uncaring. None of her other children were like him.

Honestly, you'll still have people saying, we must wespect the office, he was The Pwesident.

Honestly, he has chilled me ever since his role as warm up man for Trump's first campaign. His oratory and whole affect was like a certain type of extreme right European political leader. His manner was cool and urbane as he delivered a dispassionate, almost conversational, stream of vile invective.

I agree. Also, we used to have weekly stand alone plays on TV. Notably those under the Play for Today banner. There was also a series called "The Street" written by Jimmy McGovern. The episodes were stand alones and very different. Look at the actors involved.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Str...

We have, and would have, electoral PR. In that system parties have to attract votes from all demographics. There would be coalitions by default. Like other NE European countries we would tend towards developing a more equal society. We would be in the EU with its fairer development funding.

I expect the solution to the failed water companies to be household purification units. Think of the profits in that.