Silas McGilvray
@silasmcg.bsky.social
SNP activist, human rights activist, Eurovision fan, EU enthusiast, and much else besides. Views my own, etc.
Reposted by Silas McGilvray
Reposted by Silas McGilvray
This is what it looks like when the firewall is torn down for good. EPP, under the leadership of Manfred Weber, using the entire extreme and far right (including German AFD, French RN) for trashing sustainability and due diligence requirements for big business. The masks are off for good.
November 13, 2025 at 11:42 AM
This is what it looks like when the firewall is torn down for good. EPP, under the leadership of Manfred Weber, using the entire extreme and far right (including German AFD, French RN) for trashing sustainability and due diligence requirements for big business. The masks are off for good.
Reposted by Silas McGilvray
I’m stepping up to be your @snp.org candidate for the Whitburn and Blackburn by-election.
West Lothian’s Labour-Tory coalition has been running our services into the ground – I’ve had enough, and I’m sure you have too!
So vote Callum #1 on Dec/11 for a local, fresh and committed voice!
West Lothian’s Labour-Tory coalition has been running our services into the ground – I’ve had enough, and I’m sure you have too!
So vote Callum #1 on Dec/11 for a local, fresh and committed voice!
November 3, 2025 at 7:45 PM
I’m stepping up to be your @snp.org candidate for the Whitburn and Blackburn by-election.
West Lothian’s Labour-Tory coalition has been running our services into the ground – I’ve had enough, and I’m sure you have too!
So vote Callum #1 on Dec/11 for a local, fresh and committed voice!
West Lothian’s Labour-Tory coalition has been running our services into the ground – I’ve had enough, and I’m sure you have too!
So vote Callum #1 on Dec/11 for a local, fresh and committed voice!
I wouldn't be as generous to Sarwar on this. He intentionally tied Scottish Labour incredibly closely to their UK counterparts and failed to adapt when the UK Party undermined or slighted him.
Caught up in events larger than himself, yes, but also very much brought upon himself.
Caught up in events larger than himself, yes, but also very much brought upon himself.
ANALYSIS: Caerphilly by-election earthquake shows Scottish Labour are not in control of their own destiny for Holyrood.
"Scots do not make a distinction between UK Labour and Sarwar’s party, an entanglement that is politically dangerous."
"Scots do not make a distinction between UK Labour and Sarwar’s party, an entanglement that is politically dangerous."
Caerphilly by-election earthquake shows Scottish Labour are not in control of their own destiny - Daily Record
Daily Record Political Editor Paul Hutcheon says Scottish Labour will look at the result with a sense of doom.
www.dailyrecord.co.uk
October 24, 2025 at 10:51 AM
I wouldn't be as generous to Sarwar on this. He intentionally tied Scottish Labour incredibly closely to their UK counterparts and failed to adapt when the UK Party undermined or slighted him.
Caught up in events larger than himself, yes, but also very much brought upon himself.
Caught up in events larger than himself, yes, but also very much brought upon himself.
Reposted by Silas McGilvray
Justice Sotomayor with a graphic dissent as the Supreme Court allows Alabama to move forward with the execution of Anthony Boyd by lethal gas:
October 23, 2025 at 8:50 PM
Justice Sotomayor with a graphic dissent as the Supreme Court allows Alabama to move forward with the execution of Anthony Boyd by lethal gas:
I started reading this expecting to see Sarwar being disingenuous about what decriminalisation means. But what struck me by the end was his incoherence on the topic
EXC: Anas Sarwar says he does not support drug decriminalisation for personal use.
The Scottish Labour leader said communities do not back "making it easier for people to get drugs and take drugs".
The Scottish Labour leader said communities do not back "making it easier for people to get drugs and take drugs".
Anas Sarwar says he does not support drug decriminalisation for personal use - Daily Record
EXCLUSIVE: The Scottish Labour leader said communities do not back "making it easier for people to get drugs and take drugs".
www.dailyrecord.co.uk
October 10, 2025 at 10:56 AM
I started reading this expecting to see Sarwar being disingenuous about what decriminalisation means. But what struck me by the end was his incoherence on the topic
Reposted by Silas McGilvray
The UK Government’s recognition of Palestine is a welcome step, and one that is long overdue.
But words alone will not stop the genocide in Gaza.
Sanctions, an end to arms sales, a ban on goods from settlements, and the suspension of the UK–Israel trade deal must follow.
But words alone will not stop the genocide in Gaza.
Sanctions, an end to arms sales, a ban on goods from settlements, and the suspension of the UK–Israel trade deal must follow.
September 21, 2025 at 2:00 PM
The UK Government’s recognition of Palestine is a welcome step, and one that is long overdue.
But words alone will not stop the genocide in Gaza.
Sanctions, an end to arms sales, a ban on goods from settlements, and the suspension of the UK–Israel trade deal must follow.
But words alone will not stop the genocide in Gaza.
Sanctions, an end to arms sales, a ban on goods from settlements, and the suspension of the UK–Israel trade deal must follow.
Reposted by Silas McGilvray
Went canvassing today. Four different people said they are concerned about immigration, by which they all meant they are concerned by how demonised it is and blame Labour for failing to fight fascism. Inner city Glasgow. Stick that in your narratives
September 14, 2025 at 1:41 PM
Went canvassing today. Four different people said they are concerned about immigration, by which they all meant they are concerned by how demonised it is and blame Labour for failing to fight fascism. Inner city Glasgow. Stick that in your narratives
Reposted by Silas McGilvray
Ah yes, the far-right, defenders of women and girls.
"Rigby asks Farage: “Will you detain the women and children? Will you send them back?”
The Reform boss said: “Yes. Women that arrive, women that arrive by boat will be deported.”
Asked if that meant to Afghanistan, Farage replied: “Yes if necessary.”"
The Reform boss said: “Yes. Women that arrive, women that arrive by boat will be deported.”
Asked if that meant to Afghanistan, Farage replied: “Yes if necessary.”"
September 6, 2025 at 1:19 PM
Ah yes, the far-right, defenders of women and girls.
Reposted by Silas McGilvray
Instead of delivering support on the cost of living, Westminster is busy demonising people who seek sanctuary.
I will have no part in it.
Our Saltire is a flag of welcome - and refugees are welcome here in Scotland.
I will have no part in it.
Our Saltire is a flag of welcome - and refugees are welcome here in Scotland.
September 4, 2025 at 3:25 PM
Instead of delivering support on the cost of living, Westminster is busy demonising people who seek sanctuary.
I will have no part in it.
Our Saltire is a flag of welcome - and refugees are welcome here in Scotland.
I will have no part in it.
Our Saltire is a flag of welcome - and refugees are welcome here in Scotland.
Reposted by Silas McGilvray
Every time living standards fall, Nigel Farage blames migration.
And every time, Keir Starmer nods along.
People are struggling with the cost of living and blaming migration won’t fix that.
Scotland deserves better - a fairer, wealthier, welcoming future with independence.
And every time, Keir Starmer nods along.
People are struggling with the cost of living and blaming migration won’t fix that.
Scotland deserves better - a fairer, wealthier, welcoming future with independence.
August 26, 2025 at 4:52 PM
Every time living standards fall, Nigel Farage blames migration.
And every time, Keir Starmer nods along.
People are struggling with the cost of living and blaming migration won’t fix that.
Scotland deserves better - a fairer, wealthier, welcoming future with independence.
And every time, Keir Starmer nods along.
People are struggling with the cost of living and blaming migration won’t fix that.
Scotland deserves better - a fairer, wealthier, welcoming future with independence.
Reposted by Silas McGilvray
Well, it is mainly France hitting out - Merz supports the deal but points out it hurts EU exporters.
Be that as it may, this is very disingenous: the contours of the deal we were headed for was clear for weeks. The two most powerful EU member-states could've stopped it.
www.ft.com/content/00ec...
Be that as it may, this is very disingenous: the contours of the deal we were headed for was clear for weeks. The two most powerful EU member-states could've stopped it.
www.ft.com/content/00ec...
Germany and France hit out at EU-US deal
Euro slides as investors bet that long-awaited trade agreement will hurt Eurozone economy
www.ft.com
July 28, 2025 at 8:27 PM
Well, it is mainly France hitting out - Merz supports the deal but points out it hurts EU exporters.
Be that as it may, this is very disingenous: the contours of the deal we were headed for was clear for weeks. The two most powerful EU member-states could've stopped it.
www.ft.com/content/00ec...
Be that as it may, this is very disingenous: the contours of the deal we were headed for was clear for weeks. The two most powerful EU member-states could've stopped it.
www.ft.com/content/00ec...
Proof, if anyone needed it, of how far Starmer's Labour have drifted from anything resembling a progressive, practical, reasonable, or even just centrist immigration policy.
BREAKING: Donald Trump has congratulated Keir Starmer on his immigration policy upon the Prime Minister's arrival in Ayrshire
🗣️ 'You've taken a very strong stand on immigration'
🗣️ 'You've taken a very strong stand on immigration'
July 28, 2025 at 11:59 AM
Proof, if anyone needed it, of how far Starmer's Labour have drifted from anything resembling a progressive, practical, reasonable, or even just centrist immigration policy.
Reposted by Silas McGilvray
Brussels blame game on full display here.
1) There is no way the EU Commission went ahead for the deal without prior agreement from France.
2) France, among others, signalled unwillingness for robust reaction as soon as Trump threatened a key French interest (wine).
1) There is no way the EU Commission went ahead for the deal without prior agreement from France.
2) France, among others, signalled unwillingness for robust reaction as soon as Trump threatened a key French interest (wine).
French PM Bayrou today: "It is a dark day when an alliance of free peoples, united to affirm their values and defend their interests, resolves to submission."
French PM Bayrou in March: "Have some missteps been made? Yes, probably, because Kentucky bourbon is included as if it were a trade threat"
French PM Bayrou in March: "Have some missteps been made? Yes, probably, because Kentucky bourbon is included as if it were a trade threat"
July 28, 2025 at 11:25 AM
Brussels blame game on full display here.
1) There is no way the EU Commission went ahead for the deal without prior agreement from France.
2) France, among others, signalled unwillingness for robust reaction as soon as Trump threatened a key French interest (wine).
1) There is no way the EU Commission went ahead for the deal without prior agreement from France.
2) France, among others, signalled unwillingness for robust reaction as soon as Trump threatened a key French interest (wine).
Reposted by Silas McGilvray
No majority....and no opposition either. The EU urgently needs a full blown parliamentary democracy with all the necessary checks and baances, separation of powers and a healthy balance between the institutions
The rally around the (EU) flag by @vonderleyen.ec.europa.eu against the ‘extremists’ will save her Commission for now, but hides an inconvenient truth:
Her Commission lacks a permanent parliamentary majority enabling her to deliver on MFF, Draghi and Letta agendas, defense and security.
Her Commission lacks a permanent parliamentary majority enabling her to deliver on MFF, Draghi and Letta agendas, defense and security.
July 8, 2025 at 12:36 PM
No majority....and no opposition either. The EU urgently needs a full blown parliamentary democracy with all the necessary checks and baances, separation of powers and a healthy balance between the institutions
Reposted by Silas McGilvray
Big milestone in Poland, where renewables overtake coal
www.ft.com/content/ae92...
www.ft.com/content/ae92...
July 3, 2025 at 2:35 PM
Big milestone in Poland, where renewables overtake coal
www.ft.com/content/ae92...
www.ft.com/content/ae92...
Reposted by Silas McGilvray
Proportionally, the estimated 100-200k Pride marchers in Budapest today would correspond to something approaching 1m in London or New York. And this in a country that has now spent 15 years under illiberal, authoritarian rule.
What a symbol of hope.
What a symbol of hope.
According to media estimates the participants to the Budapest Pride may have been in the hundreds of thousands defying the ban
📸: Gábor Tenczer, Balázs Ivándi-Szabó
📸: Gábor Tenczer, Balázs Ivándi-Szabó
June 28, 2025 at 5:55 PM
Proportionally, the estimated 100-200k Pride marchers in Budapest today would correspond to something approaching 1m in London or New York. And this in a country that has now spent 15 years under illiberal, authoritarian rule.
What a symbol of hope.
What a symbol of hope.
Reposted by Silas McGilvray
The Hungarian justice minister has written to all other EU governments warning them that if their ambassadors or staff attend tomorrow's banned #BudapestPride they risk arrest.
Nevertheless, EU Equalities Commissioner Hadja Lahbib (from Belgium) may attend, along with several EU national ministers.
Nevertheless, EU Equalities Commissioner Hadja Lahbib (from Belgium) may attend, along with several EU national ministers.
Hungary warns its EU partners not to attend 'banned' pride parade
The embassies of 33 countries, as well as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and several MEPs, have expressed support for the Budapest Pride march, which is set to take place on Saturd...
www.lemonde.fr
June 27, 2025 at 10:29 AM
The Hungarian justice minister has written to all other EU governments warning them that if their ambassadors or staff attend tomorrow's banned #BudapestPride they risk arrest.
Nevertheless, EU Equalities Commissioner Hadja Lahbib (from Belgium) may attend, along with several EU national ministers.
Nevertheless, EU Equalities Commissioner Hadja Lahbib (from Belgium) may attend, along with several EU national ministers.
Reposted by Silas McGilvray
"Von der Leyen has to make a choice," said @repasi.bsky.social "[...] she and the EPP [now] need to say that this action [the withdrawal of the anti-greenwashing bill] was an accident, and to remedy this within this week, otherwise the very foundation [of the coalition] is put into question":
Ursula von der Leyen's dramatic decision to side with the far right in canceling a significant EU climate law has sparked a crisis among the informal coalition that supports her leadership.
The backlash is now on its way.
🔗 www.politico.eu/article/ursu...
The backlash is now on its way.
🔗 www.politico.eu/article/ursu...
June 24, 2025 at 9:48 AM
"Von der Leyen has to make a choice," said @repasi.bsky.social "[...] she and the EPP [now] need to say that this action [the withdrawal of the anti-greenwashing bill] was an accident, and to remedy this within this week, otherwise the very foundation [of the coalition] is put into question":
Reposted by Silas McGilvray
June 18, 2025 at 8:29 AM
Reposted by Silas McGilvray
Von der Leyen out now with a statement that tries to walk a fine line between support (“Iran must never acquire the bomb”) and veiled criticism (“respect for international law is critical”) of US actions
June 22, 2025 at 9:02 AM
Von der Leyen out now with a statement that tries to walk a fine line between support (“Iran must never acquire the bomb”) and veiled criticism (“respect for international law is critical”) of US actions
Reposted by Silas McGilvray
Only public reaction from major European leader I could find (so far) is from Starmer.
Not only suggest little influence, but also little warning despite conducting talks with Iran on Friday.
Also no pre-coordinated response despite knowing for days US strikes could happen
Not only suggest little influence, but also little warning despite conducting talks with Iran on Friday.
Also no pre-coordinated response despite knowing for days US strikes could happen
Nothing so far from Merz, Macron or Von der Leyen on Trump’s decision to enter the conflct with Iran. Kallas, meanwhile, is calling for a return to the negotiating table. Europe will be affected by this war in ways we can’t fully understand today but it is not in a position to influence outcomes
Iran must not be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon, as it would be a threat to international security.
I urge all sides to step back, return to the negotiating table and prevent further escalation.
EU Foreign Ministers will discuss the situation tomorrow.
I urge all sides to step back, return to the negotiating table and prevent further escalation.
EU Foreign Ministers will discuss the situation tomorrow.
June 22, 2025 at 8:32 AM
Only public reaction from major European leader I could find (so far) is from Starmer.
Not only suggest little influence, but also little warning despite conducting talks with Iran on Friday.
Also no pre-coordinated response despite knowing for days US strikes could happen
Not only suggest little influence, but also little warning despite conducting talks with Iran on Friday.
Also no pre-coordinated response despite knowing for days US strikes could happen
Reposted by Silas McGilvray
If this is true then it’s awful for all the obvious reasons, but it also risks undermining the credibility of South Africa’s ICJ case against Israel by demonstrating blatantly selective application of international law.
⚡️ Russia says South Africa invited Putin to G20 summit despite ICC arrest warrant.
South Africa is a member of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and a signatory to the Rome Statute, meaning it is obliged to arrest Russian President Vladimir Putin if he enters the country.
South Africa is a member of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and a signatory to the Rome Statute, meaning it is obliged to arrest Russian President Vladimir Putin if he enters the country.
Russia says South Africa invited Putin to G20 summit despite ICC arrest warrant
South Africa is a member of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and a signatory to the Rome Statute, meaning it is obliged to arrest Vladimir Putin if he enters the country.
kyivindependent.com
June 19, 2025 at 2:42 PM
If this is true then it’s awful for all the obvious reasons, but it also risks undermining the credibility of South Africa’s ICJ case against Israel by demonstrating blatantly selective application of international law.
Reposted by Silas McGilvray
Greater decentralisation within Scotland and an overhaul of local government structures? Yes.
Metro mayors? No.
Metro mayors? No.
“A directly elected mayor for the Glasgow city region would bring much-needed leadership, accountability and the ability to shape growth around the city’s needs.”
www.heraldscotland.com/news/2524049... @heraldscotland.bsky.social @heraldpols.bsky.social
www.heraldscotland.com/news/2524049... @heraldscotland.bsky.social @heraldpols.bsky.social
‘Glasgow needs a mayor's leadership’: Think tank calls for devolution deal
Centre for Cities says a directly-elected mayor and devolved powers could unlock billions in economic growth for Glasgow—warns city risks falling…
www.heraldscotland.com
June 16, 2025 at 11:17 AM
Greater decentralisation within Scotland and an overhaul of local government structures? Yes.
Metro mayors? No.
Metro mayors? No.