Well done for writing such a measured view of the political scene, adorned with light humour! 👏
A couple of observations - no mention of the Greens, who in my view levered some significant policy shifts out of the SNP before they were dumped in an attempt to satisfy the right-wing elements of the party, the most notable of whom is standing down.....(before she loses her seat maybe?!)
I think the Greens probably merit a mention because of their likely list vote influence.
Secondly, read up on the background to the Freeports.
Another writer on here (@EuropeanPowell I think) has explained that the Freeports are a major obstacle to rejoining the EU because the benefits and freedoms they enjoy are explicitly illegal under EU state aid rules, and the various contracts entered into by UKGov would take a great deal of effort to "unwind". Interestingly, I read last week the Freeport in Teeside has failed and is going into administration.... with very little likely to be repaid to the public sector.....
Who is benefitting from that? Do you know the ultimate beneficial owners, and whether they're paying standard UK/SG tax, do the taxpayers who invested see benefits?
I just find it appalling that the big corporations receive so much public sector support because of their lobbying power, usually on promises of huge job numbers that are never realised. While the local all businesses receive nothing and are the ones who sctually pay taxes and employ people.
Marketing/lobbying and Thatcher/Reagan policies of individual wealth being good have a lot to answer for.
"After this election, if the polls are right, Scotland’s Unionist parties will have some time on the opposition benches to reflect."
True, although they've had 20 years already and not much reflection?
That's a pretty good summing up, Jackie.
Thank you
Well done for writing such a measured view of the political scene, adorned with light humour! 👏
A couple of observations - no mention of the Greens, who in my view levered some significant policy shifts out of the SNP before they were dumped in an attempt to satisfy the right-wing elements of the party, the most notable of whom is standing down.....(before she loses her seat maybe?!)
I think the Greens probably merit a mention because of their likely list vote influence.
Secondly, read up on the background to the Freeports.
Another writer on here (@EuropeanPowell I think) has explained that the Freeports are a major obstacle to rejoining the EU because the benefits and freedoms they enjoy are explicitly illegal under EU state aid rules, and the various contracts entered into by UKGov would take a great deal of effort to "unwind". Interestingly, I read last week the Freeport in Teeside has failed and is going into administration.... with very little likely to be repaid to the public sector.....
You can guess my opinion if them.
That’s interesting. I’ll read more about them. Cheers
I know Scotland’s two Freeports are green freeports. Not sure what difference that makes
Living right along from Leith Freeport’s I can report their new wind farm business is going like a fair!
Who is benefitting from that? Do you know the ultimate beneficial owners, and whether they're paying standard UK/SG tax, do the taxpayers who invested see benefits?
Forth Ports major shareholder is the Canadian public services pension fund. All sorts of tax allowances and NI advantages as you know.
Thanks for the additional info.
I just find it appalling that the big corporations receive so much public sector support because of their lobbying power, usually on promises of huge job numbers that are never realised. While the local all businesses receive nothing and are the ones who sctually pay taxes and employ people.
Marketing/lobbying and Thatcher/Reagan policies of individual wealth being good have a lot to answer for.
Makes me want to visit these places. I'll remember to take the 10A and ignore Google. Nice title!
Thank you! Lovely to get that feedback
I very much appreciate these tours of Scotland
Thank you