There was an interesting programme on Radio 4 tonight (Analysis) to which I was directed by my mother (thanks, mum, because otherwise I'd never have known.)
It was on the subject of land reform in Scotland, a draft bill for which is now in process in parliament.
If you're interested in land reform, it's worth listening to it.
I'm not going to comment on it and spoil it for you, but one thing had me jumping with anger adn I have to let it out!
Like so many unionist politicians, Michael Forsyth, John Major's man in Scotland in the mid 90s, now, needless to say, a member of the lords, insisted on calling Scotland a one-party state.
Is he unaware that there are elections for parliament in Scotland held under a partially proportional representation system which balances the inadequacies of first past the post. As constitutional matters are reserved to Westminster, this election process is conducted under the watchful eye of the Conservatives (a party which is in government on less than 30 of the vote over the UK and less than 14% in Scotland).
Mick, if you are reading this, the governing party, the SNP, constitutes 50% of parliament, in short 64 members. The rest is made up of Labour (38), Conservative (15), Liberal Democrat (5) and Green Party (2) members. There are 3 independents and a Presiding Officer who has no political affiliation.
Scottish Socialists and various other parties and groups can, and do, also field members for election. As far as I know there are no restrictions on who can stand for parliament, except those stated in this document. It's a British government publication and the terms and conditions are relatively similar to those of London's parliament. (An exception being that active members of the House of Lords can and do stand for the Scottish parliament. There are some sitting there at present, not least your own party's most excellent Lady Goldie.)
Voting is open to those over 16 on election day who are UK, Commonwealth or EU citizens living in Scotland (or on active service abroad) and registered to vote. Full details can be found here.
Recently your leader, Cameron, said that he hoped the Conservatives would win the Scottish election...hard to do in a one party state where the Conservative are not the one party.
By describing Scotland as a one party state, I assume that you mean that the same party has won the last two elections and has thus been in power, by the next election, for a total of 9 years, then I wonder how you would describe the governments of Mrs Thatcher and Mr Major which were in power for a total of 18 years.
Maybe you could enlighten us?
Oh, and if you lived in a one party state Michael, there would be no doubt about it. You'd most certainly know all about it.
**********
Incidentally next week's Analysis programme is on the subject of the monarchy and its future. Will George ever be king? It should be interesting.
It was on the subject of land reform in Scotland, a draft bill for which is now in process in parliament.
If you're interested in land reform, it's worth listening to it.
I'm not going to comment on it and spoil it for you, but one thing had me jumping with anger adn I have to let it out!
Like so many unionist politicians, Michael Forsyth, John Major's man in Scotland in the mid 90s, now, needless to say, a member of the lords, insisted on calling Scotland a one-party state.
Is he unaware that there are elections for parliament in Scotland held under a partially proportional representation system which balances the inadequacies of first past the post. As constitutional matters are reserved to Westminster, this election process is conducted under the watchful eye of the Conservatives (a party which is in government on less than 30 of the vote over the UK and less than 14% in Scotland).
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| I bet he wishes he hadn't suggested the last one. |
Mick, if you are reading this, the governing party, the SNP, constitutes 50% of parliament, in short 64 members. The rest is made up of Labour (38), Conservative (15), Liberal Democrat (5) and Green Party (2) members. There are 3 independents and a Presiding Officer who has no political affiliation.
Scottish Socialists and various other parties and groups can, and do, also field members for election. As far as I know there are no restrictions on who can stand for parliament, except those stated in this document. It's a British government publication and the terms and conditions are relatively similar to those of London's parliament. (An exception being that active members of the House of Lords can and do stand for the Scottish parliament. There are some sitting there at present, not least your own party's most excellent Lady Goldie.)
Voting is open to those over 16 on election day who are UK, Commonwealth or EU citizens living in Scotland (or on active service abroad) and registered to vote. Full details can be found here.
Recently your leader, Cameron, said that he hoped the Conservatives would win the Scottish election...hard to do in a one party state where the Conservative are not the one party.
By describing Scotland as a one party state, I assume that you mean that the same party has won the last two elections and has thus been in power, by the next election, for a total of 9 years, then I wonder how you would describe the governments of Mrs Thatcher and Mr Major which were in power for a total of 18 years.
Maybe you could enlighten us?
Oh, and if you lived in a one party state Michael, there would be no doubt about it. You'd most certainly know all about it.
**********
Incidentally next week's Analysis programme is on the subject of the monarchy and its future. Will George ever be king? It should be interesting.
