/qnotables/ - ===Q Notables===

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/20867769 (150106ZMAY24) Notable: Nicola Sturgeon & SNP Bun Part One / Nicola Sturgeon and Humza Yousaf to lose Holyrood seats amid Glasgow wipeout for SNP

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https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/nicolas-sturgeon-humza-yousaf-lose-32807707

Nicola Sturgeon and Humza Yousaf to lose Holyrood seats amid Glasgow wipeout for SNP

Angus Robertson, Neil Gray and Mairi McAllan would also be relying on the regional list to hold on to their job if analysis of new polling is correct

Douglas Dickie

14 MAY 2024

Two former first ministers face the humiliation of losing their seat at the next Scottish election - assuming they even stick around for the fight. Nicola Sturgeon and Humza Yousaf would be among the victims of a Glasgow wipeout for the SNP, according to new analysis.

Polling by Savanta last week suggested Labour would overtake the Nats as the biggest party at Holyrood when the nation goes to the polls in 2026. Now, political data site Ballot Box Scotland has crunched the numbers to see how the political map would look.

Despite both Labour and the SNP being expected to win 35% of the constituency vote, the concentration of Labour support in the Central Belt will see Anas Sarwar's party emerge with many more constituency MSPs. The whole of Glasgow is expected to turn red, including Ms Sturgeon's Glasgow Southside constituency and Mr Yousaf's Glasgow Pollok seat.

Ms Sturgeon has yet to say if she will stand down at the next election having quit as SNP leader last year. However, she has been making moves towards a post-Holyrood career and the potential for an actual electoral fight may be enough to make the decision for her.

Mr Yousaf could stick it out at Holyrood but may need to rely on the regional list in order to win a seat. Elsewhere, First Minister John Swinney will also face an uncomfortable time with the Tories tipped to score a victory in his backyard.

The Conservatives are forecast to win Jim Fairlie's Perthshire South and Kinross-shire seat, right next to Mr Swinney's own Perthshire North constituency. Other high-profile Nat figures sweating over their seats include Neil Gray (Airdrie and Shotts), Angus Robertson (Edinburgh Central) and Mairi McAllan (Clydesdale).

Ballot Box Scotland predicts Holyrood will include 47 Labour MSPs compared with 35 for the Nats, down from the 64 they won in 2021. While that leaves Labour short of a majority, it will mean there will no longer be a nationalist majority at Holyrood for the first time since 2012.

The Tories would drop to 24 seats with the Lib Dems on 12 and the Greens on 11.

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/20869755 (151527ZMAY24) Notable: Final Government Bloat, Waste, and Abuse Bun / 'Housing has been devolved 25 years!' SNP minister slated after blaming Westminster for Scotland declaring a housing emergency

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https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/housing-been-devolved-25-years-32814825

'Housing has been devolved 25 years!' SNP minister slated after blaming Westminster for Scotland declaring a housing emergency

Scottish Government Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville pointed the finger at the UK Government for the SNP being bounced into declaring a housing emergency as homelessness grows in the likes of Glasgow and Edinburgh

David Walker

15 MAY 2024

A Scottish Government minister has been slated after she attempted to blame Westminster for SNP plans to declare a housing emergency on Wednesday. The Nationalist Executive is set to hijack a Scottish Labour debate on housing to make this declaration, just six months after refusing to do so.

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville laid the blame at the door of the UK Government, and even refused to accept any failings when pressed on Radio Scotland's Good Morning Scotland. The move comes amid fears that the SNP will lose a first major vote at the Scottish Parliament.

Five local authorities have declared housing emergencies in recent months, including Glasgow and Edinburgh, due to a lack of available homes and growing numbers of people declaring themselves homeless. The issues come amid the government cutting £200m from the affordable housing budget.

But Ms Somerville insisted it was not her fault and pointed to a lack of funding from Whitehall. She said: "I want to make sure we use the debate today to recognise the context which the Scottish Government is working in, for example 9% cut in our capital budget by the UK Government which inevitably has an impact on our plans going forward.

"To see what can do under our devolved powers. I think it's very important we do look at the context, the financial reality we are in, we have seen the cut in our capital budget at the same time as rocketing construction inflation because of Tory mismanagement of the UK economy, and of course building on austerity, that's not blaming someone, that's the context of the situation we are in."

She pointed out that they had boosted the sector with £80m, but this is over the next two years, meaning it will take five years for the cuts to be restored. And Shelter Scotland pointed out that the cut to the capital budget "didn't need to translate into a 26% cut to the housing budget."

Her comments were blasted by the Scottish Tories, with former leader Jackson Carlaw pointing out that "housing has been devolved for 25 years." His colleague Jamie Halcro Johnston added: "An SNP Government that slashed the housing budget by £200m+ has today been forced to declare a housing emergency while desperately trying to wash their hands of any responsibility."

And Murdo Fraser wrote: "SNP rent control plans have led directly to a collapse in investment in the build-to-rent sector. That’s nothing to do with Westminster and entirely down to decisions taken by inept politicians in Edinburgh."

Scottish Tory shadow housing secretary Miles Briggs claimed that the SNP "have had to be dragged kicking and screaming into this long overdue acceptance of reality." He added: "The Scottish Conservatives have repeatedly called for a national housing emergency to be declared, but these calls fell on deaf ears until now. SNP ministers have also ignored the calls from charities, as well as five local councils declaring emergencies in their own areas.

“This situation is entirely of the SNP’s making. Shirley-Anne Somerville has typically tried to blame Westminster but the SNP have received a record block grant and it is them who shamefully slashed £200 million from the affordable housing budget. They - along with Labour - also backed the Greens illogical rent freeze policy which has instead hit tenants with soaring rents and has put the pause on much needed housing developments.

“Finally declaring a housing emergency must be more than lip service from the SNP. We must see ministers now reverse their deeply damaging cuts and take the urgent action required – including bringing thousands of empty properties back into use – to tackle Scotland’s housing crisis.”

The UK Government said: "The Scottish Government receives around 25% more funding per person than equivalent UK government spending in other parts of the UK.”

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/20870144 (151653ZMAY24) Notable: Final Government Bloat, Waste, and Abuse Bun / SNP declaring a housing emergency 'means absolutely nothing' as it 'self-congratulates' its own failure

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https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/snp-declaring-housing-emergency-means-32819492#source=breaking-news

SNP declaring a housing emergency 'means absolutely nothing' as it 'self-congratulates' its own failure

The Scottish Government announced a housing emergency in Scotland, six months after claiming that there wasn't one, but were savaged by opposition parties for refusing to accept any responsibility for it.

David Walker

15 MAY 2024

The Scottish Government officially announcing a housing emergency "means absolutely nothing" sniped rivals as it refused to "take responsibility" for the 10,000 children in temporary accommodation, and the rising numbers of Scots declaring homelessness. Six months ago, SNP ministers refused to accept this was an issue, voting down Scottish Labour.

But now Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville confessed at the Scottish Parliament that the country faced a housing crisis and vowed to fix it. Her admission came about due to fears John Swinney was about to fall to a humiliating defeat in his first week in charge, as the Greens were set to vote with Labour.

She said: "It is clear that the Scottish Government has recognised there is a real and genuine challenge within the housing sector and we have done for some time... it is very important that we move past debating how we define the problem and move onto the solutions.

"That's why I am very happy that we do so today and that we all collectively declare there is a housing emergency because the important point is what we then do about it." She then called on all parties to work together on this, while hitting out at the UK Government again.

Her comments closing the debate for the SNP came just minutes after Housing Minister claimed that he was "proud" of his government's record in housebuilding. He said: "We are making available nearly £600 million this year towards the delivery of more unaffordable social homes...this includes a recent boost of £80 million over two years to facilitate the acquisition of existing properties".

He then compared Scotland to England and Wales, pointing out that there has been "40% more affordable homes delivered in Scotland, per head of population than in England and over 70% more than in Wales. But rivals blasted the SNP Executive for refusing to take responsibility for the crisis.

Scottish Lib Dem MSP Willie Rennie highlighted that this could have been declared six months ago, and that there was nothing being put forward by the government to fix the issue. He said that the declaration "means absolutely nothing" and added: "The speech the minister made was almost exactly the same speech he made last November except for the words "accepting the housing emergency has been added in, nothing else has changed.

"It was one defence after another in his contribution, and then blaming Westminster, which was exactly what he did last year. The Scottish Government has choices, it could do something different, one of those was a dramatic cut in the more homes budget.

"The problem has been building for years, this isn't going to be turned around overnight but we need to start to reverse the damage, so the acceptance of a housing emergency must mean something but from the Minister I'm afraid it means absolutely nothing."

Scottish Labour housing spokesman Mark Griffin described the motion from the Scottish Government as "self-congratulatory" and "blames everyone and everything" and that the government must "take responsibility for the fact there are 10,000 children in temporary accommodation, that not enough homes are being built, that far too many homes are lying empty, and to start to come up with solutions for that."

Scottish Conservatives shadow housing secretary Miles Briggs claimed the government has had to be "kicked dragging and screaming" to accept there is a housing emergency in Scotland. He added: "We must see ministers act and urgently outline to Parliament, what will change across all government portfolios and what fresh leadership will actually be brought to this housing emergency.

"Scottish ministers need to bring forward an urgent housing emergency plan. That is why I hope we will not just see this debate, but cross party talks."

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/20870291 (151733ZMAY24) Notable: Final Law and Disorder Bun / Brute ex cop jailed for seven years after horror campaign of sexual and physical abuse

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https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/brute-ex-cop-jailed-seven-32819301

Brute ex cop jailed for seven years after horror campaign of sexual and physical abuse

Christopher Wylie was sentenced for offences that took place in the Sutherland area between 2019 and 2021

Iona Young

15 MAY 2024

A disgraced former Highlands cop has been jailed for a catalogue of abuse and sexual offences spanning three years.

Christopher Wylie appeared at the High Court in Edinburgh on May 15.

The 47-year-old was jailed for several abusive and sexual offences that took place in the Sutherland area of the Scottish Highlands between April 2019 and December 2021.

Wylie throttled a woman and lunged at her while he was in possession of a knife during abusive conduct that spanned a 20 month period.

A judge told him at the High Court in Edinburgh: "Such behaviour is bound to attract a significant period of imprisonment."

Judge Michael O'Grady KC said Wylie carried out a course of conduct directed at the woman that was appalling, sustained and humiliating.

Wylie, who joined the police in 2009 and whose career in the force lasted about 10 years, had sex with the woman without her consent and offered another man intercourse with her in return for drugs.

He denied the offence at an earlier trial at the High Court in Inverness but was found guilty by the verdict of the jury.

Defence counsel Brian McConnachie KC said that Wylie was assessed as posing a low level of rsik of further offending.

He said that during his time in custody he has been transferred from Inverness jail to prison in Dumfries and added: "Given his previous employment as a police officer perhaps his period in custody will be more difficult for him than an ordinary person."

After the trial, Detective Constable Emma Ellis said: “I hope this sentence provides some measure of closure for his victim.

“Sexual abuse has no place in our communities and we would encourage anyone who is experiencing abuse, or know someone who is, to get in touch. We will take action no matter the timescale."

She added: “Anyone wishing to report this kind of crime can call Police Scotland directly on 101, or via our partner agencies. Reports will be robustly investigated.”

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/20878165 (171358ZMAY24) Notable: Final Government Bloat, Waste, and Abuse Bun / Scotland seen as 'basket case' by global investors thanks to the SNP as billionaire brothers slate John Swinney

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https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/scotland-seen-basket-case-global-32807442

Scotland seen as 'basket case' by global investors thanks to the SNP as billionaire brothers slate John Swinney

The Easdale brothers blasted the Scottish Government for pursuing 'financially illiterate policies' which has damaged the country's standing worldwide, including the push for independence.

David Walker

14 MAY 2024

John Swinney and the SNP have been blasted by Scotland's billionaire brothers who called into question the new First Minister's claims that he will "dedicate every fibre" to delivering economic growth for the country. The Easdales claimed that global investors regard Scotland as a "basket case" due to the nationalists pursuing "financially illiterate policies."

The pair, who run bus companies McGills, were particularly scathing about decision-making in Glasgow, highlighting a number of taxpayer-funded "vanity projects" which deserve to be scrapped. These include nationalising the bus network in the region, and the £15bn Clyde Metro initiative, with both potentially having a negative impact on the Easdales business.

Both projects are expected to cost billions of pounds over the next decade and make public transport in Glasgow and the surrounding areas easier. But the Metro project has been scheduled for years with barely any progress being made, with plans to link Glasgow Airport to the city centre already scrapped.

Mr Swinney blamed the UK Government for Scotland suffering a cost-of-living crisis last week in his first few interviews as First Minister, but he has been told to look closer to home for blame. Sandy Easdale said: "Mr Swinney said UK government policies were preventing the country from realising its full potential. We feel he needs to look closer to home. Try Glasgow for a start."

The Easdales claimed they had spoken to one of Europe's leading place branding consultants to ask how the government and local authority were doing attracting inward investment, and were told that there were key aspects that were looked at: political stability, high taxes, competence of local government and roads, street lighting and sewers.

They insisted that the consultants claimed that the push for independence and the current state of Glasgow would deter global investors. James Easdale said: "What financial investors are going to commit to £15bn which would probably end up as double that bearing in mind Scotland’s track record? Also, when they sit in their European offices and hear John Swinney saying that Scotland will be independent in five years, that raises so many red flags.”

Sandy Easdale added: “Glaswegians and folks in the neighbouring areas must wonder where all the money is coming from for these vanity projects. They need after-hours doctors and access to emergency hospital treatment, never mind getting the potholes fixed and the rat infestations cleared out.”

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/20878171 (171359ZMAY24) Notable: Final Government Bloat, Waste, and Abuse Bun / Scotland seen as 'basket case' by global investors thanks to the SNP as billionaire brothers slate John Swinney

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The brothers also called into question the claims that Scotland's approach to attracting inward investment was paying off, following a report which showed that in 2021/22, 7,780 jobs were created or protected through this. Sandy Easdale said: "However, here’s the kick in the teeth. 98% of these jobs pay the real living wage of £19,305. I am not dismissing these jobs but come on, that’s no way to build a world-class economy. And when you see the phrase 'jobs were protected,' that simply means that an incentive was paid to current investors not to get rid of anybody."

The brothers concluded: “Glasgow and the rest Scotland cannot truly move ahead until financially realistic policies are adopted, taxation is normalised with the rest of the UK and John Swinney parks the independence debate for a generation. Otherwise, the global investment community will continue to regard Scotland, and in particular the west, as a basket case.”

A Glasgow City Council spokeswoman said: "Creating conditions that increase the attractiveness of public transport and support more people to travel sustainably in Glasgow is a priority for the council. Our new transport strategy has a substantial focus on improving bus travel, as a switch to more sustainable forms of transport is essential in the fight against climate change, whilst fewer car journeys can reduce congestion and increase the amenity of our city for everyone

“We have previously committed to exploring the bus governance powers in the Transport (Scotland) Act 2019 as set out in our Bus Governance Routemap - a move which also lends support to Clyde Metro as a transformational mass transit system, following its confirmation by the Scottish Government as a key priority for future transport investment.”

On inward investment, she added: “Industry experts recently named Glasgow Europe’s number one large city for attracting overseas investment – so it is hard to understand the reasoning behind this statement. Recent years have seen the emergence of significant sectors in technology, the green economy, the space industry, the creative economy, and advanced manufacturing - and these will all help to drive Glasgow's future growth and high-skilled jobs.

“Our Invest Glasgow team has helped attract overseas investment which has brought over 6,000 jobs in the past five years and a new investment strategy for Glasgow was launched last Autumn, responding to the changes in the investment landscape, impacted by Brexit and the pandemic. Taken with our recent ranking as the world's 61st best city for global investment attractiveness, Glasgow can take real encouragement from how the world increasingly sees us."

A Stratchclyde Partnership Transport spokeswoman added: "The Clyde Metro programme is a real opportunity to deliver a step-change in multi modal public transport across the greater Glasgow region, making the west of Scotland a well-connected place with active, liveable communities and accessible, vibrant centres facilitated by high quality, sustainable and low carbon transport shaped by the needs for all.

"The Strathclyde Regional Bus Strategy which sets out plans for bus franchising, is a bold ambitious plan aiming to deliver real opportunities for growth in our region as part of this multi modal network. Bus Franchising is a proven model for delivering local bus services, improving the network to achieve passenger growth, providing better accessibility for all, and delivers wider public policy outcomes.

"We are fully aware of the challenges we face and establishing both of these programmes will take time, investment, and a commitment from Government and leaders across many sectors to deliver but this is a time for ambition and for transformation. Doing nothing and hoping the status quo will continue is simply not an option.”

Investment Minister Tom Arthur said: “Despite the challenging backdrop of Brexit and Covid, the Scottish economy continues to make positive progress in comparison to the UK as a whole, with GDP growth per person of 10.8% in Scotland since 2007, compared to 5.6% in the UK.

“Scotland is open for business and the Scottish Government is committed to working hand-in-hand across sectors, and with public and private partners, to maximise the huge economic opportunities that lie ahead.

“This includes Glasgow, where we continue to invest through a series of targeted programmes. These include the City Region Deal, supported by £520 million from Scottish Government, and more recently, the establishment of Glasgow City Region as one of Scotland’s first Investment Zones, designed to deliver economic growth, high quality, well-paid jobs, and future opportunities for local people.”

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/20878724 (171704ZMAY24) Notable: Horizon Post Office Scandal Bun Part One / Dorothy Bain insists she 'shares collective position' of SNP ministers in rare Holyrood appearance

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https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/dorothy-bain-insists-shares-collective-32827707

Dorothy Bain insists she 'shares collective position' of SNP ministers in rare Holyrood appearance

The Lord Advocate finally appeared in front of MSPs at the Scottish Parliament to answer questions about the Post Office Horizon scandal and insisted it was never her position to oppose mass exoneration of victims.

David Walker

16 MAY 2024

Scotland's Lord Advocate has insisted that she "shares the collective position" of SNP ministers as she made a rare appearance at Holyrood to answer questions from MSPs. Dorothy Bain was called on to give evidence about the Crown Office's role in the Horizon Post Office scandal.

She spoke days after a new emergency bill was introduced at the Scottish Parliament which will see a mass exoneration of Scots sub-postmasters who were wrongly convicted due to faulty Horizon evidence. The Scottish Government became embroiled in a cross-border row after Westminster declined to legislate for them, citing the separate legal systems.

Ms Bain's previous public comments on the scandal also called into question whether she backed a blanket exoneration of victims which is what the new legislation will do. But she rejected that suggestion on Thursday, pointing out that as a member of the government cabinet she needs to support their policies.

Scottish Tory justice spokesman Russell Findlay welcomed the fact she had finally been hauled in front of MSPs but asked her a number of questions about the scandal. He said: "In her statement, the Lord Advocate said that she has not previously opposed mass exoneration as this bill proposes.

"Now that was the impression given by her previous statement in January, so I'd like to ask her to use this opportunity to be clear whether or not she agrees with her cabinet colleagues that mass exoneration is the right thing to do. It's also regrettable that the SNP has sought to turn this into yet another excuse to pick a constitutional fight with UK ministers.

"In their own words, the Scottish Government now recognises the need for standalone Scottish legislation. It's also regrettable that the Scottish Government now suggest that the passing of this bill can only happen after the UK law has passed, I'd urge the Scottish Government to have confidence in this parliament to commit to passing this legislation before summer, we have the power to do so."

Ms Bain pointed out that the government's bill reflects their position and that "like all ministers I share that collective position." She claimed that her comments previously "were taken out of context" as she was instead stating that she did not have the powers to grant a blanket exoneration.

She also gave an update on the current position on Scottish Horizon cases, with six being quashed so far, two currently before the Appeal Court and 10 more before the Scottish Criminal Cases Review system. She also announced that she had stripped the Post Office of its status as a specialist reporting agency "because of its fundamental and sustained failures" and added that it was "not fit to be a specialist reporting agency" meaning it can now no longer able to investigate and report allegations to the Crown."

And Ms Bain also addressed complaints that the Crown Office continued to convict using faulty Horizon evidence after a summit in 2013 where they were told about issues with it. She confirmed four cases have been identified which took place between 2013 and 2015 and involved Horizon data and guilty pleas, but blamed the Post Office for this.

Speaking afterwards, Mr Findlay insisted that the Lord Advocate still had questions to answer. He said: "Following multiple Scottish Conservative requests, the Lord Advocate rightly returned to parliament, but many questions remain unanswered. We still don’t know whether or not she believes in the legislation’s blanket exoneration of Horizon victims.

“Dithering SNP ministers also need to stop using the UK legislation as a phoney excuse to delay the Scottish bill. They need to get on with it, for the sake of the Post Office victims.

“Former Lord Advocate Frank Mulholland was in charge during this mass miscarriage of justice and it is only right that he should also come to parliament.”

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/20878917 (171800ZMAY24) Notable: Final Law and Disorder Bun / 'Soft-touch justice' SNP set to release up to 500 criminals from jail early to ease overcrowding

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https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/soft-touch-justice-snp-want-32826742

'Soft-touch justice' SNP set to release up to 500 criminals from jail early to ease overcrowding

The Scottish Government's Justice Secretary Angela Constance will ask MSPs to vote on releasing prisoners early after the number of cons exploded to almost record highs in prison.

David Walker

16 MAY 2024

The Scottish Government has outlined plans to release up to 500 criminals from prison early in a bid to solve "dangerous" overcrowding in jails. Justice Secretary Angela Constance will consult MSPs on this in the next two weeks, with the freeing of cons scheduled for after this.

And she also put forward two more "soft-touch" justice solutions to help deal with a bloated prison estate, with the number of people locked up at the second highest level on record. The population has risen sharply, from 7,948 on 18 March to 8,348 this morning.

MSPs will get the final say on whether criminals can be released into the public early, but this vote is expected to go the way of the minority SNP Government. Dangerous long-term prisoners could also be allowed automatic early release despite this being abolished almost 10 years ago.

It means that the SNP are using a brand new power it has created for itself through its Bail and Release from Custody Act, with this coming into force on May 26. Ms Constance claimed that she "hoped this would never need to be used."

She admitted that up to 500 cons would be freed early, with those serving under four years eligible, except for individuals who are behind bars due to domestic abuse or sexual offences. It is the second time this will happen, with a mass release also occurring during the Covid pandemic.

A total of 348 criminals were let out early, but almost half of them committed crimes afterwards. The SNP minister also wants to increase the period of time cons can spend on release under licence conditions. She told MSPs: "And be in no doubt, that is what we are facing. If our prisons are to remain functional and able to house the most dangerous offenders, we have no choice but to take urgent action to reduce pressure on the estate.

"On 26 May, we will bring into force section 11 of the Bail and Release from Custody (Scotland) Act 2023, which was scrutinised by Parliament last year and provides Ministers with a power to release prisoners in emergency situations. My hope was that this would never need to be used. However, as things stand today, my view is that we have reached the threshold for taking emergency action.

"The sudden and sharp rise over recent weeks, combined with an already high population, has significantly increased the risk to the health, safety and welfare of both prisoners and SPS staff, as well as to the security and good order of the prison estate. Serious concerns have been formally raised to me by the Chief Executive of SPS, His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Prisons, and the Prison Governors Association.

"If the legal test for use of emergency release is satisfied when the provisions come into force on 26 May, I intend to bring forward a proposal for Parliament’s consideration as soon as possible within the following two weeks. Members will have the opportunity to scrutinise and debate the approach and, in this instance, we will not release a single prisoner without Parliament’s consent. I also want to work with Parliament to expedite that process."

All those released would be serving sentences of under four years, with no one serving jail time for sexual offences or domestic abuse being let out early, with a governor veto also available. She added: "This is not a decision I take lightly and I appreciate the concerns it will raise. But we must ensure the safety and wellbeing of SPS staff and those in their care, and that our prisons continue to function effectively to accommodate those who pose the greatest risk of harm."

But critics urged the government to ensure they protect the public safety, and that this doesn't become another "soft touch approach to justice." Scottish Tory justice spokeswoman Sharon Dowey said: "It is crucial that you ensure that individuals released from prison do not pose a risk to the public.

"And therefore if the government is going down this path they must ensure it's done in a way that public safety is not at risk, caution must be taken and safety checks must be carried out. It's not the time for the SNP to follow their soft-touch approach to justice." She also called on Ms Constance to be clear to the public what the criminals had been in jail for and how many are released.

It's probably fuck all to do with overcrowding in prisons, they'll be letting people out in the hope they don't sue for being imprisoned by an illegal, unlawful and unconstitutional government/judiciary... and it's all going to come out sooner, rather than later.

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/20883133 (181539ZMAY24) Notable: Nicola Sturgeon & SNP Bun Part One / SNP DID keep part of Stone of Destiny in a cupboard as experts verify fragment

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https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/scottish-news/snp-keep-part-stone-destiny-32834519

SNP DID keep part of Stone of Destiny in a cupboard as experts verify fragment

The piece was given to Alex Salmond and has sat in a storage cupboard since 2008 but could now be reunited with the real thing

Neil Pooran & Douglas Dickie

17 MAY 2024

Experts have confirmed a fragment of stone kept for years at SNP headquarters did come from the Stone of Destiny. The revelation could pave the way for the 'missing' chip to be reunited with the ancient Stone of Scone at its new home in Perth.

Former first minister Alex Salmond was given the fragment by the son of one of the pro-independence students who famously stole the Stone of Destiny from Westminster Abbey in 1950. However, until now its provenance had not been conclusively established and it had apparently resided in a cupboard at SNP HQ since 2008.

An analysis of the stone fragment was carried out by Historic Environment Scotland on behalf of the royally-appointed Commissioners for the Safeguarding of the Regalia – who are responsible for the preservation of certain important historic items. The scientific analysis determined beyond reasonable doubt that it was taken from the Stone of Destiny.

In March this year, the SNP requested that the small piece of stone be reunited with the rest of the block at Perth Museum, which received the Stone of Destiny as part of a £27 million redevelopment. The existence of the fragment was revealed in Scottish Government cabinet records which were published at the start of this year.

The Commissioners will decide on where the fragment will go. Scotland’s First Minister is appointed as one of the Commissioners for the Safeguarding of the Regalia when they take office.

But both John Swinney, and former first minister Humza Yousaf, have recused themselves on decisions about the fragment – as SNP leaders they wished to avoid any potential conflict of interest. The SNP’s longest-serving MP, Pete Wishart, had earlier called for the "missing" piece to be moved to Perth Museum.

The conclusion of the scientific tests adds a new chapter to the long story of the Stone of Destiny, which has been associated with the Scottish and UK monarchies for centuries. It was long used in the inauguration of Scottish monarchs.

However, in 1296, it was seized by King Edward I of England as war loot and taken to London. It was built into a Coronation Chair at Westminster Abbey and was used in the coronation ceremonies of Kings and Queens of England and, later, Great Britain after the Scottish and English crowns were united in the early 17th century.

In 1950, a group of students carried out an audacious raid to steal the stone from Westminster Abbey and returned it to Scotland to try and advance the cause of independence. The raid led to the sandstone block splitting in two – a possible source of the fragment which later found its way to the SNP.

The Stone of Destiny was used in Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953 and was also used in the coronation of King Charles last year. One of the students was John MacCormick and his son, Sir Neil MacCormick, gave the rock fragment to Mr Salmond in 2008.

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/20883158 (181555ZMAY24) Notable: Covid and other Pestilence Bun Part One / Former nurse vows she will blow the SNP's Covid scandal wide open at the Scottish public inquiry

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>This story now gone from the Scottish Express website.

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/20883556 (181905ZMAY24) Notable: Updated Livermore Emails Bun / More of Roger Livermore's emails have been posted on telegram

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>>201292

>Daily Record article is still up

I wonder if the memory hole will claim that soon too?

Won't that stink to the constables on operation koper?

Will they be coerced into abandoning their investigation?

The police are also unconstitutional, unlawful and illegally according to Roger Livermore in his emails.

More of Roger Livermore's emails have been posted on telegram....These ones are unmarked unlike the previous ones.

These ones are primarily addressed to Humza Yousaf and the last one was sent to him on a Friday and on the following Monday he announced his resignation as First Monster.

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/20883576 (181912ZMAY24) Notable: Updated Livermore Emails Bun / More of Roger Livermore's emails have been posted on telegram

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>>>154439 Final Covid and other Pestilence Bun Part Two

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/20888794 (192330ZMAY24) Notable: Final Government Bloat, Waste, and Abuse Bun / 'Political meddling' SNP special adviser demanded Scottish Government civil servant blame Westminster for huge funding cut (video)

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https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/political-meddling-snp-special-adviser-32836575

'Political meddling' SNP special adviser demanded Scottish Government civil servant blame Westminster for huge funding cut

Exclusive: The SNP have been blasted for 'political meddling' and of attempting to stoke more 'constitutional grievance' after a special adviser demanded that the UK Government be blamed for Shona Robison's decision to cut funding for Clyde Gateway.

David Walker

18 MAY 2024

The SNP have been blasted for "political meddling" after a taxpayer-funded special adviser demanded a Scottish Government civil servant blame Westminster for a brutal funding cut. The media officer was told to include a line pointing the finger at the UK Government instead of admitting fault.

Critics have claimed that the nationalists attempt to "stoke constitutional grievance" was an attempt to distract from its own major financial failings. The row revolves around the removal of funding to Clyde Gateway, when a printing error was blamed for getting the organisation's hopes up.

The Sunday Mail reported that Clyde Gateway expected to get £5m in the government's 2024/25 budget, but were actually scheduled to get £500,000 with an error in the document blamed. It led to officials being lambasted by the Finance Secretary Shona Robison who demanded to know how this happened, with it eventually being put down to human error.

Numerous media organisations asked the government to comment on the situation, with the press officers outlining a draft response to send to them. But they were ordered to add in a line blaming the UK Government for the removal of funding.

The initial line which was sent to special advisers, who are brought in by the First Minister and utilised to advise on policy, at the cost to the public purse, said: "As a result of the extremely challenging financial context, there is currently no capital budget allocated to Clyde Gateway for the coming year.

"However we are working with Clyde Gateway and other partners to mitigate the impact of this as far as possible. We are also continuing to support place-based community-led regeneration in our most disadvantaged communities with £45.8m capital investment in 2024-25.”

But an unnamed special adviser rebutted this, and ordered an extra line to be added: "Can we explicitly mention the 10% cut to our capital budget from UKG please?" The fact they meddled in the situation has been blasted by the Scottish Tories.

Party chairman Craig Hoy MSP told the Scottish Daily Express: “This further exposes the SNP’s political meddling in the civil service. It is wholly unacceptable that a nationalist spin doctor ordered a government press officer to include a line in response to a media inquiry that was designed to deliberately stoke constitutional grievance.

“It is typical that the SNP were looking to deflect blame elsewhere for these cuts, rather than accept they have completely mismanaged the record funding they have at their disposal from the UK Government.” The SNP Executive were forced to apologise for the "printing error" to Clyde Gateway which is an urban regeneration organisation that promotes inbound investment and improvements for people in several towns, including Rutherglen.

Ms Robison's spending plans were published on December 20 and included the line about £5m to the project, when it should have been £0.5m, with then-Local Government Minister Joe FitzPatrick forced to apologise in person to Clyde Gateway Chief Executive Martin McKay who had outlined his disappointment at the original decision. Following a public outcry, the organisation did net £1m in capital funding a few months later.

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/20888848 (192345ZMAY24) Notable: Covid and other Pestilence Bun Part One / Nicola Sturgeon and John Swinney wanted STRICTER Covid restrictions on Scots during pandemic

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https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/nicola-sturgeon-john-swinney-wanted-32843144

Nicola Sturgeon and John Swinney wanted STRICTER Covid restrictions on Scots during pandemic

The former First Minister and her then-Deputy wanted tighter control in Scotland in 2021, and a potential return to lockdown-like conditions a full year after the pandemic first hit,.

David Walker

19 MAY 2024

Nicola Sturgeon and John Swinney wanted tighter control of Scots lives during the Covid pandemic as they threatened harsher restrictions on public transport and in shops, a year after the virus first hit. The pair were accused of "micromanaging" during the public health disaster in newly revealed documents.

Despite Scotland having some of the strictest rules in the UK, the former First Minister and her loyal deputy wanted to go even further, and complained about not being told about some menial changes at the Scottish Government HQ. Draconian restrictions lasted longer north of the border than in England.

At the UK Covid Inquiry, both leading SNP figures confirmed that they closed schools for a second time despite having no proper evidence to do so. Ms Sturgeon also decided to virtually lock the country down again during Hogmanay 2021 due to the Omicron variant which was found not to be as dangerous.

Now, the Scottish Sun reports some new insider details about the government's decision making during the pandemic, including the fact both Mr Swinney and his leader were angered by floor arrows being removed from the Scottish Government HQ. The former First Minister was also annoyed when talk of a potential circuit-breaker lockdown in 2021 was leaked to journalists.

Papers from a Gold Command meeting were revealed through freedom of information laws, months after minutes could not be supplied to the Covid Inquiry as they couldn't be found. It details how Ms Sturgeon discussed restrictions with a tight group of people, Mr Swinney, Chief Medical Officer Sir Gregor Smith, strategy chief Dominic Smith and Professor Jason Leitch, National Clinical Director.

Notes from August 26, 2021, reveal that Ms Sturgeon refused to rule out the return of stricter Covid restrictions after a huge number of infections were reported, with 6,835 recorded. She said she was "unable to rule this out" when asked if they would return to a lockdown-like state.

Mr Swinney moaned that ScotRail were "not enforcing face coverings" with Ms Sturgeon doubling down on this as she told him it was "worse than that as Lothian Buses had tweeted they weren’t enforcing face coverings as the Government don’t expect them to”. The current First Minister warned that they may have to "turn up the dial" on restrictions."

He added that he had been surprised by the removal of floor arrows in St Andrew's House in Edinburgh to show civil servants where to walk to restrict contacts, with his leader telling him the move had happened two weeks earlier and she was "not consulted." She added that she wanted to look "to get the sectors such as supermarkets to take hard actions”.

The notes added: “She expressed her annoyance that she had read in newspapers ‘someone close to SG planning’ leaked that the government is planning a circuit breaker.” Critics of the SNP pointed out that these notes showed that the pair wanted to control everything and shy away from transparency.

Scottish Tory MSP Murdo Fraser told the Scottish Sun: “These minutes confirm two of the former First Minister’s worst traits — her desire to micromanage everything and her aversion to transparency. The latter explains the shameful decision to delete all her pandemic WhatsApp messages despite having promised she’d retain them.”

Scots Lib Dem leader Alex Cole-Hamilton added: “Nicola Sturgeon and a tiny group of advisers took control of everything from lockdowns to floor arrows. There was no one who could push back when errors were made.”

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “The Scottish Government is committed to responding to both the Scottish Covid-19 and UK Covid-19 inquiries, as learning lessons from the pandemic is vital to prepare for the future. It would be inappropriate to comment on the detail of evidence being considered by either Inquiry while hearings are ongoing.”

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/20893794 (210048ZMAY24) Notable: Covid and other Pestilence Bun Part One / Whistleblowing nurse Lesley Roberts is removed from Covid inquiry due to Facebook post

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https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/scottish-news/whistleblowing-nurse-lesley-roberts-removed-32849222

Whistleblowing nurse Lesley Roberts is removed from Covid inquiry due to Facebook post

A key witness to the Scottish public inquiry into the pandemic has had her invitation to give evidence withdrawn just days before she was due to address the hearings in Edinburgh

Ben Borland

20 MAY 2024

A crusading former nurse and healthcare union rep has been removed from giving evidence at the Scottish Covid-19 Inquiry due to comments she made on her personal Facebook page.

Lesley Roberts was due to speak at the probe in Edinburgh on Wednesday and says she is planning to appeal the decision. She has told of her shock that members of the inquiry team would be monitoring her social media.

The incident was triggered by a Scottish Daily Express story relating to Ms Roberts' evidence, headlined: 'Former nurse vows she will blow the SNP's Covid scandal wide open at the Scottish public inquiry'.

Although the information in the story was mostly already in the public domain, we accepted that the article could have breached a restriction order preventing publication of evidence submitted to the inquiry. As a result, the SDE agreed to remove the article from our website.

Ms Roberts told us she was frustrated at the decision. She said: "I stayed up late on Wednesday night and then on Thursday morning I put up a post on Facebook saying I didn't want anything to do with the inquiry. It was borne out of frustration and tiredness on my part, that was it.

"It was intended for friends and family, not for the inquiry. I had no idea they were monitoring my Facebook, they weren't tagged, they weren't contacted in any way. I had a busy day on Thursday and then I worked all through the night finalising my statement, which went in at 9am on Friday.

"Then I heard they had withdrawn me from the inquiry as a result of my post. They said Lord Brailsford had accepted my resignation. I shouldn't have put it up but I was of the view that it would only be seen by friends and family."

A brief statement was released on the inquiry website on Friday, stating: "Following Lesley Roberts' announcement on social media yesterday (16 May 2024) that she no longer intends to give evidence at the Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry, its Chair, Lord Brailsford, has withdrawn his invitation to her to appear at a public hearing.

"The independent Inquiry has always been keen to receive evidence from Lesley Roberts relevant to its Terms of Reference and will ensure the signed written statements she has provided will inform its investigations."

'I had no intention of pulling out'

Ms Roberts – who was an infection control link nurse with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and a Unite union rep at the outset of the pandemic – added: "I've been told I can appeal and I've already asked for permission to do so. I have deleted the post now but it said 'I don't want to give evidence, I'm disgusted' or words to that effect. But I put that up out of pure frustration, never thinking that anybody from the inquiry was on my Facebook page.

"After making the post, I continued working on the final version of my statement and went for 24 hours without sleep, so that must show that I had no intention of pulling out of the evidence session."

Ms Roberts has been at the forefront of efforts to expose what she sees as grave errors in the handling of the Covid pandemic by the Scottish Government. Her main complaints relate to the safety of face masks and other PPE given to frontline NHS and social care workers; the indiscriminate use of Do Not Resuscitate orders, especially for elderly and disabled people; and the infamous decision to release untested hospital patients into care homes in the early weeks of the outbreak.

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/20893806 (210051ZMAY24) Notable: Covid and other Pestilence Bun Part One / Whistleblowing nurse Lesley Roberts is removed from Covid inquiry due to Facebook post

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Along with other campaigners, she made a report to Police Scotland claiming that former ministers, including Nicola Sturgeon and Jeane Freeman, are guilty of corporate manslaughter under UK health and safety law. Detectives have taken a lengthy statement which now forms part of the Operation Koper inquiry into avoidable Covid deaths in Scotland.

At various points, she has also raised concerns in the public domain – including in multiple previous Scottish Daily Express stories – about the use of 'end of life protocols' to hasten the deaths of Covid patients and the lack of health and safety recording which would've shown that healthcare workers caught the virus at work rather than 'in the community'.

The Scottish Daily Express has no knowledge of what evidence is contained within Ms Roberts' written statements and has not had sight of them.

'The Inquiry does not monitor private social media activity'

A spokesperson for the Inquiry said: "Following Lesley Roberts' announcement on her public Facebook page on 16 May 2024 that she no longer intended to give evidence at the Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry, its Chair, Lord Brailsford, withdrew his invitation to her to appear at a public hearing.

"The independent Inquiry has always been keen to receive evidence from Lesley Roberts relevant to its Terms of Reference and will ensure the signed written statements she has provided will inform its investigations. Written statements carry the same evidential weight as an oral statement and form part of the Inquiry’s bank of evidence.

"As Scotland's biggest and most wide-ranging public inquiry, the Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry is the focus of significant public and media interest. Accordingly, the Inquiry monitors public references to its work, both in print and online, to ensure the Chair, counsel and investigative teams are aware of media reports and public discussions.

"The Inquiry only monitors public references to its work. It does not monitor individuals' private social media activity. Lesley Roberts used a public social media page to announce her intention not to give evidence to the Inquiry."

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/20893861 (210104ZMAY24) Notable: American troops land in Scotland to help train Highlands-based battalion on new technology

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https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/scottish-news/american-troops-land-scotland-help-32845695

American troops land in Scotland to help train Highlands-based battalion on new technology

US Army soldiers have arrived in the Highlands to help train the 3 Scots Royal Regiment of Scotland on new equipment which will help them work with Nato.

David Walker & Katrine Bussey

20 MAY 2024

US Army soldiers have travelled to the Highlands to help train a Scottish battalion on new communications technology which will reshape the way they engage on the battlefield. The third battalion of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, known as 3 Scots, have taken on a role which will see them operate as part of smaller, dispersed teams alongside Nato allies.

Its soldiers are now getting to grips with smartphone devices which flip down from the front of their body armour, offering new capabilities and enhanced security. An American team flew into Fort George, where 3 Scots are based, to pass on their knowledge of the system after using it in their own operations.

The lightweight smartphones aid situational awareness as they display live maps – enabling the soldiers to track where their own team, and allied teams, are. They also offer new, non-verbal ways of communicating as orders can be given over messages and waypoints can be directed via the maps in real time.

The British Army calls the system experimental dismounted situational awareness (EDSA) and it is designed to speed up decision-making on the battlefield, as well as allowing troops to mark hazards like minefields and enemy locations. Sergeant Dean Tudor, of 3 Scots, said: “When we’re out on the battlefield, we spend a huge amount of time reporting to each other about where we are and what we’re doing.

“These new smartphones will share a lot of this information with soldiers naturally, without any prompts needed, helping us to focus on the mission at hand. The impact of carrying less equipment, too, is not to be underestimated on longer operations.

“Good communication is of paramount importance and so we’re grateful to our partners in the US for taking the time to ensure we’re getting the best possible use out of this new kit.”

The Royal Regiment of Scotland has a partnership with the Washington-based 5th Security Force Assistance Brigade of the US Army. As part of the 11th Security Force Assistance Brigade, soldiers from 3 Scots will be working in dispersed teams alongside Nato allies.

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/20896216 (211653ZMAY24) Notable: Scottish schools deploy pupils to quiz kids as young as four on their sexuality

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https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/scottish-news/scottish-schools-deploy-pupils-quiz-32613888

Scottish schools deploy pupils to quiz kids as young as four on their sexuality

LGBT Youth Scotland, which has received almost £1 million of taxpayer cash, urges schools to appoint 'LGBT Champions' to ask pupils if they are gay, lesbian or transgender

Douglas Dickie

18 APR 2024

Scottish schools are using pupils to quiz children as young as four about their sexuality, it has been reported. Primary schools are appointing so-called 'LGBT champions' to ask younger students whether they are gay, lesbian or transgender.

Institutions are signing up for a scheme run by LGBT Youth Scotland to set up LGBT clubs as well as 'gender and sexual orientation alliance groups', according to The Telegraph. The charity is also calling on head teachers to create gender-neutral toilets and mark events like Transgender Day of Remembrance on November 20.

LGBT Youth Scotland received almost £1 million in taxpayer cash in the financial year 2022/23. The biggest chunk of this - £450,000 - came from the Scottish Government with £340,000 from councils and a further £154,000 from NHS boards.

Over 200 secondary schools and 40 primary schools have signed up to its charter for education from every council area in Scotland. The news comes against the backdrop of the publication of the Cass Review which raised fears that the case for allowing children to change gender was built on weak evidence.

The Scottish Conservatives want the SNP government to implement the review in full. Miriam Cates, the co-chairman of the New Conservatives group of MPs, told the Telegraph: "We have seen from the Cass Review the appalling results of using children as pawns in adult political battles.

"Indoctrinating small children with sexualised ideologies is deeply unethical and breaks all established safeguarding principles."And Carolyn Brown, a retired educational psychologist, said: "Children of primary school age are very suggestible and are still at a very early stage of their psychological and emotional development.

"What we are seeing here is the product placement of gender ideology in schools which is potentially very harmful. Kids in primary school cannot possibly know if they are LGBT because biologically, psychologically and emotionally they will not yet have the capacity."

LGBT Youth Scotland charges between £850 and £2,000 for schools to sign up for membership. Staff must be trained by the charity and schools must appoint at least two pupils and two staff members to act as 'LGBT Champions' while schools wanting to obtain 'gold status' are urged to conduct a survey asking pupils about their sexuality as well as provide evidence of "LGBT safe spaces".

We previously reported that LGBT Youth Scotland referred itself to the police in relation to historical allegations of child grooming and sexual exploitation. A Scottish Government spokesman said: "We are committed to doing everything we can to make Scotland the best place to grow up for LGBTQI+ young people. This includes funding LGBT Youth Scotland to deliver a range of projects, such as the LGBT Charter programme."

The Scottish Express has approached LGBT Youth Scotland for comment. The organisation describes itself as "Scotland’s national charity for LGBTQ+ young people, aged 13-25" and claims to "support young people in all aspects of their lives through the provision of amazing youth work, and we support them to use their voice to create change in equality and human rights".

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/20896246 (211700ZMAY24) Notable: Scots nurseries adopt guidelines claiming kids can 'come out' as transgender at any age

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https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/scots-nurseries-adopt-guidelines-claiming-32823674

Scots nurseries adopt guidelines claiming kids can 'come out' as transgender at any age

Glasgow City Council admitted that it signposted nurseries and pre-schools to Scottish Government guidance about gender, despite this being written up by controversial groups Stonewall and LGBT Youth Scotland.

David Walker

16 MAY 2024

Alarm has been sounded after it was revealed that Scots nurseries have adopted SNP guidelines which claim that children can "come out" as transgender at "any age." And nine of Glasgow City Council's 110 pre-schools have obtained "gender friendly nursery" status which means staff had been trained on “harmful impacts of gender stereotyping”.

It is the latest revelation about gender ideology being adopted in places of learning for children north of the border, with the Scottish Government being urged to rethink policies following the Cass Review. Most of the rules have been written up by controversial charity LGBT Youth Scotland.

Dr Hilary Cass's report into gender care for children in England is currently being analysed by a workgroup set up by SNP ministers, with the results due to be published before Holyrood's summer recess. She recommended that kids who think they are transgender should be given holistic care and not just rushed into treatment.

Scottish Government guidelines call on staff to "be affirming" and ask for a child's new name and pronouns when they say they identify as a member of the opposite sex. According to an FOI request reported by the Daily Telegraph, Glasgow City Council admitted that its nurseries were "signposted" to this guidance.

Activist groups such as LGBT Youth Scotland and Stonewall helped to write them, with the latter previously claiming that kids as young as two can “recognise their trans identity”. Scottish Tory deputy leader Meghan Gallacher called on new guidance to be written up for nurseries, which serve kids between two and five.

She said: "Parents will understandably be alarmed at this response from Glasgow City Council. While it’s important that all trans people get the support they need, pre-school kids are far too young to understand complex issues about their gender, when their minds and bodies are nowhere near fully developed.

“Parents want age-appropriate guidance to be provided to their children and – however good the intentions behind this are – this ‘signposting’ is not suitable for toddlers.”

Staff at "gender friendly" nurseries were told that gender was a "fluid, cultural concept" and that gender associations of pink and blue was a “relatively new thing” as pink was once “a shade of military red” and blue was seen as a colour for girls “as it was the colour of the Virgin Mary’s clothes”.

Scottish Government guidance also endorses social transition, meaning kids can change names, pronouns and physical appearance. The document says: "Transgender young people may recognise and discuss their gender identity at any age. Before puberty, any transition or change is limited to socially changing their name, pronoun and gender expression.”

In the FOI response, SNP-led Glasgow City Council said that in cases where a child "is presenting as a different gender" in nurseries, it asked that “wishes of the family and child are supported wherever possible”. The local authority also confirmed that pre-schools were "signposted to the Scottish Government’s publication ‘Supporting transgender young people in schools: guidance for Scottish schools’.”

A spokesman added: “The most important part of this learning is about instilling confidence and rights from a young age to expect equality and challenge discrimination of any kind.

“Staff in our schools and nurseries are supported in a variety of ways and this includes signposting to national advice – but that does not detract from every situation being dealt with on a case-by-case basis. All our schools and nurseries value and respect the needs and rights of every child.”

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/20896297 (211716ZMAY24) Notable: Final Law and Disorder Bun / Scots sheriff axed after independent report finds 'serious concerns' with his 'character and integrity'

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https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/scots-sheriff-axed-after-independent-32859055

Scots sheriff axed after independent report finds 'serious concerns' with his 'character and integrity'

The move follows an independent tribunal report which found that Jack Brown's 'misbehaviour' rendered him unfit for judicial office.

Iona Young

21 MAY 2024

A Scots judge is to be removed from office after an independent report found him unfit for his role.

Sheriff Jack Brown who sits in the Sheriffdom of Grampian Highlands and Islands will no longer hold the position from June 7 following orders from the First Minister.

In October 2018, Nicola Sturgeon launched a probe and report on whether Sheriff John Brown – known as Jack – was unfit to hold the office because of misbehaviour.

The hearing found that he had acted "entirely inappropriately" and had "failed to respect proper professional boundaries", but did not meet the test to justify removing him from office.

In January 2019 he was arrested and charged in relation to the allegations, but prosecutors dropped the case three months later.

During the police probe, a further two complainers, known as C1 and C2, also gave statements.

In March 2021, the Tribunal concluded that whilst Sheriff Brown acted inappropriately, he was not unfit to hold judicial office.

But a petition for Judicial Review was lodged and on 8 February 2022, the Tribunal’s decision was quashed by the Court of Session on the basis that the Tribunal had proceeded in ignorance of the availability of other evidence from other witnesses.

A fresh, independent tribunal was convened in September 2022 then on 28 March 2024. It reported that the judicial officeholder’s misbehaviour rendered him unfit for judicial office.

On May 21 the First Minister laid an order before the Scottish Parliament that will mean Sheriff Brown is now removed from service.

First Minister John Swinney said: “Given the nature and gravity of the tribunal’s findings, there are compelling reasons to remove Sheriff Brown.

"The tribunal has reported serious concerns as to his character and integrity, contrary to the standards of conduct and probity expected of anyone holding judicial office.”

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/20896671 (211933ZMAY24) Notable: Covid and other Pestilence Bun Part One / Whistleblowing nurse Lesley Roberts is removed from Covid inquiry due to Facebook post

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>>201310

Brailsford, still has not appointed ASAP-NHS, the organisation Roger Livermore is part of, as core participant in the inquiry, and has also used messages from a witness's facebook as a pretext for removing her as a witness.

This horrible little cunt wants to tell you about the "approach" he "intends to take" and "establish the facts of" and "learn lessons from" the response to the convid plandemic. He emphasises that they "are not a court" and not there to "determine criminal or civil responsibilities.... and will do so in a "non-adversarial manner".

He's there to give it a coat of white paint and cover it all up as they always are/do.

I've been meaning to go through Halley's book for the the whole of last bread, just can't find the time. I'll see if I can find anything on his twitter of interest if I can (a) find some time and (b) last for more than 5 minutes without content being blocked.

Halley is still key to change, Roger Livermore is another good man and perhaps they should both be collaborating and exchanging knowledge if they are not already?

There's nothing to stop either posting here?>>201310

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/20896974 (212050ZMAY24) Notable: Final Infected Blood Scandal Bun / Infected blood scandal: Children were used as 'guinea pigs' in clinical trials

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https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-68831061

Infected blood scandal: Children were used as 'guinea pigs' in clinical trials

18 April

UK infected blood inquiry

By Chloe Hayward and Hugh Pym

Health producer and health editor, BBC News

The true scale of the number of medical trials using infected blood products on children in the 1970s and 80s has been revealed by documents seen by BBC News.

They reveal a secret world of unsafe clinical testing involving children in the UK, as doctors placed research goals ahead of patients' needs.

They continued for more than 15 years, involved hundreds of people, and infected most with hepatitis C and HIV.

One surviving patient told the BBC he was treated like a "guinea pig".

The trials involved children with blood clotting disorders, when families had often not consented to them taking part. The majority of the children who enrolled are now dead.

Documents also show that doctors in haemophilia centres across the country used blood products, even though they were widely known as likely to be contaminated.

A shortage of blood products in the UK in the 1970s and 80s meant they were imported from the US. High-risk donors such as prisoners and drug addicts provided the plasma for the treatments that were infected with potentially fatal viruses including hepatitis C - which attacks the liver resulting in cirrhosis and cancer - and HIV.

One blood product, known as Factor VIII, was seen to be highly effective for stopping bleeding but also widely known to be contaminated with viruses.

A public inquiry is under way into the scandal, external. The final report is due in May.

'Guinea pig'

Luke O'Shea-Phillips, 42, has mild haemophilia - a blood clotting disorder that means he bruises and bleeds more easily than most.

He caught the potentially lethal viral infection hepatitis C while being treated at the Middlesex Hospital, in central London, which was administered because of a small cut to his mouth, aged three, in 1985.

Documents seen by the BBC suggest he was deliberately given the blood product - which his doctor knew might have been infected - so he could be enrolled in a clinical trial.

The doctor wanted to find out how likely patients were to catch diseases from a new version of heat-treated Factor VIII. Though he had never been treated for his condition before, Luke was given heat-treated Factor VIII to stop his mouth bleeding.

A letter from Luke's doctor, Samuel Machin, to another expert in haemophilia, was submitted in evidence to the public inquiry into the infected blood scandal.

Writing to Peter Kernoff, at London's Royal Free Hospital, Dr Machin detailed the treatment of Luke and another boy, asking: "I hope they will be suitable for your heat-treated trial."

Months earlier, Dr Kernoff had called on fellow doctors in the field to identify patients suitable for clinical trials. Specifically, he said, they had to be "previously untreated patients", known as "PUPs" in the medical community.

They were also nicknamed "virgin haemophiliacs" - a term written on Luke's medical record by Dr Machin.

"I was a guinea pig in clinical trials that could have killed me,"Luke told the BBC. "There is no other way to explain it - my treatment was changed so I could be enrolled in clinical trials. This change in medication gave me a fatal disease - hepatitis C - yet my mother was never even told."

"To the scientific world, it was an incredible benefit being a virgin haemophiliac," he added. "To be a clean petri dish to understand science through, I was without question a part of that."

line

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/20896991 (212054ZMAY24) Notable: Final Infected Blood Scandal Bun / 'Laboratory rats'

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>>201314

....................................................................................................continued................................................................................................

In the following years, as the medical trial reached its conclusions, Luke had many blood tests. Doctors said they were monitoring him and, at the time, his mother, Shelagh O'Shea, was grateful.

In their findings, published in 1987, Dr Kernoff and Dr Machin concluded heat treatment had "little or no effect" in reducing the risk of hepatitis C.

Both Dr Kernoff and Dr Machin are now dead.

Before he died, Dr Machin gave evidence to the public inquiry, when he confirmed that Luke had been recruited to Dr Kernoff's study.

He denied this had been done without Luke's mother's knowledge. "This would have been discussed with his mother, although I acknowledge that standards of consent in the 1980's was quite different to what it is now," Dr Machin said.

However, Mrs O'Shea told the inquiry she was "absolutely not" told about the trial. "With an innocent child of three and a half I would not have considered such an action. I would never ever have allowed my child to be part of a trial - never," she added.Dirty lying CUNT!

Documents reveal doctors knew Luke had contracted hepatitis C as early as 1993, but he was not told until 1997. One medical record states a positive test result and says: "Have not discussed with patient or family."

Luke is now clear of the infection after successful treatment.

'Laboratory rats'

However, evidence of the clinical trials have raised wider concerns.

"A patient should always be given the best possible treatment and they should always have given informed consent - if those two factors haven't been achieved then a trial would be seen as very problematic," says Professor Emma Cave, Professor of Healthcare Law at Durham University.

Professor Edward Tuddenham, who was a haemophilia doctor at the Royal Free Hospital in the 1980s, confirmed these fears. When asked if he thought ethical standards had been met during clinical trials in the 1980s, he simply answered: "No."

The BBC's investigation has revealed that Dr Machin and Dr Kernoff were among a community of doctors with similar research ambitions.

A specialist school near Alton, in Hampshire, was attended by a large cohort of haemophiliac boys. The school for disabled children had an NHS haemophilia unit on site, so boys who had bleeds could be treated quickly and then return to lessons.* COMMENT ==("Schools" like this are what you might consider a petri dish, where they put in a bacteria and culture it. Get them all in the same place and treat them all diffently to see how long their poison takes to off them. We are all expendable to these loonies and the establishment who fund them.)

Their doctor, Dr Anthony Aronstam - who has also since died - used his "unique" cohort of boys for extensive clinical trials.One series of experiments considered whether using three to four times more Factor VIII than normally required by a child would help to reduce the number of bleeds he had.

This was preventative treatment, know as prophylaxis, and involved repeated injections with infected Factor VIII products and follow-up blood tests.The high concentrations of infected blood products were administered to the boys without their - or their parents' - consent.

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/20896997 (212055ZMAY24) Notable: Final Infected Blood Scandal Bun / Of the 122 pupils attending Treloar's College between 1974-1987, 75 have so far died of HIV and hepatitis C infections

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>>201315

.............................................................................................continued.....................................................................................

Of the122 pupils attending Treloar's College between 1974-1987, 75 have so far died of HIV and hepatitis C infections.

"Despite knowing the product was riddled with hepatitis, they started a trial that required us to have way more of it than we needed," says Gary Webster, who was unknowingly enrolled.

Ade Goodyear, a pupil at Treloar's from 1980 to 1989, added: "We were treated like lab rats. There was a plethora of studies that we were all enrolled on for the decade we were at the school."

Controversially, another trial involved placebo treatments. This meant that some boys, who thought they had been given Factor VIII to prevent bleeds, had in fact been given a saline solution.

"When you think you've been given a treatment, this changes your behaviour," Gary said. "You run more, you play more rough in football. For a haemophiliac, you feel a bit invincible for a short window after a jab. But with a placebo you are just risking your life by changing your behaviour."

He told the BBC he was punished at school if he missed injections. "It would have meant their trials would have been flawed and so we, us kids, were made to toe the line."

Documents just released, external show the government in 1973 knew about the trials at Treloars and covered some costs.

Dr Kernoff's pursuit of clinical advancement through research was rigorous, as was his hunt for suitable subjects for trials - PUPs and virgin haemophiliacs -which led to those involved getting young and younger. A four-month-old baby was involved in a trial.

Among his studies was one that compared the infectiousness of another blood plasma product - Cryoprecipitate (Cryo) - to Factor VIII concentrates.

Cryo was used for treating mild blood clotting conditions. It contained the Factor VIII protein, but at lower concentrations and from fewer donors and was therefore thought to be less risky.

Dr Kernoff's search for suitable subjects led him to Mark Stewart, his brother, and his father, who all had very mild cases of von Willebrand's disease - another type of blood clotting disorder. Their usual treatment was cryo.

As part of his test, Dr Kernoff gave them all Factor VIII concentrates instead.

"Until we were given concentrates it would be once a month you'd have a little nose bleed, and you'd go up and have cryo and that was that." All three contracted hepatitis C.

Mark's brother and father have both died of liver cancer after the infection attacked the organ. Neither were told they had contracted the disease until it was too late for treatment.

"Angry is an understatement," Mark said. "Your dad is in the front carriage, your brother is in the second carriage and you are in the third carriage - so you know what is coming. It won't veer off that track. This is how hep C works. It will get you."

​A statement from Treloar's said: "We await the publication of the infected blood inquiry, which we hope will provide our former pupils with the answers they have been waiting for."

The inquiry into the wider infected blood scandal will conclude on 20 May.

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/20897042 (212104ZMAY24) Notable: Final Infected Blood Scandal Bun / Swinney apologises to victims of blood scandal

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>>201314

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c3ggv3lzym2o

Swinney apologises to victims of blood scandal

First Minister John Swinney has apologised to all those in Scotland affected by the infected blood scandal.

The SNP leader made a statement to parliament after a UK-wide public inquiry found authorities had exposed victims to unacceptable risks and covered up the NHS's biggest treatment disaster.

He said the government would learn the lessons of the report and take action to ensure "such a tragedy can never happen again".

Mr Swinney vowed to work constructively with the UK government on compensation.

It is estimated that about 3,000 people in Scotland were given infected blood in the 1970s and 1980s.

Many had received blood transfusions on the NHS, while others were being treated for haemophilia.

Hundreds have since died.

Mr Swinney said Scottish victims and their families had faced "decades of unnecessary heartache and pain".

He told MSPs: "The report states that governments and the health service failed both those with bleeding disorders and those who were transfused."

The first minister added: "On behalf of the Scottish government and as first minister of Scotland I apologise unreservedly to everyone who has been affected in any way by these events."

Compensation

The UK government has reportedly earmarked £10bn for a compensation scheme.

Earlier, it was announced the Infected Blood Compensation Authority - an arms-length body - will administer compensation for victims across the country.

The UK government has already funded interim pay-outs of £100,000 each to survivors and bereaved partners in Scotland.

An estimated 600 people received the payments, administered by the Scottish government and NHS National Services Scotland.

The UK government said it expected the first payments from the new compensation scheme would be made before the end of 2024.

Further interim payments of £210,000 will be made within 90 days for those who were infected, with £100,000 to be paid to estates of victims who have died.

Mr Swinney urged Westminster to implement the Victim and Prisoners Bill "as quickly as possible" to allow victims to access compensation.

The first minister said the compensation scheme was long overdue and that he hoped Sir Brian Langstaff's final report would be a “step forward in the journey towards a semblance of justice".

He told Holyrood: “I will do everything in my power to ensure we learn the lessons from this report from the infected blood scandal and take all necessary steps so that no-one else had to endure the heartbreak and the suffering that so many families have had to face.”

Mr Swinney added that lessons had already been learned, telling MSPs "extremely high standards of blood safety" were now in place.

He urged anyone that can do so to donate blood as it “remains essential for thousands of patients”.

Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross said the inquiry delivered “absolute vindication” for victims, describing the scandal as a “stain on our nation”.

“This was a devastating and appalling by the British state,” he told MSPs.

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar also issued an apology.

“We as a collective are truly sorry for the pain that people have suffered and for the failures of politicians, clinicians and the state to keep them safe over decades,” he said.

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/20897076 (212112ZMAY24) Notable: Final Law and Disorder Bun / Scots sheriff axed after independent report finds 'serious concerns' with his 'character and integrity'

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>>201309

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cn00ynxp2ero

Sheriff accused of sexual harassment to be removed from office

Graeme Ogston

BBC Scotland News

Published

7 hours ago

An Aberdeen sheriff accused of sexual harassment will be removed from office next month.

A tribunal said Jack Brown's behaviour towards two women amounted to "serious improper conduct".

It found that he had acted inappropriately towards a lawyer, known as D, in 2018 and another woman in 2001 or 2002.

Mr Brown, a former Dundee solicitor, has been suspended on full pay since the allegations came to light in 2018.

First Minister John Swinney laid an order before the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday that will remove Sheriff Brown, who sits in the Sheriffdom of Grampian, Highland and Islands, from office on 7 June.

The move follows an independent tribunal report, external which found Mr Brown's misbehaviour rendered him unfit for judicial office.

The first minister said: “Given the nature and gravity of the tribunal’s findings, there are compelling reasons to remove Sheriff Brown.

"The tribunal has reported serious concerns as to his character and integrity, contrary to the standards of conduct and probity expected of anyone holding judicial office.”

D's solicitor previously told BBC Scotland News that his client welcomed the tribunal's decision.

He added: "She is relieved that this process, which has taken over five years, is finally over and justice has been delivered."

An earlier fitness for office tribunal in 2021 found that Mr Brown had acted "entirely inappropriately" towards D.

However, it concluded that his conduct did not meet the test to justify removing him from office.

An order granting his anonymity in the judicial review hearing was lifted following a successful challenge by BBC Scotland.

The judicial review subsequently ruled the original tribunal had proceeded in "ignorance of the availability of other evidence".

D said evidence from two other women making similar claims should have been allowed at the first tribunal.

The fresh tribunal heard evidence, external from D and the two other women known as B and C.

It established that in 2018 Mr Brown touched D on the cheek and made an inappropriate remark to her.

It also found that he hugged her inappropriately causing his face to linger on her shoulder.

The tribunal found that Mr Brown kissed C on the lips in late 2001 or early 2002, and squeezed her buttocks in 2004.

The tribunal said it was not satisfied that an allegation that Mr Brown put his hand inside B's clothing at a party in 1999 and touched her breast had been established.

It said its findings raised "manifest and serious concerns as to the character and integrity" of Mr Brown.

'Unfit for judicial office'

The tribunal's chairman Lord Malcolm said: "They are wholly contrary to the standards of conduct and probity expected of anyone holding judicial office."

Regarding the new evidence heard from C, Lord Malcolm said the tribunal accepted that the passage of time since the assaults on C, and the fact that Mr Brown was not yet a sheriff, were "relevant factors."

He added: "However he was a mature adult at the time.

"The conduct reflects extremely badly on his character and trustworthiness, and if known of would surely have been an impediment to appointment."

Lord Malcolm concluded: "In our unanimous view (Mr Brown's) misbehaviour renders him unfit for judicial office and we report accordingly."

Mr Brown was arrested and charged in relation to the allegations in January 2019, but prosecutors dropped the case three months later.

He was appointed to the sheriffdom of Aberdeen in 2016.

Mr Brown set up his own legal practice in Dundee in 1996, and has been a sheriff since 2005.

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/20897176 (212136ZMAY24) Notable: Final Infected Blood Scandal Bun / Blood transfusion boss apologises over scandal

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>>201317

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cxx8x34p137o

Blood transfusion boss apologises over scandal

Lisa Summers

17 May 2024

The head of the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS) has apologised to the thousands of victims in Scotland who were infected by HIV or Hepatitis C through NHS blood products.

A UK-wide inquiry into the scandal began taking evidence in 2019 and will publish its final report on Monday.

Ahead of its publication, Prof Marc Turner acknowledged that in the 1970s and 80s, there were areas around donor selection and delays in the introduction of screening where SNBTS "could and should have done better".

He said he was certain "these types of mistakes won’t happen again".

About 3,000 people in Scotland were given blood infected with HIV or Hepatitis C in the 1970s and 80s.

Many became infected after receiving blood transfusions on the NHS, others through treatment for haemophilia.

Hundreds have now died.

Their families, and those who have survived to see the end of this inquiry, hope it will give them some closure after years of stigma, trauma, and living with loss.

They still have questions about who was responsible, whether there was a cover up, and how compensation might be paid.

When head of the inquiry Sir Brian Langstaff unveils his answers in London next week, it will be the end of a long journey, but for Scotland, the road has taken a different route from the rest of the UK.

Scotland’s blood supply

In Scotland, the vast majority of infections came from Scottish blood donations.

In the 1970s and 80s, the country was largely self-sufficient in blood products.

In addition to having adequate local donations for the populations needs, the Protein Fractionation Centre in Edinburgh had the capacity to process blood plasma to manufacture treatments for haemophilia or certain forms of immune deficiencies.

Unlike other parts of the UK, there was no need to rely on commercial products from America.

The Scottish Blood Transfusion Service has been criticised for not adequately screening donors and for taking donations from prisoners.

With a higher population of intravenous drug users, they were known to be at greater risk of infection.

The SNBTS continued this practice as late as March 1984, a year after England stopped and two years after warnings from the Medicines Inspectorate.

There were also delays to the introduction of screening for hepatitis C that could have prevented some infections.

Prof Turner accepted the SNBTS made mistakes on all of these fronts.

He said: "It was very clearly a tragic set of circumstances.

"I think It was a difficult time because there were emergent infections and at times there was considerable uncertainty.

"I think that there are some ways in which SNBTS performed in a satisfactory manner but clearly other ways in which we did not and for those failings we take responsibility, we apologise to the people affected and we will take all possible steps to make sure similar things cannot happen again."

Prof Turner said donor selection criteria were much more stringent now, with significant advances in testing and screening.

He said there continued to be a pressing need for blood donations which save lives.

Although most of the blood used in Scotland in the 1970s and 80s came from Scottish donations, the exception was Yorkhill hospital in Glasgow, where children were treated for haemophilia.

They regularly received plasma products sourced from paid donors in the United States that were known to be high risk.

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/20897242 (212151ZMAY24) Notable: Final Infected Blood Scandal Bun / Bill Wright has lived with the consequences of being infected by concentrated blood products

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>>201319

It's ok evrybuddy, honest John and this other wank stain have apologised. You can go on about your business now firm in the knowledge that the deceased got a post mortem apology from 2 useless cunts

................................................................................continued......................................................................

Most of the children were infected with HIV or hepatitis C by the age of five.

Some went on to develop AIDS.

Their families want to know why clinicians chose American products ahead of Scottish blood and why there were delays to the introduction of heat treatment.

For almost 40 years, campaigner Bill Wright has lived with the consequences of being infected by concentrated blood products.

In 1986, he was given blood to help clotting after a minor injury.

Recommendations were already in place to avoid this treatment for mild haemophiliacs like Bill, but the junior doctor treating him feared the risks of internal bleeding. A week later he was told he had hepatitis C.

“I have gone through very angry periods but I have learned over the years that it’s been incredibly destructive," Bill said.

"Anger, frustrations, confusion, that element has wrecked people’s lives, almost as much as the physical effects."

Bill went on to become chair of Haemophilia Scotland and has campaigned on Scottish infected blood for more than 30 years.

However, he cannot travel to London for the publication of the long-awaited inquiry report as he is awaiting a liver transplant.

He was diagnosed with liver cancer in March this year, a direct result of the infection he was given by the NHS.

The first public inquiry

Sir Brian Langstaff 's inquiry has been following in the footsteps of Scottish judge Lord Penrose, who looked into the issue when Scotland became the first part of the UK to commission a public inquiry into infected blood.

It had been a key election pledge of the SNP government when they came to power in 2007.

But the Penrose inquiry lacked the full statutory powers to compel witnesses from outside of Scotland to give evidence, and until 1999 health policy had been controlled by Westminster.

In the end, after six years of investigation, at a cost of about £12m, the report made just one recommendation – that anybody who had a blood transfusion before 1991 should be screened for hepatitis C.

It was condemned as a "whitewash" by many of those affected. Some set fire to copies of it in the street.

Bill Wright remembers the publication of the report on 13 November 2015 as a "pretty tough experience".

"We’d campaigned for at least eight years and it was a disappointment," he said.

"People were shouting, they were angry but it did lead to better things in Scotland.

"We developed a better support scheme than had existed in the rest of the UK and there was a tiny wee light at the end of the tunnel."

Bill said Sir Brian’s public inquiry had taken a very different approach.

Those infected or affected have been given a voice right at the centre of this investigation.

Already it has led to interim compensation payments of £100,000, with further compensation recommendations set to be accepted by the UK government.

He says there are still outstanding questions, but he says he hopes it will be a time where all of those affected can feel some closure.

Bill said: "I actually feel pretty calm at the moment and one of the things I earnestly want for everyone involved in all of this is that they are able to find a place of peace and they can feel calm and they no longer feel that they have been cheated."

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/20900136 (221501ZMAY24) Notable: Covid and other Pestilence Bun Part One / List of core participants for the Scottish Convid Plandemic inquiry. No mention of ASAP-NHS

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>>201311

>>201310

List of core participants for the Scottish Convid Plandemic inquiry.

No mention of ASAP-NHS