/qresearch/ -  Q Research

>>23608870

>>23609446

https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/scottish-news/african-tribe-move-20-feet-35912022

African tribe move 20 feet over fence to avoid eviction as police forced to retreat

Police and sheriff officers attempted to remove the group from the area of land following a sheriff granting the land owners with an eviction order

John Glover

16 SEP 2025

A self-styled "African tribe" has been evicted from privately-owned land in the Scottish Borders - and has moved over a small fence.

A sheriff on Friday issued a warrant for the removal of the so-called Kingdom of Kubala, which has been camping in woodland near Jedburgh in the Scottish Borders for the past few weeks.

Jedburgh councillor Scott Hamilton said that sheriff officers arrived at the camp at 8am on Tuesday to remove the group from the site. Police also assisted, and there were no arrests.

The group have now moved over a small fence, and at lunchtime on Tuesday were in the process of setting up their camp a short distance away from the previous site.

The self-styled tribe is made up of leader Kofi Offeh, 36, the self-proclaimed King Atehene, his wife Jean Gasho, 43, who calls herself Queen Nandi, and "handmaiden" Kaura Taylor, who calls herself Asnat.

The three members of the self-proclaimed "kingdom" have said they are reclaiming land that was stolen from their ancestors 400 years ago.

Issuing the order at Jedburgh Sheriff Court on Friday, Sheriff Peter Paterson said it would come into effect immediately.

During the hearing lawyer Conner McConnell, representing landowners Mary and David Palmer, said his clients were seeking the "removal of occupiers on the basis of no right to title".

The civil action was brought after the group ignored a previous eviction notice, which instructed them to leave their encampment by 5pm on Monday September 8.

Speaking at the campsite on Friday, Mr Offeh said: "The creator of the heavens and the Earth is the one with us.

"We are not afraid of whatever the court, the so-called court, has granted."

Asked if the group plans to move elsewhere, he said: "If the creator of the heavens and the Earth wants us to move from this land, he shall find us a place to go."

>>23499063

>Initial Immigration Bun

>Initial Government Bloat, Waste, and Abuse Bun

https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/snp-council-leader-slammed-over-35897881

SNP council leader slammed over her 'desperate attempt' 'attacking Glaswegians with differing views as she speaks out over 'misinformation' around migrants

Councillor Susan Aitken was criticised over her rhetoric calling people who disagreed with her views' far right'

John Glover

13 SEP 2025

Glasgow City Council's leader Susan Aitken has been criticised for 'attacking' Glaswegians who disagree with her view on illegal migration after voicing concerns over 'misinformation' being spread about migrants.

The councillor accused Britain's "most far right party" of sharing fake information on social media about asylum seekers and refugees, which she claimed was sparking fears among residents.

She claimed that representatives of the party, which is believed to be Reform UK, were spreading "toxic and racist lies" following a former care home being vandalised, which saw unsubstantiated rumours being spread about it being used to house migrants, leaving locals "terrified".

Councillor Aitken lodged the motion at a council meeting on Thursday, which saw her call the situation, stating it was "disgusting to suggest asylum seekers and refugees pose a threat to women and children through sexual crimes.”

The motion, which passed unanimously, called for a fairer distribution of housing refugees throughout Scottish councils and more funds for affordable homes and the housing emergency.

It also included tackling disinformation and appealed to Police Scotland, Mears, and the Home Office for help.

She said: "I want to say this very clearly – asylum seekers and refugees are welcome in Glasgow. They have been part of our communities for well over 20 years, even before we were officially an asylum dispersal authority.

"Representatives of the most far right party to ever enter the UK’s political mainstream are on social media, in our communities and in elected institutions, including this one, deliberately spreading toxic and racist lies and not caring what damage it causes or who it causes it to.”

She claimed that residents in Glasgow are “vulnerable to disinformation just now” as she voiced concerns on the fall of living standards and lack of enough housing in the city.

Statistics revealed that the majority of refugees and migrants have made Glasgow their home, despite the city's housing emergency with long wait lists for social homes.

Glasgow Integrations Joint Board's meeting disclosed that 44% of homelessness applications come from refugees as it noted that at the start of May 1,951 were in temporary accommodations and a total of 4,200 were staying in them reports the Glasgow Times.

The motion saw the whole council agree that any politician who sought to "target and scapegoat migrants as the cause of structural challenges within society, such as housing shortages.”

Reform UK councillor, Thomas Kerr said: "Reform UK Councillors will take no part in Susan Aitken’s desperate attempt to attack Glaswegians who disagree with her view on illegal migration.”

He added referring to the shooting of US Conservative activist Charlie Kirk: "We saw in America, the consequences of politicians using phrases like 'far-right' and 'fascist' to describe those they disagree with, the reality is the fight facing Glasgow is not between left and right, it’s between right and wrong."

"While they debate 'misinformation' and spread it themselves, Councillor Dempsey and I will get on with our jobs, representing the people of Glasgow.”

>>23609597

>>23499063

>Initial Government Bloat, Waste, and Abuse Bun

https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/snp-led-glasgow-city-council-35842509

SNP-led Glasgow City Council accused of 'corruption' and 'cover-up' over £1m golden goodbyes to five senior staff members

Councillors on the cash-strapped local authority claimed they had no idea that five senior figures took massive exit packages without going through the proper legal process.

David Walker

4 SEP 2025

The SNP-led Glasgow City Council has been accused of "cover-up" and "corruption" after five senior officials netted golden goodbyes worth £1 million. A damning Accounts Commission report into the scandal declared that the authority's dealing of the situation "fell short" of public sector values, and may have damaged trust in local authorities.

A restructuring plan was drawn up for the council to save money in 2021, with this including the early retirement of then-Chief Executive Annemarie O'Donnell. A small group of senior officials then decided how much money those losing their jobs would receive as part of an exit package.

Alongside Ms O'Donnell, four other senior bosses also left the local authority, taking with them more than £1m in payouts and pension boosts. Carole Forrest, solicitor to the council and director of governance, Anne Connolly principal adviser to the chief executive; Robert Anderson, head of HR and Elaine Galletly, head of legal and administration all netted substantial payments.

Agreements included over £317,000 for the former chief executive and more than £280,000 for Ms Galletly. The cost were reported to a council committee in 2024 and led to widespread anger among councillors who alleged that they had not been informed of these costs, with the local authority facing a huge financial black hole.

An internal review was launched, with law firm Brodies LLP instructed to investigate. It found that the payouts were not “lawfully approved” in line with council rules, but there was no evidence of officials acting “improperly”. However, they reported the packages gave “the appearance of a conflict of interest” and it was “surprising that none of the senior officers involved seems to have recognised it”.

Ms O’Donnell agreed earlier this year to pay back the more than £300,000 in pension funds her early retirement had cost. In a report released on Thursday by the Accounts Commission, the former chief executive’s departure has again been criticised, including for not involving elected councillors in the approval process.

Council rules mean elected members should be consulted on decisions considered to be “politically controversial”. The report said: “What can be considered politically controversial is a judgment. However, it is reasonable to consider the early retirement of the chief executive on efficiency grounds, and the operational and financial implications of this, could meet this description, and it is not clear what consideration was given to this issue.

“The independent review concluded that officers should have referred the restructure report to the relevant city convener for consultation as a matter of potential political controversy. Councillors do not, however, appear to have been involved in the decision-making or approval processes for the exit packages for any of the five senior officers, including the chief executive.

“There is no evidence of the proposals and terms being discussed with councillors and the restructure report was not shared with councillors or presented at committee for approval.” The report also suggested it appears the restructuring plan was approved “by some individuals who then benefitted from its proposals”.

Accounts Commission deputy chairman Andrew Burns said: “The actions taken by a group of senior staff at Glasgow City Council fell short of the values and principles every public sector worker and councillor are expected to follow. There was a failure to address and document how potential conflicts of interest were considered.

“A failure to demonstrate how the guiding principles of working in the public sector – in particular selflessness, integrity and objectivity – had been applied. It is alarming to see reports which need to consider the lawfulness of actions within councils, and such circumstances do little to reassure taxpayers about how public money is being used.

>>23609770

……………………………………………………………………………………….continued……………………………………………………………………………………..

“All councils need to undertake restructuring, particularly with financial pressures, growing demand and an ageing workforce. Given the issues highlighted in this report, the Accounts Commission will write to all council chief executives and leaders to highlight the importance of good governance, value for money and transparency in decision making.”

Corruption allegations

Scottish Conservative local government spokesman Craig Hoy said: "This report could hardly be more damning in identifying what reeks of cover-up and corruption. Glasgow’s SNP-run council rode roughshod over the rules and, as a result, departing officials received eye-watering payouts with little to no oversight.

“It’s sadly typical of the way in which the Nationalists conduct themselves in office, with a worrying lack of accountability or concern for taxpayers’ money, while putting the interests of themselves and their cronies first. Glaswegians will be rightly furious that, while the SNP administration is slashing essential services and imposing inflation-busting council tax hikes, it found huge sums to hand out to fat-cat bureaucrats.”

A Glasgow City Council spokesman said: “We welcome this report, which reflects the findings of the independent investigation commissioned by the council. The Commission’s findings will support the action the council is already taking to improve oversight and transparency and to rebuild trust; both within the organisation and with the public.”

Deputy Leader Ricky Bell said: “The Accounts Commission’s findings illustrate exactly why the council leader and I first raised concerns about exit packages for senior officials last year – and why it was so necessary for the council to take quite extraordinary steps to establish what had gone on.

“While neither the independent, external review or this report from the Commission make for comfortable reading, they do give us a base to build trust and confidence from – and, I think, they also serve as an important warning to other public bodies. Glasgow had already moved quickly to change processes and allow elected members proper oversight when senior officials leave the council, which is noted in this report

“Members must now make sure the council reflects on the Commission’s findings and uses them to drive forward a change in culture; which I know the current Chief Executive and her leadership team take very seriously.”

>>23499063

>Initial Government Bloat, Waste, and Abuse Bun

https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/taxpayer-fork-out-20-million-35899890

Taxpayers to fork out £20 million to cover Donald Trump's security costs for his five-day visit to Scotland

The US President took a four-day working holiday in Scotland to play golf ahead of the opening of his new course which saw him announce a new trade deal with the EU

John Glover

14 SEP 2025

Taxpayers could be forced to fork out £20 million to cover President Donald Trump's trip to Scotland following a breakdown of his security arrangements,

The Scottish Police Authority claimed the figure was the highest "costing" for Police Scotland's security arrangement to protect the President during his five-day visit.

The body revealed that 6,144 officers from its force were involved in "one of the biggest operations" in the force's history since the late Queen's Funeral.

Police Scotland also had to draft in 1,197 officers from around the UK to help provide the security arrangements for Mr Trump.

The visit saw the President escorted by police from Prestwick Airport to his Turnberry golf course, where he played a game of golf with his son Eric.

He spent two days in Ayrshire, where he announced a trade deal with the European Union before he flew up to Aberdeen to officially open his new golf course in Menie.

Trump also held talks with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and First Minister John Swinney during his visit to Scotland.

The Scottish Sun reports that the report revealed the costs will be "subject of refinement to allow enhanced reporting.”

Lib Dem MP and former police officer Wendy Chamberlain told the paper that the UK Government should cover the expense, adding: “It wouldn’t be fair for Police Scotland to be out of pocket when it is already under such enormous pressure.”

Police Scotland said: "We will communicate the full and final cost publicly in due course.”

The Scottish Government said: “We are engaging with the UK Government to explore the options for funding the costs.”

>>23499063

>Initial Government Bloat, Waste, and Abuse Bun

>>23499069

>Initial Nicola Sturgeon & SNP Bun

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c98d6yd7qe5o

Council leader resigns and quits SNP after embezzlement charge

22 September 2025

The leader of Perth and Kinross Council has resigned after being charged with embezzlement.

Grant Laing, who has also left the SNP, is accused of the crime over a period of years between 2017 and 2025 in the Perth area.

The 63-year-old was first elected to represent the Strathtay ward in 2012 and became council leader after the 2022 Scottish council elections.

The council said Mr Laing had stepped down due to "personal reasons" and he will now sit as an independent councillor. Police Scotland said a report will be sent to the procurator fiscal.

An SNP source said: "This has come as a huge shock to the party. As there are live criminal proceedings, we can't comment any further at this time."

Deputy leader Eric Drysdale will step in as acting leader until the next full council meeting on 29 October.

Councillor Drysdale told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: "I acknowledge the resignation of Grant Laing as leader of Perth and Kinross Council following today's developments.

"These are very serious matters and it is right that due process takes its course.

"In the meantime, my priority as acting leader is to ensure stability and continuity for the council, its staff, and the communities we serve. We will continue to focus on delivering essential services and supporting the people of Perth and Kinross."

Laing's resignation was announced earlier in a brief update on the council's website, external.

The council declined to comment further.

The SNP has confirmed to the BBC that Laing is no longer a member.

>>23499063

>Initial Immigration Bun

https://news.stv.tv/world/asylum-seeker-hotel-resident-jailed-for-12-months-for-sexual-assault-of-girl-14

Asylum seeker hotel resident jailed for 12 months for sexual assault of girl, 14

Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu attacked a woman and a 14-year-old girl in Epping days after arriving in the UK on a small boat.

PA Media

1 hour ago

Sep 23 2025

An asylum seeker has been jailed for 12 months for sexually assaulting a woman and a 14-year-old girl in days after arriving in the UK on a small boat.

Ethiopian national Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu was found guilty of five offences following a three-day trial at Chelmsford and Colchester magistrates’ courts.

On Tuesday, a judge told the 38-year-old his behaviour “really highlights the poor regard you must have for women” adding that he was “feeling sorry for yourself, knowing you were well and truly caught.”

At his sentencing hearing on Tuesday, the defendant’s lawyer Molly Dyas said it is Kebatu’s “firm wish” to be deported – a view he held “before the trial”.

Prosecutor Stuart Cowen said Kebatu had told the author of a pre-sentence report that “because of the situation, Epping is in chaos and he had got a lot of migrants in trouble”.

The 38-year-old told two teenagers he wanted to “have a baby with each of them” and attempted to kiss them, before going on to put his hand on one of the girls’ thighs and stroke her hair, his trial was told.

The defendant, who was a “teacher of sports” in his home country, was also found to have sexually assaulted a woman by trying to kiss her, putting his hand on her leg and telling her she was pretty.

The Bell Hotel resident’s behaviour in July led to protesters and counter-protesters taking to the streets in Epping, Essex, and eventually outside hotels housing asylum seekers across the country.

Speaking about what was said in the pre-sentence report, Mr Cowen said: “The word manipulative is used within the report.

“There’s also comments made by Mr Kebatu when he stated he didn’t know the UK was so strict even though he knew the Ethiopian age of consent was 18.”

Mr Cowen continued: “He said because of the situation Epping is in chaos and he had got a lot of migrants in trouble.”

Statements from both victims were read to the court by the prosecutor, with the 14-year-old girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, saying she is now “checking over my shoulder” when she is out with friends.

She said she prepared the statement “so that the man who did this to me understands what he has done to me – a 14-year-old girl”.

She continued: “Every time I go out with my friends, I’m checking over my shoulder.

“Wearing a skirt now makes me feel vulnerable and exposed.”

The girl added: “Seeing the bench (where the sexual assault took place) reminds me of everything that happened.

“I’m aware there have been protests because of what has happened – I’m lucky that I was not in the country when that happened.”

The adult member of the public who was sexually assaulted by Kebatu said the defendant “did not even appear to know that what he’s done was wrong”.

In her victim personal statement, the woman, who also cannot be named for legal reasons, said: “Since the incident, I feel both angered and frustrated.

“He did not even appear to know that what he’s done was wrong.

“The incident has left me feeling worried to leave my house. I think about this incident most nights before bed.”

District Judge Christopher Williams found Kebatu guilty of two counts of sexual assault, one count of attempted sexual assault, one count of inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity and one count of harassment without violence.

>>23634822

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c3e75d7g49no

The blossoming relationship between Trump and Swinney

Glenn Campbell

17 September 2025

John Swinney and Donald Trump remain at odds on a whole range of issues - but something has fundamentally changed in their relationship.

On Wednesday, Scotland's first minister will don his sharpest evening wear to attend a State banquet at Windsor Castle in honour of the US president.

Six months ago there seemed little chance that the SNP leader would have anything to do with President Trump's second state visit to the UK.

In early March, Swinney said it was "unthinkable" the trip should go ahead following the Oval Office ambush of Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Trump has since lifted a pause on the US supply of weapons to Ukraine but his commitment to its defence against Russia remains in question.

Swinney also criticised the Trump plan to take over Gaza and develop the coastline into a Riviera of the Middle East style resort, saying it would amount to "ethnic cleansing".

But now he is set to join Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch at the Windsor banquet.

Why has John Swinney's approach changed?

The event has been boycotted by Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey in protest over US policy on Gaza, and Scottish Greens co-leader Ross Greer has urged Swinney to join the boycott.

Swinney will be the only devolved first minister to attend. The Northern Ireland executive is being represented by DUP deputy first minister Emma Little-Pengelly.

The Labour first minister of Wales, Eluned Morgan, has politely declined the King's invitation in order to lead tributes to a deceased political colleague in Cardiff.

Reform UK's Nigel Farage has not been invited.

So what has changed to alter John Swinney's approach?

That was a question I put to him at a news conference in Edinburgh last week and his answer was fairly opaque.

"We've just got to get on with the world as we see it and as it is in front of us," he said.

He was just off a plane from the United States, where he had been granted extraordinary access to the Oval Office to make the case directly to President Trump for the reduction or removal of US import tariffs or taxes on Scotch whisky.

This is a pragmatic first minister who has clearly decided to engage with the US president where he sees an opportunity to influence his thinking, especially if it could benefit the Scottish economy.

That does not prevent him from speaking up on issues of concern like Ukraine and Gaza, although he may need to be more diplomatic in how he makes those interventions.

That is essentially the approach that Sir Keir Starmer has taken and he has managed to secure lower tariffs for UK produce entering the US market than those faced by other countries, including EU member states.

UK negotiators have been working ahead of the state visit to secure further concessions on trade and Swinney has seized the opportunity to contribute to that effort on behalf of Scotch whisky.

But given that trade is a UK government responsibility, not one for the Scottish government, how has he managed to get to the heart of the action?

Donald Trump had a huge fallout with Alex Salmond when he was first minister over the Scottish government's support for offshore wind.

The pivotal moment in changing relations with the Trumps was a meeting between John Swinney and President Trump's son Eric on Thursday 13 March.

I remember it because it was kept secret in advance and I bumped into the first minister rushing down a back staircase to leave Holyrood after question time that day.

He made no reference to where he was going, why he was in a hurry or why he was avoiding the usual route that would take him past a clutch of news reporters hoping to catch a word.

This meeting was arranged at the request of the Trump Organisation, which has two golf resorts in Scotland at Turnberry in Ayrshire and Balmedie in Aberdeenshire.

Both sides described it as a business discussion and insisted that politics were not mentioned, although the lines between those two spheres have become increasingly blurred since President Trump returned to office.

>>23644028

……………………………………………………………………………………………..continued2……………………………………………………………………………………………..

Building a new relationship

It seems the two most important words spoken at Eric Trump's meeting with the first minister at his official residence in Edinburgh were "thank you".

Swinney thanked the Trump family for their investment in Scotland and the Trump team were taken aback because they said no-one in the Scottish government had previously bothered to say these words.

A few months before, Eric Trump had called John Swinney "nasty" for endorsing Kamala Harris in the US presidential election campaign.

It seemed this could now be put aside and a new relationship built.

It may be worth noting that when the Trumps first came to Scotland seeking to build on the protected sand dunes of the Menie estate in Aberdeenshire, it was John Swinney who granted them planning permission, overturning local objections.

He had been their ally in the past and perhaps he could be again.

There is no suggestion that the Trump business has asked for anything specific from the Scottish government.

However, it is a matter of record that Scottish ministers awarded public funds to support a golf tournament to be played at Trump International, as the Aberdeenshire business is officially known.

That was announced in time for Donald Trump's visit to his Scottish golf resorts in July, which included a dinner with both the prime minister and the first minister in Aberdeenshire.

Swinney had a breakfast meeting with the president the following morning before attending the opening of a new Trump golf course at which Donald Trump praised him as a "terrific guy".

It was during this visit that Swinney said he took the opportunity to raise concerns about the impact of US tariffs on the whisky industry.

He had heard the president say on arrival in Scotland that he did not realise that whisky was an issue, even though the UK government insists it was among the items on their trade agenda.

>>23644039

………………………………………………………………………………………….continued3……………………………………………………………………………………………

Swinney suspected steel and pharmaceuticals were higher on the UK's priority list and made a point of pressing the case for whisky with the president.

He may then have been a little disappointed when Trump played down the extent of their discussion when he spoke to reporters aboard Air Force One on the flight back to America.

But that was not to be the end of their conversation on whisky.

The Scottish government followed up through US diplomats and Swinney decided to fly to Washington to lobby further, accepting an invitation to make his case directly to President Trump in the White House.

He had a 50-minute conversation with the most powerful political leader in the western world.

None of his predecessors as first minister have been afforded that amount of face time. Labour's Henry McLeish is the only previous holder of the office to have been granted a courtesy call to the Oval Office.

This special access was supported by the then UK ambassador in Washington, Lord Peter Mandelson, before the extent of his past friendship with Jeffrey Epstein brought him down.

Relaxing whisky tariffs 'a win-win' deal

While Trump's Scottish heritage may have helped get Swinney in the door, the first minister said he did not trade on sentiment but instead presented a potential "win-win" business deal to Donald Trump.

The proposal is that by relaxing tariffs on Scotch whisky he would not only ease a burden on Scotland's national drink but also boost demand in Scotland for used bourbon casks from Kentucky.

A lot of whisky is matured in these second hand barrels and US distillers are working with the Scotch Whisky Association to appeal for a special trading arrangement - zero tariffs on Scotch entering the US and none on bourbon or used casks coming into the UK.

Swinney's lobbying on this issue could be a political win-win for him too.

If Trump agrees a deal, Swinney will be able to claim a share of the credit. If that does not happen, Swinney will argue that the UK government failed to bring home a deal that he set up.

If there is blowback from within the SNP over his efforts to woo Trump that is not yet apparent. One party insider who is very cautious about Trump described Swinney as having played an "absolute blinder".

One former Conservative adviser told me Swinney's approach was "smart politics".

What seems remarkable to me is that the first minister was able to develop this strategy under the noses of UK Labour ministers without any obvious challenge.

They enabled him to run rings round them.

The new UK Business Secretary Peter Kyle was in Washington talking tariffs the day before John Swinney, yet his department struggled to produce a statement for days.

Perhaps the administration was distracted by the reshuffle following the resignation of Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner or the emerging crisis surrounding Lord Mandelson.

Eventually, the new Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander took to the airwaves to insist that the UK government had been "thinking, working, talking and negotiating about whisky for many weeks and months".

He argued that whisky was "very high" up the list of priorities for the UK as it seeks further trade concessions from the US and warned Swinney against "playing politics".

There is no certainty that whisky will get a special deal or that any announcement will come during Trump's state visit - but the industry has sensed in recent weeks that a better deal for them could be "deliverable".

They would raise a glass to that if it happens and leave the politicians to squabble over who fought Scotch's corner the hardest.

>>23642447

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cr4q3r639q3o

Hotel attacker made threats day before stabbing six people

22 September 2025

An asylum seeker who was shot and killed after stabbing six people at a hotel had made threats 24 hours before the incident, a hearing has been told.

Badreddin Abdalla Adam Bosh, 28, attacked his victims at the Park Inn in Glasgow city centre on 26 June 2020.

Officers attempted to use non lethal weapons to disarm Mr Bosh during the incident before he was shot - a decision the Crown Office later said was "absolutely necessary".

The Sudanese national was one of hundreds of refugees moved from flats to hotels at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic - a move that raised concern about the mental health of often vulnerable individuals.

Three asylum seekers, two hotel workers and police officer David Whyte - who had responded to the emergency call - were injured during the attack

At Glasgow Sheriff Court, sheriff principal Aisha Anwar referred Police Scotland Federation's advocate Shelagh McCall KC to transcripts she had read before the hearing.

She asked: "There were threats of stabbing 24 hours prior to the incident?"

Miss McCall replied: "Yes."

The advocate said a report from witness Amanda Trimble would refer to the systems that were in place and which risk assessments should have been carried out.

The information was revealed during the the third preliminary hearing in preparation for the upcoming full Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI), which will take place at a date yet to be determined.

Mr Bosh's family have questioned whether police were right to use deadly force.

In 2023, a previous investigation by the Crown Office concluded that the actions of police were proportionate.

An FAI is a public examination of the circumstances of a death in the public interest before a sheriff, which does not apportion blame or fault.

Advocate depute Alan Cameron KC told the hearing a list of witnesses and documents had been lodged which included a draft joint agreement of evidence.

A total of 700 witness statements have been lodged.

Mr Cameron further told the hearing he anticipated "four to five weeks for the evidential hearings."

Mark Stewart KC, representing the next of kin, said he was awaiting an expert report from a firearms expert.

Work on the report is expected to begin in October, with the sheriff principal requesting a working deadline of early December.

The hearing earlier heard that Mr Bosh came to the UK after he first arrived in Ireland.

He had originally left Sudan after his uncle was shot dead.

He told family he had struggled to adapt to life in the Park Inn - which was understood to have been housing about 100 asylum seekers.

Mr Bosh described the situation in the hotel as difficult while he had been ill with Covid.

He contacted the Home Office and other organisations more than 70 times before the attack, regarding his health and accommodation.

A previous hearing was told police officers were unaware that the hotel housed asylum seekers at the time of the incident.

Another preliminary hearing was set for December.

>>23644028

>>23644039

>>23644040

https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/john-swinney-publicly-humiliated-donald-35952479

John Swinney publicly humiliated by Donald Trump as budding bromance destroyed

The American President was in blistering form as he spoke at the United Nations General Assembly, taking aim at both the Scottish and UK Governments over their energy policy.

David Walker

23 SEP 2025

John Swinney has been publicly humiliated by Donald Trump who slated his government's love of wind farms and solar panels - as well as the SNP's opposition to North Sea oil and gas. The pair seemed to be forming a bromance over the last few weeks, meeting twice so far in September.

The First Minister even became the first Scottish Executive leader to be invited into the White House for an audience with a US President as he pleaded with him to reduce whisky tariffs. No decision has been taken on this issue yet, despite the taxpayer-funded trip to America.

But Trump was his usual outspoken self during a speech at the United Nations General Assembly where he blasted both the Scottish and UK governments for putting so much money and faith into ugly renewable energy projects. He is a known opponent of wind turbines, famously giving evidence at Holyrood in 2012 to stop them being built near his golf courses in Aberdeenshire.

He said: “I want to stop seeing them ruining that beautiful Scottish and English countryside with windmills and massive solar panels that go seven miles by seven miles, taking away farmland. But we’re not letting this happen in America.”

The Scottish Government is aiming to increase its number of wind turbines by up to 5,000 in the next 15 years to boost how much energy the country gets from renewable energy as it looks to shut down Scotland's last nuclear power plant. SNP Ministers hope to get to net zero by 2045, getting rid of fossil fuel emissions.

It has even sold off its lucrative sea bed to foreign developers to build hundreds of turbines, although some experts suggest these have been sold too cheaply. The ScotWind project involved an auction of plots in the water surrounding Scotland, a move which will annoy Trump further.

The US President also ranted about the UK killing off North Sea oil and gas. The UK Government is against new developments off the north east coast of Scotland, with the latest Scottish Government energy strategy including a presumption against new oil fields, with this not being changed despite overtures from the SNP.

Trump said: “They’ve given up their powerful edge, a lot of the countries that we’re talking about, in oil and gas, such as essentially closing the great North Sea oil. Oh, the North Sea. I know it so well. Aberdeen was the oil capital of Europe and there’s tremendous oil that hasn’t been found in the North Sea – tremendous oil.

“And I was with the Prime Minister (Sir Keir Starmer) – I respect and like a lot – and I said, ‘you’re sitting with the greatest asset’. They essentially closed it by making it so highly-taxed that no developer, no oil company, can go there. They have tremendous oil left and, more importantly, they have tremendous oil that hasn’t even been found yet. And what a tremendous asset for the United Kingdom, and I hope the Prime Minister’s listening because I told it to him three days in a row – that’s all he heard. ‘North Sea oil, North Sea’.”

>>23112638

>>>23112573 Final Law and Disorder Bun Part Three

https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/campaigners-anger-new-scottish-secretary-35952393

Campaigner's anger as new Scottish Secretary passes the buck on Lord Advocate's dual role

Exclusive: NHS whistleblower Lesley Roberts is furious after writing to Douglas Alexander for his help on ensuring that Dorothy Bain KC is recused from the investigation into Covid deaths

Ben Borland

23 SEP 2025

Keir Starmer's new Scottish Secretary has washed his hands of the bid to have the Lord Advocate step down from the probe into thousands of Covid deaths.

As we reported last month, whistleblowing former nurse Lesley Roberts is calling for Dorothy Bain KC to be recused from any decision making around Operation Koper.

This police investigation is looking into avoidable fatalities in care homes and workplaces, with detectives also examining claims that SNP ministers may have been guilty of corporate manslaughter.

Given these allegations against former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and former Health Secretary Jeane Freeman, Ms Roberts wants to ensure there is no suggestion of political influence on the Crown.

The Lord Advocate has a unique dual role as the Scottish Government's chief legal adviser, who sits in Cabinet meetings alongside ministers, and also as the head of the nation's prosecution service.

The SNP has said it supports the creation of two new separate roles, although there has been little sign of progress so far as the UK and Scottish governments are both saying the other must take responsibility. Back in March, the Prime Minister told MPs: "This is a really important issue. Labour in Scotland have been really clear they would separate the roles, that is the right thing to do."

Given this background, Ms Roberts wrote to the new Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander to ask for his support. She wrote: "Can we please discuss this matter for the good of the entire country."

However, in correspondence shared with the Scottish Express, the Scotland Office has now refused to get involved. An email states: "The Secretary of State has taken note of your concerns and has asked me to respond on his behalf.

"We truly appreciate you taking the time to contact us. Unfortunately, the Scotland Office is unable to provide legal advice or comment on ongoing court cases. As we are unable to assist further with this matter, please understand that we may not be able to provide additional correspondence."

In her reply, also shared with the Express, Ms Roberts said: "As the head of the Scottish Office you should be accountable for overseeing what goes on in this country. When one of the most important issues is brought to you, one would have hoped that you would address and review the legislation and change accordingly.

"Simply saying that the Scottish Labour party will change it if they get into power is not enough. What do genuine good Scottish people do if the SNP continue to hold on to power and we are left with another five years of soft justice and dual roles for those at the very top.

"The way the Labour Party is operating no one will vote for you ever again and that leaves Scotland at risk of most inept nationalists politicians. I urge you to stop procrastinating and do your job."

The Crown Office has said all of its prosecutors, including Ms Bain and Solicitor General Ruth Charteris KC, "operate independently of political influence". A spokesman added: "It is standard practice that the Lord Advocate and Solicitor General would not take prosecution decisions on any allegations made against politicians."

The Scottish Government's position: "The role of the Lord Advocate is set out in the Scotland Act. Competently changing the various relevant provisions of the Scotland Act can currently only be done by the UK Government. The Justice Secretary raised the Scottish Government’s work on the roles with the Secretary of State for Scotland last year and would be happy to do so again."

The UK Government's position: "A number of years ago the Scottish Government committed to look into the issue of the dual functions of the Lord Advocate. While the UK Government has the power to bring forward legislation to split the role of the Lord Advocate, we would want to ensure that the Scottish Government has first put any proposals to the Scottish Parliament for scrutiny. The UK Government would of course consider any proposal brought forward by the Scottish Government. At present, we have not received representations from them on this matter."

>>23499069

>Initial Royals Bun

https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/uk-news/sarah-ferguson-finished-after-sycophantic-35938845

Sarah Ferguson is 'finished' after 'sycophantic, fawning email' to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein

The Duchess of York is told 'she's not got a future' and it's 'the end of her public career' after her two-faced email to the New York financier was revealed

Ben Borland

21 SEP 2025

The "two-faced" email from Sarah Ferguson to Jeffrey Epstein marks the end of her career as a public figure, according to a royal commentator.

The Duchess of York wrote to the paedophile billionaire in April 2011, describing him as "steadfast, generous and a supreme friend", just weeks after promising to cut ties with him in a grovelling public apology.

She told Epstein she didn't "say the P word about you" in her statement, when she said: "I abhor paedophilia and any sexual abuse of children and know that this was a gigantic error of judgement on my part."

It came after Ferguson accepted £15,000 from the financier to pay off a debt, and amid mounting pressure over her and her ex-husband Prince Andrew's links to the convicted abuser.

Discussing the bombshell story on GB News on Sunday morning, host Camilla Tominey – a former Sunday Express royal reporter – described it as a "creepy email", adding that she told Epstein, "don't worry, I haven't called you a paedophile in public, so let's still maintain a friendship, even though she tells the general public she's gonna cut all ties with this sick guy".

PR chief Giles Kenningham said it was a "sycophantic, fawning email", adding: "It's incredibly two-faced isn't it." He continued: "As ever, for Fergie and Andrew, money becomes their Achilles heel. She's not got a future, she needs to take a long vow of silence and step back."

Fellow guest Nile Gardiner, a former aide to Conservative Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher said: "I think it's really the end of her public career actually."

Ferguson has said she only sent the email because Epstein was threatening to sue her following her public apology in the London Evening Standard on March 7, 2011. She said: "Whenever I can, I will repay the money and have nothing ever to do with Jeffrey Epstein ever again."

But on April 26, 2011, she wrote to him: "I know you feel hellaciously let down by me from what you were either told or read and I must humbly apologise to you and your heart for that."

Royal author Andrew Lownie said: "The language of this extraordinary email is completely two-faced. It is hugely damaging to her credibility as a patron of children's charities and children's author. I have learnt to question everything the Duchess of York says in interviews. I think the wider Royal Family will be appalled by this - it's yet more reputational damage."

A spokesman for Ferguson said: "The duchess spoke of her regret about her association with Epstein many years ago, and as they have always been, her first thoughts are with his victims. Like many people, she was taken in by his lies."

>>23497302

>>23499069

https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/snp-election-candidate-nicola-sturgeon-35938274

SNP election candidate and Nicola Sturgeon ally quits over secret swinger's profile

Math Campbell-Sturgess has withdrawn from the 2026 election race after facing questions over an explicit account on Fabswingers.com looking for 'threesomes'

Ben Borland

21 SEP 2025

An SNP candidate has withdrawn from next year's Holyrood election after a Sunday newspaper uncovered his links to an online 'swingers' profile.

Rising star and Nicola Sturgeon ally Math Campbell-Sturgess, 42, was selected to contest Scottish Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie's Dumbarton seat earlier this year.

But he stepped down after being asked about the account on Fabswingers.com looking for 'threesome' partners for a man and a woman who go by the pseudonym 'Scotsbicouple'.

The Scottish Mail on Sunday said the profile on the website, used to organise sex meet-ups, displays highly explicit images showing a woman posing in her underwear and performing a sex act.

The man, who goes by the name of M (42), is not pictured and the profile explains images are limited due to 'work sensitivities'.

Mr Campbell-Sturgess, who was the founder of the Scexit campaign group English Scots for Yes, is also a councillor for Helensburgh and Lomond South on Argyll and Bute Council.

The newspaper said he initially denied it was his profile and suggested it might have been an impersonator account. However, he then changed his response and said "everyone is entitled to a private life" and insisted he had "done nothing wrong".

He added: "This experience has placed huge stress on myself and my family, and I have therefore chosen to step back from candidacy at this time."

Mr Campbell-Sturgess and the SNP have not said whether he would remain as an Nationalist councillor. His Facebook and X accounts were both deactivated on Sunday morning.

Deputy leader of the Scottish Conservatives, Rachael Hamilton, said: "While no laws appear to have been broken, this episode raises serious concerns about the SNP's judgment and vetting procedures.

"The public rightly expect their elected representatives to behave in a way that upholds the dignity of public office - and many will be deeply shocked by these revelations. The SNP must urgently explain how this was allowed to happen."

The Mail on Sunday says the account Scotsbicouple on website Fabswingers.com has been in use for a number of years and had been accessed as recently as Wednesday.

The profile is said to list the users' interests as adult parties, group sex, making videos, role play, swingers clubs, taking photos, threesomes and voyeurism. The MoS said it had "chosen not to print some of the more obscene activities".

It goes on to praise the woman's capabilities in the bedroom and states: "We've had a few meets and parties now, have some experience under our belt."

The profile says that 'M' uses the Scotsbicouple account and the woman tends to use her own, called PictiiWitch. But it states: "We won't usually meet serpately [sic] until we get to know you."

The pair have received good reviews from other swingers, with one fan writing: "What a meet, would love to see what we could all do in warm surroundings."

The MoS said a reporter approached Mr Campbell-Sturgess in Helensburgh on Thursday to check the validity of the account. Asked 'Is this your profile?', he said: "No."

Asked if he "firmly denied" it was his profile, he responded: "It's not my profile." But just hours later, both the Scotsbicouple and PictiiWitch profiles were deleted.

Presented with this fact, Mr Campbell-Sturgess then admitted the account was the woman's and she had deleted it. He said explicit images did not portray him.

On Saturday, Mr Campbell-Sturgess said: "As your readers will appreciate, everyone is entitled to a private life. I have done nothing wrong and reject any suggestion otherwise. However, this experience has placed huge stress on myself and my family, and I have therefore chosen to step back from candidacy at this time."

On his council webpage, it states that he works as a caseworker in the Scottish Parliament for SNP MSP Stuart McMillan. He also works as a self-employed designer of "Norse-themed" jewellery and leather goods.

He was often pictured with former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and other leading SNP figures. Having served as an SNP councillor in Greenock from 2012 to 2017, he crossed the Clyde to Helensburgh from 2022.

A spokesman for the SNP said: "We have been informed of his decision to step down as a candidate."

>>23663896

https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/nicola-showbiz-sturgeon-spends-thousands-35970051

Nicola 'Showbiz' Sturgeon spends thousands on styling and clothes for her book tour

The former First Minister has splashed the cash on outfits and clothes as she promoted Frankly on podcasts and in TV studios across the UK.

David Walker

26 SEP 2025

Nicola Sturgeon spent thousands of pounds on clothes and "styling" while touring her autobiography around the UK. The former First Minister has visited numerous book festivals and toured TV studios and podcasts the length and breadth of the country to promote Frankly.

She updated her register of interests at the Scottish Parliament to declare the spending on "my book launch and tour." It noted that her company "met costs of £6,213.57 for the provision by a third party of clothing, styling and personal items". She is enjoying her life outside of being an MSP.

The register also included costs for her travel and accommodation while promoting her autobiography, with this totalling between £5,000 and £10,000. But this bill was met by her publisher Pan MacMillan, with the company already handing her £300,000 for he rights to her memoir.

Ms Sturgeon was accused of writing mistruths within Frankly, mostly regarding her negative stories about Alex Salmond. She accused him of not wanting to back the legalisation of gay marriage, which was labelled untrue by his allies, as well as not reading the independence white paper.

The former SNP leader has also been criticised for using a tax loophole to avoid paying punishing income tax on her outside earnings, even though she introduced these taxes to Scotland. She has taken two payments totalling £30,000 from her company, Nicola Sturgeon Ltd, in the form of dividends rather than a salary.

It saved her about £3,600 as dividends are taxed at lower raters by the UK Government, with money also going to the UK taxman instead of Revenue Scotland. She also doesn't have to pay employer or employee National Insurance Contributions on dividends.

Ms Sturgeon defended her tax arrangements by claiming that she is currently "in transition" as she will be self-employed following the 2026 Holyrood Election where she is standing down as an MSP. But critics blasted her for the lavish spend on her book tour when she should be supporting her constituents.

Scottish Tory MSP Annie Wells said: "Nicola Sturgeon's constituents in Glasgow Southside can only dream of being able to splash out thousands on a self-promotional book tour. This, of course, comes against a backdrop of the former fIrst minister not having to pay the same high taxes she imposed on the rest of us as a result of setting up this company. She should have spent more time focusing on the issues facing her constituents, rather than touring the country trying to defend her legacy."

Ms Sturgeon earns £74,507 as an MSP and set up her company in 2023 to deal with her "artistic" earnings from outside Holyrood. She has registered a number of payments to the firm, including £25,000 for appearing as a pundit on ITV's general election night coverage last year.

She also logged the first two instalments on the advance on her memoir from Pan Macmillan, with £75,000 paid in each of August 2023 and March this year. Next month, she will host a special show at Edinburgh's Usher Hall, for which tickets cost up to £73.95. Fans could pay an additional £75 to attend a "meet and greet" with her before the show.

>>23515000

>>23222734

>>23223165

>>23210325

>>23673015

https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/john-swinney-humiliated-scots-back-35978962

John Swinney humiliated as Scots back plans for mass deportation of illegal immigrants

The First Minister and the SNP are pro-migration and have tried to shut down debates about the topic but this is now the opposing view to the general public.

David Walker

28 SEP 2025

John Swinney has been left humiliated as a majority of Scots backed the mass detention and deportation of illegal immigrants. The SNP have for decades claimed that the people of Scotland have different values and opinions to those living elsewhere in the UK, especially about immigration.

But this has turned out to be incorrect as opinions on migrants previously seen in England are now being echoed north of the border as well. The First Minister gave a speech earlier this year where he called on more migration to Scotland and for him to be given powers to control this.

A new survey has found that fewer than one in ten Scots (8%) agreed with the SNP view that immigration levels into Scotland remain too low. It is a major blow to Mr Swinney who has long insisted that the country needs to bring in more people from across the world.

Seven times as many, 56%, believe numbers are too high. The First Minister has spoken out against mass deportations calling them "utterly chilling" and at odds with Scotland's "values" and "common humanity." Numerous protests have been held outside of migrant hotels across the country in recent months.

The poll also asked whether they backed mass detention and deportations of those who arrive in the UK without permission, with 60% saying they supported this proposal while fewer than a quarter (23%) opposed it. Even among voters who backed the SNP at last year's general election, mass deportations were more popular than not.

Norstat carried out the survey for the Sunday Times and showed increasing support for Nigel Farage and Reform's policy of mass detentions and deportations of immigrants who cross the channel on small boats. The SNP have spoken out strongly against this, opening calling the party "far right."

It also tried to shut down a Holyrood debate on immigration, calling it "disgusting" and "disgraceful." But immigration has become a big concern for Scottish voters after previously only being one for those south of the border. Another poll released last week put immigration joint second, behind only the NHS, as the most important issue.

Mr Swinney has repeatedly claimed Scotland needs more immigration due to the country's declining domestic birth rates and an ageing population. But this is now an opposing view to the general public, and plays into Mr Farage's hands as he has said the established parties are out of touch with voters' concerns amid crises over housing shortages and NHS waiting lists.

Glasgow is suffering major issues due to its open door policy on migrants, with hundreds moving up from England to take advantage of the law surrounding offering accommodation to everyone who presents as homeless. It has become the asylum capital of the UK.

Mr Farage said: "Reform UK are making extraordinary progress in Scotland. I am very proud of our small, dedicated team. There is a lot more to come." Polling guru Sir John Curtice said that his party is taking advantage of the fact no other parties in Scotland are talking about immigration.

He told the Sunday Times: "The poll shows that concern about immigration in Scotland is much higher than it was a few years ago. In response to a similarly worded question, in 2018 YouGov found that 39% reckoned that immigration into Scotland was too high; now the figure stands at 56%. However, those who voted SNP last year are least likely to feel that immigration is too high — only 36% express that view.

“If Reform do succeed in making immigration a key issue for voters in next year’s Holyrood election, it will be the other unionist parties that would seem to have most to lose.”

>>23499063

>Initial Government Bloat, Waste, and Abuse Bun

https://www.scottishdailyexpress.co.uk/news/politics/snp-asked-where-money-gone-35976746

SNP asked 'where has the money gone' as John Swinney accused of losing £5.2bn of public cash

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar will use his keynote speech at the UK Labour conference to attack the SNP Scottish Government and claim they can't be trusted with taxpayer cash.

David Walker

28 SEP 2025

John Swinney and the SNP have been accused of "embezzling opportunities" from Scots and wasting £5.2bn of funding coming from Westminster. Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar is set to ask "where has the money gone?" in strong criticism of the Nats record in government.

He will also brand his SNP rivals “knackered, desperate and incompetent” as he seeks to replace Mr Swinney as First Minister next year. He will use his keynote address to the UK Labour conference in Liverpool to attack his rivals but does so while in a tough position.

The Scottish Labour leader will tell the conference: “Since the election, the Scottish Government has had an extra £5.2 billion to spend. But while things are getting better with Labour in England, the same is not the case in Scotland. Because the truth is that we are being held back by a knackered, desperate and incompetent SNP government.”

Despite Scots “paying their taxes” and the Scottish Government “receiving record funding” he will say that “when Scots need healthcare, they are let down”. Mr Sarwar will add that while this is “unacceptable” it is also “characteristic of an SNP government that cannot be trusted with your money”.

Turning his focus to public services in Scotland, Mr Sarwar will say: “They are receiving record funding, but what do Scots see every day? Cuts to police numbers, rising violent crime, falling educational standards, high numbers of homeless children, and Scots being forced to emigrate to get jobs as doctors, teachers and nurses. Scots are working hard, paying their taxes, but they are getting worse and worse services in return from the SNP.”

The Scottish Labour leader will blast: “The SNP is embezzling Scots’ opportunities with their incompetence. That’s why the choice before Scotland in just seven months is so clear – more failure and decline with the SNP or a new direction with Scottish Labour.”

However, SNP Westminster deputy leader Pete Wishart accused Mr Sarwar of making a “desperate attempt to deflect from the Labour Party’s abysmal failure in government and the constant scandals, sleaze and chaos engulfing Keir Starmer’s crisis-hit party”.

Mr Wishart hit back and said: “Voters were promised change but, under Starmer, the UK has gone from bad to worse. The cost of living is soaring, unemployment is at a four-year high, the UK economy has been downgraded, public finances have deteriorated, child poverty is at record levels – and families are struggling to get by as energy bills, food prices and inflation all rise by more than expected."

Scottish Conservative deputy leader Rachael Hamilton MSP said: “Scotland has been left at the mercy of dysfunctional SNP rule for almost two decades which has forced hard-pressed Scots to pay more for poorer outcomes. This farcical notion that Scottish Labour represent genuine change is blatantly false given that on a host of issues you can’t fit a cigarette paper between them and the SNP.

“Anas Sarwar is gravely mistaken if he thinks the public will believe that he’ll be any different. He recklessly backed the SNP’s wasteful gender reforms as well as their illiberal Hate Crime Act showing just how detached he is from the real world. How can he promise a new direction when Scottish Labour have been part of Holyrood’s cosy left-wing consensus that has failed Scotland for over 25 years?"

>>23683204

https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2025/10/disgraced-former-british-ambassador-uk-peter-mandelson-loses/

Disgraced Former British Ambassador to the UK Peter Mandelson Loses Another Civic Honor Over His Close Ties to Late Pedophile Jeffrey Epstein

Paul Serran

Oct. 4, 2025

Here on TGP, we have been following the deeply misguided choice of British ambassador to the US made by failing Prime Minister Keir Starmer even before it was confirmed.

Labour peer Lord Peter Mandelson was a disaster waiting to happen.

It had been clear ever since the documents from a 2023 civil suit by the US Virgin Islands against JPMorgan that Mandelson had a long, close and seemingly shady relationship with Epstein.

We fist noted the presence of Mandelson on the documents in June 2023, in More Than Just Sex Trafficking: Epstein Influence Peddling Revealed in New Court Filing – Bankers, Royals, Politicians and Businessmen in His Web of Contacts

But leftist Starmer insisted on his controversial choice, only to have to fire him under a storm few months later after US House Oversight Committee documents showed the public the extent of Mandelson’s ties to Epstein.

After his firing, problems started to arise for the former ambassador, as it tends to happen for people fallen under the ‘Epstein curse’.

Now, Lord Mandelson is reported to be about to lose a civic honor from his former constituency.

The Telegraph reported:

“The former British ambassador to the US, who was sacked last month over fresh revelations about his friendship with Epstein, will be forced to forfeit an honorary title from Hartlepool.

The move will cause fresh embarrassment for Lord Mandelson, who has already been stripped of honors from Manchester Metropolitan University in the fallout from the Epstein row.”

“There have also been calls for him to be suspended as a Labour Party member and give up his seat in the House of Lords.”

>>>106649

>>>106650

>>>106651

https://8kun.top/qnotables/res/39180.html#q106649

Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/10843819 (300039ZSEP20) Notable: Bun for NHS and Electro-Convulsive-Therapy

(originally posted as UK #21 >>>/qresearch/10710117)

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15140157/Scots-patients-forced-electric-shock-treatment-1000-times.html

Scots patients forced to have electric shock treatment more than 1000 times.

ANDY BEAVEN

27 September 2025

>>106649

>>106650

>>106651

>>23725051

>>23499061

>Initial Abuse Bun

>Initial Covid and Other Pestilence Bun

>>23499066

>Initial NHS Bun

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15140157/Scots-patients-forced-electric-shock-treatment-1000-times.html

EXLUSIVEScots patients forced to have electric shock treatment more than 1000 times.

ANDY BEAVEN

27 September 2025

Patients in Scotland were forced to receive electric shock treatment against their will almost 1,100 times last year – prompting calls for the NHS to stop using the ‘ethically unacceptable’ procedure.

In each case, people suffering from mental illness were compelled to undergo electro-convulsive therapy (ECT) even though they objected to the treatment or actively struggled to resist it.

The World Health Organisation and United Nations recently warned that involuntary or forced ECT risked breaching patients’ human rights – and could be regarded as a form of torture.

The procedure, which sees electric currents passed through the brain to induce a brief seizure, has been used since the 1930s but remains deeply controversial.

A new report shows that ECT was carried out in the Scottish NHS more than 4,000 times last year.

Women in their 60s were most likely to receive the treatment – while the most commonly treated condition was severe depression.

In around 2,000 cases, ECT was performed on people who, because of their mental state, were deemed incapable of giving consent.

In 1,081 cases, treatment was given to patients who said they didn’t want it or fought against it – but who were over-ruled by doctors.

While health chiefs in Scotland acknowledge ECT can produce ‘adverse’ side-effects, they insist it is safe and effective.

First developed in the 1930s, the procedure was infamously portrayed in the 1975 film One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest, in which Jack Nicholson plays a convicted criminal who feigns mental illness

>>23725382

……………………………………………………………………………………………continued……………………………………………………………………………………………

However, some experts last night claimed the NHS should immediately suspend use of ECT.

Dr John Read is a professor of clinical psychology at the University of East London and author of several studies into the effects of ECT, which he criticised as ‘unethical’ and ‘unscientific’.

He said: ‘No other branch of medicine sees treatment administered when a patient is actively resisting it. However well-intentioned the doctor might be, it is ethically unacceptable.

‘ECT was developed decades before we had proper ethical standards. If it was introduced today as a new treatment, there’s no way it would be approved.’

He added: ‘For a percentage of patients, ECT can produce a temporary lift in mood – but there’s simply no evidence it has any benefit beyond the end of treatment. The use of ECT should be immediately suspended until proper research is completed to prove whether it actually works.’

The report by the official Scottish ECT Audit Network stated that 4,135 treatments were carried out on 264 patients during 2024.

Half were aged 60 or older, while 60 per cent were women.

In 1,081 cases, ECT was authorised under the Mental Health Act even though ‘the patient resisted or objected’.

The report noted that ‘adverse incidents’ occurred 31 times – including ‘prolonged seizure, dental damage, cardiovascular events and prolonged confusion’.

Overall 24.9 per cent of patients reported memory problems as a side effect.

But the report said 88.8 per cent of patients showed improvement after treatment and concluded: ‘These findings reinforce that ECT is a safe and effective treatment for individuals with severe, treatment-resistant mental health conditions including major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder and psychosis.’

However, Dr Read warned the report was ‘horribly misleading’.

He said: ‘All the measures of safety and effectiveness are based only on the opinion of the psychiatrists who gave the ECT.

‘When you ask the patients you get completely different results.’ Earlier this month, in a survey of 858 ECT patients, 80 per cent said their ability to recall memories had been affected, while 70 per cent said their ability to retain new information had been harmed.

For more than two-thirds of those affected, the impact lasted more than three years.

Separately, a study of more than 1,000 ECT patients published in the journal Circulation found 58.5 per cent believed it wasn’t at all helpful, while 62 per cent said it made their quality of life worse.

In 2023, a report by the World Health Organisation and the UN concluded: ‘International human rights standards clarify that ECT without consent violates the right to physical and mental integrity and may constitute torture.’

The Scottish Government said every ECT prescription is overseen by the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland and Mental Health Tribunal for Scotland.

A spokesperson said: ‘Electroconvulsive therapy is a safe and effective treatment for some of the most unwell patients, and in some cases has been lifesaving.

‘Patient safety is paramount, and for patients unable to consent due to the severity of the mental illness that the ECT is treating, appropriate legal safeguards are in place.’