Hertsscot

Throughout my life time including under Labour the gap between rich and poor has increased. I'm not sure what's so wrong with a bit of economic redistribution because it's only being flowing one way. Politicians need to be honest, cut taxes, what services get cut as well?

I thought he was lined up for the Ireland job.

COVID inquiry. Nick Yardley doing a bit of a hatchet job on BBC this morning. Highlighting Sturgeons clown message and excess deaths in Scotland being similar to England in spite of more restrictions. My takes: Any reduction in excess deaths is a good thing, it's someone's loved one. Most people probably agree with Sturgeons assessment of Johnson Johnson and his pals probably said a lot worse but we haven't got his WhatsApp messages Sturgeons messaging was consistently clearer and more compassionate than Johnson's Scotland's population is on average a couple of years older than England's which presumably has an impact on excessive deaths Scotland had high profile media figures (Oliver, Adams) who actively undermined Govt. health messages Scotland never had control of its borders, that was always in UK hands I didn't live in Scotland during most of the pandemic but I have no doubt that increased public health measures were motivated by a genuine concern to do what was right by the population of Scotland. Extra restrictions don't tend to lead to political popularity as witnessed by the hatred of Sturgeon for having a different approach.

From the BBC website, a bit of good news. Scotland Under-21 forward Dapo Mebude says he is "gradually on the road to recovery and hopes to return soon" following his serious car crash. The 22-year-old had surgery after reportedly having to be freed from his car by emergency services in Belgium. London-born Mebude has played for KV Oostende since September 2022. "I appreciate everyone's concern for me. I am happy I was able to leave the hospital and am gradually on the road to recovery," he said.

One of the complaints made about the EU was about 'red tape'. Oh, the irony!

I think it was more about him just coming back from injury though rather than performance related.

Miovski's goal being disallowed was really harsh. I had to check the rules and it doesn't say 'deliberate' trip, it just says trip but doesn't feel right. Shame because it was an excellent finish.

Boris Johnson now a recruitment sergeant for the British army: https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/boris-johnson-citizen-army-called-up-mail-b1135213.html

They should just have named them HMS White Elephants. Sean Bell has interesting article on Sky News website why RAF pilots are taking off from land and flying 3000 miles for Houthi strikes rather than mega expensive carriers. Sorry, haven't worked out how to post link!

Maybe Ed Mountain should resign for acting in such a childish manner!

I caught that as well. I imagine we shared a similar reaction. It's depressing that the Tories churn out this nonsense on such a regular basis and equally depressing that BBC Scotland regurgitates it.

Agreed

Steven Davis just retired. I must say I've always been a fan from his early days and was delighted when he signed for Rangers. Comes across as a really good professional.

There's definite cause to criticise the Scottish Government but you'd hope it was 'positive criticism'. I remember a guy at the WHO saying early on that all governments would get things wrong but the key thing was they had to act fast. I'm sure the Scottish Government got things wrong (I was in England at the time) but I'm not aware of the corruption, the VIP fast lanes for PPE, the eat out to help out schemes to spread the virus, the general attitude of 'let the bodies pile high' and the exceptionalism that was so characteristic of the UK Government.

It's not necessarily related to this but mention of Facebook reminded me that the Tory Government is raising or has just raised the amount of money that can be spent on elections from £20 million to £35 million. That will probably benefit them more than anyone else.

I see that the Tories have now removed the 15 year limit on voting for those living outside the UK. To me it seems crazy that someone who has lived outside the UK for that length of time should get a vote. My understanding is that most of those entitled to vote don't take up the opportunity but the new legislation does increase the number of voters quite significantly and I do suspect most of them will vote Tory.

Oh. Explains a lot!

Can't disagree with that but that won't be official Labour policy.

I don't think anyone has any great enthusiasm for Starmer. It's very different to the end of the Tories when Blair swept to power when there was hope of a real fresh start. With Starmer it's just 'Well it won't be quite as bad as the Tories'. SNP need to be bolder and more visionary in the campaigning. I feel we're too cautious.

Just watched it. I'm sure a shorter film could have been made, but we both enjoyed it and never felt it dragged.

I'm a bit puzzled. Why exactly won't the SNP let him rejoin the party?

No NHS waiting lists for the royals.

Saw One Life last night (also in a small cinema but in Bo'ness). I knew a reasonable bit about Nicholas Winton and thought the film was well crafted. Excellent performance from Anthony Hopkins. It's not too long and well worth watching.

Squads announced. Some interesting points. Scotland related, there's a new guy in the squad who's played for England and then there's a couple of others in the England squad who were eligible for us. Seems crazy to me that you can play for another country when you're played full internationals. The other big news is the young Welsh winger, one of the most exciting talents in world rugby, who's jacked it in to pursue a career in NFL!

And back to Scottish players in action. Other than his miss how has Dembele played, do we just file him with Islam Feruz or is there some hope he might come good?