Scottish Nationalists spooked by the spooks
A former deputy leader of the Scottish Nationalist Party has called on the spooks to stay out of the debate on Scotland’s constitutional future.
Ed Jacobs
Ed writes on devolved and local government. He works as a political consultant at the only Northern based consultancy, The Public Affairs Company. Ed has previously helped establish and run a student news website therundown.co.uk.
Better Together needs to get its house in order
David Cameron will today use his speech to the Scottish Conservative Party Conference in Stirling to once again rehearse the arguments in favour of Scotland remaining within the family of the United Kingdom. “There is”, he will say, “simply no challenge we face today where breaking up Britain is the right answer”.
Wales standing up to UK austerity, argues First Minister
Welsh first minister Carwyn Jones has told AMs that Wales is making progress in “the most difficult economic circumstances” and that the Welsh government is “standing up” to UK government austerity and welfare policies.
Northern Ireland Assembly passes special advisers bill
Members of the Northern Ireland Assembly yesterday gave final approval for legislation barring those with a serious conviction from taking up any political adviser role.
Tories wrong on NHS in Wales – new survey reveals extensive support for health service under Labour government
So often in the House of Commons and elsewhere Conservative ministers have been quick to attack the Welsh government for cutting spending on the NHS and presiding over what they argue has been a deteriorating health service.
Stormont calls for end to back door privatisation of health services
Amidst revelations in the Daily Mirror that over 100 services across the NHS are being run by Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin group, members of the Northern Ireland Assembly have called on Ministers at Stormont to bring forward legislation to prevent the privatisation of health services by stealth.
Scottish Tories split on devolution
A former Conservative Scottish secretary has called (£) moves by the party north of the border to increase the powers afforded to the Scottish Parliament a “suicide mission”.
First minister warns of pain to come in Wales
The first minister of Wales has issued a stark warning of painful financial decisions to come ahead of George Osborne’s spending review at the end of next month.
An open letter to the next chief executive of NHS England
To Whom it May Concern,
Congratulations on your appointment as the next chief executive of NHS England. You take over an organisation in a volatile state, facing funding cuts, despite the government’s rhetoric.
SNP deaf to economic issues that really matter
All of a sudden, the debate around Scotland’s future has gained the kind of substance that many have been yearning for.