Scotland’s health and wealth challenges laid bare
A new report published by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation has highlighted a bleak picture for youth unemployment and health across Scotland.
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.
Fears over 2014 Commonwealth Games legacy
MSPs have warned a lack of volunteers and coaches risks the legacyof next year’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Opposition to Independence Enjoys 20% Lead
New polling has indicated that the pro-union “Better Together” campaign now enjoys a 20% lead over the “Yes Scotland” campaign on the day that the House of Commons votes on allowing the Scottish Parliament to lead on the arrangements fortest
Government not doing enough to engage with loyalist community – Peter Hain
A former Northern Ireland Secretary has criticised the Government for failing to do enough to engage with the loyalist community in Northern Ireland. Amidst on-going violence on the streets of Belfast over the decision by the City Council to flytest
Inquiry clears Salmond on EU advice but attacks him for “muddled” thinking
Alex Salmond was yesterday cleared of misleading the public over the Scottish Government’s stance in relation to the position of an independent Scotland within the European Union. In October, the First Minister referred himself to be investigated by Sir Davidtest
Cap on benefit increases will do more harm to Wales than recession
A leading Welsh think tank has warned that the decision to cap benefit increases at 1% could end up doing far more harm to the Welsh economy than the recession itself. In concluding that the policy will “hit Wales hard”test
Cameron isn’t being listened to in Scotland
As he stood shoulder with his ronseal partner to declare that all is well in coalition Government land, David Cameron yesterday told journalists that he would work hard to win the “arguments of both the head and the heart” intest
Welfare reforms are not well fair for the regions
A housing association in Wales has warned that the Government’s Bedroom Tax will hit many tenants “like a hurricane”. Under the Welfare Reform Act, passed last year, the new tax will, from April 2013 see the level of benefit thattest
Flag protesters have Scotland in their sights as Belfast violence continues
After sustained protests about the flying of the Union flag over Belfast City Hall, they are now threatening to spill over into Scotland.
What does 2013 hold for devolution?
Left Foot Forward’s Devolution Correspondent Ed Jacobs looks ahead to what 2013 has in store for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.