They have been with us for 50 years, coming into existence in 1975, through the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973. Their value is becoming more important as local authorities funding is cut, local services are being withdrawn with local community groups picking up the slack. What are they? They're the most local implementation of governance in Scotland, designed to be non-party political and non-sectarian, and inclusive regardless of gender, race, age, disability, nationality or sexual orientation. Their effectiveness can be shaped by their geographical nature and fit into three types. Urban Community Councils: In cities like Glasgow or Edinburgh, community ...
The latest episode of Never Mind The Bar Charts sees a return to the show for Professor Rob Ford. We dive into my favourite political paradox to discuss with him: the long term liberalising trends in British politics and yet the run of wins for the Conservatives and populist right. Who is going to come out on top? Feedback very welcome, and do share this podcast with others who you think may enjoy it. Show notes What caused Brexit? Previous podcast with Rob Ford. Sunder Katwala / British Future on 'balancers' on immigration. Depending on your definitions, this person was ...
Britain's right-wing newspapers are offering uncritical support for Trump's immigration policies, even though they infringe on civil liberties and the rule of law. So, asks Raymond Snoddy, are the Sun, Times, Mail and Express preparing to back Reform? Nick Kemp argues that the government's English Devolution Bill undermines local government: "This Bill doesn't restore power to local councils; it strips it away. Far from being a revival of local self-determination, it represents something more troubling: the franchising of central government, dressed up as devolution." Jackson Lears looks at what the War on Terror has done to American society: "The hysteria ...
Gaza "There is no starvation in Gaza. There is no policy of starvation in Gaza," so spake Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Well, just about everyone disagrees with him, including his good buddy Donald Trump. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) in July alone 63 Gazans died of malnutrition. Obviously many more are suffering from it and still clinging to life. Of those who died 24 were children and 38 adults. The adults were mainly parents who gave what little food they had to their children. Death from malnutrition is one of the worst possible ways to die. It ...
Rubber Bullets gave 10cc their first number one single in 1973. It was written by Lol Creme, Kevin Godley and Graham Gouldman. The fourth member of the band, Eric Stewart, said of the single: I was amazed, but pleased that the BBC never banned the track, although they limited its airplay, because they thought it was about the ongoing Northern Ireland conflicts. In fact, it was about an Attica State Prison riot like the ones in the old James Cagney films. But Rubber Bullets was banned for the duration of the Gulf War in 1990 and 1991. I liked 10cc ...
With thanks to Bert Ritchie and Dundonian History for All, this is a fantastic historic photograph taken at Dundee West Station in 1915.
The Guardian reports on warnings by human rights organisations that the Online Safety Act together with the proscription of Palestine Action could result in platforms censoring Palestinian-related content. The paper says that Open Rights Group, Index on Censorship and others have written to Ofcom calling on it to provide clear guidance to platforms on distinguishing lawful expression from content deemed to be in support of terrorism. They signatories say that failure to act by the regulator act risks misidentification - including through algorithms - of support for Palestine as support for Palestine Action, which on 5 July became the first ...
