Nearly two years ago I wrote a piece outlining why I believe that the House of Lords is undemocratic and untenable in a modern democracy. I'd be interested to hear what EU's readers think. Rather unfortunately, Charter88's Elect the Lords campaign seems to have stalled last August.Powered by...
http://www.everythingulster.com/blogs/index.php/2007/12/06/the_implications_of_separationWhat would a 'Divorce' of the United Kingdom mean for Scotland and for the rest of us?
In advance of a radio show on Radio 4 entitled "The Beginner's Guide to Separation", the BBC web site has a quick look at some of the implications of Scotland leaving the United Kingdom, some of which I wouldn't have necessarily considered.
Some highlights
Firstly, while Scotland would seek it's fair share of oil and gas, they would also be entitled to a population-based share of other resources (public property, essentially) and, on the other hand, their share of the national debt. They'd most likely have to re-apply to join the EU (and I'd guess this wouldn't be immediate). In fact, I wonder if the newly...
Surprisingly, Saint Andrew's day is not officially a holiday at present. Why not?
I couldn't figure out at first why my ISP had what at first sight appeared to be an error icon placed on their logo on their site today. I then realised that the strange looking round symbol was a saltire and the figures beside it were some kind of pipers or Scots Guards.
Next to Google where they often decorate their logo on their home page for special days and holidays. Nothing. So a quick search for "saint andrews day" revealed that it was in fact Saint Andrews Day today (me of Scots ancestry too not knowing that: the shame!).
Anyway, it turns out that despite my faint recollection of some English folk complaining that everybody else in the UK gets a holiday on their Saints day but them (maybe I'm...
Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales are catching up to England for levels of broadband uptake according to figures released by Ofcom this week.
In 2005 England was leading the way with 36% of homes connected to broadband. Scotland followed with 31% while Wales and Northern Ireland brought up the rear with 25% and 24% respectively. In 2006 though, England was just in front with 45% while Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland were all just behind on 42%. The Republic was still lagging well behind with just 13% of homes connected to broadband.
The UK average of 44% is just above mid-table for European countries which is led by Holland with 66% and propped up by Greece with just...
http://www.everythingulster.com/blogs/index.php/everythingulster/2007/02/27/reinforcing_the_language_barrier_that_seGovernment research on the mainland is indicating that providing public services in foreign languages for non-English speakers is not only costing upwards of £100m a year (including £55m in the NHS), but isolating communities from each other. Meanwhile, Sinn Fein and their new MOPE poster-girl "Maire Nic An Bhaird" are continuing their efforts to create language barriers where none presently exist.
Remember, these millions are being spent on translating for people who can't speak English; by pushing for the new Irish Language Act to be rights-based one, republicans are demanding that the government spend proportionally similar sums translations for people who...
Further evidence that courts all over the world believe Mommy knows best, even when she doesn't came with the news today that the High Court in Lahore, Pakistan, has ruled that Misbah Rana must leave her loving, affluent family and return to a bleak housing estate on the Scottish isle of Stornoway to live with her mother.When I first wrote about this case, I noted how the child had sought her sister's help in fleeing her mother's care, and fervently desired to live with her father in Pakistan. This fact was confirmed again in court, when the child burst into uncontrollable weeping when the verdict that she would be forced to return to Scotland was announced.It seems that the great social experiment of our era - the eradication of fathers from their children's lives - is continuing apace,...
Something of an alarming (or alarmist) poll in the Sunday Telegraph today (coinciding with the discussion here at EU about the various nationalisms in the UK) stating that 68% of voters in England want Scotland to leave the Union while 48% want to see England break away from Wales and Northern Ireland as well.
I won’t go into the details because you can read the rest yourselves, but I thought I’d highlight one response in particular.
The union between England, Scotland and Wales is good for us all and we are stronger together than we are apart. The last thing we need is yet another parliament with separate elections and more politicians spending more money.
David Cameron, Conservative Leader
The union between who Dave? I’ll be interested to see if the Northern...
EU’s third guest post sees Paul of N. Irish Magyar fame once again returning with his thoughts on some of the different nationalisms found on the Celtic fringe of the United Kingdom.
The continuing diversity of the United Kingdom is today threatened by primarily three types of nationalism from within its borders; Irish, Ulster and Scottish. All three have the capability, given the correct circumstances, of destroying the Union.
You may find surprising for me to say, but I suspect that Irish nationalism is the version which poses the least danger. If the last decade or so, since the cessation of the IRA’s campaign, have shown anything, it is that Irish nationalism/republicanism have as little idea as political unionism about how to garner electoral support beyond its own...
http://www.everythingulster.com/blogs/index.php/everythingulster/2006/08/10/violent_separatism_spreads_to_scotlandJamie Hoggan, a (rather geeky looking) 16 year old, who has declared himself to be a member of the "Scottish Freedom Force" (inspired by Mel Gibson's famous line in the completely historically accurate Braveheart, per chance?) has been convicted of carrying out a petrol bomb attack on Clackmannanshire Council buildings.
It wasn't the most successful petrol bomb attack ever, while trying to burn down the council buildings in Alloa, Hoggan only managed to singe a few shrubs. No doubt he there would be a few other separatists in the UK who wouldn't mind teaching him how its done.
He still denies the charges, although his friend has been freed after admitting his involvement and...
Jamie Hoggan, a (rather geeky looking) 16 year old, who has declared himself to be a member of the "Scottish Freedom Force" (inspired by Mel Gibson's famous line in the completely historically accurate Braveheart, per chance?) has been convicted of carrying out a petrol bomb attack on Clackmannanshire Council buildings.
It wasn't the most successful petrol bomb attack ever, while trying to burn down the council buildings in Alloa, Hoggan only managed to singe a few shrubs. No doubt he there would be a few other separatists in the UK who wouldn't mind teaching him how its done.
He still denies the charges, although his friend has been freed after admitting his involvement and testifying against him....