Robert Wedderburn came a long way to find out that his father was a bastard. Born in Jamaica, as a young man Robert made his way to London. He was press-ganged by the Royal Navy, forced to fight for the British in the American Revolution, in 1782. After the war ended a year later, he managed to escape from his ship in Barbados. He returned to London to his wife Elizabeth, who … [Read more...] about Two worlds collide or stories Geoff Palmer told
Inequality
Trans in fiction – and in court
The UK Supreme Court said that their ruling on biological sex as a distinct category in equality provision should not be interpreted as a defeat for trans people. Trans people have the right to live in dignity, free from harassment and discrimination, they ruled. Most of those who welcomed the judgement also made a point of saying that they support the rights of trans people to … [Read more...] about Trans in fiction – and in court
Welfare reforms: the (unknown) Scottish dimension
Liz Kendall, work & pensions secretary, has won a lot of criticism but a few plaudits for the long-awaited “green paper” on welfare reform. Here is analysis of the main elements: PIP will not be frozen, but eligibility will be restricted The Secretary of State’s headline announcement was in line with news over the weekend, which suggested that rates will not be frozen. … [Read more...] about Welfare reforms: the (unknown) Scottish dimension
Yesterday’s robber barons can teach today’s oligarchs about responsibilities of wealth
When Mark Zuckerberg recently announced sweeping changes to his company Meta’s work practices in anticipation of a Trump 2.0 presidency, keen-eyed observers noticed the tech titan was wearing a wristwatch worth nearly US$900,000 (£837,000). It’s one of a range of high-end timepieces he has sported recently. This ostentatious display of wealth may have ensured the luxury … [Read more...] about Yesterday’s robber barons can teach today’s oligarchs about responsibilities of wealth
Is Scotland heading for an early election?
Two elections will be uppermost in delegates' minds when the SNP stages its annual conference in Edinburgh this weekend: the July 4 general election when the party suffered a crushing defeat and the May 2026 election for the Scottish Parliament when it fears it may suffer a similarly disastrous outcome, losing power after almost two decades. Another key event, Tuesday's … [Read more...] about Is Scotland heading for an early election?