“Scholz is the new Merkel,” opined Michael Hanfeld, an online columnist for the conservative German daily FAZ after the first of the televised ‘Triells’ between himself as social democrat Kanzlerkandidat and Armin Laschet for the Christian Democrats and Annalena Baerbock for the Greens on August 29. It’s a common view among the German commentariat. Something remarkable is … [Read more...] about A new Germany?
Archives for August 2021
Putting energy at the centre of Scotland’s history
During August 2021, the centrality of energy to Scotland’s politics and contested future, and to understanding its recent past, were revealed through three major news stories. The first of these was the tension surrounding the UK government’s approach to the development of a new giant oilfield west of Shetland. Siccar Point Energy intend to develop the Cambo field with the … [Read more...] about Putting energy at the centre of Scotland’s history
Why Huntington’s Disease is so prevalent in the North of Scotland
Huntington’s disease (HD) is a devastating inherited neurodegenerative condition that causes a slow but relentless decline in mental health, thinking processes, speech, swallowing and balance, resulting in uncontrollable jerky movements. Those who have the condition will eventually lose the ability to walk, talk, eat, drink, make decisions or care for themselves. … [Read more...] about Why Huntington’s Disease is so prevalent in the North of Scotland
NHS alert: code red for climate change
Is the NHS equipped to deal with floods, gales and heatwaves of extreme weather? Can democracy Deliver in Time?We knew it was coming. The IPCC special report on Climate Change ('code red for humanity') should leave no-one in any doubt that we cannot afford to waste more time on promises yet to be delivered. We've been good at promises in Scotland as well as the rest of the … [Read more...] about NHS alert: code red for climate change
Primary care needs urgent support
My 82-year-old mother called her GP surgery early one morning this week; she was told there were no appointments, and to try again the next day. This is a concerning situation. It may be the practice is short staffed with staff off sick or in isolation, or they may have vacancies they cannot fill. The situation is getting worse and I fear will continue unless we face up to … [Read more...] about Primary care needs urgent support