Following the Independent Care Review, a Promise was made to children and families by the Scottish Government in February 2020. The Promise was that: • No child would become looked after by the local authorities for want of help and support that could prevent them being taken from their homes. • When it was unavoidable for a child to be “looked after” by their local … [Read more...] about An empty Promise
Empathy for women
On 23 November the National published an article by one of their regular columnists, decrying the “lack of empathy” of those questioning the SNP Government’s unfailing support for the strange proposition that men who identify as women (transwomen) are the most victimised group on earth. As JK Rowling was told in no uncertain terms, the only response to the claim that … [Read more...] about Empathy for women
Baby boxes, universalism and higher taxes
In many ways the baby box provision can be understood as a heart-warming initiative here in Scotland at a time when the ‘nasty party’ in Westminster seems to be intent on destroying everything universal, and free and civic and kind.What’s not to like? Who is not a little proud of or even just simply relieved to have a government that seems to care? It seems curmudgeonly to … [Read more...] about Baby boxes, universalism and higher taxes
Presumption against prison – a game changer
It is perhaps the nature of things in Scotland today that two or more quite contrary views can be held by Government.The SNP is committed to independence as the solution to Scotland’s ills, but is far less unanimous about what kind of policy solutions are needed or about using the powers that ministers have to make a difference. More revenues from oil and fracking? Or … [Read more...] about Presumption against prison – a game changer