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Published Date: 17 October 2007
By GERRI PEEV
FARMING leaders last night accused Hilary Benn, the UK environment secretary, of "washing his hands" of a Scottish crisis as their pleas for compensation were rebuffed.
Farmers unions and MPs were furious after Mr Benn refused to commit to a welfare package for Scots farmers in the wake of the foot-and-mouth outbreak.

The National Farmers Union Scotland, backed by MPs including Angus MacNeil of the SNP, and Conservative David Mundell, had asked for a package of £59 million.

Farmers are facing financial losses because of movement restrictions imposed after the recent outbreak in England. But Mr Benn said it was for the Scottish Government to cover the costs of the ban, lifted last night.

Alistair Carmichael, the Orkney and Shetland Liberal Democrat MP who organised the meeting, said: "There is no difference in principle between the situation faced by farmers today and that for which they were compensated in 2001."



The full article contains 160 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
Page 1 of 1

  • Last Updated: 16 October 2007 10:34 PM
  • Source: The Scotsman
  • Location: Edinburgh
  • Related Topics: Foot and mouth
 
1

Daibhidh,

17/10/2007 00:24:02

Ok, so when the SNP slate Mr Benn for stuffing Scottish famers they're accused by Alistair Carmichael of war-mongering, but when he complains it's all ok.

What utter (yet fully expected) double-standards from the Libdems as per usual.

It's so refreshing, if not strange, to have a government in Edinburgh stnad stands up for the interests of Scotland people like Mr Carmichael clearly can't get their heads round it.

From my position, all of the 'fights' between Holyrood and Westminster have been fully justified and are examples of London treating Scotland with contempt...goodness only knows how much we lost out when the ultra-uniionist and ultra-secretive Labour/Libdem administration was at the helm, pointing Scotland on a collision course with the rocks of economic and cultural despotism...thank the lord for the 3rd of May 2007!

2

Mad King Bambo,

Roon at Flabskin's bit 17/10/2007 00:41:36

Frankly, and having carefully followed all the Nu-Lab arguments on the subject, this whole debacle can be fairly and squarely placed on Alex Salmond's shoulders:

First he tricked Hilary Benn's Civil Servants into drafting a compensation offer to the Scottish farmers, although as we all now know this is in fact a devolved matter. He then tricked Mr. Benn into not answering any of Richard Lochhead's calls on the subject. Next he tricked Mr. Benn's Civil Servants into realising it was a devolved matter and withdrawing the compensation, at the same time tricking them into not telling anyone in the Scottish Government about their decision or the reasoning behind it. Subsequently he tricked the hapless Mr Benn into making a speech to the Commons, again without any reference to the withdrawn compensation, or the reason. Finally, in a two-day orgy of trickery, he prevented Hilary Benn and all his Civil Servants from contacting anyone in the Scottish Government to tell them why the compensation package had been cancelled.

Then, as his pièce de résistance, he tricked the poor old Speaker of the House of Commons into forgetting that he, Salmond, is a Privy Councillor, thereby depriving himself of the opportunity to challenge the Government on the issue during Prime Minister's Questions.

This relentless abuse of the good will and the noble intentions of Mr Benn and all his Civil Servants can lead to only one conclusion: this Salmond chap is a man of superhuman cunning, and the sooner he is Prime Minister of an independent Scotland the better.

3

Blarney,

Edinburgh 17/10/2007 00:55:06

And heres me thinking the Hootsman would have run this story a little more prominently and gone into reporting this at a bit more length. I can't for the life of me think why this story is so small and buried away. Obviously it's a genuine oversight on the part of this paper, which incidently stands up for Scottish interests.
HaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHa!!!!

4

Geordie Peebles,

17/10/2007 00:57:56

More deviously he appears to have tricked every single farmer and crofter into being angry at Westminster thus making Mr Carmichael's Newsnight attacks on the SNP for stirring it look rather foolish and a bit of a Labour luv-in. (What's new after 8 years you say.)

I predict Alistair will be purchasing a new bicycle tomorrow with a quicker back-pedalling facility considering he hasn't convinced the farmers that Labour are the paragons of virtue in this sorry saga.

5

Blarney,

Edinburgh 17/10/2007 00:58:02

Somebody from the Orkney's and Shetland's is going to be looking for another job at the next election.

6

Geordie Peebles,

17/10/2007 01:00:32

To paraphrase Wendy Alexander. The farmers should get back to farming instead of picking fights with the Westminster Government.

Who do they think they are? The pre-1997 Labour oppsoition?

7

Blarney,

Edinburgh 17/10/2007 01:11:10

Does anyone think cod puss will rip into her westminster chums about this?

8

Gregorf,

I now realise the Scotsman 17/10/2007 01:22:19

publishes pish and will continue to do so. There will be no Pulwitzer prizes but only decreasing sales if they continue in this way.

What a sorry state of affairs.

9

ratzo,

17/10/2007 01:22:21

apologies if you're seeing this for a second time:


Alasdair Carmichael has been left looking a total prat here.

He obviously saw it as an opportunity to boost his promotion chances within the LibDems (as they now have very few safe seats left). Thus he decided to use the crisis to get personal publicity by turning it into a ponderous and flabby criticism of the SNP for the supposed crime of even mentioning Benn's missing £8 million.

Then he announced that as the voice of maturity he's be sorting it all out calmly himself with Benn. What happens? He gets laughed at, told to head back up the road to Orkney, and told to grow up.

Nice one Alasdair.

Now, remind me. What exactly is the point of the LibDems?

Yet, it still remains full of contradictions, this story.

Scottish Questions (on Tues) at Westminster was a highly nervy affair , with all Unionists shouting at each other in angry agreement about the pesky Scottish government and Des Browne stumbling constantly over his words.

Browne also congratulated Carmichael for being so 'useful', while Carmichael mentioned smugly how he would sort out the farmer thing personally later on, in any case. Everyone now knows that he got laughed out the room at that meeting.

Yet at the same time, Browne also announced that there NEVER WAS any 8 million, it was just a back-of-the-envelope number doodled and forgotten by some junior civil servant.

Browne knew during Scottish Questions that Carmichael was wasting his time but let him blabber on about 'constructive engagement' anyway, just for the piety value, and the opportunity to have a pop at the SNP.

In the meantime the farmers have simply been dumped. This is odd. It looks more and more certain that the SNP were right. It was an election bung that Browne etc couldn't own up to, so now they're being forced to defend the indefensible, hence all the nerves and hysteria.

10

Boaby Dazzler,

17/10/2007 01:37:37

"Anger after Westminster 'washes hands' of farms crisis"

Aye but obviously not very much anger at the Scotsman though, judging by the dearth of column inches!

Why is that, it's not like your running any big "Salmond eats Babies" or "Wendy is smashing" articles the day?

11

David MacVicar,

web 17/10/2007 02:01:16

Nice of the Scotsman to add this a wee afterthought instead of front page. The Scotsman should be asking several questions as this is a serious situation for the farmers who are now considering further action and it shows up pathological lying from Westminster:

a) Benn officially came out and stated that Scottish farmers would be compensated by the Scottish Government and it was their responsibility. Why was it the UK government that paid out in 2001 then and not Scottish Labour? Did something change in the Scotland act between 2001 and now?....err no.

Now he has said He is not paying because the problem is "not serious enough to warrant intervention". More lies, if it warrants compensation from devolved government it warrants payment fullstop.

b) On the Friday 8.1 millions had been identified, yet by monday it had vanished. 8.1 million is pretty specific. They deny it was because of the election but no real reason has been given. Why did the 8.1 million disappear then and Who made the decision?

c) The Scots Farmers Union are also saying that westminster has a treasury fund set aside for such an emergency but nobody in Scotland is getting it.

d) Benn has now added "It is for each administration to cover the cost of the support that we have chosen to give to farmers to assist them"

What?! He appears to be saying that Westminster dictates the award level and devolved governments then need to cough up. What audacity!! They caused the problem, Welfare is their responsibility, they identified 8.1 million and they say we need to pay it!

e) Then we have have Charmichael going down saying he will show the SNP how to do it and sort it out with "constructive engagement", then Brown and Benn tells him to get lost and he has come back with ZERO....because he is a ZERO. More sheer arrogance from Labour though!

Once again Salmond has been proven correct and was absolutely correct in gettin

12

A Better Way,

17/10/2007 02:31:42

Carmichael was wasting his time, no doubt about that, and the Hootsman are showing their lack of support for anything Scottish. But where is the London Controlled New Labour Party MP's, MEEP's and more importantly MSP's comments and condemnation of this affront to hard pressed Scottish Farmers who through no fault of their own, been abandoned by London. They are denied access to a fund established purely for this type of disaster. A fund that was paid for out of Scottish Taxes as well as Welsh and N Ireland Taxes.

Why has the London appointed Leader of the New Labour Party been more noticed by her absence from Politics and her continual negative attacks on the SNP. Not one comment of support for Scottish Farmers. Ian Gray where are you now after your claim that Alex Salmond was unjustified in his comments. Do you now concede that Alex is once more proved to be fighting for Scotlands interests. Every matter he has highlighted and subsequentially proved correct on has never been about picking the so called fight with London. He is Elected for one soul purpose, and that is the welfare of Scotland and its People. He is the only political Leader who follows through with his backing of Scottish Rights. He is the only Political Leader who runs an open and honest Government by the people, for the people.

IT IS TIME FOR SCOTLAND TO GO ITS OWN WAY. IT IS TIME FOR SCOTS TO VOTE THE SCOTS WAY. IT IS TIME FOR INDEPENDANCE.

13

.Haggis The Great.,

Dunfermline 17/10/2007 02:47:36

I say write to Alistair Carmichael and ask him to show us the money and to justify his earlier comments. His e-mail address is:
carmichaela@parliament.uk

The very least he can do is explain his inability to get a settlement to the Scottish people after all the comments he made!

14

An Australian of Scottish Ancestry,

17/10/2007 03:33:26

#12,
I couldn't agree more! But you try explaining that to the multitudes of complicit unionist Scots who want to collude with the Westminster brigade, at the expense of their fellow Scots, for their own political and social ends.

15

An Australian of Scottish Ancestry,

17/10/2007 03:42:21

And on that note, a poem;

Once, we had to free ourselves by force of shield and sword,
but now we have the chance to vote asunder from Whitehall's horde,
so soon, the union shall dissolve like aspirin in a glass,
and all good Scots can move ahead and forget about this farce!

May freedom and fortune land to all who upon it, duly insist,
who wish to be free from those who chained our starving forebear's wrists,
for as long as a Union Jack is slung with English ropes and knots,
they'll only continue to prosper down south from the costs incurred by Scots.

Scotland, Scotland, Scotland rise, for sovereignty now is yours,
and come to see the legitimacy of the independence cause,
for all you need to do is be cohesive in your plight,
for the world at large can recognise that you are truly right!

Scotland, Scotland, Scotland rise, be free for you and yours,
for Scots and English alike, in time, will give sincere applause,
for you need no approval to make the choice to stand alone,
and Scotland's folk and work and wealth will always be Scotland's own!

16

george alexander,

north lanarkshire 17/10/2007 05:52:06

This is an edited version of a comment I posted to The Herald letters page, however I think that it is apt here.

The Scotsman almost always takes Scottish Labour party line on these matters without looking at them objectively. Headlines are usually a variation on a direct quote from Scottish labour HQ.

Take two issues from recent weeks: The treasury settlement and the lack of compensation for Scottish farmers.

Now both of these issues have been portrayed as no more than Alex Salmond picking a fight with Westminster. What was apparently unimportant to the Scottish media and indeed Scottish Labour (and the Liberals) was that Scotlands interests may have been well served by his stance. There was no objectivity at all in the resultant reporting. Indeed the silence from Wendy Alexander was not even commented upon.....another trait she has picked up from Brown?

We now have a situation where, having originally parotted Scottish Labour attacks on Salmond over this issue, the media are having to backtrack. I wonder if this might lead to a shift of policy over their collective reporting of Scottish affairs in that they might actually now look to see if the Scottish Government has a point.

Meanwhile, Scottish farmers have been hung out to dry as the Scottish media have taken their eye off the ball in favour of partisan reporting.

A valuable lesson is being learned here make no mistake.

17

Mikey,

17/10/2007 06:05:50

If, as DEFRA (Department for the Eradication of Farming and Rural Affairs) says, the Scottish Government is responsible for the costs of the ban, then surely they will agree that when the next outbreak of F&M occurs in England, Scotland then closes the border to English cattle?

The reporting of this by the Scottish meeja is a disgrace. How the Scotsman can claim to be 'Scotland's National Newspaper' is beyond me. Perhaps the Trades Description Act can be used here?

And where are the Thatcherite New Labrats? Why aren't they defending their master's pronouncements? Nobody told them what to think yet? Like any fifth column, they're silent when no orders have arrived!

18

Colin B,

Bearsden 17/10/2007 06:18:43

Ths does rather prove Salmond to be right and show Benn, Brown and Wendy as liars. This was a Westminster problem with costs to Scotland so Westminster should pay up

19

SouthernSkye,

17/10/2007 06:37:35

Agree with the above.
There are no consitutuinal differences now than there were for the 2001 outbreak except a different party at the helm in Scotland.Oh, and the small fact that this outbreak was caused by an establishment that is overseen by DEFRA...Pirbright !

20

Organic peasant,

N E Scotland 17/10/2007 06:55:18

Why on earth is this not in the farming section? Mr Benn has had some sort of Munich moment talking about a far away country about which he obviously knows nothing. We have 500 sheep effectively made worthless by his actions if they were (and their owner) in England they would be getting compensation, we now have an apartheid state in the so called UK. Those of us who survive this disgraceful episode will remember it at the next election. Mr Benn has destroyed the last vestige of respect for Westminster in the rural areas.

21

grond,

from the wealthy south east loads of money££££££ 17/10/2007 06:55:22

To the Mad Scottish saltire flying Nationalists (THE MINORITY SCOTS)
You want Independence then start to manage on you own NOW.NOW I SAY.

although I have sympathy for the Majority of decent scots who wish to remain within the union.
The rest of you the sooner your depart the better BEGONE BEGONE BEGONE

As for your paltry reserves of oil we have more black gold to add to the U.K coffers.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/2007/oct/17/antarctica.sci...


The Foreign Office confirmed yesterday that the UK was working to extend sovereign territory into new areas. "There are five claims in total that the UK is hoping to put forward," a statement said. "They are in the Bay of Biscay, around Ascension, off the British Antarctic Territory, around the Falkland Islands and South Georgia and in the Hatton/Rockall basin.

"We believe these five meet the geological conditions required. The claims are based on article 76 of the UN convention of the law of the sea."

22

Harris tweed and levi's 501,

Edinburgh 17/10/2007 07:07:01

Yet another example of the on-going Union Dividend

A UK Government facility introduces foot & mouth disease in the south of England, resulting in Scottish farmers losing in the order of £59 million.

Hilarious Benn initially thinks that £8.1 million should be enough to buy off the farming vote in the forthcoming General Election.
However, as soon as the election is binned, so is the £8.1 million.

The Scottish Government ask where the money has gone, and are immediately accused of picking fights with Westminster, and seemingly acting unreasonably.

Up to the plate steps a hitherto unknown Fib-Dum MP, who, being heavily reliant upon the rural vote for his sinecure, seizes the opportunity for self promotion by championing this issue.
“Leave it to me!”, he trumpets, “I will sort this out, this is why I am here, to get a good deal for Scotland’s rural communities!” “Whaur’s yer Alex Salmond noo!”

The Nation sits back and awaits with eager anticipation the news of this non-caped crusader’s victory at the lair of the Benn Mohr.

Our crusader emerges from the darkened doorway in deepest Whitehall, waving aloft a sheaf of papers. The expectant gathered crowd hush in nervous anticipation.
“How much will it be”, they whisper to each other, “ I heard it will be £10million”, says one eldern Shetlander. “Ohh no”, cries a younger, more idealist Young Farmer, “It will be nearer £50million, one in the eye for those pesky Salmondistas, God Save the Union!”

The crusader speaks, “Today we came with nothing”, he bellows.
“Tonight we leave with ………Nothing!”

To be continued.

23

Red Mosquito,

East Kilbride 17/10/2007 07:08:19

#22 grond

"To the Mad Scottish saltire flying Nationalists (THE MINORITY SCOTS)
You want Independence then start to manage on you own NOW.NOW I SAY.

although I have sympathy for the Majority of decent scots who wish to remain within the union.
The rest of you the sooner your depart the better BEGONE BEGONE BEGONE

As for your paltry reserves of oil we have more black gold to add to the U.K coffers."

Can I ask if you seriously believe this statement ?

If a Union acts like a Union then it shall get respect, if it acts like it has done over this then it garners no respect nor should it be due any. Respect is to be earned.

To the story. I do not think we have seen the last of this, I also think the Labour party has again shot themselves in the foot.

Wendy Alexander has been trailing all weekend her angle of attack for Thursday's FMQ's and now they have given The First Minister the means to bat away her questions and embarrass her.

Will they never learn.

24

donald,

weegieland 17/10/2007 07:16:59

Time to wash our hands of Westminster.

25

grond,

from the wealthy south east loads of money££££££ 17/10/2007 07:19:57

#24

Just fold up your tents and Go you dont want to live with us and we have finally had enough of you.

You don't want fair treatment you want preferential treatment over and above every other part of the United Kingdom.

Well take your independence and march around the world with that same attitude and see were it takes you.

With the high tax and overburdened public sector which the S.N.P will create i am sure you will get what you richly deserve..IT'S TIME

Bankruptcy beckons Nationalist Scots heed the call.

26

Red Mosquito,

East Kilbride 17/10/2007 07:29:07

#26 grond

I thank you for your reply.

"You don't want fair treatment you want preferential treatment over and above every other part of the United Kingdom."

No MP, MSP or farmer is looking for preferential treatment, they just wish to be compensated as they are entitled.

If the Union is to survive then it needs to cater for people of all viewpoints and of every political persuasion.

27

David MacVicar,

web 17/10/2007 07:42:57

27. Red Mosquito. Polite replies to Grond but imo your wasting your time this poster is just looking for an argument dont entertain it.

23. Harris tweed. Too true but I think the last phrase should be:

“Today we came with nothing and a mediocre reputation”, he bellows.
“Tonight we leave with ………Nothing and Zero reputation!”

28

EuroMac,

Isolated in Brussels 17/10/2007 07:47:46

I would have thought it was basic journalism to contact the Leader of the Opposition's office for a comment. If no comment was forthcoming, then it should be stated as such.

Otherwise we conclude the story is unbalanced....

29

Boy Wonder,

17/10/2007 08:19:44

Why wasn't this the front page news?? Has the Hootsmon decided to bury the real news now into the inner pages and publish puff pieces as their leaders?

Wotta bunch of cowards!

30

I'm no really here,

17/10/2007 08:23:11

So in effect, your tax payers money is being used to subsidise the English Farmers, but Scottish Farmers have to get it out of the Scottish Grant.

Scottish tax payers subsidising both Scottish and English Farmers, English tax payers only subsidising English Farmers.

Yet ANOTHER benefit of the union.

31

Miss H,

17/10/2007 08:39:37

18 Mikey

That is exactly right. Westminster cannot require Scotland to impose restrictions on the movement of livestock within Scotland if Scotland is excluded from a UK wide welfare scheme.

32

Edward,

17/10/2007 08:48:41

Where are the pro-unionist posters?
The likes of AM2 seem to be reluctant to justify Hilary Ben - Am I surprised? - not really!

33

Colin John Macrae,

West Lothian 17/10/2007 08:50:43

Where is Wendy Alexander ? every time anything happens she runs for cover.
It now appears Scotland have to pay twice for services that should be provided by central govement once through general taxation then again from the Scottish grant and by her silence Wendy Alexander condons this.
SHAME ON THE OPPOSITION PARTYS by there silence they rubber stamp this punnishment of the Scottish people for having the utter nerve to vote other than for the labour party
If anyone see's Wendy Alexander phone the Scotsman's desk perhaps they may get a quote but more likely not,not without a phone call to labour head office first and she expects to be taken seriously.

34

Calum10,

17/10/2007 08:50:46

#31 I agree with you BW.

When it was deemed that Alex Salmond was 'picking a fight with Westminster' this was all over the front page, with leaders and commentaries. Now that SNP have been proven to be right all along the whole issue has been downgraded and sidelined by the Scotsman.

But what the Scotsman cannot hide is that Scots are now second-class citizens within the UK. We have been treated with contempt by this Labour government, short-changed and our farmers treated like errant children by Hilary Benn.

"THE SCOTSMAN HAS LET DOWN SCOTLAND".

As we have come to expect from this paper, "no change there."

PS Both Alistair Carmichael of the LibDems and Wendy Alexander have made complete fools of themselves. They'll rue the day that they did not stand for Scotland too.

35

Linda,

17/10/2007 08:56:26

At least the Scotsman mentioned this story whereas BBC TV "National" UK news programmes ignore it completely,preferring to run features on England's football team's trip to Moscow and on the Rugby World Cup Final which is not for another 4 days.
Of course no mention of Scotland's important football match in Georgia.

36

SouthernSkye,

17/10/2007 08:56:55

#26 grond
In 2001 F&M all farmers were compensated directly from the same source. In 2007, when the F&M outbreak was actually caused by DEFRA, this is not to be the case. WHAT has changed from 2001 to 2007?

37

Edward,

17/10/2007 08:57:33

As reported on the BBC Website:
Scots farmers seeking a £50m foot-and-mouth compensation package have been left disappointed after a summit in London.
Farmers have threatened protests after the UK Government refused to concede to demands for financial assistance.
Farming representatives were told that no cash was on offer to compensate them for the impact of the outbreak.
James Withers of the National Farmers Union Scotland (NFUS) said the meeting was "shocking to say the least".
The news comes as restrictions imposed during the foot-and-mouth scare are due to be lifted from midnight.
Following a row between ministers in Edinburgh and London, officials of the National Farmers Union Scotland met MPs and Environment Secretary Hilary Benn at Westminster.
James Withers, NFUS deputy chief executive, said Mr Benn effectively told the delegation that the problem facing farmers north of the border was "not big enough" to merit compensation.
He said: "The meeting was shocking to say the least. Hilary Benn effectively said that the problems were not big enough to merit his action.
"He effectively washed his hands of what is happening.
"He is telling Scots farmers who have got their animals stuck where they are, whose animals are overcrowded, and who haven't any money left that their problems aren't big enough."
The NFUS previously said some farmers were facing huge financial losses because of the restrictions imposed after the recent outbreaks in England.
Liberal Democrat Scottish spokesman Alistair Carmichael said it was an "immensely disappointing" meeting.
He added: "The Defra position is politically and intellectually incoherent.
The SNP's Western Isles MP Angus MacNeil, who was also present, said he would be calling for continued cross-party support to get the UK Government to change its mind on the compensation issue.
NFUS presid

38

BIG EYE,

Paisley 17/10/2007 09:00:45

The real question is this

Why when this naked robbery of Scotland's rights are happening, does Scotland have to rely on only the SNP and the contributors to this newspaper blog to point out the truth?

Are Scotland's other parties so cowered by the risks to their beloved union that they prefer to ignore injustice rather than defending Scotland?

If so the Union is finished even before they start to defend it!

39

Edward,

17/10/2007 09:04:59

' Mr Benn effectively told the delegation that the problem facing farmers north of the border was "not big enough" to merit compensation. '
Just how big has it got to be before Mr Benn (the flowerpot man) will provide compensation?

40

Ananurhing,

17/10/2007 09:05:55

Does anyone actually still expect balanced journalism from the McPravda these days.
How Quaint!
If it is to be the responsibility of the Scottish Government to compensate farmers, then so should be the decision on whether or not to restrict the movement of livestock.
Notice yet again the lack of any Scottish political stories. Perhaps it's the scotsman that deserves the moniker "The Mouth of the South".
Talking of which,
Wendy, where are you???????
We can't hear you!!!!!!!!!!!

41

New Town Resident,

17/10/2007 09:07:23

-33

Seems to me Scottish farmers are being hard done by because of a political spat. However I still don't understand what actually lies behind all this.

Is it because EU regulations force restrictions in Scotland even although the problem lies with S. England? If so then its the EU that doesn't treat Scotland seperately? So no doubt the SNP could argue the answer lies with "Independence in Europe". Perfectly logical.

However this doesn't solve the here and now. If EU regs are applied on a GB basis then surely compensation should not be a devolved matter. Scottish farmers are "piggy in the middle here" and maybe if the SNP really cared about them then they should give back rural compensation powers to Westminster, pending any new constitutional settlement?

Or maybe I just don't understand what is the underlying cause of the problem. Like many of these disputes, too much heat and not enough light.

42

Cadgers,

Perth 17/10/2007 09:11:12

I think all westminster labour and ALL the lib/dumbs are closet nationalists. Carry on the good work boys you're doing just fine.

43

David MacVicar,

web 17/10/2007 09:17:05

Where is (the real) Duncan in Edinburgh, since he is commenting on other stories?
Since he basically single handedly tried to defend Mr 'Benn Labden' stating we should wait until the full official details were announced.

Well now we know all the details.
They are responsible, they paid out in 2001, they have the money, we are not getting it. Please justify this Duncan?

SNP picking fights? No actually it is Westminster power mad NU-turn Labour defecating on all of us.

44

An Gearanach,

Edinburgh 17/10/2007 09:18:54

Big Eye, #40. Great point. Our unionist parties simply can't defend Scotland when they are led by leaders at Westminster. That's theirs and our (i.e. Scotland's) biggest problem.

45

Calum10,

17/10/2007 09:22:40

#43

Animal welfare is a reserved matter. It is a responsibility of DEFRA and it's minister Hilary Benn. All UK farmers are forced to comply with UK restrictions on the movement farm animals during a F&M outbreak,

In the 2001 F&M outbreak compensation payments were made to all UK farmers by DEFRA.

In 2007 outbreak traced to a government lab Hilary Benn has decreed such DEFRA payments can only made to ENGLISH farmers, thereby backtracking on a previous commitment to pay SCOTTISH farmers.

Scottish farmers have every right to be aggrieved.

The Scotsman headline should have read: "SCOTTISH FARMERS SHAFTED - LABOUR, LIBDEMS AND THE TORIES DO NOTHING."

For once the Scotsman would have been telling the truth.

46

Genius †,

warding off evil 17/10/2007 09:26:14

I'd like to point out how far down the Scotsman's story list this is. As usual, farmers are shuffled down and brushed off to the side. A disgrace.

47

Mad King Bambo,

Roon at Flabskin's bit 17/10/2007 09:31:31

#45 I wouldn't count on DiE appearing any time soon.

When this story first broke he adopted some pompous stance that the SNP's behaviour had been a serious breach of governmental procedure.

When it then transpired that Richard Lochhead had made three attempts to speak discretely to Benn about the matter before anything was said in public, he made a feeble attempt to claim that this was a lie.

When that argument fell to pieces for want of support from anyone else in the universe, he decided to drop the whole 'misconduct' issue like a squeezy dog turd, and instead resorted to some pathetic nitpicking quibble designed to show that the issue was indeed a 'devolved' matter.

Even as we debate DiE, with his tongue betweeen his teeth and the aid of an electron microscope, is trying desperately to force the tip of a needle up a gnat's @rse, as he's heard there might be a leg for him to stand on up there...

48

Ayrshire Scot.,

17/10/2007 09:32:03

45 David

perhaps Duncan is washing his hands of his previous dodgey arguments on this one....'out,out damned spot'. He may be some time....

49

Queen D,

Glasgow 17/10/2007 09:33:26

Hope the farmers take the government to the European courts!

50

Ayrshire Scot.,

17/10/2007 09:34:42

49 Bambo

nice one -lol. Indeed Duncans arguments became a bit elastic and overly acrobatic as he retreated on the first story. Perhaps he has run off to join the circus?

51

stalins disciple,

17/10/2007 09:42:51

#2 Mad King Bambo: Salmond’s been organising “an orgy of trickery”! Is there more to the obese fisherman lover than at first appears? You certainly know how to spice up a dry subject, mad one!

52

The Master,

17/10/2007 10:01:10

#27 Red Mosquito: you are a nut, aren’t you! “Entitlement” doesn’t enter into this argument: it is a demarcation question. Either this is a devolved matter or it isn’t! It has now been established that it is indeed a devolved matter, but Salmond is seizing the opportunity to create mischief!

You write: “If the Union is to survive then it needs to cater for people of all viewpoints and of every political persuasion.”

If a modern democracy is to be run efficiently then it cannot bend the rules to cater for the grievances which a nationalist devolved administration almost inevitably seeks to manufacture! Away and spread your malaria infested bile somewhere else, Red One! Get back to the infested swamp where you obviously belong!

53

Calum10,

17/10/2007 10:08:22

#54

Animal welfare is a 'reserved' matter. It's the responsibility of DEFRA and Hilary Benn.

"Read all about it. SCOTTISH FARMERS SHAFTED BY LABOUR GOVERNMENT. Get your Scotsman here."

54

megz,

Glasgow 17/10/2007 10:10:30

to be fair to the tories they only have 1 Scottish MP and he was there sticking up for the farmers, which is more than can be said for lib/dems (apart from the idiot carmichael) and labour. What happened to wendy, she said she would stick up for Scotland, why is she not doing so, is that a broken promise perchance????? Too busy writing lists, 'stinging' letters and abusing staff i'll bet.

55

Edward,

17/10/2007 10:14:42

#54 The Master
Your a joke!
Clearly you do not grasp the fact that this is NOT a devolved matter!. If it was a devolved matter then Scotland would have its own DEFRA, which as you clearly know, Scotland does not!
When there was compensation in 2001 following the last F&M outbreak, Scotland along with the rest of the UK was compensated through DEFRA. Six years on, there is no change to DEFRA, except we have an SNP government in Scotland that is standing up for the Scottish farmers. Last week Benn was going to announce £ 8.1 million aid package to Scottish Farmers, now that therfe is not to be an election, he has changed this and will only compensate English Farmers. Seems that Benn has had the goal posts changed to suite Brown. Alex Salmond is standing up for Scotland, it is Benn, Brown and those Labour and Libdem pr*cks in Westminster that are mischeif! But your so up your own back passage, you wont see that!
Yes we live in a democracy, unfortunately we have a UK Labour government that couldnt give a monkeys about Scotland, only when it comes to election time
Well I ceratinly hope the Scottish people and the Scottish Farmers in particular remember this and kick the Labour and Libdem MP's right out!

56

Not A Unionist or Nationalist,

Dundee 17/10/2007 10:27:37

#58 The matter is not devolved but neither is it wholly controlled by Westminster - it is one of those areas that is run through a joint concordat - originally drawn up between the Scottish Executive and the old MAFF. The wording on handling of emergencies is at best vague:

"37. MAFF and SE will inform each other immediately in the event of an emergency in the agriculture, fisheries and food area which could have an impact across the border. They will work together closely to ensure that any emergency is dealt with effectively and will co-operate fully on any cross-border action required. Lead responsibility for co-ordinating action will be normally assumed by the administration most affected by the emergency. Separate procedures operate for animal health matters.

38. Co-operation will extend to emergency planning and major exercises. MAFF and SE will inform each other of major emergency exercises in good time, with at least six weeks notice if the participation of the other is requested."

57

Ayrshire Scot.,

17/10/2007 10:33:17

59 NAUON

why then the reversal of Defra responsibilities 2001 to 2007 with no change in devolved responsibilities?

Why then did defra draw up £8.1M compensation scheme if it was never their responsibility?

Why did Defra share their proposed scheme and consult on it with the Scottish Government if it was never their responsibility?

Is Mad king at 2# right, and Alex Salmond tricked them into doing all this, or did Defra just withdraw the compensation when the election was offered? And for how long are you and unionists above going to get fangled up explaining why Defra would draw up a scheme it was never responsible for?

58

The Second Coming,

glasgow 17/10/2007 10:34:13

#57 The Dark Side: I must tell u that I am one of “the Daily Record reading masses” that u are so patronising about! I know youre type – you were brought up in a wealthy household and u think youre better than the rest of us! For your imformation, I dont vote labour just because the Record says I should – I have more sense than that! I read about scotland being shafted and know that thats more important than macca and mucca and their million’s! Its time and people like you know that scottish independance is just round the corner when you read about how alex and scotland are being made a fool of by Benn! Alex will stand up for us and our scottish farmer’s and he will get the support he deserve’s when people see what a good job hes doing! Its time! People like u can only speed on independance!

59

The Master,

17/10/2007 10:45:43

#58 Edward: clearly you do not grasp the way that government works!

You write: “Seems that Benn has had the goal posts changed to suite Brown.”

Is it not true that Ministers seek advice from impartial civil servants before acting and, in the real world, it is unlikely that Benn would change position simply to suit his political ends! In reality, he naively allowed himself to be outmanoeuvred by Salmond during ongoing political negotiations: he is guilty of no greater crime than that!

#59 seems to have a firmer grasp on all this than you (but of course, you are biased and blinkered through your blind faith in nationalism! You can manufacture anti Scottish conspiracy theories about all this to your hearts content, but I’ve got news for you: THEY SIMPLY DON’T WASH AND NO-ONE OUTSIDE THE SNP IS PARTICULARLY INTERESTED! ENOUGH ALREADY!

60

megz,

Glasgow 17/10/2007 10:51:31

#62 i'm sure the farmers are interested!

61

David MacVicar,

web 17/10/2007 11:01:43

59. Not A Unionist or Nationalist,

Interesting post but you are comparing apples and oranges. Your quote is talking about the implementation and coordination of measures and actions. That has already been agreed and done.

What the farmers want to know about is Compensation for the adverse effects of these measures. That is what the famers want and responsibility CLEARLY is reserved. There is no confusion at all about it. Please dont try to add confusion where there is none.

There was no confusion in 2001, it was crystal clear then and it is crystal clear now. Further, since with 2001 there is a precedent any legal challenge should be quite strong in my humble laymans opinion.

62

kennedysglass,

17/10/2007 11:02:51

#62 The Master: says of the SNP’s grievances: THEY SIMPLY DON’T WASH

That’s funny, Master – I was under the impression that you’re the one who doesn’t wash! I can smell the putrid stench from one of your posts a long way off as I scroll down a message board! You’re well named, you nasty piece of work – you’re pondlife, so called rogue Time Lord!

63

Calum10,

17/10/2007 11:04:10

Scotsman Latest News: Reports that Wendy Alexander has broken her promise on standing up for Scotland have been denied by a Labour spokesperson. "Anyone who believes a glove puppet can actually speak needs their head examining," said the spokesperson.

64

The Master,

17/10/2007 11:06:19

#63 megz:

#62 i'm sure the farmers are interested!

I always wondered how the SNP managed to establish themselves in natural Tory seats like Perth! If it's not the farmers they're brown nosing, it's the fishermen! I just wonder what the appeal is to the Rab C Nesbits in Govan! Not to worry - it is still a rarity for Govan type seats to fall to the so called charms of the Tartan Taliban!

65

Miss H,

17/10/2007 11:11:41

43

I am sure EU regs play a part, but equally I am sure that Westminster has the final say.

As for the idea of it being a party political spat - if you heard the interview with the Scottish NFU spokesperson on GMS yesterday he made it quite clear that they thought the matter had to be made public so that the actions of the government could be properly scrutinised. The Tories also seem to be taking that line.

Politically, I find the entire thing inexplicable. It is now well beyond a spat.

It just does not make sense that the UK government would set out to antagonise Scottish public opinion in this way. So I can only conclude that it has been more of a cock up than a conspiracy. Yet that also defies belief. Could anybody be that incompetent? It's a mystery.

66

New Town Resident,

17/10/2007 11:12:19

-47 and 58

Tks for putting me right. Seems pretty clear from what you say Westminster should stump up.

Why on earth have they changed the goal posts. Come on, there must be something more to it than punishing Scots for voting SNP. £8M is surely not worth all the political aggro. Can't see Brown or Benn sitting down and thinking this one up as a policy - they must just be passing paper - who is really behind it and why do you think?

67

The Master,

17/10/2007 11:16:30

#65 kennedysglass: you sound like a few of my creator’s acquaintances, but I very much doubt that you know him! Kindly give the personal abuse a rest – it’s not doing your case any favours, you vindictive little troll!

68

kennedysglass,

17/10/2007 11:26:46

#70 The Master: I’m not surprised to hear that quite a people have marked you out as a nasty piece of work in real life! I can just tell what you’re like from your posts! Tap a raw nerve, did I? With the likes of you oppose independence, it’s time!

69

Not A Unionist or Nationalist,

Dundee 17/10/2007 11:26:47

#64 My understanding is that compensation is in itself a measure - therefore the vagueness of the concordat means that it is quite easy for either DEFRA or the SE to wash their hands of the responsibility for making payment.

You are correct of course in saying that payment was made in 2001 - but it did not have to be made - until there is clearer guidance regards the issue of compensation then this issue is going to come up time and again whenever there is an emergency in the farming sector.

70

The Master,

17/10/2007 11:28:28

#72 kennedysglass: I know that you're a front for the Second Coming: you're fooling no-one with the fact that, unlike him, you are semi literate!

71

Not A Unionist or Nationalist,

Dundee 17/10/2007 11:29:17

#60 Actually it is not clear who has responsibility - that's the problem. Both DEFRA and the SE share responsibility for emergencies - as I have saud before these things need to be far more explicit to avoid the political infighting that appears to be happening now.

72

Calum10,

17/10/2007 11:32:20

Scotsman Lost & Found: Lost one Labour leader answering to the name of Wendy. Last seen leaving Holyrood under a cloud. Notable Features - Large brain, big mouth and little common sense. Can be dangerous when cornered. Reward - our undying gratitude. Please contact SNP HQ who will deliver back to rightful owners.

73

Calum10,

17/10/2007 11:32:54

#75

LOL

74

Not A Unionist or Nationalist,

Dundee 17/10/2007 11:36:46

#77 Something amusing you Calum?

The reality is that if matters are vague (as they are here) then politicians (and civil servants) will interpret matters in their own interests.

Sad but true.

75

Calum10,

17/10/2007 11:43:08

#78

LOLer

76

Colin John Macrae,

West Lothian 17/10/2007 11:46:59

The OPPOSITION PARTYS and that is exactly that they are, they oppose Scotland and Scotland in turn must oppose them.
What has happend to Wendy Alexander, Nicol Stephen's or Annabel Goldie have they gone into hidding or are they just not answering the phone.
If the opposition partys dont want to take part in the governing of Scotland they should stay at home and leave it to the people who do.

Farmers have long memories as do the Scottish people.

77

Mad King Bambo,

Roon at Flabskin's bit 17/10/2007 11:49:34

#75 NAUOAN

"these things need to be far more explicit to avoid the political infighting that appears to be happening now..."

No. If you try to anticipate and make provision for all possible sets of circumstances, you'll just create a bureaucratic and regulatory nightmare.

The answer is already in the provisions you quoted:

"They will work together closely to ensure that any emergency is dealt with effectively and will co-operate fully on any cross-border action required."

I defy anyone to make the case that a single one of Hilary Benn's or his Civil Servats' actions complied either with the letter or the spirit of this requirement.

(I'm not expecting anything from DiE)

78

New Town Resident,

17/10/2007 11:51:23

-68 and 75

Well if its just a case of both the SE and DEFRA officials trying to duck out of their responsibilities, each hiding behind the other, then it just confirms my prejudices (happens a lot).

Either; Both had better pay up pronto (split the difference?)

Or; Sack the lot of them and use the money saved to help the people who do something useful.

79

Wisnaeme,

17/10/2007 11:59:33

.
I have just been watching the self appreciation society at Westminster erm "Question Time" on the telly.

I have also noted the question asked of the right honourable whatever on his concerns for the well being of coastal towns and resorts.

In another place ,I also noted with interest the October figures for vistors to our shores.

I have noted there appears to be a diminished number of visitors from where ever willing to spend time and fiscal largese in these "sceptred" Islands.

Would the right honourable Prime Minister, Mr Brown care to offer an explanation for this?

Would the right honourable what ever absolve himself of his responsibilities in considering recent events which his government is responsible for and of matters within his government's remit and stewardship being one of the factors taken into consideration by potential visitors declining to be this "sceptred" island's guests?

Is the right honourable Mr Brown's government willing to accept its responsibilities or lack of them in this matter?


Only asking.
.

80

Not A Unionist or Nationalist,

Dundee 17/10/2007 11:59:51

#81 "If you try to anticipate and make provision for all possible sets of circumstances, you'll just create a bureaucratic and regulatory nightmare."

That's not what I want - I would like at least some clearer mechanism in place to decide how compensation should be paid - at least some statement of who has ultimate responsibility for payment.

As it stands the SE can pass the buck to DEFRA and DEFRA can pass the buck back to the SE.

81

Mad King Bambo,

Roon at Flabskin's bit 17/10/2007 12:18:12

#85 Nauon

Why do you need it written down?

Under any system of justice you care to name - statute, common law, natural justice, morals and ethics - the entity that caused the problem should pay for it.

If DEFRA and the SE were 'working together' and 'co-operating fully' - as they are required by the provisions of the devolution settlement to do - this is literally a no-brainer.

The DEFRA guys simply put their hands up and say "OK. We were 100% responsible for this problem. We pay."

End of.

82

Mad King Bambo,

Roon at Flabskin's bit 17/10/2007 12:26:26

Ayrshire Scot.

I think I know where DiE is.

I seem to recall that at one point last week he 'personally guaranteed' to me that the Scottish farmers would be paid the appropriate compernsation from the appropriate fund.

He's actually down in London at the moment banging on Hilary Benn's door...

"C'mon Hilary. Pleeeease. FFS. I personally guranteed to Mad King Bambo that the Scottish farmers would get their compensation. Don't hang me out to dry on this one. Pleeeeease..."

83

David MacVicar,

web 17/10/2007 12:27:55

75. Not A Unionist or Nationalist.
Sorry but I believe your argument falls down badly based on events now in the public domain.

You agree that in 2001 that Wesminster decided the level of and paid out the compensation. Yet you still argue the rules are vague.

The rules were clear enough for the civil service
to estimate 8.1 Million and pass to Civil Service in Scotland that it would be paid. Suddenly and for no good reason that changed over the weekend.

You also contrdict Mr Benn (Mr bean!) himself who now accepts responsibility but refuses to stump ONLY on the grounds that its not "serious enough".

Therefore the rules were Clear enough in 2001, clear enough last week for the civil service and remain clear today, Mr Benn included. I'm sorry but you seem to be willfully ignoring the facts - your not related to Duncan are you? ;).

84

David MacVicar,

web 17/10/2007 12:31:43

87. Mad King Bambo.

Begs the question - Is DiE really Alistair Carmichael?

85

Alan B,

17/10/2007 12:43:52

#Not A Unionist or Nationalist

The fact in 2001 the previous time Westminster picked up the tab suggests it is them. also the fact that they apparently were going to pay £8m before changing there minds (apparently as the election was called off).

Having said that i think u are correct with the fact that the roles and responsiblities between Wesminster and the SP are blurred with a fudge over many issues. Devolution might be a good idea but the implementation was actually very poor. It is unforntunate that this has not been sorted out. Many of the so called fights are simply because westminster not clearly devolved power or becuase westminster keeps hold of some power that it clearly should not. An area responsibility should either be devolved or not.

Other examples
1)trains - westminster regulate track but trains are now sort of a responsibility of the sp.
2)electicity - renwables is sp but nuclear westminster until loophole allowed it to be sp. scotland has always had different electricity policies and should have been cleanly devolved. Recently the mess with regulation of cost for transmission.
3)sp has responsibility for police and scottish independent legal system but then have thing like firearms regulated at westminster.
4)where does responsibilities over scotlands airports lie.

86

Silver Shred,

in the jamjar 17/10/2007 12:49:18

#22. grond, from the wealthy south east loads of money
As for your paltry reserves of oil we have more black gold to add to the U.K coffers.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/2007/oct/17/antarctica.sci...

The Foreign Office confirmed yesterday that the UK was working to extend sovereign territory into new areas. "There are five claims in total that the UK is hoping to put forward," a statement said. "They are in the Bay of Biscay, around Ascension, off the British Antarctic Territory, around the Falkland Islands and South Georgia and in the Hatton/Rockall basin.

...and Rockall is in the constituency of a certain Angus Brendan MacNeil MP. Lovely-jubbly (as they say in grond's neck of the woods). Or "Hauns aff!", as they say in mine.

87

connaughtboy,

17/10/2007 13:27:42

Alistair Carmichael has made himself look very foolish!

88

connaughtboy,

17/10/2007 13:30:32

#61 The second coming. How can anyone with your political views read a rag like the Daily Record then??? I fail to understand.

ps I am working class too!

89

kennedysglass,

17/10/2007 13:30:44

#74 The Master:

#74 The Master #72 Kennedys Glass: I know that you're a front for the Second Coming: you're fooling no-one with the fact that, unlike him, you are semi literate!

I just don’t know what to say…words just fail me! Why’s no-one ever called me that before? Thank you – I am now aware of my divine mission in life, whereas before I was living in sorry ignorance! Are you a front for Satan then? I don’t think this will come as much of a revelation to regulars on these boards!

90

Not A Unionist or Nationalist,

Dundee 17/10/2007 13:37:45

#90

I happen to agree with you that the tab should be picked up by DEFRA.

I am not saying what has happened is right but is symptomatic of what happens if a system is blurred or vague. As you correctly point out there other areas where there is an equal lack of clarity of responsibility.

One suspects that this will not be the last time such a conflict will occur.

91

Wisnaeme,

17/10/2007 13:54:56

Animal Disease Outbreaks Debate.

House of Commons.


Fibdem Chris Huhne wants a public inquiry.

Aye,weel better to travel wishfully, eh !!
.

92

Cauchy Riemann,

Wales 17/10/2007 14:01:25

I notice some criticism of Alistair Carmichael. However to be fair to the man he has stated:

"The Defra position is politically and intellectually incoherent.
Hilary Benn accepted that there was no difference in principle between what we were wanting tonight and what farmers were compensated for in 2001."

He has accurately put his finger on it. The governments position is untenable. This leads us to ask why Labour are doing this? Is it a political move?

Actually its doing incredible damage to Labour in Scotland. Wendy is going along with Labour Central HQ. This reinforces the image and reality of her being nothing more than a sock puppet.

It's interesting that there has been lots in the news about Brown recently, and zilch about Wendy. Think about it. This is actually very accurate. This incident highlights Wendy, and Scottish Labour in general, as a non-entity.

So since this decision is incoherent and is doing definite political damage - why are Labour shooting themselves in the foot - or is it a major organ?

I think it is just pique. Before the election Brown was attacking the SNP:
>>>
"Gordon Brown last night warned Scottish voters that he will find it "impossible" to work as prime minister with a Scottish National party-led government in Edinburgh if its leader, Alex Salmond, refuses to abandon his "dangerous and disastrous" plans for independence."<<<<

Compare this to Salmonds gesture:

>>>Mr Salmond insisted that the SNP has been "keeping the message positive", in contrast to Labour's attack strategy, and said he had worked with Mr Brown in the past on things such as oil taxation and was keen to cooperate again.

"Gordon Brown, if he becomes prime minister, will also have Scotland's best interests at heart," he told the Guardian on a helicopter stop at Rosyth, home of one of the two remaining

93

Miss H,

17/10/2007 14:03:05

82

Neither DEFRA nor SE officials are actually responsible for funding this - it comes from a contingency fund held by the Treasury. Only the Treasury has the authority to release the funding. The SE cannot. There is no provision in the Scottish Consolidated Fund to pay for this which would mean that other spending would have to be cut to pay for it. Whereas down south the payment is coming from the contingency fund held by the Treasury.

It is incredible really and will almost certainly end up in court.

94

Mad King Bambo,

Roon at Flabskin's bit 17/10/2007 14:21:53

You've got to love the old Hootsmouth and their commitment to present the issues the Scots want to talk about.

This story (probably 100+ comments now), initially relegated to the politics section, has gradually but firmly been eased off the front page even of that line-up in favour of:
Margo's column - 3 comments
Asbestos story - 0 comments
Kennedy story - 4 comments
Nursing Home story - 1 comment
Liberals not nice - 8 comments

95

Wisnaeme,

17/10/2007 14:49:04

.
I have just listened to a Welsh Tory MP Live in the ;

Animal Disease Outbreaks Debate, Westminster and for the once in a blue moon occasion,I applaud what was said by himself.Well said Sir.
.

96

Colin John Macrae,

West Lothian 17/10/2007 15:09:11

Has the labour party in Scotland been desolved are they no longer operating horth of the border or are the so embarressed that they have gone into hidding along with Wendy Alexander and the other opposition LEADERS.

97

Colin John Macrae,

West Lothian 17/10/2007 15:10:52

Sorry it shoul read= northof the border.

98

David MacVicar,

web 17/10/2007 15:42:51

103. Colin John Macrae.

Wendy is busy standing up for Scotland by doing what she is told. She was probably told to keep quiet expressely to avoid putting her "foot and mouth" in it.

Will she even make an appearance tomorrow?
If so, who is going to do the research and write the speech? What will it be this time I wonder instead of the "Hungry Caterpillar" has she been reading "The Silence of the Lambs" perhaps?

99

Paula..,

17/10/2007 16:01:10

Surely Labour cannot be so stupid as to unlawfully withold money from the Scottish farmers in order to tighten the squeeze on the Scottish Governments budget, so they can then point the finger at the SNP for failing to keep its manifesto commitments ? I mean really there has got to be a more credible explanation ? Hasn't there ?

100

Queen D,

Glagow 17/10/2007 18:01:34

Did I hear a voice attached to a Labour,liberal MSP shouting for Scotland?
No,I must have been mistaken!

Good heavens, it was a Tory who was speaking for Scotland and the farming industry.

Where are all the other voices that should be shouting about this?
BBC Scotland?oh no! We'll talk a load of tosh about a man who has resigned the leadership of a small minded party.We will have guest appearances by David Steel droning on and an old pal of Mings saying what a splendid fellow he is.
Meanwhile back at the newspapers we'll print it small so that hopefully it will not be noticed and will be diminished in the eyes of the prols.
Not a bloody chance!
What are our MSPs doing,with the notable exception of the SNP?
Not a flaming word about the plight of the farmers,not a comment other than,' those rotten nats always fighting Westminster'
As someone said if they don't want the job,get the hell out and let someone more dedicated to the task, take over.
SILENCE IN THIS CASE IS NOT AN OPTION NEITHER IS IT GOLDEN!


 

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