James Appleby is a journalist and author. His articles on the wildlife of the United Kingdom have been published in Euronews and New Nature.

****

Election Debrief: 5 July 2024

05 Jul 2024  |  www.teeslaw.com  |  English  |  Political Change

The Labour Party, led by Keir Starmer, achieved a historic landslide victory in the UK General Election, securing over 400 seats. The Conservative Party faced its worst-ever performance, with significant losses, including senior MPs. The Liberal Democrats and Reform UK made notable gains, while the SNP experienced a challenging night. The election results have led to market stability, with a new parliament set to convene on 9 July. Labour's manifesto includes key pledges on planning reform, education, and immigration, with funding plans outlined. The article emphasizes the importance of monitoring financial developments in light of the election outcome.

Tags:

Scottish National Party Green Party Conservative Party Labour Party Liberal Democrats Reform UK

Informative

Factuality Scale

Center-Left

Political View

Laurel Bowman is a journalist based in Washington, United States of America.

Laurel Bowman is an award-winning television journalist with more than two decades of production and on-camera experience in the television news and production industry.  Her work has aired on the Voice of America (VOA),...

Why are women withdrawing from leadership positions?

20 Feb 2023  |  www.zeriamerikes.com  |  Albanian  |  Politics

Several prominent female leaders have recently resigned from their positions, citing personal reasons and the challenging environment for women in leadership. Nicola Sturgeon stepped down as Scotland's First Minister, emphasizing the personal toll of political engagement. Jacinda Ardern resigned as New Zealand's Prime Minister to focus on her family, while Nancy Pelosi left her role as the Democratic leader in the U.S. House of Representatives. Experts suggest that the current systems and structures, historically designed by men, are not conducive to female leadership. Studies indicate that women in business seek better pay and work conditions, often preferring remote work to balance family responsibilities. Despite these challenges, there are positive trends, such as increased part-time work opportunities in Europe and higher representation quotas for women in business. Cultural acceptance of female leadership varies, with Scandinavian countries showing strong support due to long-standing institutionalization of gender equality in leadership roles.

Tags:

Scottish National Party Scottish Government British Supreme Court LeanIn Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security The Guardian United States House of Representatives

Interpretive

Factuality Scale

.

Inside Glasgow's Safer Drug Consumption Van

01 Oct 2023  |  www.vice.com  |  English  |  Harm Reduction

Glasgow's safer drug consumption van, initiated by activist Peter Krykant, provides a supervised environment for drug users, aiming to reduce overdose deaths and the spread of diseases. Despite the success and support from local councils and some police officers, the UK government remains opposed to officially sanctioning such facilities, citing legal and societal concerns. The article highlights the urgent need for updated harm reduction policies in the UK, contrasting them with more progressive approaches in other European countries.

Tags:

Scottish National Party UK Government Police Scotland Home Office Transform Drug Policy Foundation

Interpretive

Factuality Scale

Left

Political View

Nicole Chang is a journalist based in Paris, France. She has more than 5 years’ worth of professional journalism experience, and has lived in Singapore, London and Shanghai. She is a native English speaker, and also knows Mandarin and French.

'This is absurd': Outrage as a man is appointed the first 'period dignity officer' in Scotland

17 Aug 2022  |  www.euronews.com  |  English  |  Legislation

The appointment of Jason Grant as Scotland's first 'period dignity officer' has sparked significant backlash, with critics arguing that the role should have been given to a woman. Prominent figures like Martina Navratilova and Susan Dalgety have voiced their disapproval, while Ian Blackford of the Scottish National Party suggested that women should be prioritized for such positions. Grant, who has a background in tobacco sales and personal training, aims to reduce stigma and encourage open discussions about menstruation and menopause. The Period Dignity Working Group defended the appointment, stating that Grant was the best candidate for the job. The new role comes as Scotland enforces the Period Products Act 2021, ensuring free access to period products.

Tags:

Scottish National Party Scottish Government Period Dignity Working Group Dundee and Angus College Angus Council Dundee City Council Perth College

Interpretive

Factuality Scale

Left

Political View

Ben Clatworthy is a journalist based in London, United Kingdom.

Keir Starmer’s Labour wins general election — as it happened

05 Oct 2023  |  www.thetimes.com  |  English  |  UK Politics

Keir Starmer's Labour Party has won a landslide victory in the general election, ending 14 years of Conservative-led government. The election saw significant losses for the Conservative Party, including key figures like Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss. The Scottish National Party also faced substantial setbacks, losing numerous seats. Reform UK made unexpected gains, securing several seats. The turnout was notably low, at 59.8%. Starmer is set to form a new government and will soon appoint his cabinet. The election results indicate a significant shift in the UK's political landscape, with Labour poised to implement substantial changes.

Tags:

Green Party Scottish National Party Conservative Party Labour Party Reform UK NATO BBC Sky News Liberal Democrats

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Left

Political View

David Cowan is an author & journalist based in France. He travels extensively within Europe, North America and Asia, so can undertake assignments globally.

Sooner SNP police probe ends the better, says chief constable

03 Aug 2023  |  BBC News فارسی  |  English  |  Political Scandal

Police Scotland's chief constable, Sir Iain Livingstone, emphasized the importance of concluding the investigation into the SNP's finances to clarify evidence and facts. The investigation, which has seen the arrest and release of former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and other key SNP figures, is described as legitimate and not politically motivated. Despite the challenges, Sir Iain insists on the necessity of the investigation for public safety and the rule of law. The probe involves examining the use of over £600,000 in donations and has included searches and seizures of property.

Tags:

Scottish National Party (SNP) Police Scotland

Informative

Factuality Scale

Rachael Davies is a journalist based in Edinburgh, United Kingdom.

When is the next UK general election? Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer to have head-to-head BBC debate

04 Oct 2023  |  Yahoo Entertainment  |  English  |  Political Debates

The next UK general election is scheduled for Thursday, July 4, 2024, following the dissolution of Parliament at the end of May. Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer will participate in a televised head-to-head debate on the BBC on June 26, 2024, hosted by Sophie Raworth. Additional debates and election specials will feature other political leaders and parties, including the Conservatives, Liberal Democrats, and Scottish National Party. The article also highlights the significant increase in voter registration applications following the election announcement and provides historical context on previous elections and the repeal of the Fixed-Term Parliaments Act.

Tags:

Scottish National Party Conservative Party Labour Party BBC Liberal Democrats Downing Street

Informative

Factuality Scale

Center

Political View

Experienced multimedia journalist and award-winning podcast producer. Bilingual in Russian, French, and English. Interest and understanding of environmental, human rights and social justice issues as well as Russia and the former Soviet states politics.

Scotland could soon pardon thousands of women executed for witchcraft centuries ago

20 Dec 2021  |  www.euronews.com  |  English  |  Historical Justice

The Scottish Parliament is considering pardons for thousands of people, mostly women, executed for witchcraft centuries ago. Natalie Don, a member of the Scottish National Party, is leading the initiative, supported by the 'Witches of Scotland' group. The campaign seeks legal pardons, an official apology, and a national monument to acknowledge the historical injustice and challenge ongoing gender stereotypes. The witchcraft trials, influenced by King James VI's beliefs, led to the execution and torture of many women. The group aims for an official apology by March 8, 2022, International Women's Day, marking a step towards recognizing the miscarriage of justice.

Tags:

Scottish National Party Scottish Parliament Witches of Scotland

Interpretive

Factuality Scale

Left

Political View

Deaglán de Bréadún (pronounced: Deg-lawn de Bray-doon)  is a freelance journalist, broadcaster  and author based in Dublin, Ireland. He previously worked as Political Correspondent with The Irish Times; Political Editor of The Irish Sun; Local Radio Correspondent with the Irish parliament's ...

1916 Rising is at the heart of republican psychology

01 Mar 2023  |  www.irishnews.com  |  English  |  Republicanism

The 1916 Easter Rising remains a pivotal event in Irish republican psychology, commemorated annually despite its military failure. The British response, particularly the execution of rebel leaders, transformed the rebellion into a political success for Irish republicans. The article reflects on the historical impact of the Rising, the role of key figures, and draws parallels with contemporary political situations, including the Scottish independence debate and the resignation of Nicola Sturgeon.

Tags:

Scottish National Party Irish Parliamentary Party British Military

Interpretive

Factuality Scale

Left

Political View

Donna Ferguson is an award-winning freelance journalist, specialising in celebrity interviews, personal finance, education and lifestyle pieces for national newspapers. My articles appear regularly in The Guardian, The Observer, The Mail on Sunday and The Sunday Times. I also write for The Times, ...

UK politicians and campaigners call for reparative justice for African slave trade

21 Oct 2023  |  the Guardian  |  English  |  Cultural Restitution

UK politicians, campaigners, and community groups are uniting at the inaugural reparations conference in London to advocate for reparative justice for the African slave trade. The conference, hosted by the all-party parliamentary group for Afrikan reparations, aims to create a unified statement to push for policy changes in the House of Commons. Bell Ribeiro-Addy, chair of the group, emphasizes that reparative justice extends beyond financial compensation to include equity and the restitution of stolen African artefacts. The conference seeks to address the treatment of ancestral remains and calls for museums to return looted items. The event includes participation from various political parties and aims to consult the community to drive legislative change.

Tags:

Labour party Green party Scottish National party All-party parliamentary group for Afrikan reparations British Museum Horniman Museum Department for Culture, Media and Sport

Interpretive

Factuality Scale

Left

Political View

Luke Graham is a business and news journalist based in London, United Kingdom. He is able to provide news, commentary and analysis on the economy, technology, politics, current affairs and consumer culture such as books, games and films. He is proactive and diligent. He is able to report on ...

We can’t defeat the SNP if we continue to devolve and forget

22 Feb 2021  |  www.thetimes.co.uk  |  English  |  Scottish National Party (SNP)

The author argues against the strategy of granting more powers to nationalists like the SNP, likening it to appeasing a bully. They express opposition to federalism and further devolution, based on their experience fighting for the unionist cause in Scotland. The SNP is criticized for using their time in office to erode the British state and its shared institutions.

Tags:

Scottish National Party (SNP)

Interpretive

Factuality Scale

Right

Political View

I am a journalist, currently working as a reporter for Glasgow Live. Please send any stories you may have to ******.

I have had a varied background that demonstrates my versatility and skill in multiple spheres of the industry. My writing credits include writing freelance for a varied number of ...

Nicola Sturgeon pulls out of climate event in wake of husband’s arrest

05 Apr 2023  |  www.thetimes.com  |  English  |  Scottish Independence

Nicola Sturgeon has withdrawn from a climate event following the arrest of her husband, Peter Murrell, in connection with a police investigation into the Scottish National Party's finances. Police conducted searches at multiple locations, including Sturgeon's home and the SNP headquarters, as part of Operation Branchform. The investigation focuses on the alleged misappropriation of £600,000 in donations intended for a second independence referendum. Sturgeon and her successor, Humza Yousaf, have denied any prior knowledge of the police actions. The SNP has pledged full cooperation with the investigation and announced a review of its governance and transparency.

Tags:

Scottish National Party Police Scotland Crown Office

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Center-Left

Political View

Ciaran Jones is a journalist based in Cardiff, United Kingdom. His current position is content editor at WalesOnline.

Live Euromillions results for Tuesday, August 13: The winning numbers from £51m draw and Thunderball

13 Aug 2024  |  www.walesonline.co.uk  |  English  |  Euromillions

The article provides the results for the Euromillions and Thunderball draws, highlighting the £51m jackpot for the Euromillions. It recounts notable past winners, including Joe and Jess Thwaite, who won £184m in May 2022, and Colin and Chris Weir, who hold the record for the largest UK lottery win of £161m in 2011. The article also mentions the Euromillions' presence in nine European countries and the UK Millionaire Maker draw.

Tags:

Scottish National Party UK Millionaire Maker

Factual

Factuality Scale

I am a freelance journalist based in London, specialising in foreign reportage. I have reported from Bangladesh, Northern Ireland, Morocco, Kosovo, and elsewhere. I have worked with the Financial Times, the Observer, Haaretz, the New York Times, and UNHCR, Standpoint Magazine as well as others. I ...

Arch anti-Zionist elected to UK parliament

07 Mar 2024  |  www.ijn.com  |  English  |  International Relations

George Galloway, a veteran anti-Zionist politician, has been elected to the UK parliament representing the Workers Party of Britain in Rochdale, causing alarm among Jewish groups. Galloway, expelled from the Labour Party for his opposition to the Iraq War and support for Saddam Hussein, has been relegated to Russian and Iranian state broadcasters in recent years. His election drew condemnation from Jewish organizations, with the British Board of Deputies calling for him to be shunned. The Labour Party, dealing with internal disagreements over the war in Gaza, had no candidate in Rochdale after withdrawing support for Azhar Ali due to anti-Semitic remarks. The conflict in Gaza has become divisive in Britain, with the House of Commons speaker apologizing for allowing amendments to a ceasefire motion, against parliamentary rules. Galloway's return to parliament is expected to be short-lived, but he is likely to use his time to raise Palestinian issues and embarrass the Labour Party.

Tags:

Scottish National Party Conservative Party Labour Party Workers Party of Britain British Board of Deputies Jewish Leadership Council Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester House of Commons

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Left

Political View

Federico Larsen is a journalist based in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
-Giornalista bilingue italiano-spagnolo, specializzato in politica internazionale e membro dell'Istituto di Relazioni Internazionali dell'Università Nazionale di La Plata. Lunga esperienza in radio, giornali e riviste.
-Periodista ...

Japan arms Vietnam, Scottish independence, and other interesting news

23 Oct 2020  |  Limes  |  Italian  |  Elections

Japan's Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide has agreed with Vietnam's Nguyen Xuan Phuc to export Japanese military technology to Vietnam, including radar and reconnaissance aircraft, to monitor Chinese provocations in the South China Sea. The US is directly intervening in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo set to meet separately with the foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia. In the UK, a document is circulating within the British government on how to counter Scottish independence if the Scottish National Party wins the next election. In Bolivia, Luis Arce of the Movement for Socialism has won the presidential election, closing a tumultuous period following the ousting of Evo Morales. In Belarus, protests continue with reduced violence as President Aljaksandr Lukašenka prepares for a constitutional reform deadline.

Tags:

Scottish National Party Japanese Government Vietnamese Government British Government Azerbaijani Government Armenian Government Turkish Government US Government Bolivian Government Belarusian Government Russian Government

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Center

Political View

Multimedia journalist (print/audio/video) -  BBC, Al Jazeera, The Irish Times, Global Post, Forbes, European Voice (now politico.eu) and many others. Westminster-based - over the past decade, I have covered subjects as diverse as Brexit, Scottish independence, Canadian native rights, narco-...

Empire strikes back: Diversity at height of UK politics praised

29 Mar 2023  |  www.aljazeera.com  |  English  |  Scottish Independence

Humza Yousaf's rise as Scotland's new leader marks a significant moment for diversity in UK politics, with both Yousaf and Rishi Sunak, of South Asian descent, leading major political entities. The article highlights the pride and challenges faced by ethnic minorities in politics, with various perspectives from political figures and activists. Yousaf's leadership is seen as a continuation of the Scottish National Party's progressive values, contrasting with the Conservative government's controversial policies. The narrative underscores the growing divide between Scotland and England, particularly on issues of immigration and social policies.

Tags:

Labour Party Conservative Party Scottish National Party

Interpretive

Factuality Scale

Left

Political View

Pasi Myohanen is a journalist based in London, United Kingdom.

The battle for Scottish independence has begun – Election winner SNP has promised a referendum on the matter

08 May 2021  |  yle.fi  |  Finnish  |  Elections

Pro-independence parties, led by the Scottish National Party (SNP), have secured a reinforced majority in the Scottish Parliament and are pushing for a new independence referendum within the current parliamentary term. The SNP aims to return Scotland to the European Union, opposing Brexit. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is currently against a new referendum, which could lead to legal challenges if the Scottish Parliament proceeds. The political situation is complex, with the SNP arguing they have a mandate for a referendum, while opponents cite a previous promise that the 2014 vote would be a once-in-a-generation event. Brexit, however, has significantly changed circumstances, and the SNP believes that campaigning could increase support for independence, as it did in 2014. The issue of Scottish independence has become a dominant topic in UK politics following the election.

Tags:

Scottish National Party (SNP) United Kingdom Government European Union

Informative

Factuality Scale

Andrew Naughtie is a journalist based in Edinburgh, United Kingdom.

With the SNP weakened, Scotland's ultranationalists are trying to seize their moment

11 Jul 2023  |  www.euronews.com  |  English  |  Political Movements

The Scottish National Party (SNP) is facing internal turmoil following the resignation of Nicola Sturgeon and legal issues involving her and her husband. Humza Yousaf, her successor, is struggling to maintain a clear path toward Scottish independence. Despite these challenges, support for independence remains strong, emboldening radical nationalist groups like Alba and Salvo. Alba, led by Alex Salmond, and Salvo, a new activist group, are pushing for a more radical approach to independence, with Salvo advocating for Scotland to be recognized as a colony by international bodies. The SNP, however, emphasizes a more pragmatic approach, focusing on gaining broader support and negotiating an orderly transition to statehood. The article highlights the differing strategies within the pro-independence movement and the challenges each faction faces.

Tags:

Scottish National Party Alba Salvo International Court of Justice United Nations UK Government EU NATO

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Center-Left

Political View

I am a journalist based in London, United Kingdom.
I used to live in Paris for 11 years where I studied and worked in journalism.
 I used to Freelance as a Journalist for the French speaking section of the BBC (BBC Afrique). I used to write about African news and International current affairs. 
...

France - Scotland: The Salvation of the Eurostar?

27 Apr 2021  |  lesfrancais.press  |  French  |  Environmental Impact

The Scottish Transport Minister, Michael Matheson, advocates for new rail connections to save Eurostar from bankruptcy and boost tourism. The Caledonian Sleeper train could link London with Scottish cities, enhancing low-carbon travel. Eurostar faces financial challenges due to reduced passenger numbers amid the pandemic. Political disagreements between the UK and France over financial responsibility hinder progress. The Scottish National Party supports improved rail links, emphasizing environmental benefits. Historical ties between Scotland and France are highlighted, with aspirations for Scotland's independence and EU membership.

Tags:

Scottish National Party Eurostar Network Rail

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Center-Left

Political View

Mark Smith is a freelance journalist, copywriter and digital content writer based in Liverpool, United Kingdom.

He has written for the Guardian, BBC, Daily Mirror Online and Express Online as well as Very.co.uk and Littlewoods. 

Areas of expertise include all aspects of business and ...

Scots Guards should swap bearskins for faux fur caps, MPs say

01 Oct 2023  |  www.thetimes.com  |  English  |  Military Tradition

MPs are urging the Ministry of Defence to replace the traditional bearskin caps worn by the Scots Guards with faux fur alternatives, citing animal welfare concerns and modern societal values. The faux fur, developed by Ecopel and Peta, is offered free until 2030 and is claimed to be less expensive. The MoD, however, maintains that the current bearskin caps are by-products of legal culls in Canada and that faux fur does not meet required standards. Peta and Scottish MPs argue for the humane and modern alternative, while the MoD defends its current practices.

Tags:

Scottish National Party People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals Ministry of Defence

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Center-Left

Political View

David Strom is one of the leading experts on network and Internet technologies and has written and spoken extensively on topics such as VOIP, convergence, email, cloud computing, network management, Internet applications, wireless and Web services for more than 25 years.

UN Human Rights Rapporteur on Violence Against Women Blasts WHO Gender Committee

09 Jan 2024  |  hotair.com  |  English  |  Transgender Issues

Reem Alsalem, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls, has criticized the World Health Organization (WHO) for its process in developing guidelines on transgender healthcare. She argues that the WHO's guideline development group is biased, with members predominantly supporting hormonal gender transition and legal recognition of self-asserted gender, without representing cautious or opposing views. Alsalem points out that the group's formation violated WHO's own rules for balance and public input, with the majority of members chosen secretly and public comment period being too short. She also notes the lack of diverse stakeholders, such as experts on adolescent development, gays and lesbian organizations, and individuals harmed by hormone treatments. The article suggests that the WHO has been influenced by activist groups in forming the committee, which could lead to guidelines that infringe on women's rights and privacy.

Tags:

Scottish National Party United Nations Human Rights Commission Global Action for Trans Equality (GATE) World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH)

Callum Tennant is a journalist who specialises in transport, travel, and Spanish affairs.

He has written for publications such as The Guardian, euronews, POLITICO, The FT, and The Independent.

Callum speaks English and a B2 level of Spanish.

Tory leadership: Sajid Javid backs Liz Truss in latest boost for frontrunner

03 Aug 2022  |  www.politico.eu  |  English  |  UK Conservative Party Leadership

Sajid Javid, former U.K. Conservative leadership candidate, endorses Liz Truss, bolstering her position as the frontrunner to replace Boris Johnson. Javid praises Truss's government record and her ability to unite the party and win the next election. Truss faces Rishi Sunak in the final leadership vote, with recent polls showing her leading significantly. Despite a recent campaign setback, Truss's lead has grown, supported by key endorsements and favorable polls.

Tags:

Scottish National Party Labour Party Conservative Party Liberal Democrats

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Center-Right

Political View

Award-winning journalist covering politics, business and economics in the Gulf and Southeast Asia including OPEC and the impact of the global financial crisis. Former correspondent Philippines for the FT, Former co-presenter 'Business Breakfast' and 'Business Tonight', Dubai-Eye 103.8FM, Former ...

Nicola Sturgeon promises full cooperation with police after husband’s arrest

07 Apr 2023  |  ca.sports.yahoo.com  |  English  |  Scottish Independence

Nicola Sturgeon has pledged full cooperation with police following the arrest of her husband, Peter Murrell, the SNP’s former chief executive, amid an investigation into party finances. Sturgeon, speaking outside her Glasgow home, acknowledged the difficulty of recent days but refrained from commenting on the investigation into the spending of £600,000 earmarked for an independence campaign. Murrell was released without charge pending further investigations. SNP president Mike Russell described the situation as the party's biggest crisis in half a century, expressing doubts about achieving independence in the immediate future but emphasizing the need for coordinated campaigning.

Tags:

Scottish National Party Police

Balanced

Factuality Scale

EJ Ward is a Broadcast Journalist based in London, United Kingdom. With experience working across a range of media EJ is skilled at broadcast journalism and live reporting. Experienced in managing a newsroom he currently works as a News Editor and Producer for Sino Radio UK, part of the GBTIMES ...

Former chancellor and veteran Labour politician Alistair Darling dies aged 70

07 Oct 2023  |  LBC  |  English  |  Financial Crisis

Alistair Darling, former Chancellor and veteran Labour politician, has died at the age of 70 after a short illness. Darling, who served as Chancellor from 2007 to 2010, was instrumental in steering the UK through the 2008 financial crisis. He also led the Better Together campaign during the 2014 Scottish independence referendum. Tributes from political figures across the spectrum, including Gordon Brown, Tony Blair, and Keir Starmer, highlight his leadership, integrity, and dedication to public service. Darling is survived by his wife Margaret and their children Calum and Anna.

Tags:

Scottish National Party Labour Party UK Government

Factual

Factuality Scale