The thing going for the SNP is that most folk in England think they are proper left but ask any SNQP supporting Scot to provide some SNP proper Left policies and it gets trickier, the answer is usually free tuition followed by a quick exit.
Free Tuition
Free Personal Care
Free Prescriptions
NHS free from privatisation as in rUK under Labour and Tory administrations.
In these policies they are protecting the social democratic principles behind our welfare state, a decidedly left wing position.
In terms of austerity the SNP have refused to back austerity and instead advocated reducing the deficit over a longer period with higher borrowing in order to boost the economy and remove the burden from the poorest in society that cuts will place on them. Again a decidedly left wing stance.
Backed a living wage and fought for the right to set it while arguing against removing tax credits. Again a left wing position at odds with the austerity policies that define British Unionism in post regerendum Scotland.
Have been more willing to work with and listen to trade unions than previous labour administrations have as the head of the STUC has recently commented on. Have opposed attempt to cut back workers rights even further. Again left wing.
With regard to defence they have opposed trident renewal and want to see nuclear weapons out of Scotland and the UK ideally. Again a left wing position.
With regard to foreign policy Sturgeon was one of the few European leaders to call for lessening the burden being placed on Greece by EU governments.
With regard to nationalisation they have taken Prestwick airport back into state ownership while we can expect to se Cal Mac remain in Scottish hands.
With the new South Glasgow hospital they have avoided the costly PFIs that cost tax payers a fortune to the benefit of shareholders favoured by the Labour Party.
They have brought in the living for Scottish government departments.
They have opposed and paid to protect the poorest in society from the bedroom tax.
That's the policies id say were centre left off the top of my head.
Silliest thread title of the week, and that's saying something. Are you inviting the racists and jockophobes to have a field day?
Oh go on then..
It's clearly down to that well established Scottish trait, that they (the Scots) don't like to pay for anything if they can help it and prefer a UK government that taxes the English to extremes, in order to pay for services in Scotland.
Scotland can afford to be Left Wing as the Barnett Formula protects them from economic reality
Equally the SNP can offer fantasy solutions because there's zero chance they will have to implement them.Offer them the opportunity to raise their own revenue and the maths they dismissed in the referendum campaign suddenly becomes important to them People will vote for fantastic policies - look at the Greens - offering infinite immigration, increasing spending and benefits but zero growth policies at the same time. A five year old could tell you whats wrong with that sum.
With regard to defence they have opposed trident renewal and want to see nuclear weapons out of Scotland and the UK ideally. Again a left wing position.
My favorite from amongst that list (all made affordable by soaking the English of course) is the one above.
If Scotland don't want them, fine move them to England. Portsmouth and Southampton could sure use the jobs.
It's clearly down to that well established Scottish trait, that they (the Scots) don't like to pay for anything if they can help it and prefer a UK government that taxes the English to extremes, in order to pay for services in Scotland.
and you wonder why the english people are hated the world over
According to the 2011 census Scotland is 96% white, England is 85% white. That's a substantial difference. Of course there are other explanations like Scotland's more dominant industrial heritage and maybe longer lasting cultural differences - Presbyterianism? However I don't think the racial and immigration issue can be ignored though. How often do we see newspaper headlines about how 1/4 of new mothers are foreign born? David Frum former speechwriter to George W. Bush (yes, I know) had something interesting to say about this.
I don't agree with everything he says but I think he's definitely right that it was naive for the left to think that immigration would lead to a more left wing nation because immigrants would vote for left of centre parties. It appears that whilst that may be true, the native population may have become more conservative as a result.
Not seeing it. Having fewer immigrants may make immigration less of an issue - but Scotland has high benefits dependancy, and a host of other issues that make it more like similar other Labour core areas. It should look more like the rest of the UK given there's people who want similar things like more benefits, or less taxes.
Its big problem is isolation. its a long way from the successful areas of England, let alone the continent. It suffers from emigration - more than being shaped by a lack of immigration. Its also a nation that came together late, and was still blowing its leaders up - long after the English finally sorted out the Wars of the Roses. . Its got a very short history of effective government outside the UK, and a national culture thats heavily shaped by Victorian imagination - possibly more so even than English and Welsh culture was.
Its history is one of not wanting to be part of something bigger. The EU is an odd aberation. Southern England asked the Romans in . Scotland decided it didn't want to be part of the Empire and fought to keep modernity out. Southern and Central England was run from 50 miles from Witney 2000 years ago . its now run from 60 miles from Witney. The areas most resistant to Roman rule longest are now those where Labour and the SNP flourish. Scotland also failed to following Wales into the union early on . Wales now votes more like the Midland's than Scotland.
Scotland meanwhile started with lots of small tribes instead of a few big ones - like England - it then got lots of warring clans and nobles, and its now got areas with vastly different interests - like Edinburgh and Glasgow. There's an argument that that geographic reality, and lack of national identity, creates a need for a strong national identity, and idea , to be created and defended . When you have an unsuccessful economy too, that identity swings to the left. Thats what you get with the Braveheart years, the Scots going to war against their own Stuart, monarch in 1640 for religion, then going OTT for the Stuart Jacobites . You then have Scotland as the birthplace of the Labour party, the rabid demonisation of Mrs Thatcher, and the rise of the SNP None of those ideas catch on anything like as much in England, most recent ones die out earlier in Wales. . Its a succession of big ideas in Scotland - that creates us and them politics.
Thats only part of the picture though. The no vote and even the election vote shows that half of Scotland probably doesn't share the leftwing national orthodoxy. Their problem is that- having been created originally by a lot of Conservative and Liberal voters trying to keep Labour out - the SNP has morphed into a machine that can win everything under FPTP, with half the Labour vote . Its now a divided country with one party rule, that can close down opposing views.
Silliest thread title of the week, and that's saying something. Are you inviting the racists and jockophobes to have a field day?
I can resist anything except temptation....
The Scots are like the Greeks, except that they know the English are not as tough as the Germans, and will hand over money indefinitely.
I'm not sure immigration is a factor in Scottish elections there aren't enough immigrants here to alter a vote in any constituency as far as I'm aware. We don't have huge communities from other parts of the world all living together here.
I'm a wee bit confused by your statement to be honest.
I can resist anything except temptation....
The Scots are like the Greeks, except that they know the English are not as tough as the Germans, and will hand over money indefinitely.
Not seeing it. Having fewer immigrants may make immigration less of an issue - but Scotland has high benefits dependancy, and a host of other issues that make it more like similar other Labour core areas. It should look more like the rest of the UK given there's people who want similar things like more benefits, or less taxes.
Its big problem is isolation. its a long way from the successful areas of England, let alone the continent. It suffers from emigration - more than being shaped by a lack of immigration. Its also a nation that came together late, and was still blowing its leaders up - long after the English finally sorted out the Wars of the Roses. . Its got a very short history of effective government outside the UK, and a national culture thats heavily shaped by Victorian imagination - possibly more so even than English and Welsh culture was.
Its history is one of not wanting to be part of something bigger. The EU is an odd aberation. Southern England asked the Romans in . Scotland decided it didn't want to be part of the Empire and fought to keep modernity out. Southern and Central England was run from 50 miles from Witney 2000 years ago . its now run from 60 miles from Witney. The areas most resistant to Roman rule longest are now those where Labour and the SNP flourish. Scotland also failed to following Wales into the union early on . Wales now votes more like the Midland's than Scotland.
Scotland meanwhile started with lots of small tribes instead of a few big ones - like England - it then got lots of warring clans and nobles, and its now got areas with vastly different interests - like Edinburgh and Glasgow. There's an argument that that geographic reality, and lack of national identity, creates a need for a strong national identity, and idea , to be created and defended . When you have an unsuccessful economy too, that identity swings to the left. Thats what you get with the Braveheart years, the Scots going to war against their own Stuart, monarch in 1640 for religion, then going OTT for the Stuart Jacobites . You then have Scotland as the birthplace of the Labour party, the rabid demonisation of Mrs Thatcher, and the rise of the SNP None of those ideas catch on anything like as much in England, most recent ones die out earlier in Wales. . Its a succession of big ideas in Scotland - that creates us and them politics.
Thats only part of the picture though. The no vote and even the election vote shows that half of Scotland probably doesn't share the leftwing national orthodoxy. Their problem is that- having been created originally by a lot of Conservative and Liberal voters trying to keep Labour out - the SNP has morphed into a machine that can win everything under FPTP, with half the Labour vote . Its now a divided country with one party rule, that can close down opposing views.
What what a lot of historical ignorance in this post. Breathtaking actually
Nah just the usual nonsense from the Telegraph. They select a question or two from some survey and somehow despite the result of the GE Scots are more right wing than the rest of the UK.
Wow!! 20,000 in a city of 1 million. There are 30-40,000 plus in my hometown alone.
No wonder you Scots are so Laissez fair about mass immigration.
People take views depending on their experiences, much of which is linked to their location. Your home town is perfectly entitled to elect a UKIP MP if that's where your chief concerns are.
I don't think you should begrudge other areas of the country, with different concerns and needs, for voting in a way which they feel best represents them. It's all any honest voter can do.
Comments
- Billy Connolly
Free Tuition
Free Personal Care
Free Prescriptions
NHS free from privatisation as in rUK under Labour and Tory administrations.
In these policies they are protecting the social democratic principles behind our welfare state, a decidedly left wing position.
In terms of austerity the SNP have refused to back austerity and instead advocated reducing the deficit over a longer period with higher borrowing in order to boost the economy and remove the burden from the poorest in society that cuts will place on them. Again a decidedly left wing stance.
Backed a living wage and fought for the right to set it while arguing against removing tax credits. Again a left wing position at odds with the austerity policies that define British Unionism in post regerendum Scotland.
Have been more willing to work with and listen to trade unions than previous labour administrations have as the head of the STUC has recently commented on. Have opposed attempt to cut back workers rights even further. Again left wing.
With regard to defence they have opposed trident renewal and want to see nuclear weapons out of Scotland and the UK ideally. Again a left wing position.
With regard to foreign policy Sturgeon was one of the few European leaders to call for lessening the burden being placed on Greece by EU governments.
With regard to nationalisation they have taken Prestwick airport back into state ownership while we can expect to se Cal Mac remain in Scottish hands.
With the new South Glasgow hospital they have avoided the costly PFIs that cost tax payers a fortune to the benefit of shareholders favoured by the Labour Party.
They have brought in the living for Scottish government departments.
They have opposed and paid to protect the poorest in society from the bedroom tax.
That's the policies id say were centre left off the top of my head.
Oh go on then..
It's clearly down to that well established Scottish trait, that they (the Scots) don't like to pay for anything if they can help it and prefer a UK government that taxes the English to extremes, in order to pay for services in Scotland.
Equally the SNP can offer fantasy solutions because there's zero chance they will have to implement them.Offer them the opportunity to raise their own revenue and the maths they dismissed in the referendum campaign suddenly becomes important to them People will vote for fantastic policies - look at the Greens - offering infinite immigration, increasing spending and benefits but zero growth policies at the same time. A five year old could tell you whats wrong with that sum.
My favorite from amongst that list (all made affordable by soaking the English of course) is the one above.
If Scotland don't want them, fine move them to England. Portsmouth and Southampton could sure use the jobs.
and you wonder why the english people are hated the world over
Not seeing it. Having fewer immigrants may make immigration less of an issue - but Scotland has high benefits dependancy, and a host of other issues that make it more like similar other Labour core areas. It should look more like the rest of the UK given there's people who want similar things like more benefits, or less taxes.
Its big problem is isolation. its a long way from the successful areas of England, let alone the continent. It suffers from emigration - more than being shaped by a lack of immigration. Its also a nation that came together late, and was still blowing its leaders up - long after the English finally sorted out the Wars of the Roses. . Its got a very short history of effective government outside the UK, and a national culture thats heavily shaped by Victorian imagination - possibly more so even than English and Welsh culture was.
Its history is one of not wanting to be part of something bigger. The EU is an odd aberation. Southern England asked the Romans in . Scotland decided it didn't want to be part of the Empire and fought to keep modernity out. Southern and Central England was run from 50 miles from Witney 2000 years ago . its now run from 60 miles from Witney. The areas most resistant to Roman rule longest are now those where Labour and the SNP flourish. Scotland also failed to following Wales into the union early on . Wales now votes more like the Midland's than Scotland.
Scotland meanwhile started with lots of small tribes instead of a few big ones - like England - it then got lots of warring clans and nobles, and its now got areas with vastly different interests - like Edinburgh and Glasgow. There's an argument that that geographic reality, and lack of national identity, creates a need for a strong national identity, and idea , to be created and defended . When you have an unsuccessful economy too, that identity swings to the left. Thats what you get with the Braveheart years, the Scots going to war against their own Stuart, monarch in 1640 for religion, then going OTT for the Stuart Jacobites . You then have Scotland as the birthplace of the Labour party, the rabid demonisation of Mrs Thatcher, and the rise of the SNP None of those ideas catch on anything like as much in England, most recent ones die out earlier in Wales. . Its a succession of big ideas in Scotland - that creates us and them politics.
Thats only part of the picture though. The no vote and even the election vote shows that half of Scotland probably doesn't share the leftwing national orthodoxy. Their problem is that- having been created originally by a lot of Conservative and Liberal voters trying to keep Labour out - the SNP has morphed into a machine that can win everything under FPTP, with half the Labour vote . Its now a divided country with one party rule, that can close down opposing views.
I can resist anything except temptation....
The Scots are like the Greeks, except that they know the English are not as tough as the Germans, and will hand over money indefinitely.
Have you ever been to Glasgow?
Glasgow
Pakistanis make up the largest ethnic minority in Scotland, representing nearly one third of the ethnic minority.[49] There are an estimated 20,000 living in Glasgow.[50] There are large Pakistani communities throughout the city, notably in the Pollokshields area of South Glasgow, where there are said to be some "high standard" Pakistani takeaways and Asian fabric shops.[51] The majority came from the central Punjab part of Pakistan, including Faisalabad and Lahore.[52] A survey by the University of Glasgow found that Scottish Pakistanis felt more patriotic than English people, and that their preferred political party was the Scottish National Party.[53]
The English do not hand over money
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/scotland/11754256/Scots-are-more-Right-wing-than-the-English.html
Interesting.
According to 9th- and 10th-century sources, the Gaelic kingdom of Dál Riata was founded on the west coast of Scotland in the 6th century. In the following century, the Irish missionary Columba founded a monastery on Iona and introduced the previously pagan Scoti and pagan Picts to Celtic Christianity. Following England's Gregorian mission, the Pictish king Nechtan chose to abolish most Celtic practices in favor of the Roman rite, restricting Gaelic influence on his kingdom and avoiding war with Saxon Northumbria.[1] Towards the end of the 8th century, the Viking invasions began. Successive defeats by the Norse forced the Picts and Gaels to cease their historic hostility to each other and to unite in the 9th century, forming the Kingdom of Scotland.
Nonsense.
What does The Telegraph know about Scots? Judging by their articles for the last couple of years, not a lot.
I wonder what angle Tory HQ are aiming for there?
so why did the SNP turn down fiscal autonomy?
The SNP haven't turned anything down.
They didn't. It was voted down by English MPs.
Simple, they didnt
Nah just the usual nonsense from the Telegraph. They select a question or two from some survey and somehow despite the result of the GE Scots are more right wing than the rest of the UK.
Wow!! 20,000 in a city of 1 million. There are 30-40,000 plus in my hometown alone.
No wonder you Scots are so Laissez fair about mass immigration.
Not relevant to the post
So why post the extended figures of how many Pakistanis live in your wonderful multicultural city?
In Glasgow, 12 per cent of the population are from a minority ethnic group The population of Glasgow is not 1 million but 592000 approx.
People take views depending on their experiences, much of which is linked to their location. Your home town is perfectly entitled to elect a UKIP MP if that's where your chief concerns are.
I don't think you should begrudge other areas of the country, with different concerns and needs, for voting in a way which they feel best represents them. It's all any honest voter can do.
Glasgow doesn't have a million citizens and IT has more than 20,000 immigrants.