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SNP to draw up Scottish policy on reserved matters



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Published Date: 31 August 2008
By Eddie Barnes
Political Editor
ALEX Salmond and his ministers are to draw up official Scottish Government foreign policy independently from the rest of Britain, Scotland on Sunday can reveal.


The First Minister has decreed that he and other SNP ministers are to declare Scottish Government positions on everything from the future of Nato to the conflict in Iraq, if asked by members of the public.

The move marks a huge change from pre
vious Labour-led administrations who passed all such "reserved" matters over to the UK Government.

However, the SNP said that people are "entitled" to know the views of the SNP Government on such issues, claiming it represents Scots better on such matters than the UK Government.

But the move has now prompted a backlash from the UK Government, which pointed out that the SNP was not elected on an international affairs ticket last year, and therefore cannot claim to represent a Scottish Government position.

The major shift in policy is disclosed in an internal memo, leaked to Scotland on Sunday, which changes the way ministers deal with public correspondence.

Anyone writing to the Edinburgh administration asking for ministers' views on such "reserved" matters as foreign affairs will now get an official reply, representing the views of the Scottish Government.

On issues where the SNP disagrees with the UK Government on reserved matters, the memo states that ministers will henceforth issue an official Scottish Government verdict to any correspondence.

A senior Scottish Government source said the main effect of the changes would be to allow ministers to offer a Scottish Government view on international maters.

The source said: "This is new guidance for ministerial offices in responding to correspondence on reserved issues. Clearly, on a number of subjects reserved to Westminster – including international affairs and Trident nuclear weapons – the Scottish Government has a different position from the UK administration, and one more in tune with the majority of people in Scotland."



UK ministers said there was nothing wrong with SNP ministers offering personal views on "reserved matters" when asked by members of the public, but they warned that to issue an official Scottish Government policy statement broke the devolution settlement.

Scotland Office Minister David Cairns said: "Alex Salmond fundamentally has no respect for devolution. The devolution divide has been backed by the people of Scotland, who have voted for it. That means that the people of Scotland want Westminster to do some things and the Scottish Government to do other things. We respect that, but he has contempt for it."

A Whitehall source said: "I don't know on what basis they can produce a Scottish Government view on these areas."





The full article contains 446 words and appears in Scotland On Sunday newspaper.
Page 1 of 1

  • Last Updated: 30 August 2008 6:48 PM
  • Source: Scotland On Sunday
  • Location: Scotland
 
1

Senga Jean,

30/08/2008 23:59:47
Sounds very sensible to me. I canny be bothered with this business of not dealing with some matters because I am just the bairn. Stand up for Scotland!
2

Jimmy Le Pie,

30/08/2008 23:59:51
I would have thought that idiot Cairns would be keeping a low profile after his humiliation in Glasgow East.

But no, here he is telling us what's good for us.

It won't be long, Cairns, before your day of judgement comes.

VOTE SNP in GLENROTHES
3

8/10 Cats,

31/08/2008 00:00:50
The Scottish people decide how things are done in Government. The Scottish people decides who does what and where.

Why is Salmond and the SNP so arrogant as to refuse to do the work they were elected to do. Police Officers etc. and instead carry on like tyrants who are above the democratic process.

The last time Salmond wrote to foreign leaders he was ignored. This is a technical resignation of Government, I hope someone calls it. Government's are only allowed to do what Parliament passes, if they do something without parliamentary approval they must resign.
4

Coileach an taobh Tuath,

31/08/2008 00:01:20

Cairns is becoming more shrill by the day.

Give it up David, after Glenrothes you'll be out of a job

5

Resolutions,

31/08/2008 00:02:40
"Scotland Office Minister David Cairns said: "Alex Salmond fundamentally has no respect for devolution. The devolution divide has been backed by the people of Scotland, who have voted for it. That means that the people of Scotland want Westminster to do some things and the Scottish Government to do other things. We respect that, but he has contempt for it."

A Whitehall source said: "I don't know on what basis they can produce a Scottish Government view on these areas."

So why, David Cairns, are folk asking what are the SNPs, SCOTTISH Labour party and SCOTTISH libdems views on various things?

And Whitehall, how can YOU produce a view on these areas? Everyone has a right to their view, whatever it may be.
6

Coileach an taobh Tuath,

31/08/2008 00:03:09
3 1/10 Cats, 31/08/2008 00:00:50

What are you so concerned about how the Scottish Government respondss to questions asked of it by the Scottish people.

It appears that you are advocating state censorship.

Get over yourself will ye, the empire died decades ago





7

,

31/08/2008 00:06:29
Comment Removed By Administrator
Reason:
8

Kent2,

31/08/2008 00:10:39
What a very sensible initiative.

The Scottish Government can now at least make comments on what is important to Scots and not let the Labour party in Westminster distort our views.

Well done the SNP.
9

8/10 Cats,

31/08/2008 00:13:59
8

The Scottish Government can make comments that suit the SNP.
10

ochone,

Sauchie, Clack's 31/08/2008 00:20:14
once again unionists can't make their minds up, it only seems like yesterday when they were complaining that the SNP had no policy ideas other than independece, now when they are in government and they give the lie to this by showing that not only do they have others, but they will be open about them, the unionists start crying foul.

What have they got against open government other than the fear that it might set a good example?
11

Jimmy Le Pie,

31/08/2008 00:20:16
The SNP government just keep going from strength to strength.

New Labour Sleaze just keep going deeper and deeper into the she ite.

Oh happy days
12

Mercian,

UK 31/08/2008 00:52:28
This is basically the SNP stirring it up some more. They're know Salmond is a hit with the public, and the Brown government is unpopular, and saying: who do prefer to represent your country abroad?

Best of all for the SNP they have no responsibilities, internationally, so they're free to reflect popular opinion with no reprisals...

13

mesmiths,

fife 31/08/2008 00:52:37
I have,fundamentally,no respect for David Cairns, not even as the comedy character or clown he is setting out to be.
14

Coileach an taobh Tuath,

31/08/2008 00:59:14
7 8/10 Cats, 31/08/2008 00:06:29

What ARE you talking about?

Are you saying that the Scottish Government shouldn't have an opinion on matters that affect them?

Your case of cringe is so strong you'd rather see a neutered Scotland than simply find out what the Government of the day things.

What a sad wee man you are


15

Jimmy Le Pie,

31/08/2008 00:59:22
#12
Linda Fabiani,
Christina Graham,
Alex Neil,
Fergus Ewing,



16

Coileach an taobh Tuath,

31/08/2008 01:04:18
12 Ford Transit ©, 31/08/2008 00:30:36

Swinney
Maxwell
Hyslop
Fabiani
Mather
Crawford
Russell
Stevenson
Lochead
Robinson

And those are just the few that come to mind when I think of recent ministerial policy announcements recently.

All have performed very well indeed.

A wealth of talent with a good strong young generation coming through.

Can Labour of the Tories say the same?






17

Jimmy Le Pie,

31/08/2008 01:04:56
You can count???

Whatever next???

Talking sensibly???

Doubtful!!!
18

Jimmy Le Pie,

31/08/2008 01:06:16
#20 was for Transit van
19

8/10 Cats,

31/08/2008 01:08:21
16

I am saying that democracy and power resting with the people is the most important thing to Scotland.

If the SNP weren't cowards they should hold the referendum tomorrow, then have a all the powers they want legitimately.
20

Alan Reid,

NZ 31/08/2008 01:10:30
I far as I am concerned devolution is a process. I voted in 97 for parliament. But I am not happy with its limited powers; therefore I demand and expect the Scottish government to fight for more powers.

8/10: the reason the SN are doing so well is that people are beginning to wake up to the fact that our country could do so much better if we were independent. Are you quite happy seeing Scottish troops going off to die in a war that is illegal, and something like 80% of the Scottish people were against it? Also your personnel rants against Salmond are getting a little embarrassing, he’s fighting for Scotland unlike the numpties we’ve had in the past.
21

Jimmy Le Pie,

31/08/2008 01:11:44
Has our favourite Irish commentator and statistician left this site for pastures new??

I can't say I miss his inane drivel!
22

mesmiths,

fife 31/08/2008 01:14:53
FORD TRANSIT- And then there are our secret agents in other parties (chiefly your lot)- Westminster- Brown, Darling, Browne. Holyrood Alexander, McConnell, Bailey, McNeil, that one that got scelped in the east end of Glasgow, Stephens, Scott and the head honcho Lord George Foulkes
23

Coileach an taobh Tuath,

31/08/2008 01:15:29
22 2/10 Cats, 31/08/2008 01:08:21

But the manifesto which the people elected them on said that they would hold an election in 2010, therefore the people are getting what they asked for.

Scotland want become independent overnight, it's a process and having a voice on international affairs is important.

The Scottish Parliament has already spoken on a variety of issues outside it's Scotland Act defined 'competency', namely the Iraq War, Trident and the returning of monies due for Free Personal Care.

I don't understand your problem with what is proposed above.

Why shouldn't ANY Scottish Government not hold specific views on international matters, at the moment it is only a view, there are no powers to act.

The Scottish people generally want to hear their Government speak out against Trident and the use of nuclear weapons., I think they would be very happy for the Scottish Government to speak out in the name of peace and reconciliation on international issues.

We are already moving into the lead with respects to Sustainable & Green technologies.

Unionism is in danger of becoming a reactionary conservative force.

Voters will shun this, watch the result in america next month for evidence of the global sea change.





24

8/10 Cats,

31/08/2008 01:16:48
23 Alan

When you start asking rhetorical questions like am I happy when people die, are you saying you support paedophilia?

You are stupid. You just put words in other people's mouths rather than address the issue of Salmond's latest assault on democracy.
25

Coileach an taobh Tuath,

31/08/2008 01:17:06
25 mesmiths, fife 31/08/2008 01:14:5

LOL

Come in agent Foulkes, return to base (the lords) your mission has been successfulk
26

Alex Salmond's Briefcase Carrier,

@murderplanning 31/08/2008 01:23:18
Cats 14/26 your wishes has been granted and a squad's sent for you. They know who you are and where you live, but not for long.

Sorry chap.
27

Andrew BOD,

Aberdeen/shire 31/08/2008 01:25:25
Scotland Office Minister David Cairns said: "Alex Salmond fundamentally has no respect for devolution.

THAT'S RICH.

IT'S DAVID CAIRNS WHO HAS NO RESPECT FOR DEVOLUTION INCLUDING LABOUR MSPs RESIDING IN HOLYROOD.

He has made that clear on several occasions, seeking media attention for ANYTHING he does not agree with, in spite of the fact that he has no say in Holyrood matters.
28

Kent2,

31/08/2008 01:28:02
Why is David Cairns frothing at the mouth?

The Scottish Government is only speaking up for the people of Scotland, surely this is a good thing?
29

Coileach an taobh Tuath,

31/08/2008 01:28:03


The Scotland Office

The Last bastion of imperial overlordship.

London calling the colonies.

30

somerferg,

perth 31/08/2008 01:30:02

Well 8/10 cats or whatever your name is if you are the best the opposition can muster - (your comments appear to be little more than an opportunity for you to insult Alex Salmond and the SNP government) then things are alot worse than I thought for the monkeys (red, blue and whatever colour the fibdems are). Grow up.
31

Guga II,

Rockall 31/08/2008 01:50:41
Strange, isn't it? These sick little unionists, like Catspee, can't stand the fact that the Scottish government have every right to have a policy on everything and anything. In any event, it is better to get their policies sorted out in time for our independence.

As for that idiot Cairns at the so-called "Scotland Office", it is about time he realised that it, and he, are archaic and anachronistic dregs from the colonial past. He, and it, like the rest of the New Labour Sleaze and Corruption Party are heading down the drain.

32

Graeme Thomson,

Glasgow 31/08/2008 02:00:41
I don't see why this is such an issue to some people.

Why should our elected politicians be neutered in Scotland?

Just because they have no legislative jurisdiction to change UK foreign policy doesn't mean they are acting illegally by laying out their views.

It is perverse to expect our MSPs to stay silent on issues that affect their constituents.

If you don't like their views then don't vote for them.

It's not very complicated.




33

Team Scotland,

31/08/2008 02:01:15
Clever move. It will be difficult in the long term to keep an interested Scottish Government out of foreign affairs. They are as the UK government concede entitled to express the Scottish governments views and responding to queries falls under this category. They will also be able to argue that many international agreements will impinge at least in part on non reserved matters.

This is agitation but it is legitimate and precisely what I expect from those I elected. For a nationalist government not to pursue a nationalist agenda would be a dereliction of duty to their voters.

Those who are complaining should have listened to Tam Dalyell when he correctly described devolution as “a motorway without exit to an independent state”. Instead they went for “Snow off a Dyke”. Oh cruel is the snow.
34

Graeme Thomson,

Glasgow 31/08/2008 02:09:17
I was just wondering.

Are MPs allowed to speak about matters reserved to Holyrood?

Can David Cairns throw in his tuppence-worth about the proposed changes to the Council Tax muted by the Scottish Government?
35

Kent2,

31/08/2008 02:17:41
#37

Clever SNP, clever politicians

36

2Right,

On Location 31/08/2008 02:39:46
Why not go the full hog Mr Salmond and make the Scottish Government answer all Issues of Injustice too, Like Lockerbie and Shirley McKie etc etc to name but a few who are screaming out for help

Well at least voice their opinions on the matters when asked to do so instead of shirking their duties to the Electorate who put them where they are today
37

Scotindy,

Los Angeles 31/08/2008 02:42:00
Just preparing for INDEPENDENCE boys and girls !!!!!!!!
38

Willie Macleod,

Wick 31/08/2008 02:49:49
39 Kent2 I have never doubted the intelligence and decency of the SNP government.
I disagree with them and that is my right.

We never got back to Great Drummers I remember saying GInger Baker.
39

Kent2,

31/08/2008 03:07:06
#42

Morning Willie, I guess we all want what's best for Scotland...

I thought it was guitarists! Anyways, Carl Palmer must get a shout.
40

Willie Macleod,

Wick 31/08/2008 03:13:24
#43 Kent It has to be Dave Gilmour Or Pete Townsend
41

Willie Macleod,

Wick 31/08/2008 03:24:23
# Kent Yes we do all want whats best for scotland. But we must do it as we are doing it with friendshiip and respect and decency.
All the Best Kent catch up with you later.
42

Kent2,

31/08/2008 03:44:16
#44

Ah Willie, you’ve had me searching through old albums.

Hendrix, Peter Green, Dave Gilmour (agreed!), Carlos Santana…

Lots of good guitarists from the 80’s and 90’s also but maybe that’s for another night.

Cheers
43

Colin Wilson,

31/08/2008 04:20:07
A Whitehall source said: "I don't know on what basis they can produce a Scottish Government view on these areas."

The least that the people of Scotland should expect from our government is that it stand up to the UK. That's the very reason we wanted one in the first place.
44

Willie Macleod,

Wick 31/08/2008 05:03:26
46 Kent We will meet again on this forum somewhere sometime Albums I have got 200 in the cupboard most of them are scratched and unplayable.
All the Best Willie
45

Robbie 2,

New Zealand 31/08/2008 06:24:28
3 8/10 Cats,
“ The last time Salmond wrote to foreign leaders he was ignored.”
Hi there cats - hope you are well.
Perhaps after 300 years of having being represented by Westminster and then the BBC - none of those foreign leaders knew where or what Scotland was!
The French President and most overseas politicians have been lead to believe that Scotland is just part of England and so ignored something they had learnt so little about. This is changing with an SNP government albeit slowly. Notice more about Scotland in the English press in the last year than in year before that.
46

Mercutio,

FALKIRK 31/08/2008 06:26:33
I wonder what their policy will be vis a vis Georgia/South Ossetia
47

Robbie 2,

New Zealand 31/08/2008 06:43:53
50 Mercutio, FALKIRK

Hopefully not as hypocritical as the ‘big-guys’ the UK, USA and Russia.
Bush complains of Russia invading a sovereign state and Milibrand of "Having Russia as a member of the G8 at a time when her troops are still on the sovereign soil of another country….”
Have they forgotten the invasion and occupation of Iraq?
Has the US forgotten its backing for the secession of Kosovo (legally was part of Serbia).
Have the Russian conveniently ignored Chehen desire for a separate sovereign state while endorsing the claims of South Ossetia?
If the SNP at this stage did make a comment it would be mostly likely more logical and less dishonest than the utterings so far from Westminster, Washington or Moscow - but the Scottish ‘journalists’ would malign and pour scorn on anything they say.
48

Mercutio,

FALKIRK 31/08/2008 07:09:48
#51 Surely you are not arguing that there is some moral equivalence between the Georgian democracy and genocidal regimes like Iraq and Serbia.
49

Finnz,

31/08/2008 07:33:06
Another superb move by Salmond to demonstrate to the Scottish electorate the policies of the SNP on a wide range of subjects. These are of course issues that would be raised when the referendum is proposed as it would be extremely important to know just how an independant Scotland would react to various international events and political alignments.
It is obvious that Westminsters policies are poles apart from Scotlands on a wide range of foreign issues but the refusal of Brown and co to even listen to their own constituents demonstrates their aloofness and personal agendas.
50

GrahamH,

Edinburgh 31/08/2008 07:44:26
This is made more ridiculous by the fact, however distasteful to SNP supporters that even when they do have power they were to scared to use it.

The SNP Executive had the power at the time to overturn the Parliaments vote on trams but in face of threats from all other parties they rubber stamped the trams.

Myself and a great many neighbours in the New Town who have never voted SNP before did so on basis theyt saw folly of the trams and made a manifesto pledge to stop them - then didn't for political expediency.

We are all going to pay for that cowardice.
51

The Tin Man,

31/08/2008 07:47:09
Goood for the SNP. I look forward to reading their latest defence policy - that's usually almost as good as Monty Python.
52

BIG EYE,

Paisley 31/08/2008 08:06:01
Only in Scotland could you get people who think their country should say nothing about foreign affairs at the same time as many of their citizens were being killed in foreign wars.

This is "normality" in the Union.

Independence can't come soon enough!
53

8/10 Cats,

31/08/2008 08:08:57
55 Tin man

Yes, I'm looking forward to that too. Alex Salmond and the SNP don't have the administrative skill to organise 1,000 police officers, how he would cope with an army is anyones guess.
54

Colin Wilson,

31/08/2008 08:11:42
Re Finnz (#53) : "These are of course issues that would be raised when the referendum is proposed as it would be extremely important to know just how an independant Scotland would react to various international events and political alignments."

Independent Scotland will be a democracy, and won't necessarily be governed by the SNP once the first general election has been held.
55

8/10 Cats,

31/08/2008 08:13:31
Does the UK government now have 2 shadow governments?

Next time the SNP pulls the reserved matter defence, they won't have a leg to stand on.
56

8/10 Cats,

31/08/2008 08:16:35
58 Colin Wilson

Salmond and the SNP will ignore the election result if it's not them. Parliamentary approval and the rule of law is irrelevant to Scotland's interests. Ony the SNP acting unilaterally can make any progress.

At least if you ask them or their cult followers.
57

tommy M,

31/08/2008 08:17:32
Brilliant! Well done SNP Government. Thank goodness we have a sensible, competent Government here in Scotland. The sooner we have independence from that shambles in Westminster the better.
58

MacGillicuddy,

31/08/2008 08:29:46
Of course the Scottish Government is entitled to have a view on ANY subject. At the moment it may not have "power" to change so-called reserved matters, but it is entitled to formulate a position.
A good example is the SNP's position on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Scottish Government recognises the absolute folly and futility of the Liebour Party's Westmonster government in waging wars and would be correct to officially say so.
59

8/10 Cats,

31/08/2008 08:38:33
63 MacGillicuddy

Afghans trained people who flew two planes into our allies civilian opulation in a major city at rush hour.

Does the SNP dissaprove of the war in Afghanistan? It's revealing to see you are so ill informed as to lump it together with Iraq.

I suppose with SNP politicians taking their families on holiday to terror training camps and giving £400,000 to extremist mulsims the SNP are making their foreign policy known.
60

8/10 Cats,

31/08/2008 08:42:15
Speaking of which. With a small army and neutral status in EVERYTHING. How many allies would a coward have?
61

8/10 Cats,

31/08/2008 08:44:29
What a waste of paper from the SNP government.

They have three positions on foreign affairs.

1. Matter for the European Union (The SNP are unionists.)

2. Neutral.

3. Parcel of rogues, feartie, [insert irrelevant vacuous rant]
62

donald,

glasgow 31/08/2008 08:47:27
Time to get out of Team GB's reserve team on the benches and into the playing field.
63

Dr. James Wilkie,

Vienna 31/08/2008 08:49:47
#55 If you want to see what a realistic and up-to-date Scottish defence policy looks like, have a look at http://www.realmofscotland.com/defence/

You might find one or two other items on the site of interest too.

64

Robbie 2,

NZ 31/08/2008 08:55:13
52 Mercutio, FALKIRK 31/08/2008 07:09:48
“#51 Surely you are not arguing that there is some moral equivalence between the Georgian democracy and genocidal regimes like Iraq and Serbia.”
Just got back and just leaving again but:
No and it saddens me that you could interpret my posts as such but it does demonstrate what I said that whatever the SNP Government said would be maligned. A discussion on the former regimes in Serbia and Iraq could go on ad infinitum - both previous regimes use to be our good guys until they were not and we all believe our ‘ free press’ on how good they were and then how bad they were. My first point Mercuriio was the hypocrisy of the large powers who have supported corrupt regimes and then denounced them and the media goes along with this. My second point is that the press that you get your ’news’ from would castigate Alex Salmond no matter what he said. This is demonstrateably true. Check the Daily Records wording in its poll on AS’s Thatcher comment - an unbelievable deliberate mistruing of the truth.
65

Draco Was a Wimp,

Edinburgh 31/08/2008 08:58:08
#67 donald

You're in a dream world. Do you really think an independent Scotland would have ANY influence or standing on the world stage? Do the governments of the USA, China or Russia even care what Ireland, Norway or a hundred other little countries think. They don't even care what the UK, France or Germany think. Jeez, I suspect most American or Chinese politicians wouldn't know where Estonia or Denmark ARE, let alone give two hoots what there thoughts on anything are. On the playing field? Nothing would change, we'd still just be spectators.
66

Mikey,

31/08/2008 09:00:51
64, you're a liar! AMERICANS trained people to fly the planes into the twin towers!

If you can't even get that right, what hope have you?

BTW, here's a quote from your idol;

"The people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked and denounce the peacemakers for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same in any country"
- Hermann Goering
67

Finnz,

31/08/2008 09:02:40
58 Colin Wilson

"Independent Scotland will be a democracy, and won't necessarily be governed by the SNP once the first general election has been held"

Read the article Colin. At present the Scottish Government is SNP. They are entitled to label their policies as Official Government Policies. If another party forms the Scottish Government then I'm sure their policies will be published as well. Of course, the present lot in opposition do not appear to have any policies at all thats not authorised by their masters in London.
68

Corrennie,

31/08/2008 09:04:24
## 72 ##

There is no such entity as the 'Scottish Government' despite their attempts to call themselves as such.
69

8/10 Cats,

31/08/2008 09:08:35
71 Mikey

Goering, eh? Maybe that is the SNP's mantra. An "Attack" on Scotland from Wesminster, those who want reserved matters are cringes and unpatriotic and not Scottish. Yes, I can see how your mind works now.

Are you really saying that Afgahnistan is innocent with regard to 9/11?
70

pehman,

sussex 31/08/2008 09:14:27

cairns has no mandate to speak for Holyrood


Yet he frequently shoots himself in the foot as he tells us that Holyrood has it all wrong
71

The Spook in Leith,

31/08/2008 09:15:21
This is a fantastic idea by the Scottish Government. This will let the public see where the SNP stand on international affairs.

If anyone has ever watched political debates between the four main parties in Scotland you will have noticed that the SNP is often asked whats their view on international issues. This stance by our impressive First Minister should address the fanatics of the onions/ unionists.
72

pehman,

sussex 31/08/2008 09:19:41

65 8/10 Cats,31/08/2008 08:42:15
Speaking of which. With a small army and neutral status in EVERYTHING. How many allies would a coward have?


Why not check out the countries that condem Switzerland or Sweeden
73

The Spook in Leith,

31/08/2008 09:21:33
8/10 cats has posted 15/75 comments. What is this thing on. Are we all witnessing a new bread of cat that can purr 24/7, we need to know.
74

The Tin Man,

31/08/2008 09:22:07
As far as policy goes, why did the SNP vote with the Tories, in favour of bus deregulation in June? What happened to the SNP policy in favour of bus re-regulation?

I am hoping that pary policy is not something to be agreed, then bought and sold to the highest bidder...
75

The Spook in Leith,

31/08/2008 09:25:38
79

Good question tin, if i were you i would contact the SNP to find out. None of us on hear are experts (well im sort of moving in that direction) or SNP spokes people, do what i do to Labour and blitz the website until you get an answer.
76

The Tin Man,

31/08/2008 09:27:57
#68

Thanks for that, but that is not nearly as entertaining as the SNP defence policy.
77

Finnzz,

31/08/2008 09:30:27
73 Corrennie

Semantics my dear, semantics.

And seeing as the unionist rag printing the article calls it the 'Scottish Government' who am I to argue.

Spook, I don't read Catsicks comments anymore. Foul language never persuaded anyone, no matter how strong the arguement and is usually a sign of desperation.
78

The Tin Man,

31/08/2008 09:31:45
#80 Spook

Looks like the SNP site has been purged of any mention of the subject - they run a tight ship.
79

Andanotherthing,

31/08/2008 09:32:52
Scottish Government, What Scottish Government, there's no such thing. Just because they call it that doesn't make it so,

If the SNP party want to form policy, fine, but call it that. SNP policy.

Looks like they want to spend more time on party matters and not what the country pay them for.
80

Mr. Lachie Todd,

Edinburgh 31/08/2008 09:34:26
Why doesn't the UK government just note but ignore the Nationalists new policy?

By highlighting this matter they are only providing the SNP with the oxygen of even more publicity which is probably what the shrewd Salmond intended.

The vast majority of people in the UK were against the invasion of Iraq and, so what if the Scottish Government have different foreign policy views from that in London, as the involvement in Iraq also split the Labour Party and, ultimately, led to Tony Blair's exit!

81

Peter Curran,

Kirkliston 31/08/2008 09:37:46
was a devolved matter or not. I continue to support them in government because I know where they stand on these fundamentals. I want to continue to know where they stand on major issues, especially at a time when the world is becoming such an unstable place again, thanks to shadowy forces in American politics provoking confrontation between Russia and Georgia.

The blind panic of the UK government and the unionist parties when faced with Scottish politicians who insist on speaking the truth reveals the true poverty of the unionist position. Any attempt to muzzle our government should be firmly resisted by Scots who believe in our nation. We are now living in a world where the organising principle of major states, including the United Kingdom, is war, and where the first instinct of an ambitious - or desperate - leader is to initiate military conflict. Scotland must stand outside of this madness, and be a beacon of reason in world politics, a rallying point for human values.
82

Peter Curran,

Kirkliston 31/08/2008 09:38:26
I voted for the SNP based on their position on every matter that affected Scotland, whether it was a devolved matter or not. I continue to support them in government because I know where they stand on these fundamentals. I want to continue to know where they stand on major issues, especially at a time when the world is becoming such an unstable place again, thanks to shadowy forces in American politics provoking confrontation between Russia and Georgia.

The blind panic of the UK government and the unionist parties when faced with Scottish politicians who insist on speaking the truth reveals the true poverty of the unionist position. Any attempt to muzzle our government should be firmly resisted by Scots who believe in our nation. We are now living in a world where the organising principle of major states, including the United Kingdom, is war, and where the first instinct of an ambitious - or desperate - leader is to initiate military conflict. Scotland must stand outside of this madness, and be a beacon of reason in world politics, a rallying point for human values.
83

The Spook in Leith,

31/08/2008 09:41:00
#83 Tin

No i said you should email the SNP for your answer not check the website because like labour the SNP does not cover all issues on the website hence i said you should email them.....I take it you do know how to email tin ?
84

bill-alba,

fife 31/08/2008 09:52:26
tinman...I think the snp policy of having appropriate armed forces for a country our size is right..what would you have .. aircraft carriers etc so we could wage war against other countries??.
I once wrote to McConnell asking a question on a reserved issue and was told by him that it was a reserved matter..I wrote back saying that I knew it was a reserved matter but as it affected scotland surely he had a view! never got a response to that..I am pleased that if I ask a question of the Scottish government whether reserved or not that I will get an answer with their views, but I suppose you would prefer not to know.
85

yockel,

31/08/2008 09:52:52
If according to the British Government the Scottish Government does not represent a Scottish Government position then who does? If Scots are not being represented it seems we need a wee change in constitutional matters.
86

,

31/08/2008 09:56:57
Comment Removed By Administrator
Reason:
87

The Tin Man,

31/08/2008 09:59:29
#88 Spook

Ok, will do...
88

The Spook in Leith,

31/08/2008 10:00:07
#89 McP

Thanks McP but i would rather join the hounds of Govan for a free bee than have anything to do with your Labour party but i like your tactics, almost but not as good as Union is best.
89

Guga II,

Rockall 31/08/2008 10:00:35
#88 Spook.

All these Unionists need to ask permission from London before they can do anything.
90

The Spook in Leith,

31/08/2008 10:01:35
#93 Tin

Okay tin but make sure your spelling is tickitiboo and dont show me up when you email them.
91

Colin Wilson,

Aberdeen 31/08/2008 10:02:34
Re 8/10 Cats (#60) : even if that really was what the SNP wanted (which I've never heard suggested before), there'd be no question at all of Scotland receiving international recognition without being constituted as a multi-party democracy.

Re Finnz (#72) : the point being?
92

The Tin Man,

31/08/2008 10:07:37
#96 Spook

I'll tell them that you sent me... Who's the Transport Minister?

93

A Better Way,

Scottish Republic 31/08/2008 10:07:54
Well I would like to believe that if some other nutter like Blair or Brown, or worse still another Maggie I sunk the Belgrano Thatcher, got into Westmonster before Independance, that my countries government would speak up for any of my young lads going to get killed in some sort of illegal war.

Dont get me wrong, if it involved the defence of Scotland and the Scottish People, i would be among the first to take up arms. Of course I would prefer that we talk to our potential enemies to try mediate any disputes, before I took up arms.

As far as Russia is concerned, I dont doubt for a second that both the US and Westmonster managed this dispute. Putin is a business man ,the last thing he wants is a full scale war. As Sting sung"I hope that Russians Love Their Children Too" I have little doubt they do feel like any Scottish Mum or Dad.

I would like to see Scotland trading with the Russian People rather than shooting at each other. We have a lot in common. We both have Oil and England doesnt.
94

The Spook in Leith,

31/08/2008 10:13:37
100
95

brownlie,

31/08/2008 10:14:18
94 The Spook

Come out of the closet, Spook. I've read all the admiring e-mails you sent Jackie urging her to go for the Labour leadership!!
96

The Spook in Leith,

31/08/2008 10:15:39
#98 Tin

Leader of the Scottish National Party
First Minister of Scotland Alex Salmond MP/MSP
Deputy-Leader of the Scottish National Party
Deputy First Minister of Scotland, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing Nicola Sturgeon MSP
Minister for Parliamentary Business Bruce Crawford MSP
Minister for Europe, External Affairs and Culture Linda Fabiani MSP
Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth John Swinney MSP
Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism Jim Mather MSP
Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change Stewart Stevenson MSP
Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning Fiona Hyslop MSP
Minister for Schools and Skills Maureen Watt MSP
Minister for Children and Early Years Adam Ingram MSP
Minister for Public Health Shona Robison MSP
Minister for Communities and Sport Stewart Maxwell MSP
Cabinet Secretary for Justice Kenny MacAskill MSP
Minister for Community Safety Fergus Ewing MSP
Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment Richard Lochhead MSP
Minister for Environment Michael Russell MSP
President of the Party Ian Hudghton MEP
SNP Westminster Group Leader, Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and for Defence Angus Robertson MP
SNP Westminster Deputy Group Leader and Chief Whip Stewart Hosie MP
SNP Westminster Work and Pensions, Trade and Industry and Energy spokesman Michael Weir MP

Okay..

97

A Better Way,

Scottish Republic 31/08/2008 10:18:16
What a brilliant team they are as well. Doing Scotland Proud indeed.
98

The Spook in Leith,

31/08/2008 10:21:58
#95 Guga

Your correct in fact they are tied up with London like a baby tided to its mothers apron strings.!!

#101 brownlie..lol the only thing i urged Jackie (not to do) is bend down and f a r t in front of a double Decker bus, this would have disastrous consequences for the bus and its passengers
99

danielrober,

31/08/2008 10:22:30
Could we have some claity on this policy movement. Not been a constitutional expert i'm actually confussed by this.

Is this an undemocratic action towards separation even before a referendum?

or

Is this a party policy by the SNP?

Though i was always under the impression that a political party could not use gvernment resources to formulate political party policy. May be so of the older posters would have details on the scandle for the 1980's Thatcher government. When government civil servents were used to formulate conservative party policy.

Some clarity would be benificial here.
100

The Spook in Leith,

31/08/2008 10:24:51
#105

I think its both, what a good ploy by the SNP..Hail Hail to our premature Independence (I like that)
101

brownlie,

31/08/2008 10:25:32
105 The Spook

Your manager was telling me you could not score in a barrow-load of unionists!

If Cathy is not appointed leader I will, reluctantly, be leaving the brilliant Labour party who have done so much for Scotland over the past decade.
102

brownlie,

31/08/2008 10:27:09
105 daniel

Not as "confussed" as we are by your postings.
103

The Spook in Leith,

31/08/2008 10:30:51
#107

Hey browlie don't mention about scoring a barrow-load, 7-0 winners and i never got in on goal ones!! eek..

Well i hope Cathy does become the next leader of Scottish labour coz i would hate to see you upset if she did not make it, she is a fine looking woman and i love her soft anglified accent.