brobb.bsky.social
retired, grandparent
reader and potterer
Scottish indy supporter
295 posts
798 followers
1,118 following
Getting Started
Active Commenter
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No silent protests outside gun shops, it's only unborn children get protection
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Hi Lesley, I don't agree with everything you say but love your passion for Scotland and integrity in politics. We could do with more commentators expressing horror and sadness about the state of the world today as you did in your podcast, we can only hope things change for the better soon
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If you wanted to avoid accusations, choosing a couple of dates to bet on including the one you know is right, allows you to argue it was a random choice not insider knowledge
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The clever ones possibly spread their bets and included the right date in with some red herrings, who could say?
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Some handy social media wizard could replace the Wes pic with that of Neil Gray, post it and compare the reactions
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Up and down to London for "support & guidance"?
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Since April 2009, Scottish ministers have declined to accept their full entitlement, freezing it at 2008-09 levels.
Between the start of the pay freeze on April 09 and March 25, this has resulted Scottish ministers making over £2.2 million available for public spending from their own pay packets
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or maybe it's a lack of debating skills - not just the argue 2 sides model from posh schools but the ability to genuinely listen, question & ponder? We seem to have been pushed into a black v white way of thinking with personal attacks and a refusal to budge when faced with opposing views
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George Monbiot discusses how Trump attracts voters here www.theguardian.com/commentisfre.... We have to hope the SNPs drive to narrow the equality gap bears some result com May next year
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Good point about voters preferring strong leadership even if it's not in a particularly good direction. Hence the rise of Trump and Farage, confidence and a we'll sort it attitude seems to be enough for many weary voters
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Don't watch! Vote with your feet, or at least your remote control. Find something more interesting to watch/read/do. Try this www.opendemocracy.net/en/undercove...
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Don't watch! Vote with your feet, or at least your remote control. Find something more interesting to watch/read/do. Try this www.opendemocracy.net/en/undercove...
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Don't watch! Vote with your feet, or at least your remote control. Find something more interesting to watch/read/do. Try this www.opendemocracy.net/en/undercove...
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Don't watch! Vote with your feet, or at least your remote control. Find something more interesting to watch/read/do. Try this www.opendemocracy.net/en/undercove...
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Don't watch! Vote with your feet, or at least your remote control. Find something more interesting to watch/read/do
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And in a reply to this post by Richard Murphy someone called Cliff at 7.23 spells out how this could be done www.taxresearch.org.uk/Blog/2025/04...
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Good for you for keeping calm Jenny and for picking him up for his constant interruptions. I hope your colleagues take note and do the same when questioned by colleagues or the press
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Hopefully many Americans will recognise the attitude and be as disgusted as we are
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www.opendemocracy.net/en/undercove...
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Have we learned nothing? Here's another issue guaranteed to cause division & heated media "discussion" to split the indy vote. After independence we can campaign on this and other issues, free from the malevolent UK media influence because it will be our decision to take. Smart thinking until then!
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He's probably part of Ian Murray's entourage, I wonder if any more are with them. Maybe Rachel Reeves should take a look at the Scottish Office budget for some efficiency savings?Also is John Swinney now allowed to meet folk without a Westminster chaperone?
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Is it this? www.eventbrite.com/e/a-scottish...
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Jeffrey Archer's wife? even a judge said she was fragrant 😁 (hoping my simple emoji isn't offensive or triggering!)
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and kudos to BS for always including Gaza and Ukraine updates
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It fits the "knowing the cost of everything and the value of nothing" saying to a tee. I guess if you live in a wealthy bubble with private health, education, transport, housing etc you come to believe that's what life is about and to hell with the rest of mankind? Or that you actually deserve it?
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Next time any of us watching see someone moaning about the lack of a SNP rebuttal unit maybe post a link to the Full Scottish where unionist opinions are regularly challenged, and any other indy supporting sources too of course. It's one way to help build an alternative and we're lucky to have it
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and terrified of losing any of it, always on the defensive and suspicious of other people, a miserable life really.
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Or indeed any politician of any persuasion! No criticism without a right to reply maybe? Or a better team of researchers across the board to probe any agenda?
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We need a full blown social media campaign to grow the idea that paying taxes is a good thing for all, highlight the selfishness/sheer greed of wanting more and more for yourself, big up folk like Michael Sheen, Patriotic Millionaires and extol the benefits of equality/inclusion. Every post counts
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I'm retired and have the time & energy to listen/read and check details from different sources. I'm not sure any organisation could keep up especially when funds are tight and the need for challenge relentless. I'm happy if they at least hit back in interviews
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We need an army of good debaters to challenge what is said, folk that can argue a point with facts and figures and without descending into rants or flag waving. I can't so I write instead, if more of us do that we might make an impression?
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See bsky.app/profile/chas...
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Reduced stigma: Universal benefits can reduce the stigma associated with receiving social assistance, everyone is eligible.
Targeted support: Universal benefits can provide a basic level of support to all, with additional targeted support available for those with specific needs.
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Universal benefits equal
Simplicity: Universal benefits are easier to administer than means-tested benefits, which require extensive income and asset assessments.
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So medium to high earners reach higher tax brackets sooner but this is balanced by universal services for all, not means tested. "Free" uni tuition, prescriptions, personal care etc soften the higher tax for medium earners and ensure higher incomes contribute to the public good (commonweal)
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In Scotland tax rates are
Starter rate £12,571 to £14,732 19%
Basic rate £14,733 to £25,688 20%
Intermediate rate £25,689 to £43,662 21%
Higher rate £43,663 to £125,140 42%
Top rate over £125,140 47%
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I have some questions for English voters. Are you aware of these differences or simply that Scotland has higher taxes? Would you (if on £50,000) be willing to pay roughly £100 more per month in return for universal services such as prescriptions, uni tuition etc?
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3) those with higher incomes will continue to pay significantly more: £1,528 more for someone with an income of £50,000, and £5,207 more for someone with an income of £125,000.
ifs.org.uk/publications...
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2) This continues a pattern of tax cuts for the lower-income half of Scottish income taxpayers and tax rises for those on higher incomes. Following these changes, individuals with incomes below about £30,300 will pay up to £28 a year less income tax in Scotland than in the rest of the UK
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1) In Scotland the 2025–26 Budget announced an above-inflation increase in Scotland’s basic and intermediate income tax thresholds, and a two-year freeze in the higher-, advanced- and top-rate thresholds.
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Had to get you on catch up today, but Full Scottish is now a programme I don't want to miss. Both guests shared great insights on a range of issues - I'm so glad Philippa intends to keep campaigning despite standing down from Westminster. Pat's tribute to Nicola was perceptive, thanks for that
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Maybe just start a rumour to spook them eg I heard Nicola had requested a meeting with the National Executive to discuss her options or I've heard Nicola tells all about the dirty tricks used against her in her book.