Category Archives: Politics

Human Rights for the Commonwealth

Posted on March 11, 2013 by

So, the Queen today signed the new Commonwealth Charter, which for the first time in its 64 years history sets out a common vision, values and aims for the organisation, which represents one third of the world’s population. The document … Continue reading →

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House of Lords Reform Bill

Posted on May 18, 2011 by

“It so happens that if there is an institution in Great Britain which is not susceptible of any improvement at all, it is the House of Peers!” So says Lord Mountararat in Gilbert & Sullivan‘s classic light opera, “Iolanthe”.  But … Continue reading →

Posted in Constitutional Law, Ecclesiatical Law, News, Politics | Tagged , , , , , , | 6 Comments

The last of the manifestos (with dolphins)

Posted on April 20, 2011 by

And so last – but not least – it is time to run the rule over the civil justice proposals from the manifesto of the Scottish Green Party, who have serious aspirations to increase their number of MSPs as the … Continue reading →

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More manifestos on civil justice etc.

Posted on April 14, 2011 by

Today, it’s the turn of the Scottish National Party and the Scottish Socialist Party … Scottish National Party Easily the biggest manifesto of the bunch, complete with “what I did this Parliament” style scrapbook section.  But what of the proposals … Continue reading →

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Manifestos on civil justice etc.

Posted on April 7, 2011 by

As you will no doubt be aware, the campaign for the 2011 Scottish Parliamentary election is now underway.  As far as I can see, not all of the manifestos have been launched yet, but I thought I start with those … Continue reading →

Posted in Freedom of Information, Legal Aid, Politics, Privacy, Scottish Parliament | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Please state your destination …

Posted on January 23, 2011 by

The latest newsletter from the Scottish branch of NO2ID carries an article titled “Scotland’s Back-Door ID Card Battle”, which notes that the SNP were vigorous opponents of ID cards in opposition. However, it goes on to suggest that the various … Continue reading →

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Bring back the belt!

Posted on November 2, 2010 by

An old chestnut, perhaps, but one which does have a habit of returning with unerring regularity.  The Herald reports that UKIP Scotland are calling for a return of corporal punishment to our schools, in an attempt to restore discipline and … Continue reading →

Posted in Child Law, Education Law, Human Rights, News, Politics | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Please do not Google bomb this …

Posted on September 11, 2010 by

I note, merely in passing, that if one types the search terms ‘paul mcbride qc’ into Google, the fourth website returned is my article “Paul McBride QC – Absurd Election Broadcast”. Continue reading →

Posted in Blawgs, Criminal Law, Faculty of Advocates, Just for Fun, Politics | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Some thoughts on the House of Lords

Posted on June 2, 2010 by

Could changes to the House of Lords threaten the Commons’ legislative supremacy? Continue reading →

Posted in Constitutional Law, Politics | Tagged | Leave a comment

Paul McBride QC – Absurd Election Broadcast

Posted on April 27, 2010 by

Saw a party election broadcast on behalf of the Conservative Party this evening which featured superstar criminal advocate Paul McBride QC. He was on there following his well publicised defection to the Tories, complaining that criminals often only serve half … Continue reading →

Posted in Criminal Law, Faculty of Advocates, Politics | 2 Comments