Scotland has no idea what to do about Reform
There is now plainly a trend in place, one I pointed out last November following three Glasgow council by-elections in which Reform came out of nowhere to claim third place.
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The Independent
an hour ago
- The Independent
Lowering voting age could deepen class divide in schools due to lack of political literacy among teenagers
The decision to lower the voting age to 16 could widen the inequality divide among teenagers in the UK due to the lack of political education in school. Academics have warned that the move to extend the vote to 16 and 17-year-olds risks only benefitting those from wealthier backgrounds, unless all students are given equal access to citizenship education. Recent research from the University of Roehampton found specific classes on politics and democracy have been provided unevenly across the country, with more affluent schools likely to receive dedicated lessons. It also found that pupils with university-educated parents are more likely to discuss politics at home, and feel more confident engaging in political debates. This results in teenagers from low income households often being at a disadvantage in terms of understanding parties and voting systems, which the research concluded 'compounded class-based disparities'. 'Votes at 16 is an important milestone, but without proper political education in every school, we risk widening the democratic gap between privileged and disadvantaged teenagers', said Dr Bryony Hoskins, Professor of Political Comparative Social Science at the University of Roehampton. 'The students most likely to benefit are those already surrounded by political knowledge and encouragement, leaving disadvantaged young people behind again. 'The result is a political system that feels unrepresentative and irrelevant to many young people. If we ignore this, votes at 16 could actually entrench inequality.' Labour's manifesto committed the party to lowering the voting age to 16 in line with Scottish and Welsh elections. Sir Keir Starmer said it was 'important' to lower the voting age, as 16-year-olds were old enough to work and 'pay in' through tax, so should 'have the opportunity' to say how they wanted their money spent. But a poll of 500 16 and 17-year-olds conducted for ITV News by Merlin Strategy found only half said they thought they should be allowed to vote, and only 18 per cent would definitely vote. Labour stood to gain the most, with 33 per cent saying they would back the party, while 20 per cent said they would choose Reform UK and 18 per cent the Greens. A EU and UK Research and Innovation project was trialled on 900 pupils earlier this ear, and found that a five-lesson political literacy programme improved students' belief in their own ability to engage with politics. 'We now have clear evidence that short, structured lessons that use inclusive education methods can make a real difference,' said Professor Hoskins. 'This should be part of every young person's education and not a postcode lottery.' Ahead of the next general election, researchers are calling on the Department of Education to ensure political literacy becomes a compulsory part of the national curriculum.
Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
John Swinney schmoozed Donald Trump days after ‘whipping up' protests over president's Scots visit
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) JOHN Swinney schmoozed Donald Trump as the US President ended his trip to Scotland — days after 'whipping up' protests over it. The First Minister said the pair had enjoyed a 'pleasant' dinner and swapped gifts ahead of the opening of Mr Trump's new Aberdeenshire golf course today. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 10 The US president left behind previous rows as he hailed the First Minister as 'terrific' and 'a special guy' Credit: Getty 10 John Swinney schmoozed Donald Trump as the US President ended his trip to Scotland Credit: PA 10 Ambassador Warren Stephens and First Minister John Swinney at the New Course Credit: PA 10 Donald Trump waved as he boarded Air Force One at RAF Lossiemouth today Credit: Getty Before jetting off on Air Force One, Mr Trump said of the SNP leader, who dubbed himself Full-on John: 'He's a very special guy.' The pair revealed their unlikely bromance after bonding at a posh dinner where they chewed over hot political topics — plus beef and langoustines. The US president, in a cheery mood at the opening of his latest Scots golf course, left behind previous rows as he hailed the First Minister as 'terrific' and 'a special guy'. And the SNP supremo told how he'd forged a 'positive relationship' with the US leader after 'perfectly courteous' talks on whisky tariffs and aid for starving kids in Gaza. He also revealed they'd enjoyed a 'very pleasant' private chat. There had been fears the pair's first meeting at the Menie Estate in Aberdeenshire would be awkward after Mr Swinney publicly backed Mr Trump's rival Kamala Harris in last year's presidential election. And last week the First Minister was accused of whipping up demos when he called on those planning to protest against the five-day private visit to 'do Scotland proud'. But there was no sign of any lingering resentment as the President singled out Mr Swinney and showered him with praise at the glitzy ceremony in Balmedie. While addressing an audience of VIPs beside the first tee of his new 18-hole links, Mr Trump gestured to the First Minister to stand up in the temporary grandstand. He then said: 'John Swinney is a terrific guy. He loves golf and he loves the people of this country. Donald Trump's Secret Service probes major security breach on Scotland visit after attempt to smuggle person onto plane 'And we really appreciate it. He's a very special guy.' The glowing praise followed a short official meeting between the two politicians this morning. And the night before they had been seen in 'deep conversation' for more than an hour while seated together at a banquet-style dinner at the Trump International resort. Guests enjoyed a seafood starter of langoustine, followed by a beef main course then a trio of desserts featuring Scottish fruits. GOLF SWIPE By Conor Matchett JOHN Swinney rejected claims £180,000 in taxpayer cash for a golf tournament at Donald Trump's Aberdeenshire course was an attempt to 'butter up' the US President. The First Minister was forced to defend the decision to spend the sum to help support the Nexo Championship in Scotland next month. Asked if it was an effort to 'butter up' Mr Trump, he said: 'No, I think what I was trying to do is to make sure that a tournament that was coming to Scotland could be properly promoted.' Sources said Mr Swinney came good on his vow to raise awkward 'critical' issues with Mr Trump. They included his ten per cent import tariffs on Scotch, which are hammering the whisky industry, plus the desperate crisis in Gaza. The Nats boss also buttered up the golf-mad tycoon by showing him snaps of his 14-year-old son Matthew playing the sport. And in an exchange of gifts, Mr Swinney presented Mr Trump with a framed 1921 census form showing the entry for his late mum Mary Anne MacLeod plus a historic map of the Isle of Lewis, where she was born. In return, the President gave the First Minister a figurine of bald eagle, the US national emblem. Other guests at Monday night's private dinner included PM Sir Keir Starmer — who had earlier flown from Ayrshire with Mr Trump on his Air Force One jet — and Scots golf legend Colin Montgomerie. After the ceremony, Mr Swinney was quizzed over his dealings with the controversial visitor. 10 Donald Trump and Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Air Force One Credit: The White House 10 Other guests at Monday night's private dinner included Scots golf legend Colin Montgomerie Credit: Getty 10 The First Minister was accused of whipping up demos against Trump Credit: Getty 10 Donald Trump with sons Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr Credit: Reuters It was suggested he had previously been seen as a 'Trump sceptic', with one reporter asking: 'Has he won you over?' The SNP boss replied: 'I have a job to do, which is to use every opportunity to protect and promote the interests of Scotland. 'Obviously, I've had a very extensive opportunity in the course of the last 24 hours or so to engage with the President of the United States to set out issues that matter to people in Scotland, domestically and internationally. 'And I've used that opportunity to raise issues around, for example, trade and tariffs, particularly the effect on Scots whisky. 'Also international issues around Gaza and Ukraine — and especially on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where I implored the President to use his influence.' ANAS' BIZ BOOST VOW By Conor Matchett ANAS Sarwar pledged to build closer links with Donald Trump's businesses if Labour wins next year's Holyrood election. The party's Scots chief claimed the US leader's resorts have been hamstrung by SNP policies. After meeting Trump International boss Sarah Malone, he said: 'They have not always felt as if Scotland is a good place to do business.' He admitted to having many 'political disagreements' with the American but added: 'He does genuinely have an affinity and love for Scotland. 'If we can harness that then that is a positive in terms of economic outcomes.' Lib Dem MP Susan Murray urged Mr Trump to drop 'damaging' whisky tariffs. Mr Swinney was asked about critics in his own party and beyond who claimed he should not have agreed to meet Mr Trump. Last week Scots Green co-leader Patrick Harvie branded his decision as 'tragic' and 'out of step with Scotland's values'. But Mr Swinney insisted: 'I think people in Scotland would generally think that if I, as First Minister of Scotland, have an opportunity to protect and promote the interests of Scotland to the President of the US, I should take that opportunity.' The Nats chief sought to play down any suggestions of cosiness, explaining that he'd 'had a perfectly courteous set of discussions with President Trump'. Asked if their relationship was warm, he replied: 'I think we've got a positive relationship, yes.' Mr Swinney added: 'I was sitting alongside the President. The Prime Minister was sitting on the other side of the President.' He said everyone sat at the table had chatted, adding: 'The majority of the discussion was privately between the President and myself — and it was very pleasant.' The First Minister also revealed: 'I took the opportunity to show President Trump a photo of my son playing golf on Tiree a few weeks ago. He commented that my son has a beautiful swing — which my son was very pleased to hear about.' TAX 'RIGGED' AGAINST OIL DONALD Trump blasted Sir Keir Starmer's windfall taxes on North Sea oil — insisting the resource is a 'treasure chest for the United Kingdom'. He wrote on his Truth Social network: 'The taxes are so high that it makes no sense. They have essentially told drillers and oil companies, 'We don't want you'. 'Incentivize the drillers, fast. A vast fortune to be made for the UK, and far lower energy costs for the people!' FM John Swinney said Mr Trump had handed a dossier on oil and gas taxes during their breakfast meeting, but stressed such taxes were not under his control. Mr Trump had earlier praised Aberdeen as the oil capital of Europe and branded wind turbines 'ugly monsters'. Mr Swinney said: 'I expressed the view that we have about priorities on renewable energy." Mr Swinney claimed his meet-up with Mr Trump could end up boosting our whisky industry, which is facing the prospect of forking out an additional £4million a week to export our national drink to the US, due to ten per cent tariffs. He said: 'I was trying to encourage the President to look at the possibility of an exception for Scotch whisky. He concluded our discussions this morning by saying to me that I should follow up the issues that we had discussed.' The First Minister explained he'd already taken the issue 'forward' with the US Ambassador, Warren Stephens — who he sat next to at yesterday's golf course opening. He added: 'My team will be following this up in due course.' Asked if he is now confident that there will be an exemption for Scotch or a reduction on whisky tariffs, Mr Swinney said it was 'too early to predict that'. On Monday, President Trump had appeared not to know there was an issue with our national drink when asked about it ahead of a meeting with the Prime Minister. He told Sir Keir: 'We'll talk about that. I didn't know whisky was a problem.' This afternoon Mr Trump enjoyed a round at his new course before beginning his journey home. He was flown from Menie to the RAF base at Lossiemouth, Moray, in his Marine One helicopter. The US president then walked with his grandkids Chloe, 11, and Spencer, 12, to board Air Force One for the flight back to the States. 10 Trump walks with his grandchildren Chloe and Spencer to board Air Force One Credit: AFP
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
By threatening to recognise Palestine, Starmer shows how easily Labour's left wing MPs can push him around
Pushover PM NOT for the first time, Sir Keir Starmer has buckled under pressure from his own backbenchers. In a televised address the Prime Minister said that, unless Israel meets a list of improbable demands, he will join France in recognising Palestine in September. 1 Hamas — the party of terrorists responsible for the October 7 atrocity, who still hold 50 Israeli hostages — was given no such ultimatum. Labour's left-wing MPs are happy. After last month's benefits revolt, once again they have shown how easily they can push Sir Keir around. Meanwhile, the monsters of Hamas are rewarded for their barbarism with a propaganda coup. But, beyond alienating our Israeli allies and infuriating President Trump, what will Starmer's gesture politics actually achieve? It certainly doesn't bring a ceasefire any closer. Or help to break the grip on power still held by Hamas, which continues to steal and sell on vital aid supplies. Indeed, these callous thugs couldn't care less if ordinary Palestinians starve to death. Sir Keir should have concentrated on the best way of urgently delivering food. Instead, he has shown himself to no longer be in control of his party on foreign as well as domestic affairs. US blasts 'reckless' Macron as France is first G7 nation to recognise Palestine state - in 'face slap' to Oct 7 victims Price is wrong BRITAIN'S economic woes get worse daily. We are now mired in the worst of all worlds: Rising inflation is wiping out wages of those still in work, while thousands of others are losing their jobs as businesses struggle to pay hefty tax rises. Whatever predictions the IMF made yesterday, growth remains negligible. That means Brits are feeling the pinch more than ever. Not least at the supermarket, where the British Retail Consortium says food inflation is likely to hit six per cent by the end of the year. Labour's disastrous jobs tax Budget continues to squeeze ordinary families. There is a way out of this doom loop. Cutting taxes, setting business free and putting money back in people's pockets. Don's drill rap ONCE again Donald Trump has nailed it. Labour's decision to ignore vast reserves of oil and gas under the North Sea does indeed make no sense. It is madness to ban new offshore drilling while pouring billions in subsidies into uneconomic wind farms which produce power that cannot be stored. When the wind doesn't blow, it leaves us relying on imports of electricity — or the very eco-unfriendly method of shipping in foreign gas. Tapping into our own , would help us keep the lights on.
