Latest news with #FM
The National
2 hours ago
- Politics
- The National
John Swinney to call for 'immediate' constitutional convention on independence
The SNP leader will ask party members to support the move in a motion put forward at the upcoming conference in Aberdeen in October. It comes after Swinney revealed some of the details of his upcoming motion on Monday, where he urged voters to deliver an SNP majority in Holyrood in order to secure a second independence referendum. The SNP leader argued that the only time a referendum had been secured was after the SNP's historic majority win in 2011, when it returned 69 MSPs. READ MORE: Donald Trump responds to John Swinney's indyref2 plan And now, we can reveal that the FM intends to set up a 'Scottish constitutional convention' to 'marshal support for Scotland's right to decide through gathering support from the people of Scotland, civic bodies and international opinion'. The full conference motion, seen by The National and titled 'Winning independence', states: 'Conference believes that the Scottish election in 2026 offers the people of Scotland a fresh start for our nation; that an SNP majority in that election, repeating the precedent of 2011, is the only uncontested route to delivering a new referendum. 'It is essential that, as before, the pro-independence campaign in that referendum should be broad-based and inclusive of the wide range of pro-independence campaigning bodies, representing a cross-section of Scottish society.' Previously, Culture Secretary Angus Robertson explicitly ruled out holding a convention of independence supporting parties this summer. It came after SNP depute leader Keith Brown told the party's conference in 2024 that he would support an independence convention that included other Yes-party representatives. (Image: PA) In this fresh motion, co-signed by Swinney and Brown (above), the leadership team set out their position to urge voters to back the SNP on both the constituency and regional lists. Brown said the move puts independence "at the very heart of the 2026 election campaign". "A majority SNP government in 2026 is the catalyst to secure a legal independence referendum – exactly as it was in 2011," he told The National. "As SNP depute leader, I have spoken to thousands of grassroots Yes activists across the country. "I know how important the establishment of a civic convention will be for our movement –it has been pushed by some of our leading Yessers and The National newspaper itself. "Together, we will deliver it and make this campaign a reality. That will be welcomed by activists across Scotland." Brown said it would be crucial to "build a broad coalition of support" in order to win independence. He added: "Westminster control – either from the Tories or Labour – is holding Scotland back. This strategy ensures an [[SNP]] victory in 2026 as the springboard for the people of Scotland taking charge of our own future with the full powers of independence.' According to the pair's conference motion, the Holyrood 2026 election campaign will focus on an 'ambitious, aspirational' case for Scottish independence, setting out how leaving the Union could make lives better for Scots. This includes setting out how it would be different to the 'broken' Westminster system in terms of public services and energy policy. It also asserts that how Scotland becomes independent 'matters'. 'That process must be agreed, democratic, constitutional and legal so that our nation gains recognition both at home and abroad,' the motion reads. READ MORE: Keir Starmer cuts off Donald Trump after Scotland trade deal comment 'That process must also seek to maximise participation as part of ensuring popular consent.' It then affirms what Swinney has said before, that the democratic route to independence is through a legal referendum. The motion adds that as Westminster has repeatedly refused a second referendum to go ahead, the Scottish public 'must now insist that their democratic wishes and Scotland's right to self-determination, are respected'. It sets out Swinney's three-point independence strategy, as exclusively reported by The National earlier this month, and will ask the SNP membership to back his plan. He said that building support for independence, upping the pressure on Westminster to allow Scotland to assert its right to choose through a democratic referendum, and urging the public to vote SNP at the election would form the three prongs of his strategy. In response to the FM's latest call for voters to back the SNP on both electoral lists, Swinney was accused of 'self-preservation' and being obsessed with the issue of independence. On Monday, he insisted that there was 'no shortcut' to securing independence and that the 2011 precedent was the only route forward.
The National
18 hours ago
- Business
- The National
Donald Trump 'knows where I stand' on Scottish independence, says John Swinney
The First Minister, speaking to The National in Falkirk, said he would be raising tariffs on whisky and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza when he meets with Trump. Swinney has reportedly accepted a dinner invitation from the US President in Aberdeenshire on Monday, before scheduled official talks taking place the next day. READ MORE: Only SNP majority can deliver indyref2, John Swinney says Asked what he will be discussing with Trump, and if that includes the issue of Scottish independence, Swinney said: 'I've got a job to do as First Minister to protect and promote the interests of Scotland, and I want to use this opportunity of meeting with President Trump to take forward some of the domestic and international concerns of the people of Scotland. 'Domestic issues, obviously, the trade and tariffs issues affecting Scotch whisky are uppermost in my mind. 'On the international situation, the humanitarian crisis, tragedy, in Gaza is central to my concerns. 'I want to encourage President Trump to apply pressure on the Israeli government to deliver a ceasefire, to enable the humanitarian aid to be delivered on the ground, and President Trump is strongly, if not uniquely, positioned to deliver that pressure to the Israeli government.' The FM added: 'And on the question of independence, President Trump knows where I stand on these questions, and I want to make sure the people of Scotland make their views clear at the election in May.' More to follow…
The National
2 days ago
- Politics
- The National
Why didn't the SNP act when they had power in the UK?
As I have said many times in these pages and to SNP leadership, when we had a majority of SNP MPs at Westminster, and were the third-biggest party there, that if the FM spent less time strutting around like a world leader, distracting from the job at hand, and allowed the SNP group at Westminster to actually do their job, we could have had either independence or another referendum by now. As I said, in my simplistic view: 1. In 1707, it was Scottish parliamentarians who voted to unionise with England, not through a referendum or public opinion which was very much against it at the time. 2. The [[SNP]] in 2011 achieved what was meant to be improbable, due to the way the proportional representation system was set up at [[Holyrood]], and won a majority. Independence polling was in the low 30% at the time and [[Westminster]] thought they would lay to rest once and for all Scottish independence and reset the narrative. READ MORE: 'Not in our name': Hundreds gather in Scottish cities to protest Donald Trump Scots sensing freedom rallied around the cause as the polls rose, only for Westminster to panic and reach out to the vast Union media to spread doom and fear about Scotland's chances to surviving on its own (see point 5). Alex Salmond and Nicola Sturgeon were not prepared for the referendum fight that ensued, failing to deliver on the big questions in debates. Which isn't surprising because the [[SNP]] were probably taken aback when David Cameron said yes to a referendum, the [[SNP]] hadn't done all the preparative homework (ie currency, pensions, trade, the border, etc) to allay the fears of Scots never mind that of Scottish businesses and institutions. Even now, they are not prepared 11 years on and the SNPs hierarchy of 'it's my way or the highway approach to independence' is a flaw in their DNA. Scots' democracy is a consensus-based system, that's how the convention brought about devolution, and it's about time the SNP woke up to this fact. The SNP hierarchy don't even listen to their own rank and file or their activists! Even Swinney's recent independence reset is so bland, it wasn't worth the airtime. The concern of independence voters is who will be their political voice, certainly not the SNP at this time, the reason more than half a million voters failed to vote for them last time not many of these voters jumped the divide to Labour if you look at the voter breakdown. Worrying times indeed for both the SNP and independence voters. The independence voter churn is likely to continue. (Image: PA) 3. [[Westminster]] and the House of Lords (monarchy) demand power and obedience to rule which make the privilege richer and give the middle and lower classes just enough to keep them in line. So, the [[SNP]] need to be strategic and be prepared to gamble all to deliver independence. They had a whole parliamentary term when they were in the ascendancy to do this and failed miserably, partly due to internal squabbling at [[Westminster]] and interference from the FM and the FM's inner circle who acted as though [[Holyrood]] had political precedence and would deliver independence. Oh how wrong this attitude was, and it's been a slippery downward slope ever since. The best they could do was ask 'please sir can I have one more referendum?' and their reply was 'more, you had your day and the people of Scotland voted to remain, now is not the time for another referendum'. 4. At this time, the SNP should have shaken this up by electing a 'majority Scottish leader' at Westminster. Reintroduce the Scottish Grand Committee to review all Westminster's reserved matters like the constitution, eg another independence referendum or to vote on the impact of Westminster land-grab legalisation the 'Internal Market Act'. To vote on these and relay to the speaker of the house and the government the Scottish MP majority outcomes are token and disruptive gestures maybe, but it does echo the Scottish electorate will to the Parliament. More importantly, at this time the UK was out of Europe, a fundamental material change from the referendum debate of 2014 where membership of the European Union was one of [[Westminster]]'s key fear strategies, and from a democratic perspective, the [[SNP]] were the third-largest party at [[Westminster]] (unheard of achievement), the biggest party at [[Holyrood]] and biggest party of elected councillors in Scotland. If I was in charge at that time, I would have given the Westminster government the simple either/or ultimatum; to grant a second referendum or Scotland will unitarily leave the Union based on the elected mandate. The latter throwing the UK into a constitutional crisis, spooking the Bank of England (not UK!) and the financial markets. I am sure this would have led to a lot of activity behind the scenes as when the city of London catches a cold, Westminster sits up and takes note and then there is the probable granting of a second referendum. As I said, gamble big, better than the limp approach to the English Supreme Court approach! 5. Many countries have successfully left British rule and never looked back. As stated at point 1), Scots parliamentarians decided to join England in an Union, so it is not unrealistic to do the same in reverse, irrespective of the language of the treaty. Labour rules the UK with only 33.7% of those voted, so having greater than 50% is not necessary. Also, when a small group of Tory MPs like the 1922 club can oust an elected leader that won them a general election, it just goes to show how democracy works for English privilege and not for the democratic masses, like for Scotland. Also, when a Westminster party comes to power, there is no penalty or forfeit for not following their manifesto, so just because the SNP manifesto didn't explicitly say Scotland would leave the UK, anyone that votes for the SNP knows their DNA is independence, so shock horror if they deliver on it. From an European perspective, precedent was set when the Slovakian party announced the dissolution of Czechoslovakia, resulting in the separation in 1992 and the resultant independent sovereign states of Slovakia and Czech Republic where future EU ascension wasn't an issue, so why would Scotland's independence be a roadblock to independence or EU ascension, certainly not now after Brexit? A Wilson Stirlingshire THE Government has recently announced changes to the Contracts for Difference scheme, with a view to speeding up the development of renewable energy projects across the country. One of the new changes to the scheme is to extend the length of contracts for onshore and offshore windfarm project development. This provides an incentive for developers bidding for new contracts, as it gives them more time to recoup their costs. The new cycle for applications to the scheme opens on August 7, 2025. This incentivising highlights the point that Pat Kane made in his article on July 12, titled 'Scotland is heading back into a cycle of 'extraction without consent'', that after oil comes wind power. He also made reference to Lesley Riddoch's equally excellent article of June 19, about the multiple windfarm applications which are currently being made across the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. Kane reflected back to a time when the play, The Cheviot, The Stag And The Black, Black Oil, by John McGrath dramatised the issues surrounding oil extraction in Scotland's waters, and went on to ask rhetorically, 'What kind of single dramatic 'representation' could take purchase?' in relation to the issues surrounding renewable energy generation in Scotland today. He lays down the gauntlet when he suggests that: 'Creatives worth their salt should rise to the challenge'. In the comments section at the end of his article, I did point out that in terms of dramatising the issues surrounding renewable energy being generated in Scotland, much of the problem creatives like myself face is getting our work heard. It's not that we are not offering a commentary, or perspective, on these issues, but without the following which the celebrity cult seems to generate in today's publishing world, it is hard to get your work noticed. Oblivious as to whether or not I am one of those who are 'worth their salt', I had just started the process of uploading, finalising and then releasing my latest humorous novel, An t-Eilean Dorcha (The Dark Island) at the time of his article. This was finally released in paperback on July 21 on Amazon. The novel focuses on a renewable energy project which is proposed for a small island, and the community has to evaluate its impact and consider how best to respond. My hope is that as well as providing the reader with some light entertainment and an escape from their day-to-day life, it will also, give voice to the very real concerns people have expressed about renewable energy resource generation in the Highlands and Islands. Gordon Ian MacLeod via email MUCH angst has been expressed recently about the high cost of electricity in Scotland. Hardly surprising in the UK's cradle of green, affordable generation. Disgruntled consumers may hold meetings, march, post banners and write letters – all protesting against high charges. The privatised electricity companies will ignore them, assuming that people will pay up for this essential necessity; and most probably will. In 1915, at the height of the First World War, greedy landlords in Glasgow increased rents beyond what was reasonable. Already poor people were incensed, but didn't know what to do about it. That is until local woman Mary Barbour stepped in and created an army which united in a rent strike. They surmised that if they hit the landlords in their pockets they would soon begin to squeal – and indeed it was not long before they did back down, realising that some rent was better than none. All the passive actions I mention above will not disturb the power companies one iota, so I suggest that folk in the Highlands and Islands emulate Mary Barbour's army, and refuse to pay their electricity bills en masse until they are charged the same per kilowatt that Londoners pay, backdated to 2020. Yes, the companies will hold out for as long as possible, they will take a few people to court, and as with any strike there will be folk who capitulate. But with solidarity, mutual support and determination, I believe the people will prevail. Richard Walthew Duns THE article in the digital edition reporting on the sale of an estate near Fort Augustus indicates that there will be a lot of interest from overseas. If this parcel of Scottish land is sold to an overseas buyer then there should be a hefty tax burden on the buyer and they should only be allowed to purchase it if everything is transparent so that the people of Scotland know who owns the land that should belong to the people of Scotland. Audrey Maceachen via email YOUR article on the electric super highway mentions a subsea cable from Fife into England. Meanwhile, Scotland is faced with giant pylons ruining the land? Our 'green' electricity, for which we are charged extortionate rates, being fed into another country. Has Mr Swinney and the [[SNP]] anything to say in this? Or is this robbery getting the silence that Grangemouth got. Jim Butchart via email
Al-Ahram Weekly
4 days ago
- Politics
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Senegal is Egypt strategic partner in West Africa: FM Abdelatty to President Faye - Foreign Affairs
Minister of Foreign Affairs Badr Abdelatty affirmed Friday that Egypt considers Senegal as a strategic partner in the West African region, praising Senegal's balanced role and wise policies in the region During a meeting with Senegalese president Bassirou Diomaye Faye in the capital, Dakar, the Egyptian FM pointed to the alignment of views between both countries on various regional and international issues. Abdelatty also highlighted the Egyptian-Senegalese ongoing coordination in multilateral forums to defend African interests and promote African unity. He noted that his visit coincides with the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Egypt and Senegal. During the meeting, the Egyptian FM delivered a written message from President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi to Faye, reaffirming close relations, both bilaterally and within the joint African action. For his part, the Senegalese President expressed his pride in the firm and longstanding ties between the two countries and appreciated Egypt's leading role in supporting African causes. He also affirmed Senegal's keenness to continue coordination with Egypt and to work together at both bilateral and continental levels. Faye further emphasised the need to intensify bilateral cooperation in regional and international forums to strengthen African unity and solidarity. Meeting Senegalese FM According to the Egyptian foreign ministry, the Egyptian FM met separately with his Senegalese counterpart Yassine Fall, where they discussed developments in the Sahel region and West Africa. During the meeting, Abdelatty stressed the importance of continued coordination and cooperation to confront the growing threats posed by terrorist groups in the region and to prevent their expansion, which poses a direct threat to regional stability. He affirmed Egypt's readiness to enhance cooperation with Senegal in combating terrorism and organised crime, as well as its commitment to preserving African peace and security, noting its active participation in most UN peacekeeping missions in Africa. The Egyptian FM stressed the importance of developing a comprehensive approach that enhances security responses while simultaneously addressing the ideological and intellectual dimensions of extremism, and supporting development efforts as a key tool for achieving stability. During the meeting, both ministers explored ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation in various fields, including politics, economy, and development. They also highlighted the prospect of holding the next session of the Egypt-Senegal Joint Committee in Dakar, where Abdelatty affirmed Egypt's full readiness to support Senegal's developmental Vision 2050. Egypt-Senegal Business Forum During his visit to Dakar, Abdelatty participated in the Egypt–Senegal Business Forum, attended by Senegal's Minister of Industry and Trade Serigne Gueye Diop. Senior officials and representatives from both the public and private sectors of the two countries also participated, including a high-level Egyptian delegation of 30 business leaders and representatives of Egyptian companies operating in various fields. The forum featured meetings between company representatives from both countries, providing an opportunity to establish partnerships. Participants also explored the possibility of launching joint projects across various sectors, including agriculture, pharmaceuticals, infrastructure, mining, manufacturing, and new and renewable energy. Abdeltty's visit to Senegal marks the fifth and final stop of his West African tour, which included Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Niger, Mali, and Senegal. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Scoop
4 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
Heroes Of New Zealand's Built Environment Scoop Awards At Packed Celebration
The Facilities Management Association of New Zealand (FMANZ) proudly honoured the best and brightest in the industry at the 2025 Ngā Tohu a FMANZ Awards yesterday evening - a prestigious annual event that recognises excellence across Aotearoa's facilities management profession. With five major categories, these awards are more than a ceremony – they are a powerful acknowledgement of the essential role FM professionals play in creating safe, effective, and thriving spaces that support the wellbeing and productivity of all New Zealanders. Behind every hospital, school, commercial hub, community space, arena, and airport, is a team of facilities management professionals quietly keeping our world running - ensuring our environments remain functional, resilient, sustainable, and fit for purpose. They rarely make headlines, but their work touches the lives of New Zealanders every single day. The FMANZ Awards are our way of celebrating these unsung heroes - recognising the individuals, teams, and service providers whose leadership, expertise, and dedication set the benchmark for our profession. This year's winners are a shining example of that impact. Brian Happy Award for Facilities Manager of the Year | Te Tohu o Brian Happy Kaiwhakahaere Whakaurunga o te Tau Winner - Angela Yannakis, PFMANZ, Delivery Manager, Citycare Property The judges were impressed with Angela's ' depth of expertise, strong technical handling, and the transformative impact she's had on her organisation and the wider FM community,' setting her apart as a ' true ambassador for our profession.' Emerging Facilities Management Professional of the Year Award | Te Ringa Ngaio Maea ki FM o te Tau Winner - Vicki Carter, Facilities Manager, Cushman & Wakefield NZ The judges were unanimous in their feedback that Vicki's ' passion, innovation, and professionalism, ' make her ' a rising force in FM and a true role model for emerging professionals.' Judges' Special Commendation – Bronia Coulson, Junior Facilities Manager, Citycare Property In an unprecedented move, the judges awarded a Special Commendation to Bronia, recognising her outstanding contribution, adaptability, and drive. 'Bronia's passion and pursuit of excellence have already made a lasting impact on the FM industry.' Facilities Management Team of the Year Award | Te Ranga FM o te Tau Winner - Auckland University of Technology Estates Group Their commitment to excellence was noted by the judges who praised them for ' successfully championing a seat for FM at the design table,' and noted that despite limited resources they have delivered ' measurable outcomes, high satisfaction ratings, and capital projects on a lean budget, setting a new standard in team performance in facilities management.' Sustainability & Environmental Impact Award | Te Tohu Whakaaweawe Whakauke me te Taiao Winner - Richard Boyter - Facilities Manager, Tātaki Auckland Unlimited The judges were impressed by Richard's ' perseverance, systems thinking, and ability to bring others on the journey,' stating that he ' stands out as a visionary, solutions-driven leader, embodying the best of sustainable facilities management in Aotearoa.' Service Provider of the Year Award | Te Kaiwhakawhiwhi Ratonga o te Tau Winner - Dutton Stormwater Maintenance The judges spoke highly of their ' inspiring passion and genuine love for their work - qualities that radiate through every level of their business,' highlighting the way they exemplify ' true partnership - passionate, innovative, and committed to people and planet.' The 2025 Ngā Tohu a FMANZ Awards winners were announced at the FMANZ Awards Celebration on Thursday 24 July at Q Theatre in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. FMANZ CEO, Jo Duggan, expressed her congratulations to this year's award winners. ' I want to extend my huge congratulations to all our 2025 award winners – leaders, innovators, and role models in every sense. Your passion, hard work, skill, and impact truly stand out. Ngā mihi nui also to every finalist for your time, effort, and commitment to excellence in the FM profession. I was incredibly humbled and privileged to listen to the finalist interviews – they made me immensely proud of the sector we represent.'
