Nicola Sturgeon

[Tommi]

Sigh. Moans about Westminster ignoring Scottish people, yet will do same if she loses. When will Scots realise she is a cancer to our country??

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017...ferendum-lost/

icola Sturgeon has refused to rule out trying for a third independence referendum within a short period if she lost her planned second vote.

The First Minister was challenged twice during a special edition of the BBC’s Question Time programme in Edinburgh to promise that the result of a second referendum would be respected for a minimum period, such as a generation or 25 years.

But, to groans form the audience, she argued it would not be right to tie the hands of the Scottish people by making such a pledge. Her answer raises fears she is pursuing a ‘neverendum’ strategy, demanding new independence votes until she gets the result she wants.

However, during a difficult half hour, she was repeatedly lambasted over her refusal to drop her plans for another referendum and warned she was losing the support of even some SNP supporters.

The beleaguered SNP leader was asked to explain the sharp decline in her approval ratings and warned her independence plans could lead to the “exceptionally scary” prospect of Scotland being outside both the UK and EU, with ‘Scexit’ – Scottish exit - from the UK more damaging than Brexit.

Ms Sturgeon also faced another barracking over the SNP’s record in government, with one audience member challenging her to make good her pledge to be judged on education by resigning.

To loud applause, another audience member said: “With you Nicola Sturgeon, you are very good at standing and speaking at your little podium in Bute House about independence but when it actually comes to governing the country and tackling the big issues in Scotland… the SNP and yourself are hopeless at it.”

My fav part was the last paragraph. So much truth in it.

[Independent voter]

The Brexit changed things, right? I would imagine that this time Scottish Independence will win or it'll be a whole lot closer than last time.

[Shadowmelded]

This is a political thread so should probably be in the politics subsection. The last two paragraphs were just typical nonsense said by people to sound hard on live television.

[Tommi]

This is a political thread so should probably be in the politics subsection. The last two paragraphs were just typical nonsense said by people to sound hard on live television.

I didn't know we had a Political forum, sorry.

[Shadowmelded]

I didn't know we had a Political forum, sorry.

It's relatively new. A mod should be able to move it over no problem though.

[Tommi]

The Brexit changed things, right? I would imagine that this time Scottish Independence will win or it'll be a whole lot closer than last time.

No, the point is if she lost this time, she'd ask for another. And another if she loses THAT one and so on.

[Independent voter]

No, the point is if she lost this time, she'd ask for another. And another if she loses THAT one and so on.

Well, referendums are expensive however the Brexit is a big change, it's like you're married to the same woman and then one day you come home and she's in bed with another man, it's a big change in how you see your marriage.

The bookies are saying the odds are even, at least I think that's what they are saying

http://www.paddypower.com/bet/politi...grp_ids=451400

[Deleted]

To be fair, I can understand her want for another referendum. Westminster was spouting shit about remaining together in a stronger Europe.

Then they decided to give the dumbest referendum in the history of mankind, and split away from Europe. Every single No voter I know, voted so to remain as a part of the EU.

As for Sturgeon, I agree she's way too referendum focused. As I pointed out above, I can understand why, though I don't agree. If she was to focus a bit more of her screen/front page time to other issues in Scotland, such as education, that'd be ideal. Then again, there really isn't any alternative party in Scotland. Scottish Labour are Blairites, and Scottish Tories are... wee cunts.

[Tommi]

I think about 10 different people tried explaining to you in the past how this all works and you didnt give a shit so why would this thread be any different?

Because she is massively hypocritical saying Westminster doesn't respect the will of the Scottish people when she herself wouldn't respect us voting NO again. Wants best for Scotland, but won't listen to the Scottish people?

Vote tory, vote labour, vote for your nan, I honestly dont give a shit anymore Tommi, regardless of what we do, we're all going to get taken for a ride, whether we vote for it or not. I'd at least try to respect the people that want to give us a vote and voice, instead of those that want to wage war on the poor, the disabled and the old.

I'd respect her if she'd do her job while screaming about independance, and respect the result of that vote if she lost.

And as for Question Time, what a complete farse, its so blatantly obvious that people were placed there intentionally (or just totally lied) that even Facebook users were exposing them as frauds.

Didn't see it, i'll look into it.

zero hour contract.

GAHHH!! You said THAT statement.... Fuck zero hour contracts, fuck them. I hate them. All the power in the employers hand. I know people say " it works both ways, you can decline a shift!" No, do that and they'll fuck you over shift wise or sack you. I went back to PC World years ago and everyone was on zero hour contracts. I had planned a weekend with family away shortly before starting, and I told them this was a booked holiday. Cue 3 months later and I am told I'm needed for that day, I told them no, I had holiday booked, and was told to either work that day or don't come back. Guess what one I did. I hate how under 2 years they can sack you on a whim.

- - - Updated - - -

Was reading the SNP manifesto again, this part caught my eye:

We will establish a new Scottish Social Security Agency to administer devolved benefits – and ensure that it has the principles of fairness, dignity and respect at its heart.

We will maintain the level of disability benefits and make the process of assessment fairer.

If they actually do this before next independence referendum, they have my vote. As a disabled person, I am getting shit on. I was awarded ZERO points on my ESA assessment because they consider me fully fit to work. While I appeal it, i'm told I have to claim JSA. Best thing is I get £73 a week in JSA, and £90 A WEEK EXTRA IN DISABILITY PREMIUMS because I get PiP daily care and mobility...... But I thought I was fully fit and had no disabilities? What?

[Deleted]

GAHHH!! You said THAT statement.... Fuck zero hour contracts, fuck them. I hate them. All the power in the employers hand.

Fuck, you reminded me of this malevolent shit. If she or the SNP do something against those, I'm pretty sure she'll be crowned Queen of the British Scottish Empire.

As for the benefits, I feel you, man. I'm as healthy as a horse, but I have a lot of friends who are getting shat on all the time. The bureaucracy needs some work, and that's me putting it lightly.

[Macaquerie]

[Shadowmelded]

Because she is massively hypocritical saying Westminster doesn't respect the will of the Scottish people when she herself wouldn't respect us voting NO again. Wants best for Scotland, but won't listen to the Scottish people?

I'm sure she would respect the result if it's another No, as in she won't just declare Scotland independent. It's not within her power to deny one though, it's up to the electorate.

If they actually do this before next independence referendum, they have my vote. As a disabled person, I am getting shit on. I was awarded ZERO points on my ESA assessment because they consider me fully fit to work. While I appeal it, i'm told I have to claim JSA. Best thing is I get £73 a week in JSA, and £90 A WEEK EXTRA IN DISABILITY PREMIUMS because I get PiP daily care and mobility...... But I thought I was fully fit and had no disabilities? What?

Was that this election or Holyrood? I thought they were already doing this.

[Tommi]

Was that this election or Holyrood? I thought they were already doing this.

Not yet. As it still stands, the DWP are denying 4 out of 5 claims no matter what, after saying there were no quotas.

To quote KPI (Kep Performace Indicators) of the DWP from https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/reque...ponse.pdf.html

The key measures which are used by the Department for Work and Pensions to monitor
Mandatory Reconsideration (MR) performance are:

a) 90% to be cleared within target.

b) 80% of the original decisions are to be upheld.

The performance measures for April 2016 - March 2017 are:

% MR Cleared within target = 70.2%

% MR Original Decision Upheld = 87.5%
Notes:
Upheld - percentage of MRs where the decisions have either been unfavourable to the claimant
or where the previous decision has been maintained.

So these DWP people can lose their jobs by not declining sick and ill people who have no place near the working world, most of the time not even their fault as to why they cannot work.

For those who don't know how this goes for the UK. One of two things happens.
We go on JSA (Job Seekers Allowance) where you get piss all money to live as long as you look for work, and prove this every week. If they feel you aren't doing enough this happens: http://imgur.com/a/rPwMq Problem is, there are quotas for this shit, despite them saying there isn't. Just like when they say there aren't quotas for disabled people.

For those that are disabled or cannot work, you get something called ESA (Employment and Support Allowance). You get a 13 week Assessment Phase where they get info and you fill in forms explaining your issue and send proof. You got for an "assessment" with a "healthcare professional" who "assesses" you and types a load of shit. This is sent to the DWP and they either give you ESA, or deny it. Most of the time it is denied. You can then ask them for a Mandatory Reconsideration, and say why you think they are wrong and they reassess you. As seen from the FOI (Freedom of Information Act) request, they have to uphold 80% of them, no matter what. And this is from a Government department that says there are no quotas for ESA.

ESA has 2 different components. the Limited Capability for Work, and the Support Group. Limited Capability means you are limited in what you can do, and you get specialist help and aren't forced nor docked money if you can't take a job. Support group doesn't have to do anything as they are deemed too unfit to work.
Now, I've posted this pic before, it's a list of my significant medical history. From 2014, I get dealt with directly by hospital because of the seriousness of my illnesses: http://i.imgur.com/KMiQx1e.jpg
So that is someone who is completely healthy with no limitations on what I can do, despite bleeding constantly every few months that requires hospital stays for a week, the bones of someone around 70 years old due to steroid induced osteoporosis caused by NHS maltreatment (60% bone density Hip and spine), muscle wasting due to steroid treatments, chemical imbalances due to not being able to absorb key vitamins, like B12 and A, through my intestines causing issues both mentally and physically, and an over active immune system that requires constant suppression or it'll kill me due to it failing to recognise it's own cells.....
But I'm perfectly healthy according to DWP.


Edit: Oh, forgot this one. https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/reque...ement.pdf.html
I know many disabled people are watching this with great interest.

[Shadowmelded]

Not yet. As it still stands, the DWP are denying 4 out of 5 claims no matter what, after saying there were no quotas.

To quote KPI (Kep Performace Indicators) of the DWP from https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/reque...ponse.pdf.html



So these DWP people can lose their jobs by not declining sick and ill people who have no place near the working world, most of the time not even their fault as to why they cannot work.

For those who don't know how this goes for the UK. One of two things happens.
We go on JSA (Job Seekers Allowance) where you get piss all money to live as long as you look for work, and prove this every week. If they feel you aren't doing enough this happens: http://imgur.com/a/rPwMq Problem is, there are quotas for this shit, despite them saying there isn't. Just like when they say there aren't quotas for disabled people.

For those that are disabled or cannot work, you get something called ESA (Employment and Support Allowance). You get a 13 week Assessment Phase where they get info and you fill in forms explaining your issue and send proof. You got for an "assessment" with a "healthcare professional" who "assesses" you and types a load of shit. This is sent to the DWP and they either give you ESA, or deny it. Most of the time it is denied. You can then ask them for a Mandatory Reconsideration, and say why you think they are wrong and they reassess you. As seen from the FOI (Freedom of Information Act) request, they have to uphold 80% of them, no matter what. And this is from a Government department that says there are no quotas for ESA.

ESA has 2 different components. the Limited Capability for Work, and the Support Group. Limited Capability means you are limited in what you can do, and you get specialist help and aren't forced nor docked money if you can't take a job. Support group doesn't have to do anything as they are deemed too unfit to work.
Now, I've posted this pic before, it's a list of my significant medical history. From 2014, I get dealt with directly by hospital because of the seriousness of my illnesses: http://i.imgur.com/KMiQx1e.jpg
So that is someone who is completely healthy with no limitations on what I can do, despite bleeding constantly every few months that requires hospital stays for a week, the bones of someone around 70 years old due to steroid induced osteoporosis caused by NHS maltreatment (60% bone density Hip and spine), muscle wasting due to steroid treatments, chemical imbalances due to not being able to absorb key vitamins, like B12 and A, through my intestines causing issues both mentally and physically, and an over active immune system that requires constant suppression or it'll kill me due to it failing to recognise it's own cells.....
But I'm perfectly healthy according to DWP.


Edit: Oh, forgot this one. https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/reque...ement.pdf.html
I know many disabled people are watching this with great interest.

That's pretty rough man. No surprises the DWP are a bunch of cunts, heard similar from friends (with and without disabilities) and reading the news and stuff. I helped a friend of mine with his claim a little a while back (driving him around, proof-reading stuff etc...) and the advice he received from nurses and charities that help with benefit claims (it was in Partick, dunno if it's still around) was literally "Fill in every form and answer every question based on you at your worst because they don't take it into account". I think he's on JSA now but he also mentioned something about the support group so maybe it's ESA. He's on the higher rate of care and mobility (previously DLA, now PIP) since his condition is quite severe. Think his specialist wrote a letter of support which helped things along. When I saw the statement about not using third parties like ATOS to assess benefit claims I was pretty relieved for him, shame it's not yet implemented. Either way, good luck with your claim.