Debates, Futures & Women

W1 Minority Ethnic Women Scotland  
Scottish Parliament   
Wednesday 4th December
The Launch

For those of you not aware of this, or interested in more information, background, history and future potential, please consider contacting: http://www.engender.org.uk/ and Rosaria Votta:  info@engender.org.uk 

It goes without saying that I must congratulate everyone concerned at getting this latest venture to this launch-stage. Equally, I look forward to the next stages: hopefully productive in engaging with b m e women in the first instance.
I have heard it quoted in the past by many that ..'we are standing on the shoulders of giants'...and to this may I add...those who have contributed in whatever way in the past.

I truly believe that by building on the experiences, successes, and struggles of earlier generations here in Scotland who have made their contributions, acknowledged or other wise, we can continue to work for the advancement of b m e women within society and Scotland as a whole.
 

And what better time than now: with such an exciting ten months or so with the Referendum looming?  So now, here's welcoming another platform for b m e women to help secure their place on both the social and political landscape in Scotland. 

Too long absent I say; too long over-looked, too long dis engaged! 

Sadly, I won't be able to join in at the launch next week...away, out of Scotland, but I've made (one)  New Year Resolution...
I must get so some time to go and see some real time politics @ the Parliament here in Edinburgh  (other than quick visits to the creche for the grand kids! ) 

This week has seen some real ding dongs post the launch of the White Paper or prospectus or manifesto (depending on whom you talk to, listen to or get shouted at in the pub!)

http://www.bbc.co.uk/democracylive/scotland-25124927

Could there be overload? Afterall, it could become a long time til' September next year, especially if you believe the maxim that a week in politics is a long time.

Apart from the Yes and No Campaigns trying to outdo each other, are the tv channels trying to do the same now? 

Wed 28th Nov.  saw two debates, two channels, virtually the same time(BBC and STV). 

And would I be admitting to being either a geek or an anorak (or both...can you be a geekie anorak?) by admitting I tried to flick between the two, then gave up?

Which one did I stick with? STV: Nicola Sturgeon &Alistair Carmichael.....

But whichever, it's not a long time 'til September,  since it's the future I've got to think about..mine, my family's, those grand kids, Scotland's. 
But there's more in the mix, too. 

I was born into a Labour party voting-believing-in family, here in Scotland, my father having come from what was then British India to study medicine at Edinburgh Uni, 
and now, after all is time and solidarity with the party,  I have to ask...

What future for Labour in the UK?
What future for Labour in Scotland?

Going back to the debates, Wednesday 27th Nov, I have to admit it was that which was missing in the BBC debate that night, with Johann Lamont (Labour leader, Scotland) and John Swinney,  Finance Secretary, SNP that made me switch over. 

And what was missing for me as a labour voter? Precision, detail, passion...a lack of ability to convince waverers, the confidence to take a party member with her I found lacking and therefore disturbing. disturbing.

Now that we know what the SNP visions as a future for an independent Scotland, albeit if they govern post independence:

What will the Scottish Labour party offer in an independent Scotland? 
Do they need to offer us a Plan B? 
Surely, the morning after, if it's yes, labour won't pack up and depart?
Would they? Ofcourse not!

Even more than that, what would the 3 main parties offer Scotland once we say no and stay in the Union?
More of the same?
The Barnet Formulae up for grabs, and either demolished or lessened without sign of inward investment, job creation?
And we know what Alistair Carmichael's views are (on the record)  on the future of the Scottish Parliament.

Would an independent Scotland provide the opportunity for Labour Scotland to re-engage with leadership, government and socially acceptable policies?


So that was this week.
Next week, the launch of W1.
Next year...who knows....
But you can be sure the debates will continue, 
and women will be there, 
making contributions, , 
turning out 
and voting......

Our Scotland,  our future,

We have no excuse




http://www.johannlamontmsp.co.uk/

http://www.johnswinneymsp.com/


And just to confirm how a week, a month a year or two is a long time in politics......

In Feb 2012, and Speaking in London after the international conference on Somalia on Friday, Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel García-Margallo confirmed that Spain would accept Scottish independence and would not attempt to block an independent Scotland's membership of the EU.

http://www.newsnetscotland.com/