I had an email through today from the Equality Network, who promote LGBT equality and human rights in Scotland.
They were giving advice to transgender people on voter ID, and it just underlined what a rotten, ill considered piece of legislation that is.
I know we have discussed on here before that it does nothing to improve election integrity but this just highlights how a section of society can be discriminated against and made to feel uncomfortable simply by exercising what should be a basic civic right.
I hadnât really considered this before, but it does make me wonder how many other people could be discriminated this way. Even down to the level of someone who has recently had an operation or cancer treatment which would likely cause a significant change in appearance, and one which they may already be distressed about.
Which makes it all the more baffling that he went with a presidential style campaign with the focus on himself - particularly as his polling is so poor.
No you wonât, because thatâs not where the national mood is. Itâs easy for activists to take a principled stand like this, but for politicians who need to win elections, itâs a lot harder, especially when you have so much propaganda against you.
The SNP are trying to win an election. And thatâs exactly my point. Starmer could easily speak the truth about migration, show some integrity, and bring people with him. But instead heâs chosen to grovel to Farage and the tabloid press hence bringing the ânational moodâ further into division and hate
The question is whether you believe that the Scottish electorate differ meaningfully from the wider UK electorate. I think the SNP believe that there is a sufficient distance that they can make the case. However, in order for Labour to win power, they cannot afford to alienate the English voters who would be their path to power. Itâs as simple as that.
I think the case should be made, but itâs also quite hard for a Labour leader to make that case without being attacked from the tabloids. Like it or not, the tabloids are still rather influential, so unless they change their tune, itâs quite hard to change this.
