Jack McConnell
@LordMcConnell
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Member, UK House of Lords. Campaigning against global poverty and working for peace. Education. Knowledge. Music. Sports. First Minister of Scotland 2001/07.
Joined May 2012
I have written for @thetimes today on the children stolen by Russia from Ukraine. Ukraine’s stolen children must be central to any Trump deal.
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Never forget. 16 little children and one very brave teacher. 13 March 1996, Dunblane.
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Scotland is stuck. Excluding independents etc, leave the UK (SNP & Green) parties poll 45.6% Stay in UK (Scot Lab, Tory and LD) parties poll 54.4% Almost exactly the 2014 referendum. Can we just park this and prioritise education recovery, economic growth and social cohesion. 🏴.
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Pubs and restaurants are NOT the same. Majority of law abiding and decent businesses being punished because the Scottish Government is not enforcing the rules in the few places that are breaking the rules. Heartbreaking for those who have worked so hard. Lost the plot.
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Disgusted by killings in Paris. Every newspaper in Europe should publish those cartoons tomorrow. Every single one. Take a stand.
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I was a member of the Campaign for a Scottish Parliament from the launch and the Convention from 1990 until Labour kept it’s promise to deliver the cross party plan we created together. SNP leaders (Inc IB) were not members or supporters of either. Stop. Rewriting. History.
The people in Scotland voted in a referendum for a Scots Parliament, Tony Blair most certainly did not give it back. The principle was based on the constitutional convention and the sovereignty of the people of Scotland. Self determination is a right not the privilege of any PM.
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People of #Arran and other Scottish islands please note.This SNP MP is the Chair (yes, Chair) of the Scottish Affairs Select Committee. He mocks lifeline ferries and the misery of island emergency and essential travel over recent years and the cost in jobs. It’s time for change.
Ferries, ferries, ferries, ferries, ferries and then some more ferries. And did I mention the ferries. #fmqs. Every week.
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Let us be absolutely clear. There are no circumstances where this rapist would have been sent to Cornton Vale without Ministers knowing.
Nicola Sturgeon has said trans rapist Isla Bryson will not serve her sentence at Cornton Vale prison.
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@BBCandrewkerr I’m sure that when we wrote and then passed the Freedom of Information Act we included clauses to make the destruction or removal of official documents a crime. I hope the BBC and the Auditor General are asking Police Scotland to investigate.
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My friend @DalgetySusan is one of the most caring and genuine people you could ever meet. She is brave and sensitive in equal measure. Please read and respect her story. And take her concerns seriously.
I thought long and hard about writing this article, but decided I had to tell my story in response to @ShonaRobison’s claim that abusive and predatory men never hide their true intent #SexMatters #WomenWontWheesht
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Incompetent, complacent about everything else - mental health, jobs, other serious health conditions - and shambolic. On every level.
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In public life I and many others have been assaulted, threatened or been in difficult situations that might get out of hand. I have never grabbed anyone by the throat and I have never assaulted a peaceful female protestor. Anyone who does so instinctively has a serious problem.
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Love this. The fabulous @lauramuiruns refuses to take no for an answer. Congratulations champ 🥇🎉
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Tunisia has stood for democracy and freedom when others have faltered. The rest of the world needs to step up and support them now.
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Announcing this now is deliberate. An attempt to cover up the news of this disgraceful decision. And earlier this week young musicians played at Holyrood for the late Queen and the new King a piece composed by the guy who helped me set up free tuition for all 20 years ago.
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7 years on. No Minister in the @scotgov has resigned for their role in this fiasco. Businesses broken, island jobs lost, health appointments missed. Officials move on but the Ministers stay. Shame on them.
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Forcing 11 year olds to wear masks at school is a very serious step. S1 students need to learn to live with their new classmates, study, play, interact. Huge implications. On what basis has the scientific advice changed?
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What about the Scottish ports and islands that needed new lifeline ferries years ago? Focus on the job! Fix the problems. Stop the waste. Help islanders and the businesses that employ them. Now.
Tomorrow's front page 🗞️. Belgian ports told to 'prepare for Scottish independence' as minister hails 'enormous opportunity'
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Never forget. 13 March 1996. 16 lovely children and their teacher murdered. Others injured. Families and friends affected for ever. This is why we ban guns. #Dunblane
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Never forget the teacher. Never forget the children. Never forget the families, colleagues and the community who picked up the pieces afterwards. Dunblane. 25 years. ❤️
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Utterly pathetic. @AnasSarwar is a dentist who chose a public profession and public service ahead of other options that might have been available to him. It’s time to end this horrible negativity and spite in Scottish politics. Let’s debate the issues.
"If you are the victim of inequality or injustice, I'm on your side" says the embodiment of privilege @AnasSarwar. What is his 2021 campaign slogan going to be? 'Privilege for everyone'.
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Sad news overnight that Mum, Elizabeth McConnell, has passed away peacefully. She was a loyal daughter, amazing wife & Mum, much loved Gran & great-grandma; an award winning entrepreneur; a competitive badminton & bridge player, and great fun. She will be missed by all of us. X
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These racists should have been arrested.
They staged the stunt just before a train was due to arrive at the station from London.
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#reshuffle I have had my political differences with @ShonaRobison over many years but if I approached her with a health issue in recent years she was caring and decisive. I wish her well. Also @HumzaYousaf - his promotion long overdue.
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Congratulations to all the parents and teachers who wanted a change in policy. Very pleased @scotgov have done the right thing. All hands on deck now to deliver full time education by August. And then help all those who have fallen behind to catch up. Well done everybody. 👏👏.
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“The English” 🙈🙈🙈 what has happened to the Scottish Green Party. 2 weeks before COP26 and their priority is dividing people on the basis of their national identity. 🤷♂️
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Receiving heartbreaking messages from inside Afghanistan. Young women and girls understandably terrified. This abandonment without a strategy is horrific. The UN Security Council must meet and act. #ResponsibilitytoProtect.
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It is not ‘blunt language’. The working class trades union leaders of the past did not have to resort to vulgarity to make a point. They used their brains and had some decency. And they actually represented their members and achieved results.
Len McCluskey drew the biggest cheer at the #Minersgala when he attacked Labour deputy leader Tom Watson in blunt language to defend Jennie Formby
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What a miserable humourless country we have become under the Nationalists. It is time for Scotland to recapture it’s character and stop bending the knee. Long live satire. 🏴.
BBC viewers condemned the suggestion that Nicola Sturgeon supports Vladimir Putin's annexation of Ukrainian land.
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The staff on CalMac ferries were saying this 3 years ago. Scottish Ministers have just been covering up and buying time ever since. Disgraceful. Scottish Government admits scrapping unfinished CalMac ferry and starting again could be cheaper - Daily Record
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Approx 1600 handshakes in my first 5 ceremonies as Chancellor @StirUni - but only one fist pump! Made my day @Stir_Sports 💚🎉🤝🤜🤛🎓#StirGrad #congratulations
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This state primary in England has erected these tents in neighbouring land to give all pupils a school experience before school summer holidays. Not one Scottish Council is planning anything as imaginative in Scotland for after the school holidays. Unbelievable.
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A special day ahead. I last saw my Mum in February, before lockdown. It has been a long 27 weeks. So looking forward to my visit today. 🤗❤️
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Lots of folk asking if there is a dress code for @UKHouseofLords virtual questions. Yes there is - but the Lord Speaker can’t see what’s on below 😂 🙈 #StayHomeSaveLives
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The pressure should be on Ministers in all the governments of the UK to let kids go to school. Those who want to send kids home are dominating the news. Time to mobilise parents and teachers to tell Ministers we need to mobilise all necessary resources to #KeepSchoolsOpen.
As a new year approaches, governments in Edinburgh and London should have a resolution to demonstrate more commitment to educating children and young people. 2020 has been chaotic, leaving many disadvantaged kids even further behind. Keep schools open and help kids catch up #2021.
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This morning’s #coronavirus puzzle is. Why are we allowed to sit next to strangers in aeroplanes but we can’t sit in the open air on the top deck of a lifeline ferry? Will the @scotgov @MathesonMichael publish the science behind this decision. 🙈 🤷♂️
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At last! Coronavirus in Scotland: We must learn from Sweden’s light-touch approach, Sturgeon adviser says.
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Good news but it is truly incredible that people on the west coast and islands might vote SNP after the damage done to families & businesses by Scottish government cuts to our ferry replacement programme after 2007 & the mismanagement and lies around ferry replacement since 2014.
Projection under Nowcast Seat Model:. LAB: 31 (+30).SNP: 15 (-33).CON: 6 (=).LDM: 5 (+3). Changes w/ GE2019 Notionals.
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15 years ago today I woke up hoping Scotland would embrace the ban on smoking in public places. Despite the vicious campaign against the ban I felt the time was right. And it was. Peaceful acceptance and better health ever since. 🏴 👏
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Why is @maitlis and @BBCNewsnight misleading viewers again on Scotland’s schools? There is NOT a plan in Scotland to return to school properly. She has said this twice in recent weeks. Newsnight is supposed to be a UK wide programme. This is not good enough @esmewren.
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Parents in Scotland deserve better than this. 4 weeks on since the policy was changed to full time schools from 11 August there is still no Council by Council update, no national action plan and no national mobilisation similar to that in health in March. 3 weeks to go. 🙈.
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A polarised debate is developing again around no plan for return to schools in Scotland. And no catch up. Please put children and young people ahead of politics here. Attempted suicides, less exercise, fear and worry, failure to support disadvantaged kids. This is a real crisis.
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Don’t be too jealous, but today I confer an Honorary Degree from @StirUni on superb actor, advocate for @RCStweets , and incredible charity fundraiser Mr @SamHeughan - hope the sun shines 🌝💚#StirGrad #Outlander #PeakChallenge.
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Every @scotgov Minister who has been responsible for this disgraceful situation is STILL a Minister - in a different department! Sack them all!!.
Very important non-#GE2019 story: The new Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) model in Scottish schools has had a."significant negative impact" on children's attainment a report published today by Professor Jim Scott of Dundee University says. Reported by PA's @craigpaton27 Thread. .
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@BootstrapCook This is fantastic @BootstrapCook I hope you can find the energy to continue this important campaign. Some are listening and time is short. 👍.
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If someone had told me in the days of Robin Harper MSP that the Scottish ‘Green’ Party in government would mean less democratic principles in operation at Holyrood I would have laughed at them. Who is laughing now?.
Holyrood confirms Greens will get opposition funds despite governing with SNP
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It’s Day 6 of the #HomeSchoolMathsChallenge A relatively straightforward pattern, but can you spot it? The rules: 1. No cheating 2. Families can confer 3. No chewing gum in class 😉 #alwaysateacher 🎓
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26 years ago. Still feels raw. Thinking of all those families whose lives were changed forever on 13 March 1996 #Dunblane
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This exams fiasco and the disgraceful treatment of young Scots from disadvantaged backgrounds is a huge test for the Parliament and Scottish media. The Parliament’s Inquiry into the 2000 shambles was key to recovery and media scrutiny left no stone unturned.
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Just think about this. The SNP/Green Scottish Government want to mislead people that the boats are ready. So CalMac have to recruit staff. And the islands still have no new ferries. 🤦♂️🤦♂️ CalMac racks up £1.6m crew bill for unfinished Glen Sannox ferry
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🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯 This is not hard. It just needs hard work. Lazy and complacent. Young Scots need to start rebelling against this mess. #timeforchange.
The SNP’s promises to deliver a Scottish exchange programme which will replace the Erasmus scheme have been ‘shelved indefinitely’.
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What a bitter horrible tweet this is from @pollytoynbee.
Ruth Davison does a disservice to mothers: many do very well in politics. Covering her resignation with 'motherhood' excuses is deeply depressing. What a waste of a resignation that should have been against Boris stamping on the constitution.
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Very good report from @lewis_goodall on @BBCNewsnight showing just how school closures are a class issue - directly affecting poorer families in a horrific way. Some who claim to be on the left in Scotland should think about that before they dismiss the impact.
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Truly honoured to succeed Jim Naughtie and follow in the footsteps of Lord Robbins; and quite emotional about @StirUni and all it stands for. Thank you. 👇❤️👍.
It's our great pleasure to announce The Rt Hon @LordMcConnell has been unveiled as our new Chancellor. This appointment marks a return to the University for the former Stirling student. @uni_scot @UniversitiesUK @stirlingunion
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Hero can be an overused word. But not yesterday. Three guys, a fire extinguisher and a tusk off a wall. And incredible bravery. They did not know his vest was fake but they saved countless lives. Total respect for them.
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The Prime Minister is responsible for education in England, not in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. So stop undermining students, teachers and everyone else involved across the UK by.using a description that is not and will not be accurate. Stop the stunts and get a grip.
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The First Minister is sounding more positive about full time education every day. But if it is to even be an option in August the mobilisation and planning - recruitment, facilities, equipment - need to start this week. Part time should be plan B, not plan A. Time to decide.
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16 days now since the Scottish Education Secretary announced that Local Authorities and schools should plan for full time schooling from 11 August. Nothing since on the detail. No updates covering the 32 Councils. I hope @NicolaSturgeon will be addressing this today in @ScotParl.
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@Fyrishsunset @NaeFear Happy to be of service. But the PFA Act I saw through Parliament as Finance Minister is more specific than this email. So - more to come??.
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Maybe I should bring back #HomeSchoolMathsChallenge First question. If you employ the newly qualified teachers instead of putting them on the dole can you teach more children or less children?.
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My 7 year old grandson could teach all the Ministers in @scotgov how to do this 😉 And the design matched the final version too. #CalMacFerries #scandal #waste #delays #jobs #lifelineferries
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I will not respond to all the fanatics on here individually. But I have to say again to those who claim to be on the left, if you care more about attacking parents than campaigning for better education you need to have a good look at yourself in the mirror. 🤨.
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Hard to fully understand what @andy_murray has gone through to get back to this level of fitness and tennis. A legend and a fantastic role model. 👏🎾🏴🇬🇧❤️ #AusOpen.
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I welcome the confirmation today that there will be a return to school for a minority of pupils next week. But I am deeply concerned for all those who will lose out for at least another few weeks. The crisis for young people needs action #education #children #parents #Covid19.
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It is a sad reflection of the level of debate in Scotland today that this tweet posing a legitimate question provokes a number of (mainly) guys to just turn abusive. Where would we have been during the enlightenment with such a determined effort to close down questioning? 🙈🏴.
Forcing 11 year olds to wear masks at school is a very serious step. S1 students need to learn to live with their new classmates, study, play, interact. Huge implications. On what basis has the scientific advice changed?
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Voters across the west of Scotland 🏴 really must make SNP MSPs pay for the ferry shambles. Millions wasted, ferries failing, businesses and jobs on the line. #TimeforChange Arran ferry woes costs island businesses thousands
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This may not feel as immediate as the exams shambles but it is actually really important. There are safe ways to reopen leisure facilities and they should be open as soon as possible. Why pubs and not pools???.
#saveleisure . The future of sport in Scotland, the health of a nation, including tackling both childhood and adult obesity, mental and physical health, are a far greater risk than the ongoing delay for the reopening of facilities. Full article here:
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I just don’t understand this. We want fit and healthy children. These centres also transform troubled kids on special programmes. And they could be back up for schools under pressure from local lockdowns. Why are @scotgov refusing to help? 🤷♂️🤷♂️🤷♂️.
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These are the moments that define who we are. Shamima Begum was 15 when seduced into marrying an IS fighter. Her first two children have died. She's British. She is still only 19. She should come home, face justice and be rehabilitated. To leave her there would be shameful.
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Congratulations @AnasSarwar 🌹 First ethic minority leader of any party in the UK. Setting out an ambitious and relevant vision for 🏴 There is hope in my heart again. #timeforchange.
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I enjoyed every moment spent with HM The Queen. She understood Scotland and devolution, was always interested in real problems - and good news too, and she was full of fun. We have lost a devoted head of state but my thoughts tonight are with the family she loved so much. RIP. 💔
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And let’s be absolutely clear. These a lifeline ferries not luxuries, and they are 100% owned and run by the Scottish government. Accountability matters. #TimeforChange.
Voters across the west of Scotland 🏴 really must make SNP MSPs pay for the ferry shambles. Millions wasted, ferries failing, businesses and jobs on the line. #TimeforChange Arran ferry woes costs island businesses thousands
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@Pressuredrop When I was @ScottishLabour FM every primary pupil had access to music tuition. That right was abolished by the SNP. And now they are trying to claim credit for slowing correcting their terrible mistake. 🤦♂️🤦♂️.
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Fab finish to 5 #StirGrad Ceremonies. A bit of fun with @SamHeughan @GerryMcCormac @StirUni 💚 Congratulations to all graduating today. 🎉👍👏🤝
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Twittermania last night. @lisanandy said on @afneil show Labour should look “outwards” and learn lessons from “brief moments in history” when a “social justice agenda” beat nationalism “in places like Catalonia & Quebec” Wild nonsense on here about encouraging state violence. 🙄.
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I wish fans well at Wembley & Wimbledon. But when fans can mix freely it is a disgrace that kids are sent home from school for non contact link with the families of others who have a positive case, missing goodbyes, sports & plays. Shame on Scottish and UK Ministers who do this.
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The grief on Barra tonight will affect every family. A close island community devastated. So very very sad.
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It is seriously refreshing to be back at positive, upbeat @ScottishLabour event with @AnasSarwar & @Keir_Starmer 🌹 Scotland and the rest of the UK need change. Throw out both rubbish governments and rebuild our nations.
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Fabulous tribute to the legend @KirstyWark tonight. Neutral, smart, kind, occasionally brutal. Always informed and regularly laughing. And proving for over 30 years you can work every week in London and internationally and live in Scotland. Superstar. 👏.
“The Queen of Newsnight”. Kirsty Wark presents her final #Newsnight show after 30 years. Journey back through three decades of her journalism at the heart of the biggest stories. Watch @BBCTwo | @BBCNews | @BBCiPlayer - 10.30. Producer @Ellieljacobs.Pic Editor @Domlutier
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It has been a heavy few days in Twitterland. Time for some light relief. I created this rockery last year in memory of my amazing Dad. Ahead of Fathers Day I think he would like how it has grown and flourished. #FathersDay
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Even if he does not win Rory Stewart should be getting an award for this campaign. Making a lot of people right, left and centre look very ordinary.
BREAKING: the latest YouGov poll puts us narrowly in the lead, once awareness is taken into account- ie once you remove the “don’t know enough about this candidate” I am now ahead of Boris and the other candidates. This is vital as we build awareness. Thank you. Let’s keep going.
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Having sat ‘at the bedside’ of both my parents in recent years, my thoughts are with all the Royal Family today and tonight. We have seen outstanding public service from The Queen but she is also a mother, grandmother and great grandmother ❤️ 🙏
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Loving the #Maths debate. But the PM is too broad in his analysis. The basic skills needed by all are in numeracy. Scotland had a specific Arithmetic ‘O’ Grade until the 80’s. It was compulsory for all alongside English. Big mistake to merge it into Maths and make it optional. 👨🎓.
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This, from Clarkson, is just not acceptable. In any way. The guy is unhinged. Those who publish such hatred and incitement to violence shame their profession.
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@jk_rowling @lumos Thank you @jk_rowling - I spoke to the @lumos team last week and will do all I can to help them in and around Parliament.
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Some have asked how come fire regulations are different in Scotland. This explains my Cabinet's actions in 2004.
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@DonaldMac77 @Fyrishsunset @NaeFear Actually very very sad. Genuinely believed the Scottish Parliament was there to make Scotland a better place. And to set a standard for openness and democracy that would influence others to change.
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Hogmanay was always extra special because Mum and Dad were married on 31 December 1959 & we had an anniversary to drink to before the bells. Sadly I’ll see in the New Year without either of them for the first time tonight. But so grateful for their lives and all the memories.
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When I was First Minister I used Team Scotland to describe all those making a contribution not just those who agreed with me #indyref.
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Am stunned. There will be no words to console the family of David Amess MP today but I hope they know how much he was liked and admired. His passion for Southend had no limits. It is horrific that he has died in this way in a place he held so dear. ❤️.
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It is time for honesty and radical change in Scottish #education. This must be a top priority as we emerge from the pandemic. ‘Decade of disaster' Jack McConnell launches scathing attack on SNP over decision to scrap exams - Daily Record
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If Scottish Government Ministers disagree with this instruction they should send a letter to all Scottish Councils tomorrow instructing them to continue the #YouthMusicInitiative I hope @COSLA are saying the same.
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No due process. No trial. Let someone else take responsibility. No learning. No justice. No attempt at rehab. More recruits for extremism. Pathetic, cowardly decision. 👎 The UK has to be better than this. Shamima Begum: IS teenager to lose UK citizenship
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Such a positive day with a warm reception, even in the rain. @mgshanks is an outstanding candidate. Lots of fun campaigning with him and @lisanandy He can be an excellent @ScottishLabour MP 🏴🌹#freshstart
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This is just awful. I just do not understand why there has been so little effort by Ministers and education leaders (and MSPs/Councillors) to find creative solutions to get kids out the home and into organised learning. So many options that have not even been tried.
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Congratulations to those parents who have campaigned for a return to Scotland’s schools. At last there is more common sense. Now we need to see a genuine national Scottish commitment to catch up - educationally, and in terms of physical and mental health. Progress.
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