If Wednesday afternoon’s scenes in Parliament Square sound like a thoroughly embarrassing spectacle – a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party but with cheaper hats, and with impotent gestures instead of hot beverages – I regret to inform you that it was no less edifying than what had just happened inside.
Author Archives: Shona Craven
What can Scotland learn from Canada about conflicts over trans rights?
Protests in Canada about an event featuring Meghan Murphy are part of the same global debate about identity as last month’s discussions about whether Scots should be required to declare their biological sex.
We have much to learn from ‘old and irrelevant’ women
I didn’t intend to spend my evening eavesdropping on one of Canada’s most prominent transgender rights activists. But shortly after I took my seat I became aware of a running commentary from immediately behind me.
Shamless British Army adverts harness the power of negative thinking
I nearly choked on my vegan sausage roll when I saw the latest set of British Army recruitment posters, which shout insults at disaffected young people in a bid to attract their attention.
Young people are giving the rest of us much-needed hope
If the Year of Young People has had the desired effect, those young people who grabbed the microphone (or megaphone) in 2018 won’t be content to turn down the volume again just because we’ve changed our calendars.
A friendly woof from Lady the Skye Terrier to Nicholas Soames MP
We’re both members of dying breeds: me because silly humans want new cross-breed designer dogs, and you because sensible ones don’t want potty-mouthed old dinosaurs representing them in parliament.
Might Theresa May be visited by some spirits this Christmas?
The PM might have won the no-confidence vote, but minutes after the result was announced some colleagues were still baying for blood. With friends like these, who needs a visit from the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future?
Generic gifts from Santa let children know they are poor
I can’t help but wonder if a collection of generic gifts, chosen purely on the basis of a child’s age and sex, might bring less cheer than a modest cash donation which could be used by a parent or carer to buy an item or two specially requested from Santa.
Can Theresa save the day for Brexit Britain? Oh yes she can!
Join our heroine on a magical adventure to convert a pocketful of magic beans into £350 million a week for the NHS. Marvel as she clambers her way into a giant pickle! Gasp as she fights off villains from stage left and right! Clap your hands if you believe in Brexit, and bring the Chequers deal back to life!
An indyref2 campaign guide for our Scotland in Union pals
If every penny counts, where should Scotland in Union be channelling their resources for maximum impact? In the interests of a healthy, fair and democratic campaign when the time comes, here are some suggestions.
Shona Craven 