I wasn't allowed to ask Keir Starmer a question. Here's what I would
I was there for The National, and spent two hours in a high-vis vest patiently waiting for my turn to grill the Prime Minister on Gaza.
I knew it was a topic others were unlikely to focus on, and The National have been unrelenting in our coverage shining light on the ongoing genocide in Palestine.
We were told to arrive at BAE Systems shipyard in Govan at 9am, and were handed visitor passes and high-vis vests before we were taken into the sprawling complex.
I passed hundreds of workers in hard-hats waiting outside of a huge warehouse, waiting for Starmer to arrive, while we were escorted to a meeting room to wait to be taken to the press conference and speech.
READ MORE: Pro-independence party leaders urged to stand against genocide in Gaza
Just before 10am, we were taken into a warehouse where workers were standing, in typical Labour press conference style, in a circle around a lectern that read 'securing Britain's future'.
While waited, press officers repeatedly asked us to move out of the way from two TV screens behind us, that would act as an autocue for the PM when he finally spoke.
After 10 minutes where Starmer told how he wanted to turn the UK into a 'battle-ready armour-clad nation' and promised billions for nuclear weapons, we finally got to the press questions.
First, the UK-wide press got their shot - Chris Mason from the BBC led the questions, then Sky News' Beth Rigby, the only person who asked about Gaza.
(Image: PA) She asked if Starmer thought there was any 'concrete action' the UK could take.
'The situation is intolerable in Gaza and getting worse by the day, which is why we are working with allies to be clear in saying it's intolerable.
'Be absolutely clear of the need for a ceasefire, be absolutely clear that humanitarian aid can get in at speed and at volume because it is not getting in at the moment, causing absolute devastation and of course to continue our work to secure the release of hostages who have been held for a very, very long time.
'We're working closely with allies on that and will continue to do so.'
ITV, GB News and the I paper asked questions next, a slightly befuddled Starmer then told the room: 'Now I'm going to Scotland.'
READ MORE: UK plans for 'fighter jets carrying nuclear bombs' slammed
He seemed to have forgotten he was standing in a Govan shipyard, but took questions from BBC Scotland, STV, the Scottish Sun and the Courier.
The Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election were top of the agenda, with Starmer insisting Labour were the only party who could beat the SNP, ignoring the Farage-elephant in the room.
And that was it, we were done. The full Scottish press lobby had turned out and only two newspapers were allowed a question.
I asked a press officer if there would be a huddle with the PM, as there usually is with politicians and print hacks.
'No, that's it,' I was told.
(Image: NQ staff) I was going to ask Starmer about his comments on LBC back in 2013, when he said Israel had the 'right' to withhold water and power from Palestinians.
Now that Palestinians are starving to death, and being shot and attacked while trying to reach humanitarian aid and food, I wanted to know if he had any remorse for those words.
I wanted to ask if he, as a former humanitarian lawyer, felt disgusted by what was happening in Gaza.
I wanted to ask him why his Government wasn't taking any action after more than 50,000 children had been injured or killed in Gaza since October 2023.
But, I didn't get the chance.
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The Herald Scotland
an hour ago
- The Herald Scotland
SNP's Fergus Ewing to stand as an independent in 2026
The veteran MSP and former minister said his decision was 'not an easy one' but was driven by disillusionment with the direction of his party and the state of the Scottish Parliament. READ MORE Mr Ewing said his party had "deserted many of the people whose causes we used to champion". 'I have taken [the decision to stand as an independent] because I love the people of Inverness and Nairn and the people of Scotland more than my party, which I have been in for more than half a century,' he said. 'I believe the SNP has lost its way and that devolution itself, presently, is letting Scotland's people down.' Mr Ewing, first elected in 1999, served in the governments of both Alex Salmond and Nicola Sturgeon. In recent years, however, he has become one of the SNP's most vocal internal critics, repeatedly challenging party bosses, particularly around the failure to dual the A9. He also criticised party policy on North Sea oil and gas, the proposed deposit return scheme, gender recognition reform, and plans for Highly Protected Marine Areas. He was suspended from the SNP Holyrood group in 2023 after voting against then Green minister Lorna Slater in a motion of no confidence, defying party whips. In March this year, he announced he would not stand for re-election as an SNP candidate, but threatened to stand as an independent. In a statement confirming that he would now contest the vote, Mr Ewing criticised what he described as the increasingly 'fractious and tribal' nature of the Scottish Parliament. 'Too much power rests unchecked in the hands of party leaders, free to choose candidates who will slavishly support them rather than stand up for the people who sent them to Holyrood,' he said. 'Choosing the pliant over the talented.' He added: 'It's time for Holyrood to live up to the high expectations people rightly held for it, when my mother, Winnie, reconvened our own Parliament in 1999. It came of age some years ago; surely now it's time for it to grow up.' Mr Ewing urged politicians in the main parties to work together, "whether in a grand coalition or a less formal arrangement", to reform public services and maximise economic growth. When approached by The Herald, Mr Ewing said he had not quit the SNP. However, in a statement, First Minister John Swinney said it "was with real sadness and deep regret that I heard of Fergus Ewing's decision to leave the Scottish National Party". The SNP constitution states that a member "may not contest or be a member of any organisation contesting elections in opposition to the Party", and that the National Secretary has the power to suspend a member who does. A party source said Mr Ewing's membership ceased when he declared their intention to stand against the party. In his statement, the First Minister said: "We have both served the SNP and the cause of independence for many years, and I commend him for all that he achieved while serving in the SNP Government until 2021. 'Fergus had the option of standing at the forthcoming election for the SNP, given his status as an approved candidate. He chose not to accept that opportunity, and I regret that he has ultimately decided instead to leave the party. 'The SNP approaches the 2026 election ahead in the polls, with growing support for independence, and I am looking forward to taking our positive, ambitious vision for Scotland's future to the people.' Earlier this year, there was speculation that Mr Ewing could be barred from standing for the SNP again. Although he ultimately passed vetting, the episode sparked tensions within the party. Former cabinet secretary Alex Neil said any move to deselect Mr Ewing would have triggered 'a massive revolt from both the public and within the party', describing him as 'one of the most effective MSPs in Scotland'. Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes, a close ally of Mr Ewing, also intervened in the row, urging the SNP to consider his 'long-standing contribution' to the party and its values. READ MORE Ms Roddick took to social media shortly after Mr Ewing's announcement to say the election was "about one person or one issue." She said: "I'm honoured to have been overwhelmingly backed by local members to stand as the SNP candidate for Inverness and Nairn. This is my home, and I care deeply about making it the best place to live, work and study. "I know how tough things are for many families right now and the scale of the challenges ahead of us. I've never stayed silent on the issues that matter and I won't start now. "I'm SNP because I believe a better future for the Highlands is possible with Scotland as an independent country - and that we only get there by working together. "This election isn't about one person or one issue - it's about who will actually deliver on housing, healthcare, the cost of living, and, of course, infrastructure like the A9. "You'll always get energy, hard work, and honesty from me because I believe the people of Inverness and Nairn deserve nothing less." 🧵 I'm honoured to have been overwhelmingly backed by local members to stand as the SNP candidate for Inverness and Nairn. This is my home, and I care deeply about making it the best place to live, work and study. — Emma Roddick MSP (@EmmaRoddickSNP) June 20, 2025 Shaun Fraser, Scottish Labour candidate for Inverness and Nairn, said he was not surprised by Mr Ewing's decision. He said: "It must have taken a lot of deliberation and heartbreak for Fergus to decide to stand against the SNP next year. His family pedigree runs through the history of the party like a stick of rock. "I can't say that I'm surprised by his decision, however – it's been a long time coming. Inverness and Nairn need a change of government at Holyrood; only Scottish Labour can deliver that. I wish Fergus well for his retirement after the election." Mr Ewing won the constituency in 2021, with 48% of the vote, and a majority of 9,114. Scottish Conservative Highlands and Islands MSP Edward Mountain came second. He said: 'By standing as an independent Fergus Ewing has made it clear he simply cannot defend his party's record to voters while out on the campaign trail. 'The SNP have shamefully abandoned the Highlands over their 18 years in power. They continue to put lives at risk with their broken promises on dualling the A9 and A96. 'Countless public services have been downgraded or centralised away from rural and remote areas and there is a chronic lack of housing available to ensure local people can stay in these communities. 'Given someone who was born into the SNP won't stand under their banner, the anger among local voters will be palpable. Next year's election offers those in the Highlands and across Scotland a chance to remove the SNP from office and ensure the focus is finally on people's real priorities.' The Lib Dem candidate for Inverness and Nairn, Neil Alexander, said Mr Ewing should not be allowed to "walk away from the big part he has played" in the SNP's "record of failing the Highlands." He added: "While the two nationalists try to turn our constituency into a battleground for their party feud, I'm focused on what really matters to people here. 'I'm listening to residents across Inverness and Nairn, and the message is clear - we need real action on dualling the A9 and A96, proper investment in Raigmore Hospital, urgent improvements in mental health services and an end to the sewage scandal affecting our rivers and beaches."
Daily Record
2 hours ago
- Daily Record
Online attacks on MSPs cross the line of decent debate as hate almost triples
Even if we disagree fundamentally with some of our MSPs' political positions, they deserve to be safe at work, Record View says. The number of abusive social media posts directed towards MSPs has almost tripled in the past year. According to research, MSPs have been on the receiving end of 23,500 abusive posts – an increase from 8000 the 12 months before. No matter your views on the performance of our politicans, this is unacceptable. While robust debate should always be welcomed – and our MSPs should expect a fair amount of anger from constituents – this onslaught of online hate must end. Even if we disagree fundamentally with some of our MSPs ' political positions, they deserve to be safe at work. But it makes it almost impossible for them to engage with voters when they are on the receiving end of so much online abuse. Some will argue MSPs should just get on with it and these hateful messages are nothing more than keyboard warriors letting off steam. But we all know nasty bile poured out online can seep into the real world. We saw the worst of this in 2016, when Labour MP Jo Cox was murdered just a week before the Brexit referendum. If we want politics to make our lives better and spark real change, then we need to engage with ideas and real debate. We should disagree with our politicians. We should argue with them. We can think outside the box and put forward radical ideas. But the minute we start to abuse, threaten and hate those we disagree with, a line has been crossed. There is no excuse for it and those who engage in such tactics deserve nothing but disdain. Stay sun-sible Scots will be baking in the hottest day of the year so far today – with the temperature in Jedburgh set to top Tenerife. With the mercury soaring as high as 29C, many of us will be heading for beaches and parks to enjoy the great outdoors and a few drinks. With that in mind, many pubs are ordering in extra beer barrels to keep up with demand. But although the sun has been a rare visitor so far this summer, it would be wise to keep everything in moderation. Sunbathing, like alcohol, is best enjoyed with a sensible head on. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Health chiefs in Glasgow have warned sun-worshippers to keep hydrated and make sure to cover up if out in the heat for long spells. The warm and dry weather will also increase the risk of wildfires, so people are being urged to take care with open fires and disposable barbecues. Whatever you get up to this fine weekend, be safe and don't forget the sunscreen.
Daily Record
2 hours ago
- Daily Record
Fergus Ewing would have won SNP Inverness and Nairn selection contest 'by a landslide' claim party insiders
EXCLUSIVE: Party insiders said the veteran Nationalist would have beaten Emma Roddick in the internal vote. Fergus Ewing would have won the SNP candidate selection contest for Inverness and Nairn if he had stood, party figures have said. The veteran Nationalist announced on Friday that he would stand as an independent at next year's Holyrood election. Ewing will go up against current Highlands and Islands MSP Emma Roddick - who won the SNP contest. He has been the MSP for Inverness and Nairn since the Scottish Parliament returned in 1999 and was a minister for 14 years under Alex Salmond and Nicola Sturgeon. A Holyrood SNP source said: "If Fergus stood for the SNP in Inverness and Nairn he'd have won the selection contest by a landslide." A second insider said: "It's well known Emma put all her focus into her plans to challenge Fergus, while Fergus used his platform to give a voice to his constituents so fair play to him for giving folk in Inverness a proper option. "There was a lot of talk about whether Fergus should pass SNP vetting and perhaps there should have been more of a focus on the suitability of the current SNP candidate for Inverness.' A third source also said that Ewing would have won the selection contest. Ewing has been a vocal critic of the Scottish Government and was particularly damning about the coalition agreement with the Greens. He spoke out against the deposit return scheme, gender reform, marine protected areas and what he said was a lack of support for the oil and gas industry. He defied the party whip to back a vote of no confidence in then-Green minister Lorna Slater in 2023. This resulted in him being temporarily suspended from the SNP Holyrood group. Ewing had confirmed in March that he would not stand for the SNP - blaming the Scottish Government's failure to dual the A9 and A96 roads. On Friday he said he would stand against the SNP next year: "This has not been an easy decision. I have taken it because I love the people of Inverness and Nairn and the people of Scotland more than my party, which I have been in for more than half a century." He said the Nationalists had "deserted many of the people whose causes we used to champion". He added: "I believe the SNP has lost its way and that devolution itself – presently - is letting Scotland's people down. It doesn't need to be this way. " Holyrood is more fractious and tribal than ever before. "Too much power rests unchecked in the hands of party leaders, free to choose candidates who will slavishly support them, rather than stand up for the people who sent them to Holyrood. Choosing the pliant over the talented." Fergus Ewing is the son of SNP legend Winnie Ewing, whose win in the 1967 Hamilton by-election was a historic breakthrough for the party. His sister Annabelle Ewing is the SNP MSP for Cowdenbeath. Labour candidate for Inverness and Nairn Shaun Fraser said: " Fergus has rightfully earned respect for calling out the failures of SNP government and the policies and priorities which have done so much damage to the Highlands and Islands. "The breakdown in his relationship with his party highlights again that the SNP has no concern for the Highlands." Roddick said: "Local members backed me overwhelmingly in the selection contest for Inverness and Nairn. "I have always stood up for the Highlands and spoken out on issues that affect all of us who live here; I've never been shy about doing so. "I am SNP because I share our principles and belief in Scotland - that, as an independent country, we can best serve the people I represent and work hard for every day. "That's why I have the backing of the local party, and I look forward to putting our positive vision across during the campaign." The SNP was approached for comment.
