Latest news with #TheSpectator
Spectator
2 days ago
- Politics
- Spectator
Ewing snubs SNP ahead of Holyrood election
With less than 11 months to go until the Holyrood election, things aren't looking quite as rosy for the SNP as in previous elections. The party is 15 points down on where it was 2021, it lost the recent Hamilton by-election with Reform hot on its heels and now it has been dealt another blow. SNP veteran Fergus Ewing has confirmed that he will run as an independent at the 2026 Scottish parliament election, turning his back on a political institution he has represented in Holyrood for over a quarter of a century. It's quite the move from a politician who grew up as SNP royalty, being the son of the party's first female MP Winnie Ewing. His mother's victory in the 1967 Hamilton by-election signalled a breakthrough for Scottish nationalists; Ewing's departure from the party may indicate a rather different kind of pivot. Ewing has represented the constituents of Inverness and Nairn since 1999 but in March this year said he would not stand for the SNP in 2026. Today he confirmed that he will still pursue a career in frontline politics, but this time he will stand against the party he grew up in. The SNP is 'no longer the party for all of Scotland', the 67-year-old lamented. He accused Scotland's party of government for having 'deserted many of the people whose causes we used to champion' and added: 'I believe the SNP has lost its way and that devolution itself – presently – is letting Scotland's people down. Holyrood is more fractious and tribal than ever before.' The MSP has been an ardent critic of the nationalists in recent years, with Nicola Sturgeon's Bute House Agreement with the Scottish Greens a catalyst for his public disowning of the SNP. Vocal on issues including growth, infrastructure, women's rights and rural issues, much of what what the Greens stood for – with their relaxed attitude to growth, being avidly in favour of highly-protected marine areas at the expense of highland and island communities and backing gender reform – was anathema to Ewing. Indeed the writing has long been on the wall. Last April, in an interview with the The Spectator , he insisted his 'absolute red line' for his membership of the SNP was the dualling of the A9 and A96 in the north of Scotland. This project – which the SNP began planning for almost 20 years ago – has still not been completed. Ewing was a frequent disrupter during Humza Yousaf's premiership – and eventually got himself suspended after he voted against the government during a no-confidence vote in then-junior minister and Scottish Green co-leader Lorna Slater. Not that Ewing is in any way embarrassed by the scraps he has found himself in with his own party over the years. 'I think democracy needs an awkward squad,' he told The Spectator. 'I won on the DRS [Deposit Return Scheme], I won on HPMAs [Highly Protected Marine Areas], I won on heat pumps, I won on gender reforms – although people like Joanna Cherry were leading the running. And I've won on getting the Greens out of government.' And the Nairn MSP has never been shy about his disapproval of the progressive direction the SNP has moved in recent years. He sums up his approach to politics: 'Am I an Inverness man in Holyrood? Or am I an SNP apologist in Inverness?' He backed now-deputy FM Kate Forbes for the leadership as an admirer of her own religious background and socially conservative views. In the days when pro-independence party Alba was a little more vocal, Ewing suggested that it was only Forbes who would be able to heal the wounds of the Yes movement, and bring pro-indy supporters back into the fold. Perhaps – if he's successful next year – Forbes will ensure he's not entirely excluded from the fold. Of course this depends firstly on whether Ewing's bid is successful. It's hard to run and win as an independent candidate – although famously Margo McDonald proved it could be done after the SNP. And after winning his constituents' trust in every single Holyrood election since the creation of the Scottish parliament, Ewing might just manage it.
Hamilton Spectator
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
Arkells' Rally ‘the antidote' for community in trying times
One could say Arkells frontman Max Kerman has 'Big Feelings' about this coming weekend. Hamilton's band is back in town to host The Rally — which takes over Hamilton Stadium on Saturday, with support from Portugal. The Man, as well as Canadian pals Valley and rising star Seago. The first edition of The Rally, held at the Steeltown football stadium, took place in 2018 and returned in an even larger fashion in 2022 after it was delayed two years by the pandemic. Hamilton's Arkells will bring The Rally back to Hamilton Stadium on June 21. Frontman Max Kerman is pictured at the event in 2018. The concert stands apart from others hosted by Canadian bands of similar renown, with the weekend festivities including a community basketball game , a bike ride with the band and an artist market — all free to the community, no ticket to the show required. All of it is organized by the band, which got its start two decades ago when they were studying at McMaster University and living on Arkell Street in Westdale. The namesake of the group, a portion of the street will soon be designated as Arkells' Alley , in honour of the band. Kerman told The Spectator that in a time where many folks have their eyes on their social media feeds, scrolling through 'the chaos' of the world, The Rally represents a way for the band to help bring people back together. Hamilton's Arkells will bring The Rally back to Hamilton Stadium on June 21. Frontman Max Kerman is pictured here at the 2022 event. 'This weekend can serve as a little reminder that there is lots of good stuff out there,' he says of the show Saturday. 'There are so many things that feel out of our control,' said Kerman. 'But we can do all of these things as a community in real life, which I think is the antidote to everything that is happening.' As the group's frontman, Kerman sees all of the goodness associated with the band, like messages from fans about the impact of their music — whether they played one of their tunes at their wedding or listened to their album to feel better during a tough time. But Kerman doesn't want the band to keep that all to themselves. 'We're lucky we get to see that good stuff every day,' he said. 'I want to share a bit of that hope that I have.' Kerman is hopeful the show also offers fans and Hamiltonians alike the chance to 'feel close' to their neighbours and friends, while 'seeing the goodness' of community. Hamilton's Arkells will bring The Rally back to Hamilton Stadium on June 21. Fans dance at the 2022 edition in this file photo. Much like the rallies of the past, a dollar from every ticket sold will be donated to local non-profits Eva Rothwell Centre, Mission Services and REFUGE Newcomer Health, while the band will be making a $10,000 contribution to each organization. Kerman said even regular fans have been making a difference in the lives of others, with some donating their extra tickets to those who couldn't afford to make it to the show. 'The algorithm rewards negativity in most cases,' said Kerman. 'This weekend can serve as a little reminder that there is lots of good stuff out there.' As part of The Spectator's lead-up coverage to the show, we offered subscribers the chance to pose a few burning questions to the band — and Kerman delivered the answers. I'd start with a stroll down Locke Street, where I'd probably get some lunch at Burnt Tongue. I'd go for a bike ride and make my way toward Westdale. I'd ask around about a new restaurant that I haven't tried yet. I'd play basketball with some friends at an outdoor court, maybe down at The Rally Court. And if it's the summertime, hit Victoria Park and throw a baseball around. I'd just want to be outside and in some green space. We were in rehearsal the other day, and we ran a bunch of stuff. 'Big Feelings' is a new one. It's been out for a year, but it's finally coming together. You like when a song settles, and it feels like we're getting to that zone. David Byrne of Talking Heads, lately. I love the way he's theatrical and the way he thinks about dance, movement and group choreography. I love group choreography, I'm always pushing for more of it. I'd say Jesse Armstrong, the writer. He wrote this great movie that just came out a couple of weeks ago called 'Mountainhead.' It's really dark and funny. It's about four tech billionaires and what they talk about. Arkells' Rally 'the antidote' for community in trying times Here is your Arkells Rally rundown, Hamilton PHOTOS: A look back at Hamilton's The Arkells Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
The National
3 days ago
- Politics
- The National
UK Government urged to publish legal advice on joining war on Iran
Lord Hermer warned that UK involvement beyond defending Israel, which started the war with a wave of strikes on Friday, would be illegal under international law, The Spectator reports. LibDem leader Ed Davey has urged the UK Government to publish his advice, adding: 'The last thing we need is for the UK to be dragged into another illegal war in the Middle East by the US.' The Attorney General was said to have 'concerns about the UK playing any role in this except for defending our allies', according to a source who spoke to The Spectator. It comes as the UK awaits Donald Trump's next move as he failed to confirm whether America would join Israel in bombing Iran. Asked about reports that Trump had approved a plan to attack Iran but not yet ordered strikes, the Prime Minister said: 'Obviously all of us, UK included, are very concerned about the nuclear programme that Iran is developing, we've long been concerned about that. Also, [we] completely recognise Israel's right to self-defence, but the principle is that we need to de-escalate this. 'There's a real risk of escalation here that will impact the region, possibly beyond the region, akin to Gaza, and obviously it's already having an impact on the economy. So I've been absolutely clear we need to de-escalate this. Yes, the nuclear issue has to be dealt with, but it's better dealt with by way of negotiations than by way of conflict.' David Lammy (below) flew to the US on Thursday to meet his American counterpart Marco Rubio, with Whitehall sources telling The Guardian the UK's priorities were diplomacy and de-escalation. Starmer convened a Cobra meeting on Wednesday and is considering both whether to support US strikes on Iran and whether to approve the use of the Diego Garcia military base in the Chagos Islands for attacks. A spokesperson for the attorney general's office said: 'By longstanding convention, reflected in the ministerial code, [the question of] whether the law officers have been asked to provide legal advice and the content of any advice is not routinely disclosed. The convention provides the fullest guarantee that government business will be conducted at all times in light of thorough and candid legal advice.' Labour's Emily Thornberry, chair of the foreign affairs select committee, said going to war with Iran would not be 'justifiable'. Speaking on BBC Radio 4's World at One, she added: 'I think the only way in which we are going to solve this matter is through negotiations.'
Spectator
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Spectator
2708: On the shelf
Two of the eight unclued entries, appropriately placed, were likened to two others by a name hidden in the grid. The other four unclued entries are thematic. Unchecked letters could be arranged to spell 'NO VAIN OAP MISBELIEVER, HIM'. Across 1 Treated ATMs etc like cash cows (4,7) 7 Tailless parasite twitching (3) 13 In France you rent by day, as instructed (7) 15 Shy cat leaving second small rodent (5) 17 Deliver German plough (6) 18 Absolute maniacs shedding clothes (5) 20 Reportedly conceal girl in hotels (6) 21 Tiny creature, part of agamid genus (5) 22 Cleanse thoroughly and prevent case of gangrene (7) 27 Finish work corralling wildebeest from the east (4,3) 29 Last of three cycling hit road (5) 30 Losing heart, Sheik and Nigerian bishop go downhill in winter (6) 32 Redesign chart for mechanical device (5) 34 Tempted American with sex in the sack (6) 38 Somali worried about right way to communicate with the deaf (7) 39 Tower said to be thing of great beauty (6) 40 Triumphed without compunction, essentially (3) 41 Unoriginal finding: rally infiltrated by detectives (11) Down 3 Colour of country wine (6,3) 4 Guy finally made waves in The Bletchley Circle, perhaps (4-8) 5 Support English drunkard, drinking quietly (7) 6 Time to stop annoying sleeping partner perhaps inhaling drug (8) 7 Herb season announced (5) 8 Some idyllic Russian vineyards (4) 9 Perhaps howling wind up Nile? (6) 10 Clear throat in company? That's disgusting (5) 12 Wet, copper-coated penny (6) 14 Doctor outing cousin, not close (12) 19 Mum yells angrily about Bill's trick (4,1,5) 21 Chap loves to engage a fellow in single combat (4,1,4) 23 Hearing row about husband being less inhibited (8) 25 Silence over upturned anchor, cause of trip (6) 26 Led you and me to this place on delta (7) 28 Real monster I raised to lead (2,4) 33 Absolutely unimpressed at first by fashionable hormone (5) 35 Stuck-up softies sweat (4) Download a printable version here. A first prize of a £30 John Lewis voucher and two runners-up prizes of £20 vouchers for the first correct solutions opened on 7 July. Please scan or photograph entries and email them (including the crossword number in the subject field) to crosswords@ or post to: Crossword 2708, The Spectator, 22 Old Queen Street, London SW1H 9HP.
UPI
4 days ago
- Politics
- UPI
Trump's gift of 'most magnificent' flagpoles and flags celebrated at the White House
1 of 8 | U.S. President Donald Trump and guests watch as the U.S. flag is raised for the first time on the new flag pole on the South Lawn at the White House in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday. Photo by Ken Cedeno/UPI | License Photo June 18 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump paid the cost to place two flagpoles at the White House and raised two flags late Wednesday morning. "It is my great honor to announce that I will be putting up two beautiful flagpoles on both sides of the White House, North and South lawns," Trump said on Tuesday in a Truth Social post. "It is a gift from me of something which was always missing from this magnificent place," Trump added. He said digging for the two flagpoles began at 7:30 a.m. EDT on Wednesday, and flags were raised at about 11 a.m. "These are the most magnificent poles made," Trump said. "They are tapered, rust-proof, rope inside the pole and of the highest quality. Hopefully, they will proudly stand at both sides of the White House for many years to come!" The 100-foot flagpoles each cost Trump $50,000 for a total outlay of $100,000, the New York Post reported. The president said the White House has been open since 1800, but it never had a flagpole to fly Old Glory, so he decided to add two. Meanwhile, renovations are underway on the White House Rose Garden, which Trump has said needs a hard surface. Many press events and other occasions occur in the Rose Garden, but it often can't accommodate visitors. "Some people would like to leave it, but the problem is you can't," Trump told The Spectator in February. "We had the press here yesterday," he continued. "Do you see the women there? They're going crazy. The grass was wet. Their heels are going right through the grass, like 4 inches deep." Trump also has said he would like the Rose Garden to rival gardens he has visited in Europe. Work on the Rose Garden renovation began last week and is scheduled to end in August.
