Birds: a scarcity on a bitter cold day

I went along to my local RSPB at Lochwinnoch yesterday. To photograph the wildlife and for a general realignment of the senses.

Mention of a visiting Smew was interesting but unsubstantiated. If he was there, he eluded me. Sometimes our intentions are checked and something altogether different replaces them. My search for pictures was sidelined by a sense of just being. In feeling the cold on my face, the crunching of the frozen ground beneath me, the bright dazzle of the sun and the flitting of thoughts through my mind.

Accept change for what it is, a reminder of impermanence, of our ever changing nature and our realignment of purpose.

Have a lovely day today, whatever you do.

Purpose in 2021

With the years, our purpose changes,
and if Hogmanay provides anything
it provides us with the chance to review our purpose,
to restore settings or to refocus.
Habitual practices are always worth examining, correcting, or eliminating entirely.
The ones most damaging are usually the ones we blindly justify and perpetuate for comfort.
The purposeful ones the most challenging.

But what are we if we don’t challenge our purpose, beliefs and direction?
Mice on a wheel,
run, rest, eat, repeat.

Some missed it, the gift that 2020 gave,
the chance to stop and view the wheel for the abnormality that it is.
The perpetual engine we power,
fixed on all but a single axis, and ultimately pointless.

I hope a new year brings you renewed or reaffirmed purpose.

Democracy – Coming soon to a town near you.

For many years now, I have questioned the validity of my vote in a “democratic” Britain. Those who know me, have heard my argument many times now, and friends and family have slowly came to the same conclusion as I have, that as a Scot within a Union forged in 1707 between the parliaments of Scotland and England, our vote as Scots doesn’t matter.

“But that’s democracy Bobby!” I hear many shout, “Just because your team doesn’t win, doesn’t mean your vote doesn’t count”. At which point I usually have to remind them that that’s not what I meant or said. I accept that in any democracy, there is no guarantee that “your team” will win. What I don’t accept is that when as a nation, your vote is powerless to elect the government you think is best for you.

In all my years – I’m 52 – I have only ever once voted for the party elected to Westminster. You could say that in that year, proof, if ever it was needed, that democracy within the UK was alive and thriving. But look closer. Even if I had not voted that year, indeed even if the whole of Scotland had not voted that year, the same party would have entered government.

That, to me doesn’t seem like a fair democracy, with the power to elect Westminster governments taken almost entirely outwith our hands, and it devalues my most powerful weapon as a citizen of Scotland and Britain, namely – my vote.

To get some clarification on this issue, I decided to ask the experts from each of the political parties and both Yes & Better Together campaigns three questions which I felt were fundamental to the Independence referendum.

So I sent them all and email……

 

Email sent from Bobby Motherwell

From: Bobby Motherwell
Sent: 15 March 2014 20:16
To: nigel@bettertogether.net; info@yesscotland.net; scotland@labour.org.uk; linda.wilson@scotlibdems.org.uk; info@snp.org; marek.zemanik@scottishconservatives.com; office@scottishgreens.org.uk
Subject: A question on the upcoming Independence referendum

Hi there,
I’m hoping you can help me with a question I have regarding the upcoming Independence referendum. I have copied all the relevant campaigns/parties in, I hope you don’t mind.
I am 52. I’ve lived in Scotland all my life, voted all my life and I think I am quite politically aware. However, there has been one thing that has caused me concern all these voting years, and that is how relevant my vote is when it comes to electing a government in Westminster?
I have detailed below information which I have extracted from a blog on the internet which kinda confirms my suspicions that if the Scottish vote was removed from the UK vote in all the general elections I have voted in, there would have been no (or little) change in the elected government. This being the case, my vote and that of the people of Scotland is worthless in this context. I have been wasting my time all these years, and deluding myself in thinking that I had the power to change or elect governments at Westminster. This isn’t about “my side winning” here, this is about “my vote even counting”.
My question to you is threefold.
1. Are the statistics below correct?
2. In the event of a No vote in September, why should I vote again in a UK General Election if our vote won’t change a thing?
3. Should a No vote be returned, what will be done to provide a system where our vote in Scotland actually counts?

UK General Elections in my lifetime.
1983 Conservative govt (Thatcher)
————————————————
Conservative majority: 144
Without Scottish MPs: 174
NO CHANGE (with Scottish MP’s removed)

1987 Conservative govt (Thatcher/Major)
——————————————————
Conservative majority: 102
Without Scottish MPs: 154
NO CHANGE

1992 Conservative govt (Major)
———————————————
Conservative majority: 21
Without Scottish MPs: 71
NO CHANGE

1997 Labour govt (Blair)
———————————–
Labour majority: 179
Without Scottish MPs: 139
NO CHANGE

2001 Labour govt (Blair)
———————————–
Labour majority: 167
Without Scottish MPs: 129
NO CHANGE

2005 Labour govt (Blair/Brown)
——————————————–
Labour majority: 66
Without Scottish MPs: 43
NO CHANGE

2010 Coalition govt (Cameron)
——————————————
Conservative majority: -38
Without Scottish MPs: 19
CHANGE: CON-LIB COALITION TO CONSERVATIVE MAJORITY
.
Sources:
All UK general election results
General election results in Scotland 1945-2001 (Table 1e, p.13)
General election results in Scotland 2005 and 2010

I am aware that we live in a democracy in the UK, and that we should, as part of the UK, accept the democratic process, however as a nation, from what I can see, Scotland has no power in determining who governs the UK. Somewhat unfair I would suggest.

I, like most people I know, are becoming more and more disenfranchised with the current brand of politics we are offered in the UK. I was once quite a political animal and a member of the Labour Party. I fear that my cynicism of politics in general and lack of trust in any of our current party leaders, has meant that I have detached myself more and more. Even more so when the realisation dawned on me some years ago, that my vote was irrelevant.

The Independence debate which rages on through our media, blogs and social networks is all very interesting and issues such as currency, employment, pensions, NHS etc do engage me. However, my vote is the greatest currency I have. People have fought and died for me to have a vote. My vote should be the most powerful weapon I have, it should allow me to have my voice heard in determining who runs our country. It should give me the power to vote in or out the government of my choice.

When, in the whole scheme of things, it doesn’t matter, well that’s the moment you realise you are powerless. That’s not democracy.

I look forward to your response.

Best regards

Bobby Motherwell
Director
Mob: 07515 753982

 

Here are the responses I received:

From Susan Ruddick SNP 18/3/2014

Dear Bobby

Thank you for your email.

Unfortunately the statistics you included are correct. In only two of the 18 elections since 1945 (October 1964 and February 1974) – would the largest party in the UK Parliament have been different if Scotland had been independent and not returned MPs to Westminster.

We will continue to argue for Scotland to have a fully independent parliament, like any other normal nation. Only then will Scotland get a fair and democratic electoral system.

For more information on an independent Scotland, please go to http://www.scotreferendum.com

With thanks
Susan

 

 

From Marek Zemanic, Scottish Conservatives 19/3/2014
Dear Mr Motherwell,
Thank you for your email.
In answer to your first question – yes, I believe the numbers you found on the Wings for Scotland blog are correct. I double-checked three results for methodology and it is fine. The sources for the numbers are included in the blog post if you wish to pursue it further yourself.
I disagree with your inference that this data supports the view that Scottish votes are” worthless,” however. In fact, the 2010 General Election is a perfect example of how powerful Scotland’s MPs can be in determining the Government.
It is a key plank of any representative democracy that the results in one part of the country can be different to the rest of the country, but the democratic legitimacy of the government is not questioned. Just like Shetland or Orkney never voted SNP or Texas never voted Democrat in the time period you give us does not mean that voters from there are “worthless.”
In any case, Scotland has 8.4% of the UK population and returns 9% of all MPs – her influence in deciding the government is therefore roughly proportional to her population. This would remain with any changes to the voting system – be it PR, AV or AMS..I do not know what other system you would envisage to alleviate your concerns – a veto for
Scotland seems to be the only option. Surely that would be inherently undemocratic for the rest of the UK.
A separate issue of course is whether Scotland has been voting in line with the rest of the UK, data for which you can find using the same links mentioned in the blog.
Thank you for your comments once again.

Regards,
Marek

_________________________________
Marek Zemanik
Policy Officer
Scottish Conservative Central Office

From Gail at Yes Scotland 28/3/2014
Dear Bobby,
Thank you for getting in touch with Yes Scotland.
Our research team get quite a lot of requests for detailed information like this. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Here is our briefing on the lack of democracy in the UK, which in addition to confirming your thoughts, will provide additional useful information. http://yesscotland.net/sites/default/files/resources/documents/democracy_briefing.pdf
If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

Very best wishes

Gail
Yes Scotland Team

From Sarah Atherton Scottish Liberal Democrats 7/4/2014
Dear Bobby
Many thanks for your email; please accept my apologies for the delay in replying to you.
I’m afraid that much of what you say in your email is correct. That is why in 2011 we campaigned for a change to the way in which MPs were elected. We wanted to change to the alternative voting system, but unfortunately two-thirds of those who voted wanted to keep the current first past the post system.
The Scottish Liberal Democrats believe that the best future for Scotland is to remain within the UK, but we do want the Scottish Parliament and our communities to have more power.
We believe that federalism is the best future for Scotland. Our proposals for Home Rule set out a very positive vision for Scotland, that positive message has not always been the overriding theme in the many debates on the referendum. As you may know, the Scottish Lib Dem Home Rule and Community Rule Commission, chaired by Sir Menzies Campbell MP, published its report in October 2012. These new plans will give Scotland Home Rule through devolution and the power to determine its destiny on the domestic agenda, while continuing to be a part of a strong, reformed United Kingdom.
Sir Menzies Campbell published Campbell II on 10th March. This second report set out areas of common ground around the consensus on which further powers can be delivered to Scotland. The document also suggests a timeframe in which new powers could be delivered swiftly to Scotland in the event of a No vote.
We feel that it is this consensus which we should be talking about – how those who want to remain part of the union can come together to put forward a vision for a Scotland. To the Scottish Liberal Democrats that means a liberal Scotland; one with a stronger economy and a fairer society; sharing the risks and rewards with our neighbours in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Our view of federalism also means that more power is devolved locally which means that people do have more influence over politics.
The Electoral Reform Society Scotland may be an organisation which you would be interested in if you are not already involved with them. They do a lot of work on how we can reform our electoral system to ensure that each and every vote counts and just this weekend ran an event on building a better democracy in Scotland.
I hope that this is helpful.

Kind regards

Sarah

Sarah Atherton
Head of Policy & Research
Scottish Liberal Democrats
The Scottish Parliament
0131 348 5813

From Nigel Anthony, Better Together 13/4/2014
Dear Bobby
Apologies for the delay in getting back to you. You raise the issue of Scotland’s historic election results in UK general elections. The figure for 2005 does not appear to be correct, but I hope the following goes some way to answering the substance of your point.
The view of the better together campaign is that this referendum is more important than any general election because it is irreversible and would fundamentally change our country. It is therefore useful to take a wider perspective and make greater consideration of the long-term consequences as it is a decision with greater significance than the election any one government. If we leave the UK there would be no going back, no matter the consequences.
Voting patterns are of course not settled and historically the Conservative party are the only party to win a majority of the vote in Scotland. Recently the Conservative party won 39.5% of the vote in England and 412,000 votes in Scotland. In the same election the SNP won more votes, but not significantly so with 491,000 votes, nor more than the Conservatives and Lib Dems combined in Scotland. In a devolved context a majority of people in Scotland voted against the SNP in 2011 and so did not cast a ballot for the majority government which followed.

The Scottish Social Attitudes study consistently shows that there is very little difference, if any, in the social attitudes of people in Scotland and the rest of the UK. This perhaps underlines our campaigns view that believes in social solidarity across the UK, believing that there is less that divides than unites people in the nations of the UK. You may be interested in this recent academic paper which goes into greater depth on this issue – http://better.tg/1hCVu5D

Our campaign believes we can have the best of both worlds – with a strong Scottish Parliament, elected through a proportional voting system, with the guarantee of more powers, backed up by the strength, security and stability of being part of the larger UK. Scotland benefits from representation in the UK parliament while also taking decisions on health, education, justice, transport and the environment in the Scottish Parliament.

Finally, as you consider the issues in this referendum debate I would recommend reading Alistair Darling’s recent lecture – making the positive case for the Better Together campaign. You may read it here: http://better.tg/11ErgIk

Best
Nigel

 

From Scott Lamb Scottish Green Party 14/4/2014
Hi Bobby,

Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. We’ve been having serious IT trouble due to our service provider, Talk Talk. We’ve also been inundated with new members and requests from members of the public regarding the forthcoming European election as well as the independence referendum.

Please see our response to your request:
You are right to highlight the unfair voting system at Westminster.
In the face of unprecedented social, ecological and economic challenges, Greens are committed to the transformational change our society needs; a fairer more equal society, an economy which respects environmental limits. Westminster could hardly be less likely to deliver this change.
Its MPs are elected with no element of fair voting; its Peers sit without the consent of the people.

Dominated by politicians who prove themselves time and time again beholden to big business and the City of London, its political culture looks after the interests of those served well by the status quo.
It is clear to Greens a Yes vote is a vote for democracy.

Regards,

Scott Lamb
Administrator
Scottish Green Party
08700 772 207

No response received from Scottish Labour Party (after numerous emails, tweets and calls)

 

 CONCLUSION

I am not going to insult the readers intelligence (if you are still with me at this point!) by pointing you to where your conclusion should rest, I will let you read the responses and draw upon your own understanding. However, points to highlight here are:

1. All accepted that the information provided was correct. BT disagree with the figures for 2005 (I have been assured that they are correct) and make no comment on the other figures therefore we can assume they have no grievance with these.
2. None of them answered all 3 questions as they were put – but hey, its politics folks and would you expect anything more? Some didn’t even engage in a personal response and blandly referred to a document or speech, and some, as you would expect chose not to answer the question posed and gave an answer to suit their agenda, again – that’s politics! Only the Liberal Democrats offered a solution to question 3.
3. The Scottish Labour Party did not even take the time to acknowledge or respond.

So there it is, from the horse’s mouth so to speak. The facts speak for themselves, If you consider yourself as a Scot, living in a country as part of a Union with England, the Union being Great Britain or the UK or whatever, as Scots, our collective vote is impotent when it comes to affecting a change of government in Westminster.

The secondary point raised by Marek from the Scottish Conservatives regarding Shetland or Orkney and Texas has been put to me before. “What happens if Renfrewshire decide that “we don’t get our own way” in elections and decide to become Independent, where does it end?!” To which my retort is, we are talking here about the Union of two sovereign states, Scotland and England. This wasn’t a Union of all the regions in England and Scotland, both countries formed a “partnership” to “share” a UK parliament. And as such, either party has the right to walk away from the agreement if it feels it is to the detriment of its citizens.This wasn’t a Union of all the regions in England and Scotland. And anyway, if Renfrewshire or anyone else think that they have the resources to govern themselves, and would want to leave an Independent Scotland, well good on them for having such a positive and Independent outlook! An argument that takes the “whatabootery” to its extreme I feel. I was also told recently by a Labour supporter (and almost certainly a member of Scottish Labour going by the thread it was posted on) on Facebook that I was being naive and foolish if I thought that my vote could actually change the government. Well excuse me for being naive and foolish but I kinda thought that was what our forefathers had fought wars for, and that was the basis of a fully fledged democracy. Apparently not. Maybe the Labour Party ideals and values are no longer what they were when I was a member.

So while the politicians and the Media do their best to complicate the other important issues such as Currency Union, NHS, Oil Revenues, Pensions, Taxation etc, while they fill your heads full of all the technicalities designed to make you feel less informed and more afraid, what they are doing is distracting you from the real issue here, the power of your vote.

Imagine for a moment, being a prisoner, held in a cell for years. Your food, bed and shelter is paid for you by the State, in return for your labours and your Liberty. After 34 years in prison, an amnesty is declared on the 18th of September, and at 7.00am in the morning the prison doors are thrown open and the wide world awaits anyone who wants to leave. What would you do? Would you choose a new life, where your liberty was respected and your voice was heard, where your future was yours to control and create, where difficulties lay in store but real rewards were achievable with hard work and endeavour, where your children had a future that you created and their democratic powers were reinstated, where their vote could change governments?

Or would you chose to return to your cell and defer everything to your jailer.

On the 18th of September, for 24 hours, we will be an Independent Country, with a vote that actually matters for the first time in most of our lives. If we use it wisely, its value will never diminish and we will have the power to change government, if we don’t, As Scots, we have voted for the power to change nothing.

Bobby

 

Thanks go to all who took time to respond to my emails and phone calls, some were more diligent than others, however it was a particularly busy time for all involved and I am thankful for at least a response, especially from those parties who have less resources at their fingertips. To the Labour party which I was once a proud and active member, I despair.