"SCOTLAND has the highest drug deaths in Europe" is the annually repeated news from the BBC and much of the UK mainstream media in a simplistic casting of the blame on the SNP Scottish Government.
Each death due to a drug overdose is highly regrettable but it is a gross disservice to the deceased and his or her family to lay all the blame on a government that did not exist when the seeds of this current tragedy were sown and still today does not have drug policy powers.
During the de-industrialisation of Glasgow and Dundee, there were no serious “transition plans” enacted by either Tory or Labour UK governments and still today neither party in government is prepared to support devolution of drug policy.
READ MORE: Scottish arts sector appeals to ministers over funding cuts
Furthermore, Westminster has failed to prevent the deadly influence of England’s “county lines” drug-dealing networks peddling more dangerous, contaminated drugs throughout the UK.
The Scottish Government appears to be earnestly attempting to tackle this devastating scourge and in spite of resistance from the UK Government should have the long-awaited first UK “safer drug consumption facility” up and running shortly.
This will complement the range of measures already undertaken by the Scottish Government, but there is no magic wand that Holyrood can wave to suddenly bring an end to a disastrous consequence of decades of deprivation, especially as the Scottish Government still does not have the power to decriminalise the use of drugs.
Perhaps instead of seeking more ways to undermine the elected Scottish Government, our newly appointed (not anointed) Secretary of State for Scotland could seek to work with the Scottish Government to seriously tackle this fatal scourge on all fronts across the “United Kingdom”.
Perhaps also, instead of blaming drug deaths on the Scottish Government, some in the media should re-examine their professional objectivity and work to bring about a broad consensus on tackling the spiralling spread of contaminated drugs, which will have dire ramifications throughout the UK.
Stan Grodynski
Longniddry, East Lothian
SO, it’s time for the annual round of un-contextualised “shock/horror/surprise” reports regarding the gap between exam attainment in fee-paying schools and state schools.
At some point are the writers of these repeat bits of shallow verbiage going to point out that many private schools do not use the same exams or exam boards as state schools? They are, like their students, hand-picked in order to make sure parents feel they’ve got value for their money as well as the right connections and a full serving of entitlement to ensure their offspring get an unfair head start in life.
As I’ve said many times, when you look at the CEO of a private company – or some over-promoted, over-confident cardboard cut-out who doesn’t seem to be able to tie his own shoelaces but is in charge of other far more competent people – I guarantee that person is the product of a privileged, friction-free education.
It was proven many years ago that universities that accepted state school pupils with lower grades than private school pupils were doing the right thing, because the grade inflation at private schools fuelled by smaller classes, “well-chosen” exams and compliant exam boards, plus the how-to-pass-an-exam training and hot-housing that goes on in the private sector, does not in fact give you the best and brightest, it gives a very false reading.
Can we please stop comparing apples with lemons?
Amanda Baker
Edinburgh
ANGUS Robertson and his meeting with the Israeli deputy ambassador to the UK is the perfect example of damned if you do and damned if you don’t. A party that has led the way with clarity in response to Israel’s behaviour in Gaza post-October 7 find itself reeling and discombobulated by diplomatic realities.
Humza Yousaf, someone with rather more “skin in the game” than almost anyone else in UK politics, welcomed Angus Robertson’s apology, feeling that he had clearly listened and reflected on the anger and upset generated by the meeting.
Saying he supported “normal diplomatic relations with countries, even (especially!) where differences exist,” but that he does not believe it is appropriate at the moment to continue such norms with Israel.
“There must be limits. 40,000 killed, including children, infants and babies – this alone should preclude normal relations with the government of Israel.”
For this piece of nuance, Colin Cowan, the brother of one of the victims of the Hamas attack, has accused the Scottish Government of antisemitisim, and Mr Yousaf of political opportunism, for failing
to have full diplomatic relations with Israel.
At this highly charged and emotional time, it is important to clarify that the Israeli government which is committing these crimes does not represent all Israelis, or in any way all Jews. Meanwhile, the Unionists continue to paint SNP politicians as part of the “coalition” of corruption: the same as all the rest.
As though the SNP are to blame for the UK continuing to arm a nation currently engaged in genocide.
READ MORE: Edinburgh University urged to apologise after Israeli diplomat meeting
As though the SNP, which pushed for a ceasefire while UK Labour did back-alley deals with the Speaker of the House of Commons to avoid having a vote, is equivalent because of a meeting with a junior diplomat.
The Israeli government are no strangers to the diplomatic game. They caught Robertson in a sting and he’s paying a political price.
But, in a scenario where there is nothing but hurt feelings, grief and sorrow to go around, perhaps dialogue – at any level – is all there is left.
Rebecca Machin
Edderton
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here