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Deleted member 33931
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These are countries within the EU, not the 'EU' itself.
But, fair do's, corruption should be tackled more strenuously. (Britain does well...)
These are countries within the EU, not the 'EU' itself.
But, fair do's, corruption should be tackled more strenuously. (Britain does well...)
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Deleted member 33931
Guest
Since you made the claim, JJ - how about you 'prove' that the EU is 'corrupt to the core'.
F
fillyboy
Guest
That report was intended to include corruption within EU institutions as well as member states, but.............didn't.
Cecilia Malstrom's spokesperson Michael Cercone said it would be difficult as there are no independent external reviews the commission could draw on to evaluate
it's own institutions.
Well said Broon, I said exactly the same (and more ), earlier - but you fight a losing battle on here, as it seems the one topic that unites most forumites (both the u-s & DA!!) is a hatred of Scotland and the SNP. (DA's hatred of anyone in the SNP verges on paranoia
, otherwise he's very sensible, most of the time 
). Nobody has yet explained to me why our Westminster government does everything in their power to keep Scots in the UK, yet are always shouting that they don't pay their way and need England to subsidise them.
Why do Westminster not allow Scots to see the 'full financial books', so that Scots would know precisely how much tax they pay into the UK Treasury? We fiddle it so that tax on whisky and oil (for example) are recorded as UK Exports. These would be relatively immense amounts for Scots.
DA also says Scots have wide taxation powers - he obviously doesn't realise that Scots have only minor powers over SOME parts of income tax. They have no control over major taxes like VAT. It's like having one hand tied behind their back in a boxing match.
Funniest bit I saw today was the new Labour leader in Scotland said that Labour should nationalise Scottish water - when it's been nationalised for years. When a national party leader makes errors like that............
.I made no assumption of your thoughts on Scottish nats I used your previous comments and went about creating a counter argument to your opinion/assumptions of Scottish nats now going by what you have just said as you jump to assumptions just like as you call them the u_s does that make you one or does your hypocrisy know no end?
Well said Broon, I said exactly the same (and more ), earlier - but you fight a losing battle on here, as it seems the one topic that unites most forumites (both the u-s & DA!!) is a hatred of Scotland and the SNP. (DA's hatred of anyone in the SNP verges on paranoia
Nobody has yet explained to me why our Westminster government does everything in their power to keep Scots in the UK, yet are always shouting that they don't pay their way and need England to subsidise them.
Why do Westminster not allow Scots to see the 'full financial books', so that Scots would know precisely how much tax they pay into the UK Treasury? We fiddle it so that tax on whisky and oil (for example) are recorded as UK Exports. These would be relatively immense amounts for Scots.
DA also says Scots have wide taxation powers - he obviously doesn't realise that Scots have only minor powers over SOME parts of income tax. They have no control over major taxes like VAT. It's like having one hand tied behind their back in a boxing match.
Funniest bit I saw today was the new Labour leader in Scotland said that Labour should nationalise Scottish water - when it's been nationalised for years. When a national party leader makes errors like that............
It's a hard thing discussing scotland with people who don't live or know about it as I have no idea what is said about the snp down south I assume that there ogres and want to take money away from England which obviously isn't the case but as DA asked if I watch question time I used to but could no longer stand the stupidity of some of the people for example one that sticks fond in the memory is how scotland shouldn't have any mp's in Westminster as that's the English government and we have our own what the person fails to realise is that it's the UK government and if they want an English one they should fight for it I would support it. England should have there own devolved administration and then Westminster can be made fairer with an equal share of all four parts of the UK so no one has more say than the rest and we truly are equal and finally have a truly democratic government. but that's just a pipe dream and will never happen but a man can dream
D
Deleted member 33931
Guest
Well said Broon, I said exactly the same (and more ), earlier - but you fight a losing battle on here, as it seems the one topic that unites most forumites (both the u-s & DA!!) is a hatred of Scotland and the SNP. (DA's hatred of anyone in the SNP verges on paranoia
Nobody has yet explained to me why our Westminster government does everything in their power to keep Scots in the UK, yet are always shouting that they don't pay their way and need England to subsidise them.
Why do Westminster not allow Scots to see the 'full financial books', so that Scots would know precisely how much tax they pay into the UK Treasury? We fiddle it so that tax on whisky and oil (for example) are recorded as UK Exports. These would be relatively immense amounts for Scots.
DA also says Scots have wide taxation powers - he obviously doesn't realise that Scots have only minor powers over SOME parts of income tax. They have no control over major taxes like VAT. It's like having one hand tied behind their back in a boxing match.
Funniest bit I saw today was the new Labour leader in Scotland said that Labour should nationalise Scottish water - when it's been nationalised for years. When a national party leader makes errors like that............
Shush, you now, Lancs!
Hatred of Scotland? Me?
That is simply not true. That could not be less true. I not only thank my lucky stars each day that I live in this country (UK) and at this time, but I am also fully grateful I was born and brought up on a wee Scottish island - a blissful place to be a child.
I simply believe in unity, that's all. Provided it works and is fair, of course (I'm not stupid...).
And, as part of that unity, the inherent wealth of one area (ie - wealth due to its 'natural' resources or location - eg Scottish Oil and London's financial wealth) should be distributed to develop the less fortunate areas. It simply cannot be a case of "Oh look what I've found - oil! We are rich beyond our wildest dreams! Ok, let's cite for independence so's we don't have to share it..."
It is ridiculous to suggest that it's Scotland's oil. It isn't - it's oil that's found of the coast of the northern part of the UK.
I have to ask again - if Scotland did not 'have' this oil, would they still be shouting for Indy? Some would, yes. But I'm pretty sure it would only be a tiny mad bunch. Would that tiny mad bunch get anywhere with their demands? Of course not - they'd be treated as 'eccentric' and nothing more.
If you agree with that last paragraph, then surely you'd also have to agree that the Indy demand isn't 'ideological' but rather simple opportunism (we happen to have it - whooopppeeee - so we want it all...)? No?
Can I also put on the record that I do not hate all Nats! I question their judgement, yes. I'll treat them with some wariness, yes. Some of them are complete barstewards, yes.
Of course this is a sweeping statement of mine, Lancs, but I do see (and believe they exist) direct and complete parallels betwixt most of the Leave bunch and most of the Scots Nats.
'Nationalism' is a word I have truly come to hate. It has 'connotations'. It's worth examining the differences between, say, 'Patriotism' and 'Nationalism' to see the subtle and not so subtle differences. I am Scottish, and have observed from the moment I could walk what swaggering Nationalism means. It generally involves two things - a distorted and completely undeserved opinion of 'themselves', and a putting down of others. The original double-whammy.
It repulsed me then and even more so now.
I would totally accept that there are vast and unfair differences in wealth across our whole land. But that has nothing to do with us being different countries, but comes down to simple politics. You change that from within. The 'Midlands' is suffering disproportionally - are they a different country? Should they sue for Indy to make things GREAT?! Of course not - they don't have oil...
Please don't lose sight of the advances that have been made. I almost giggle with disbelief thinking back at the conditions many people lived in on the island. Foul beyond words (tho' no less happy).
This country has been transformed over the past 50 years. Transformed. That includes Scotland. And the Midlands. Tons more to do, of COURSE.
We are going the right way, tho'. Sadly all it takes is a financial crash for many people to start braying mindlessly (I don't mean you, I mean the u-s) and shoot themselves in both feet by reacting according to the whim of a bunch of right-wing liars.
Unity, man, We need unity.
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Deleted member 33931
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I'm astonished you'd be seriously asking that sort of question, Lancs. Sorry, I do find it surprisingly naive.
What would you expect Westminster to do - discard all the parts of the UK that might be costing it more than the average?
We share (ok, not always fairly), we progress (not all at the same rate, fair do's), we make life better for all (but, yes, some faster than others...).
This is a gradual process - you cannot simply tax more (the howls!) and send that up to the poorer parts and miraculously transform them - that money would vaporise. You need to invest. You need to build up industry. You need to R&D.
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Deleted member 33931
Guest
From 2013 - no idea what it's like today.
The Telegraph: "Peers on the European Union Select Committee found fraud against the taxpayer could be up to 12 times worse than Brussels officials will admit.
The committee said it believes frauds ranging from cigarette smuggling to bribery and corruption "never see the light of day" because the EU has failed to grasp the scale of the problem. This is because some member states are reluctant to report suspected cases and others fall through the gaps of a "tangled web" of EU investigation agencies.
It estimated against the European Union budget is likely to be around €5 billion (£4.3 billion) every year, or "maybe even more".
Official European Commission figures reporting fraud of €404 million show just a "glimpse" of the scale of the problem, the committee said.
British taxpayers are affected because they contribute just over one in ten pounds spent every year by the EU - making the fraud against the UK Treasury almost £500 million."
Of course it needs tackling.
"Rotten to the core". Don't be daft.
I dont know why you keep saying its not Scotland's oil as the way the north sea oil was divided was by using geography hence why I believe it is five countries that gain from it.
If Scotland got independence most of the oil would be theirs.
If Scotland didn't have oil I admit independence wouldn't be as nice an option but we most certainly have enough other exports to keep us a float I like to think of the oil as a massive cherry on top as it is a bonus which is why independence should always be an option especially as you yourself have said Westminster is not a fair system.
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Deleted member 33931
Guest
So, by geographical implication, all of the London 'city's' financial receipts belong to that square mile only?
Scotland has 'enough other exports to keep it afloat'? Would you care you back that up with anything?
Considering that - certainly without its oil - Scotland would be almost certainly be much worse off if it were on its own, why the wish for Indy?
Tell us straight - why do you want Indy? What's your driving force?
http://www.gov.scot/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Economy/Exports/ESSPublication
Tells you that although worth a lot to Scotland I wouldn't say its essential.
Well London get the same budget if not more than scotland does explains a lot for it.
And currently I don't want independence with brexit looming it's not the time
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Deleted member 33931
Guest
Balance the books: https://www.statista.com/statistics/348541/scotland-imports-total-value/
And if - even if - the books were balanced, why would you want Scotland to go it alone?
What's your driving force?
Honestly, now.
http://www.businessforscotland.com/...foundation-for-a-wealthy-independent-country/
Books are balanced (as stated cherry on top)
My reason are that we have no say in our own country it is a dictatorship more than a union key examples are general elections its what party England want in government the rest of the UK doesn't matter another key issue is Brexit where both Scotland and Northern Ireland voted overwhelmingly to stay but yet a narrow win for leave in England and Wales tipped the balance.
Shows a key issue with this so called Union does it not?
I also believe we can govern ourselves better than Westminster.
We could also get rid of trident and the wasted funds spent on that also meant to be another abundance of oil on the west coast as well.
Think there are quite a few good reasons in there although you will disagree which you are entitled to do.
Here's a question though why stay?
If it were me, up there, I would want to leave the UK, just to get rid of Trident.
Why not move it to be within 20 miles of Westminster and see how Londoners react.
J
joinerjohn1
Guest
Hmmm, I was born in Musselburgh and lived in Prestonpans (famous battle there in 1745) and return there every couple of years to re-visit childhood places and friends. One striking memory was in 1980 I took my first wife up on holiday and one night we were sat in a local pub having a few drinks and enjoying the entertainment provided by an old school friend. I went up to the bar to buy another round of drinks when some idiot shouts up "Hey yoo,, Is that your wee wifie sat there?" I told him that she was indeed my wife, to which he responded,, "Ye better get her oot this pub noo. She's English an we hate thae b*****ds" So much for the traditional Scots welcoming nature.. Last time I was back hame, I took my present wife with me and still encountered similar attitudes because she too is English. Needless to say, whilst attending secondary school in England, I got some stick off the natives too, but usually friendly banter and certainly nothing serious...
DA seems to think I voted to leave the EU because of all the foreigners here in the UK. He's wrong though. Yes I too complain at times, but not usually about the EU migrants here. I'm most found complaining about the non EU migrants who you read about in the papers. Those who have nothing to offer this country, yet seem to get everything it has to offer. The ones we see on the tv every day arriving into the EU in droves claiming they have lost everything, yet still have the latest iPhone/ Samsung/ Huwai, smartphone clamped to their ear. The ones complaining that they don't want the food offered to them, but want money (to buy the same bloody food themselves) The ones complaining that they don't get free wifi, or it's not fast enough. The one's Merkel invites to Germany, then when they come, Merkel tells us it's the whole of the EU's problem (hint here Angela,,, you invited them to Germany, therefore it's your problem) I probably feel the same about the EU as a lot of Scots people feel about the English.
Whilst replying to your post, you mention Trident.. Yep Wee Jimmy Krankie wants tae get rid o Faslane anaw. Little realising the impact this would have on the local economy. Not just the locals directly employed at Faslane, but all the other businesses almost dependent upon Faslane remaining as it is. Perhaps the government in Westminster should give her , her wish and find somewhere "South of the border" to move it to. I do wonder what the uproar would be in Holyrood if they did just that?
Unfortunately John you get those type of people every where for example I got abuse hurled at me down in Liverpool telling me to go back to my own country. It happens doesn't mean everyone else is like that.
In regards to tridident yes it would be a loss of jobs but the saving that would be made would. Not including if there is oil on the west coast as well which can't be extracted due to faslane what would be worth more to the Scottish economy?
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Deleted member 164349
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I see you, nor anybody else, made any comment as to why it would be kept secret?
Any ideas why?
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Deleted member 164349
Guest
Still confused.
You voted against free movement and for strict borders, but say you the opposite.
I