Vote deflects from problems
I had a smashing time with the Special Needs Adventure Playground at their annual sponsored Heritage Loch walk.
SNAP is a fantastic organisation, with truly dedicated staff and volunteers, looking after children with additional special needs for part of the summer holidays. This gives parents and carers a welcome break and what’s particularly lovely is the number of parents, relatives, and friends who get involved too.
The SNAP Graduate Volunteer Programme is an aspect I think is particularly innovative. Young people who have been with the Play Scheme themselves up to the age of 16 are able to return as volunteer helpers until they are 18. That helps them bridge the gap between child and adult services, learning vital skills for future learning, life and work. Excellent.
Meanwhile, down the road in Westminster, chaos continues to reign.
By the time this column is published, the Tories will have selected their new leader, ergo our new Prime Minister. Regardless of who it is, if they lead us towards a‘no deal’Brexit, they could be the shortest serving UK Prime Minister in history.
Last week in the House of Commons members voted with a substantial majority to stop the Prime Minister pushing through Brexit by shutting down Parliament. Who would have thought, even a few years ago, that we’d be in a position where the so-called‘Mother of Parliaments’and‘cradle of democracy’ends up in such a state that this becomes necessary? Whatever happens, one thing is sure – Scotland’s voice and interests will continue to be sidelined. That’s been apparent all the way through this ridiculous Tory leadership contest.
No wonder people have lost confidence in politics. The news on TV, radio and the press lately, covering the leadership contests for the UK parties, is indeed depressing. Whilst folk are struggling to get by day and daily, the Westminster Government and Parliament seem to be in a state of paralysis.
The incompetence of Universal Credit; the problems with severe disability payment; the punishment of women born in the 1950s being under the UK Government’s retirement pension reforms; these are just some of the issues that should be discussed, rather than some of the nonsense that we get reports on.
It really is silly season, though sadly the whole
Sadly the whole situation is extremely serious...
situation is extremely serious.
So, Mrs May bows out, having presided over the above, and much more that’s been damaging to the component parts of the United Kingdom. The ‘hostile environment’can be attributed to her time in the UK Home Office when her practices have led to those who had lived in and contributed to Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland for years being deported from their homes.
Her refusal to guarantee the rights of European citizens has caused immeasurable damage to people. She has ruined lives. I fear her successor will continue on the same path. Scotland really does not need to walk with them.
Meanwhile, life goes on day-to-day, and back at the Heritage Park, this week sees the welcome return of the JAM Club in the big tent. Great fun on Saturday at the opening lots to do for the children, and again, staffed by committed volunteers. Wander round the Loch and pay a visit - well worth it.”