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Sunak slammed for ‘authoritarian statements’ over protest crackdown

It seems Sunak has just set out the Tories’ manifesto, as they slither out of government.

Crack heads, lock people up, break up demonstrations, arrest marchers. Restrict speech to only what we (and our sponsors) say the people can hear.

One out of Enoch Powell’s book, though Enoch had a better delivery.

John Knight

I can’t even look at Starmer much less read his anodyne soundbites without boaking.

Marjorie Thompson

You can’t blame the Tories for cutting their conference time. They all had appointments to be measured up by their tailors at Hugo Boss and they have jack boots that need polishing in readiness for their march into Holyrood. In their dreams.

John Lawson

I wonder how far the Tories are away from proposing the banning of political parties and elections. The biggest threat to democracy in the UK is the Conservatives and other far-right parties. The only violent protest I recall of late was the right-wingers who were protecting the Cenotaph. I don’t recall mass arrests at Palestinian protests and environmental protests can be annoying and obstructive but are not normally violent.

I am sure there are numpties on all sides who feel entitled to make threats but we already have laws to deal with that.

Alan Thompson

A lot of that will be down to the intention to vote tactically by past Tory voters. The SNP, however, need to take note of what Murdo Fraser has said and get their retaliation in first to any potential criticisms of their record. The Unionists don’t like it when, at FMQs, comparisons are drawn between how Scotland is doing compared to England and Wales.

If the Tories intend to campaign in Scotland, the UK General Election is going to focus on the SNP’s record in government in Scotland, so the comparison arguments with England and Wales become completely valid when responding. The SNP need to start broadcasting those comparisons at every given opportunity.

James Finlayson

They talk about extremism, the far right and the threat to democracy as if it’s nothing to do with them, when all the above are coming from both front benches.

Jane Carlton

Kate Forbes: Planned cuts to Gaelic officers risks ripping core out of communities

Absolutely, Kate. These posts should be core-funded. They are fundamental to Gaelic development. I have rarely been so disappointed and upset by a Scottish Government budget which shows such a lack of understanding and empathy towards a community that needs and – given Scotland’s history of linguistic neglect and disrespect – deserves support. Tapadh leibh, a Cheit. Ruairidh Maclean

I agree with a lot of what Kate is saying here – I wonder if she plans to use her position and influence to try and do something about this situation? She has got support within the SNP – and she’s very popular with the Unionist press. I hope she does something.