David Cameron Chickens Out Of TV Debate

David Cameron has rejected taking part in a live debate on Scottish Independence. Mr Cameron told Mr Salmond that he would not take part in a debate in a letter. The first minister said: “The government in which Mr Cameron serves as prime minister is central to the entire referendum debate from the perspective of the No campaign.

“I have noted the prime minister’s apparent unwillingness to take part in another General Election debate and I’m sure people will draw their own conclusions from that.

“Indeed, I believe his refusal to debate Scotland’s future with me can be summed up in one word – “feart”.

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The End Of A Era

I am saddened to learn that FitzjamesHorse has retired from Blogging. The anonymous blogger was behind the brilliant Keeping A Eye On Czar Of Russia blog. FJH will be sadly missed by those who reagularly read his blog. I wish him all the best for the future.

Don’t Tell Willie Frazer

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EU

The Union flag on meat packages could soon be banned under EU law. Draft plans outlined by the European Commission (EC) would apply to most meat products, including unprocessed pork, poultry, sheep and goat. Other symbols representing Scotland and Wales as well as N Ireland would also be banned under the new rules.

If You’re Out Of Luck You’re Out Of Work

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UB40

The British Social Attitudes Report found more people in the UK had sympathy for those out of work and claiming benefits in 2012 than they did in 2011, while an increased number believed the Government should cut less public services and spend more on state benefits.

Meanwhile in the Six Counties another survey by Manpower finds employment prospects have dropped yet again. However prospects have not been sustained and, whilst there are jobs around, sentiment is not as positive as it was,” it said.

“Employers in Northern Ireland have not reported a positive outlook at any point in the last year.” .

The UN And The Bedroom Tax

The United Nations is sending a top official to the UK in order to investigate the effect of the Bedroom Tax on those living on low incomes.The two week tour will be conducted by Raquel Rolnik. The visit – at the invitation of the Government – takes in London, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Belfast and Manchester and will include sessions in local communities.
A UN spokesman pointed out that the UK was signed up to a number of international treaties which protect the right to adequate housing and non-discrimination.
The final report will then be presented in Geneva by the Special Rapporteur to the UN Human Rights Council in March 2014.

What A Difference 4 Years Make

US Secretary of State John Kerry and his wife having dinner with President Assad and his wife in 2009. Yesterday Mr Kerry was comparing his dining companion with Adolf Hitler and Saddam Hussein.