GIVEN the week we’ve just had you’ll probably have missed the session in Holyrood last Tuesday on “securing a Just Transition to a carbon-neutral economy”.
It was an important debate on how Scotland moves away from the old not-so-green industries in a way that doesn’t leave workers out of work and communities devastated.
It was utterly overshadowed by events in Westminster, where MPs tried to leave the Prime Minister out of work and her Brexit deal devastated.
But it’s worth revisiting, particularly the start of every Tory speaker’s speech.
Maurice Golden started off by referring “members to my declaration of interests and I welcome today’s debate and the Government motion”.
While Alexander Burnett said: “I should note my register of interest around this point, I’d like to take this opportunity to raise the rural sectors issues.”
Meanwhile Donald Cameron started: “Can I begin by referring to my register of interests, specifically residential housing, renewable energy and farming?”
Jamie Halcro-Johnson opted for: “Can I refer members to my register of interests particularly to the farming business of J Halcro-Johnson and Sons?"
And Dean Lockhart went with: “Let me start by referring to my register of interests in relation to a smart meter business based in England.”
Notice a pattern? “Tory MSPs have so many outside interests it’s a wonder they can find time to turn up to their day job,” our man in the SNP said.
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 hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel