Ian Blackford should not focus his attention on Boris Johnson quitting

More and more Scots are seeing through the dishevelled clown act that Johnson uses to attempt to distract voters from his corruption. This is a Prime Minister who was happy to “let the bodies pile high” when it came to Covid-19, with his focus on how to extort public cash for his friends and backers, enriching themselves at the public expense. The use of a “VIP channel” for dodgy Covid contracts, the use of “burner” phones and personal emails to hide the dealings behind these contracts would surely make any self-respecting law officer sit up and take notice. But luckily for Johnson the Met Police seem oblivious to all of this – as highlighted in their complete inaction over the scandal of the Tories selling off peerages in the House of Lords.

WATCH: Ian Blackford asks Boris Johnson when he's going to quit during PMQs

It is unlikely the Tories will select a replacement PM as bumbling as Johnson – although if it’s one of their current Cabinet then they will have had been involved in the current corruption of public funds. By replacing Johnson with someone like Sunak there may be a boost to Tory election fortunes which could impact on our campaign for independence. We should be looking to force the independence issue while Johnson is making a mess of being PM – surely even Peppa Pig couldn’t save him from a determined campaign for independence now!

Cllr Kenny MacLaren
Paisley

ON Monday the House of Commons voted on plans by the Westminster government to change a formula known as “the cap” on social care payments in England. Boris Johnson’s Tory government won the vote, albeit with a considerably reduced majority. This means that the poorest and most vulnerable people in England who receive means-tested social care will end up paying the same as richer people if they need care for a significant amount of time. In reality they will pay proportionately much more than rich folk. This is manifestly unfair. But at present the legislation only applies in England, so why should we in Scotland be bothered?

READ MORE: MPs back controversial social care bill despite Tory rebellion

I note that my local MPs, Alister Jack MP and David Mundell MP, both voted with the Westminster government on this matter. Other braver Tory MPs voted against the measure and still more abstained. But Mr Jack and Mr Mundell dutifully voted as they were told. They voted to make poor pensioners in England poorer.

Of course MPs are expected to vote according to their consciences. What puzzles me is why Messrs Jack and Mundell’s consciences allowed them to vote on a purely English matter in order to adversely affect poor pensioners in England. They were entitled to do so of course because the English Votes for English Laws (EVEL) rule has been suspended, but I wonder how they can look at themselves in the mirror. Perhaps they have no consciences?

David Howdle
via email

I RESPOND to George McKenzie’s claim in his letter (Nov 22) that Alex Salmond is still on top of his game as today’s man.

Let me refer back to an aspect that prevailed in the campaign of 2014. At that time there was a common attitude amongst women in my community of Castlemilk.

Women of both Yes and No persuasion expressed to me a similar opinion, and that was “I don’t like/trust Alex Salmond.” In that I include my wife and daughter, both of whom were independence supporters.

Speaking with Yes canvasser (Castlemilk voted 3-1 for Yes), they told me that was the majority response of women that they receive on the doorstep. Men (myself included) amongst Yes supporters were the complete opposite in their opinion.

Will that attitude amongst women be a factor in the next indy referendum towards Nicola Sturgeon? I don’t it, and it could be a vital element among many other elements in winning a Yes vote in what will be a more complex campaign in comparison to the more black-and-white one of 2014.

Bobby Brennan
Glasgow

ABOUT six weeks ago I was admitted into the coronary care unit of University Hospital Wishaw. I was rushed from my home by ambulance after suffering severe heart palpitations.

I owe my life to the outstanding work by the consultant and doctors. I recieved the utmost care and attention. Truly outstanding work!

I can’t remember too much of my time spent in the coronary care unit due to medication etc. But I can certainly remember the time I spent when I was moved to a ward. All these young nurses with their big smiles and very tired eyes. Most of them looked like they needed a good rest. These nurses were working double shifts most of the week, and apart from caring for myself, were also doing “domestic” chores such as bring our meals, tidying etc.

READ MORE: Anas Sarwar demands Nicola Sturgeon sacks Scots health board's leadership

I thought nursing was supposed to be a profession on its own. Not to be expected to do domestic work too.

I think it’s a disgrace what these over-worked people are paid. I saw Humza Yousaf (Cabinet Secretary for Health, Scotland), answering questions on an STV programme. All evasion and political jargon. Get a grip Humza.

The Scottish Government should be paying these people a lot more than what they get just now. MPs on £80,000 a year (and also able to claim expenses), have no idea of the “real world”. And they’re not bloody shy about shouting for pay rises for themselves! Double standards? Hypocrites?

So come on Scottish Government, give these NHS workers a decent wage!

Christine Lees (83 years of age)
via email