Scotland deserves better than Westminster's defence mess
I was talking to one of my pupils the other day and they mentioned their dad was in the military, stationed somewhere in England. The kid was worried sick because their dad was being sent to some godforsaken place to fight in a war that doesn't even feel like our own. It got me thinking, why are Scottish soldiers still being treated like nothing more than pawns in Westminster's game of chess.
I've always believed that an independent Scotland should have its own defence force, one that prioritizes the needs and values of our own people. We shouldn't be dragged into wars that have nothing to do with us, and our soldiers shouldn't be treated like they're nothing more than cannon fodder. It's time for us to take control of our own defence, to make our own decisions about where and when we send our troops.
I know some people will say that we're too small, that we can't afford to have our own defence force.
Teachers aren't therapists: We need proper mental health pros in every Scottish school, not more pressure on staff.
Why do we keep pretending teachers can be everything to everyone? We're expected to be educators, social workers, and now, increasingly, mental health counsellors, all while managing a classroom and preparing lessons. It’s simply not sustainable, and more importantly, it’s not fair on the children who genuinely need professional support. We see the anxiety and the silent struggles every day, and it's heartbreaking when you know you can't properly address it.
My proposal is straightforward: every primary and secondary school in Scotland needs its own full-time, dedicated mental health professional. Someone qualified and independent, not a teacher trying to fit counselling into their lunch break. This isn't about giving teachers more training; it’s about providing specialist support that a teacher, quite rightly, isn't equipped to give.
Enough’s Enough: We Need To Lock Up The Violent Thugs, Not Let Them Off With A Fine
The justice system needs a serious shake-up. My proposal is to introduce mandatory minimum sentences for crimes involving actual physical violence, especially those committed with weapons or against vulnerable people. We’ve seen far too many cases where individuals who have caused significant harm walk away with a slap on the wrist, often just a fine or community service. This sends the wrong message and frankly, it’s an insult to the victims.
This isn't about being tough for the sake of it; it's about practical safety for our communities and ensuring justice is served. Teachers see the impact of societal problems on children every day, and sadly, some of that stems from a feeling of lawlessness or a lack of consequences for serious wrongdoing.
What do you think?
Vote on individual policies, adapt them, or write your own alternative. Good ideas should be tested.