Right to die with dignity act
The issue of assisted dying is a complex and emotive one, and it's clear that the current system is not working for those who are terminally ill and wish to end their suffering. It's a matter of basic human rights and compassion, and we need to take a more nuanced approach to this issue.
As a nation, we should be allowing individuals the autonomy to make their own decisions about their end of life care, and providing them with the support and resources they need to do so. This is why I am proposing the right to die with dignity act, which would allow terminally ill individuals to request assisted dying, subject to certain safeguards and guidelines.
This act would work by establishing a network of trained healthcare professionals who can provide counseling and support to individuals who are considering assisted dying. It would also establish a set of clear guidelines and criteria for determining whether an individual meets the criteria, including confirmation from more than one independent doctor and evidence that the request is settled, informed, and free from coercion.
There should also be a mandatory reflection period, access to palliative care advice, and judicial oversight for difficult or borderline cases. The aim is not to normalise death, but to stop needless suffering where a person has made a clear and consistent choice.
This is about compassion with safeguards. People facing the end of their lives deserve honesty, dignity, and the right to be treated as adults.
Scotland's NHS deserves better than Westminster's wars
As a nation, we need to get our priorities straight, and for me, that means putting the health and wellbeing of our people first. I'm aye frustrated by the lack of investment in our NHS, while Westminster continues to squander billions on military interventions that dinnae serve our interests. The situation is particularly galling when you consider the state of our Accident and Emergency services, where patients are often left waiting for hours on end.
It's time for Scotland to take control of its own destiny and make its own decisions about how to allocate resources. We can't keep relying on Westminster to prioritise our needs, because let's face it, they're more interested in maintaining their global influence than in looking after the people of Scotland.
When will they finally sort out the railways in Scotland? It’s a disgrace.
Honestly, why are we still paying through the nose for train tickets that are often delayed or cancelled anyway, especially when travelling north of the border? It’s like Westminster just sees Scotland as a cash cow for their failing network. This whole fragmented, privatised system just doesn’t work for anyone outside of the London commuter belt.
My proposal is simple: bring Scotland’s railways back into public ownership, run by a Scottish national rail company. Imagine it – fares set here, services planned here, and profits reinvested here to actually improve things. We could aim for truly integrated ticketing, making it easier and cheaper to get around the country, not just between the big cities. Think about how much brawer it would be if you didn't have to spend half your wages on a return trip to Inverness.
This wouldn't just be about cheaper fares, though that's a big part of it.
No more secret handouts: Time for a proper independent body to scrutinise politicians' undeclared benefits
The UK urgently needs a genuinely independent body to oversee and enforce the declaration of all financial interests, gifts, and benefits for every elected official, from MPs to councillors. This body must have proper powers, not just advisory ones, to ensure complete transparency.
Public trust in politicians is at rock bottom, and incidents of undeclared benefits only deepen that cynicism. People deserve to know who is influencing those in power and whether decisions are being made for the public good or for private gain. It’s fundamentally about fairness; if ordinary folk have to declare everything, politicians should too, and to a much higher standard.
This new body would maintain a live, public register of all benefits received above a nominal value, making it easily accessible for anyone to scrutinise.
Scotland's True North: A Compassionate Home for All
It's genuinely disheartening to see the way some in Westminster talk about people seeking asylum, as if they're a problem to be locked out rather than individuals fleeing unimaginable hardship. As a nation, Scotland has always been a welcoming place, from the Irish famine refugees to the Poles in WWII. Our values are rooted in fairness and humanity, and that means recognising the dignity of everyone, regardless of where they've come from or what circumstances have driven them to our shores.
We simply can't stand by while the UK government pursues policies that actively make life harder for vulnerable people, tearing families apart and denying basic rights. It goes against everything we believe in as Scots. An independent Scotland would uphold our international obligations and champion the principle of safe passage and fair treatment for all, working to build a truly inclusive society that offers genuine sanctuary.
What do you think?
Vote on individual policies, adapt them, or write your own alternative. Good ideas should be tested.