Eric Clive
@ericclive.bsky.social
Retired law professor and law reformer. Pro EU. Anti Brexit. Pro UN, pro international law and civilised international relations. Supporter of Scottish independence in Europe for pro European, internationalist, democratic, progressive and other reasons.
Fraud by false representation seems too mundane here. It looks like a gross case of misconduct in public office. The article cited concludes "Overall, we think a misconduct in public office prosecution would have a realistic prospect of conviction on the evidence presently available ..."
February 13, 2026 at 10:07 AM
Fraud by false representation seems too mundane here. It looks like a gross case of misconduct in public office. The article cited concludes "Overall, we think a misconduct in public office prosecution would have a realistic prospect of conviction on the evidence presently available ..."
Yes. MF is always worth engaging with. I've submitted a comment on his blog post on the UKCLA blog, suggesting essentially that a blanket exclusion rule which inevitably infringes one set of rights in some case would be beyond a State's margin of appreciation when a case by case rule is available.
February 12, 2026 at 10:58 AM
Yes. MF is always worth engaging with. I've submitted a comment on his blog post on the UKCLA blog, suggesting essentially that a blanket exclusion rule which inevitably infringes one set of rights in some case would be beyond a State's margin of appreciation when a case by case rule is available.
SNP 1 Greens 2 for me in the Scottish election. Both progressive, pro-EU parties. Both pro Scottish independence because that's the fastest way back in for Scotland.
February 12, 2026 at 8:08 AM
SNP 1 Greens 2 for me in the Scottish election. Both progressive, pro-EU parties. Both pro Scottish independence because that's the fastest way back in for Scotland.
Reposted by Eric Clive
“Are you firmly in favour of rejoining the European Union?" - Robert Peston
“Firmly very much in favour. Brexit has been a disaster under any criteria, under any measure" - Zack Polanski
“Firmly very much in favour. Brexit has been a disaster under any criteria, under any measure" - Zack Polanski
February 12, 2026 at 6:54 AM
“Are you firmly in favour of rejoining the European Union?" - Robert Peston
“Firmly very much in favour. Brexit has been a disaster under any criteria, under any measure" - Zack Polanski
“Firmly very much in favour. Brexit has been a disaster under any criteria, under any measure" - Zack Polanski
On a last in, first out approach that would be what would happen.
February 11, 2026 at 12:23 PM
On a last in, first out approach that would be what would happen.
Fair point historically. The union of 1707 was between the Kingdom of Scotland and the Kingdom of England (then seen as including Wales). But now Wales is regarded as a country and, I think, as a unit of the UK. It voted narrowly for Leave, some say because of English incomers.
February 11, 2026 at 12:20 PM
Fair point historically. The union of 1707 was between the Kingdom of Scotland and the Kingdom of England (then seen as including Wales). But now Wales is regarded as a country and, I think, as a unit of the UK. It voted narrowly for Leave, some say because of English incomers.
On the EU referendum. Technically it was advisory. The UK gov could have said that as 2 of the 4 constituent parts of the UK voted Remain it would be wise not to accept the advice of the overall majority but to maintain the status quo.
February 11, 2026 at 9:39 AM
On the EU referendum. Technically it was advisory. The UK gov could have said that as 2 of the 4 constituent parts of the UK voted Remain it would be wise not to accept the advice of the overall majority but to maintain the status quo.
I see the UK as a construct. It could be deconstructed. Worth thinking about starting off with NI leaving via reunification and then with Scotland becoming independent and a member of the EU in its own right? Deconstruct in reverse order - last in, first out. Reassemble within the EU.
February 11, 2026 at 9:32 AM
I see the UK as a construct. It could be deconstructed. Worth thinking about starting off with NI leaving via reunification and then with Scotland becoming independent and a member of the EU in its own right? Deconstruct in reverse order - last in, first out. Reassemble within the EU.
Keir Starmer looked and sounded liberated yesterday - almost as if free to be his own man and a better Prime Minister now that Morgan McSweeney has gone. We'll see, but a big shift leftwards would help.
Starmer:
"The real fight is not in the Labour Party. It's with the right-wing politics that challenges that. The politics of Reform... Divide, divide, divide. Grievance, grievance, grievance. That will tear our country apart... I will be in that fight as long as I have breath in my body."
"The real fight is not in the Labour Party. It's with the right-wing politics that challenges that. The politics of Reform... Divide, divide, divide. Grievance, grievance, grievance. That will tear our country apart... I will be in that fight as long as I have breath in my body."
February 11, 2026 at 8:49 AM
Keir Starmer looked and sounded liberated yesterday - almost as if free to be his own man and a better Prime Minister now that Morgan McSweeney has gone. We'll see, but a big shift leftwards would help.
Reposted by Eric Clive
Also: we really need to push back on this constant mantra that settlement (permanent residence) in the UK is a “privilege”.
The very least people are entitled to after spending years here and/or developing family ties is that they shouldn’t have to worry about re-applying to stay every few years.
The very least people are entitled to after spending years here and/or developing family ties is that they shouldn’t have to worry about re-applying to stay every few years.
Imagine being presented with these accounts of stark unfairness and insecurity caused by the earned settlement plans and your response being ‘It is a privilege not a right to settle in the UK and it must be earned’ - the Home Secretary needs to go www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
Nurses’ families fear being torn apart in UK immigration crackdown, survey says
Exclusive: Most people in charity’s study say they worry about being separated from relatives under Mahmood plans
www.theguardian.com
February 11, 2026 at 8:07 AM
Also: we really need to push back on this constant mantra that settlement (permanent residence) in the UK is a “privilege”.
The very least people are entitled to after spending years here and/or developing family ties is that they shouldn’t have to worry about re-applying to stay every few years.
The very least people are entitled to after spending years here and/or developing family ties is that they shouldn’t have to worry about re-applying to stay every few years.
For voters in Scotland the quickest way back into the EU is via independence. That also has been obvious for almost a decade. It could provide the necessary jolt south of the border.
February 11, 2026 at 8:37 AM
For voters in Scotland the quickest way back into the EU is via independence. That also has been obvious for almost a decade. It could provide the necessary jolt south of the border.
Bad idea for Labour. A successful Streeting challenge would exacerbate the leftward leak. A failed one would mean chaos and division.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Streeting still ready to challenge Starmer despite show of unity, allies say
Health secretary poised to make leadership bid after May local elections to pre-empt a potential challenge from rival Rayner, MPs close to him say
www.theguardian.com
February 11, 2026 at 8:23 AM
Bad idea for Labour. A successful Streeting challenge would exacerbate the leftward leak. A failed one would mean chaos and division.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Reposted by Eric Clive
It is so embarrassing that it has taken nearly a decade for a British minister to say this, a statement of the absolute bloody obvious
February 11, 2026 at 7:40 AM
It is so embarrassing that it has taken nearly a decade for a British minister to say this, a statement of the absolute bloody obvious
It sounded as if Douglas Alexander said that Keir Starmer "remains determined Anas Sarwar is the first minister of Scotland after me". My wife and I both thought we heard that. Probably just his slightly unusual accent though. The press report says "after May". It's a bit funny either way.
February 11, 2026 at 6:34 AM
It sounded as if Douglas Alexander said that Keir Starmer "remains determined Anas Sarwar is the first minister of Scotland after me". My wife and I both thought we heard that. Probably just his slightly unusual accent though. The press report says "after May". It's a bit funny either way.
Anas Sarwar was trying to get rid of Starmer the millstone. He has just made himself an even bigger millstone.
February 10, 2026 at 8:08 PM
Anas Sarwar was trying to get rid of Starmer the millstone. He has just made himself an even bigger millstone.
Keir Starmer being nice to the disloyal Anas Sarwar. In other words it's a bit too close to the May elections to do anything about him.
www.thenational.scot/news/2584084...
www.thenational.scot/news/2584084...
Scottish Secretary gives verdict on Anas Sarwar's future as Scottish leader
KEIR Starmer is still “determined” that Anas Sarwar should be Scotland’s next first minster – despite the Scottish Labour leader yesterday…
www.thenational.scot
February 10, 2026 at 3:38 PM
Keir Starmer being nice to the disloyal Anas Sarwar. In other words it's a bit too close to the May elections to do anything about him.
www.thenational.scot/news/2584084...
www.thenational.scot/news/2584084...
It's the whole Scottish Labour campaign buggered, if you ask me. Must be absolutely infuriating for hard-working Labour activists in Scotland.
February 10, 2026 at 10:33 AM
It's the whole Scottish Labour campaign buggered, if you ask me. Must be absolutely infuriating for hard-working Labour activists in Scotland.
Reposted by Eric Clive
This week, the #ScottishGovernment published a new report on the importance of natural capital to our economy. In our latest blog we discuss why Scotland MUST invest more in sustainable agriculture if we are to meaningfully support our farmers, communities and economy.
Read more:🔗
buff.ly/7XwKYBd
Read more:🔗
buff.ly/7XwKYBd
February 10, 2026 at 8:00 AM
This week, the #ScottishGovernment published a new report on the importance of natural capital to our economy. In our latest blog we discuss why Scotland MUST invest more in sustainable agriculture if we are to meaningfully support our farmers, communities and economy.
Read more:🔗
buff.ly/7XwKYBd
Read more:🔗
buff.ly/7XwKYBd
Yes. I see the Equality Act and its consolidated predecessors as being fundamentally against various acted out intolerances, including this one. It is so ironic that trans-intolerants are trying to use it as a weapon.
February 10, 2026 at 9:08 AM
Yes. I see the Equality Act and its consolidated predecessors as being fundamentally against various acted out intolerances, including this one. It is so ironic that trans-intolerants are trying to use it as a weapon.
Never has the reference to "the broken Westminster system" been more apt - and he doesn't even mention foreign policy (incl Gaza and the EU) and various regressive and intolerant domestic policies.
Three months until Scotland’s choice.
On May 7, vote SNP to choose hope, fairness and real action on the cost of living.
Let’s escape the broken Westminster system and choose our own future with the fresh start of independence. 🏴
On May 7, vote SNP to choose hope, fairness and real action on the cost of living.
Let’s escape the broken Westminster system and choose our own future with the fresh start of independence. 🏴
February 10, 2026 at 8:49 AM
Never has the reference to "the broken Westminster system" been more apt - and he doesn't even mention foreign policy (incl Gaza and the EU) and various regressive and intolerant domestic policies.
Desperate, disloyal, deluded and daft - but for supporters of Scottish independence also delightful. Anas Sarwar has shown that politically, and probably for both countries, Scotland and England would be better apart.
February 10, 2026 at 6:54 AM
Desperate, disloyal, deluded and daft - but for supporters of Scottish independence also delightful. Anas Sarwar has shown that politically, and probably for both countries, Scotland and England would be better apart.
Your Party could pick up list votes in Scotland from disillusioned voters who are looking for a new party but find the policies and personnel of Reform UK abhorrent. They could also pick up tactical second votes from some pro-independence voters.
www.thenational.scot/news/2583628...
www.thenational.scot/news/2583628...
Your Party Scotland votes to officially become pro-independence party
Your Party Scotland have voted to officially become a pro-independence party
www.thenational.scot
February 9, 2026 at 7:59 AM
Your Party could pick up list votes in Scotland from disillusioned voters who are looking for a new party but find the policies and personnel of Reform UK abhorrent. They could also pick up tactical second votes from some pro-independence voters.
www.thenational.scot/news/2583628...
www.thenational.scot/news/2583628...
I found a mouse in the kitchen bin. I thought it would be irresponsible to release it. So I took the closed bin liner outside and struck it with a garden spade. The bag burst and, like grey lightning, the mouse escaped. I was not unhappy. I did my best but I'm really with Robert Burns.
February 8, 2026 at 9:09 AM
I found a mouse in the kitchen bin. I thought it would be irresponsible to release it. So I took the closed bin liner outside and struck it with a garden spade. The bag burst and, like grey lightning, the mouse escaped. I was not unhappy. I did my best but I'm really with Robert Burns.
Reposted by Eric Clive
Post-Brexit sales of British farm products to EU fall by 37%
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Post-Brexit sales of British farm products to EU fall by 37%
NFU warn it could take years to restore Brexit losses despite efforts to smooth negotiations on farming and other elements of UK-EU reset
www.theguardian.com
February 8, 2026 at 6:57 AM
Post-Brexit sales of British farm products to EU fall by 37%
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Some women and some men clearly do, but that's OK. The Supreme Court did not pronounce on all the questions which are now arising.
February 7, 2026 at 7:32 PM
Some women and some men clearly do, but that's OK. The Supreme Court did not pronounce on all the questions which are now arising.