Maureen Pickering
@maureenpickering.bsky.social
Retired Depute HT, Scottish granny. Wants Scottish Independence for a fairer, more equal society where Scotland’s vast resources are used for the benefit of the people of 🏴, not Westminster. I am a Sovereign Scot and will bow to no monarch. No DMs
Reposted by Maureen Pickering
Is Keir Starmer really a #GoodDecentMan?
Not to anyone with a functioning memory.
Not to anyone with a functioning memory.
February 12, 2026 at 12:32 PM
Is Keir Starmer really a #GoodDecentMan?
Not to anyone with a functioning memory.
Not to anyone with a functioning memory.
Reposted by Maureen Pickering
£1 for 18g of chocolate
For comparison the ingredients cost for this are 4.5p and the production cost is 5p.
So you are paying 10x what it cost them by the time it left the factory.
For comparison the ingredients cost for this are 4.5p and the production cost is 5p.
So you are paying 10x what it cost them by the time it left the factory.
February 12, 2026 at 1:39 PM
£1 for 18g of chocolate
For comparison the ingredients cost for this are 4.5p and the production cost is 5p.
So you are paying 10x what it cost them by the time it left the factory.
For comparison the ingredients cost for this are 4.5p and the production cost is 5p.
So you are paying 10x what it cost them by the time it left the factory.
Reposted by Maureen Pickering
The contract for defence was awarded without a competitive tender, so we haven't tested whether there was a British company able to provide the services.
February 12, 2026 at 2:21 PM
The contract for defence was awarded without a competitive tender, so we haven't tested whether there was a British company able to provide the services.
Reposted by Maureen Pickering
Government deals with Palantir stink, and stank long before the Peter Mandelson scandal. The government must pivot away from companies like Palantir.
February 12, 2026 at 2:02 PM
Government deals with Palantir stink, and stank long before the Peter Mandelson scandal. The government must pivot away from companies like Palantir.
Reposted by Maureen Pickering
"In place of real politics, it has office politics."
Really good piece by Aditya Chakrabortty
(Includes link to Democracy for Sale's piece about Alan Milburn's massive private earnings and a name check for my @lrb.co.uk scribbling on Labour and the lobbyists.)
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Really good piece by Aditya Chakrabortty
(Includes link to Democracy for Sale's piece about Alan Milburn's massive private earnings and a name check for my @lrb.co.uk scribbling on Labour and the lobbyists.)
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Behold the incredible shrinking Starmer: the PM who promises more while giving less | Aditya Chakrabortty
It is not just this doomed government but the Labour party itself that is disappearing before our very eyes, says Guardian columnist Aditya Chakrabortty
www.theguardian.com
February 12, 2026 at 1:16 PM
"In place of real politics, it has office politics."
Really good piece by Aditya Chakrabortty
(Includes link to Democracy for Sale's piece about Alan Milburn's massive private earnings and a name check for my @lrb.co.uk scribbling on Labour and the lobbyists.)
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Really good piece by Aditya Chakrabortty
(Includes link to Democracy for Sale's piece about Alan Milburn's massive private earnings and a name check for my @lrb.co.uk scribbling on Labour and the lobbyists.)
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted by Maureen Pickering
ANAS Sarwar must be clear on “whether he told the truth” about having first met Peter Mandelson in 2021 despite calling him an “old friend” in 2025, the SNP have said.
Anas Sarwar questioned on claim he 'first met old friend Peter Mandelson in 2021'
www.thenational.scot
February 12, 2026 at 2:15 PM
ANAS Sarwar must be clear on “whether he told the truth” about having first met Peter Mandelson in 2021 despite calling him an “old friend” in 2025, the SNP have said.
Reposted by Maureen Pickering
The foreign based tax exile owner
of the 'patriotic' tax-avoiding HateMail
#TaxTheRich
#BlameMillionairesNotMigrants ...
meme via Sue Davidson
of the 'patriotic' tax-avoiding HateMail
#TaxTheRich
#BlameMillionairesNotMigrants ...
meme via Sue Davidson
February 12, 2026 at 7:06 AM
The foreign based tax exile owner
of the 'patriotic' tax-avoiding HateMail
#TaxTheRich
#BlameMillionairesNotMigrants ...
meme via Sue Davidson
of the 'patriotic' tax-avoiding HateMail
#TaxTheRich
#BlameMillionairesNotMigrants ...
meme via Sue Davidson
Reposted by Maureen Pickering
Left: President Trump claims to have gone to Vietnam
Right: President Trump deferred 4 times, got a medical exemption for bone spurs, never served in the US armed forces, and did not go to Vietnam
Right: President Trump deferred 4 times, got a medical exemption for bone spurs, never served in the US armed forces, and did not go to Vietnam
February 12, 2026 at 1:23 PM
Left: President Trump claims to have gone to Vietnam
Right: President Trump deferred 4 times, got a medical exemption for bone spurs, never served in the US armed forces, and did not go to Vietnam
Right: President Trump deferred 4 times, got a medical exemption for bone spurs, never served in the US armed forces, and did not go to Vietnam
Reposted by Maureen Pickering
In the UK, around 56% of daily energy intake now comes from ultra processed foods.
This is just one of many worrying statistics from our new report on poor diets, and its health impacts. Read more about the report, and our recommendations for change:
www.bma.org.uk/news-and-opi...
This is just one of many worrying statistics from our new report on poor diets, and its health impacts. Read more about the report, and our recommendations for change:
www.bma.org.uk/news-and-opi...
Crucial action is needed to improve our food environment
Government must progress and expand policies to address poor diet and access to healthy food in this country, writes David Strain
www.bma.org.uk
February 12, 2026 at 9:59 AM
In the UK, around 56% of daily energy intake now comes from ultra processed foods.
This is just one of many worrying statistics from our new report on poor diets, and its health impacts. Read more about the report, and our recommendations for change:
www.bma.org.uk/news-and-opi...
This is just one of many worrying statistics from our new report on poor diets, and its health impacts. Read more about the report, and our recommendations for change:
www.bma.org.uk/news-and-opi...
Reposted by Maureen Pickering
🚨BREAKING: The new Representation of the People Bill is here.
The Bill aims to "restore trust in our democracy" - but it doesn't even touch the voting system that leaves millions unrepresented.
60% of Brits want to scrap First Past the Post.
Tell Starmer to include electoral reform in the Bill ⬇️
The Bill aims to "restore trust in our democracy" - but it doesn't even touch the voting system that leaves millions unrepresented.
60% of Brits want to scrap First Past the Post.
Tell Starmer to include electoral reform in the Bill ⬇️
The Representation of the People Bill MUST scrap First Past the Post
First Past the Post can no longer deliver real mandates - only chaos. 60% of Brits want it scrapped.
Yet the new Representation of the People Bill won’t even touch our rotten voting system, which lea...
actionnetwork.org
February 12, 2026 at 12:19 PM
🚨BREAKING: The new Representation of the People Bill is here.
The Bill aims to "restore trust in our democracy" - but it doesn't even touch the voting system that leaves millions unrepresented.
60% of Brits want to scrap First Past the Post.
Tell Starmer to include electoral reform in the Bill ⬇️
The Bill aims to "restore trust in our democracy" - but it doesn't even touch the voting system that leaves millions unrepresented.
60% of Brits want to scrap First Past the Post.
Tell Starmer to include electoral reform in the Bill ⬇️
Reposted by Maureen Pickering
Project Fear on Steroids bellacaledonia.org.uk/2026/01/30/p...
bellacaledonia.org.uk
February 12, 2026 at 11:49 AM
Project Fear on Steroids bellacaledonia.org.uk/2026/01/30/p...
Reposted by Maureen Pickering
Peer ‘disappointed’ that DWP review of subpostmaster prosecutions is still months away.
Little people don't count, do they. What if they were wealthy donors?
Justice delayed is justice denied.
Please read the linked article and write to the Minister.
Little people don't count, do they. What if they were wealthy donors?
Justice delayed is justice denied.
Please read the linked article and write to the Minister.
Peer ‘disappointed’ that DWP review of subpostmaster prosecutions is still months away | Computer Weekly
Government indicates that there are so far 108 DWP prosecutions of subpostmasters that will be reviewed
www.computerweekly.com
February 12, 2026 at 11:27 AM
Peer ‘disappointed’ that DWP review of subpostmaster prosecutions is still months away.
Little people don't count, do they. What if they were wealthy donors?
Justice delayed is justice denied.
Please read the linked article and write to the Minister.
Little people don't count, do they. What if they were wealthy donors?
Justice delayed is justice denied.
Please read the linked article and write to the Minister.
Reposted by Maureen Pickering
Reposted by Maureen Pickering
#SkyNews #itvnews #C4News #LBC #r4today #bbcbreakfast #gmb #bbcqt #bbcaq #pmqs #politicslive #GBNews #scotlandtonight #SNP #independence #bbcsundayshow #RadioScotlandBreakfast #BBCLauraK
February 12, 2026 at 9:06 AM
Reposted by Maureen Pickering
If Jim Ratcliffe wore 10 real £40,000 Rolex's on each arm, and they all got stolen, and he went into London every single day.
It would take him 5,000 days, 13.7 years, and 100,000 Rolex's to pay back the £4bn he has dodged in taxes.
It would take him 5,000 days, 13.7 years, and 100,000 Rolex's to pay back the £4bn he has dodged in taxes.
February 12, 2026 at 1:27 PM
If Jim Ratcliffe wore 10 real £40,000 Rolex's on each arm, and they all got stolen, and he went into London every single day.
It would take him 5,000 days, 13.7 years, and 100,000 Rolex's to pay back the £4bn he has dodged in taxes.
It would take him 5,000 days, 13.7 years, and 100,000 Rolex's to pay back the £4bn he has dodged in taxes.
Reposted by Maureen Pickering
#SkyNews #itvnews #C4News #LBC #r4today #bbcbreakfast #gmb #bbcqt #bbcaq #pmqs #politicslive #GBNews #scotlandtonight #SNP #independence #bbcsundayshow #RadioScotlandBreakfast #BBCLauraK
February 12, 2026 at 9:03 AM
Reposted by Maureen Pickering
Interesting new report from @ipprscotland.bsky.social
Focused on Scotland but relevant across the UK in making the case for social security investment.
1. High social spending is compatible with economic success. Evidence shows European countries with high levels...1/4 www.ippr.org/articles/mor...
Focused on Scotland but relevant across the UK in making the case for social security investment.
1. High social spending is compatible with economic success. Evidence shows European countries with high levels...1/4 www.ippr.org/articles/mor...
More than a safety net: The welfare state as springboard to economic success and a better country | IPPR
It is widely proposed that higher social spending – especially in the form of social security benefits – is damaging to the economy. Yet the evidence prese
www.ippr.org
February 12, 2026 at 12:02 PM
Interesting new report from @ipprscotland.bsky.social
Focused on Scotland but relevant across the UK in making the case for social security investment.
1. High social spending is compatible with economic success. Evidence shows European countries with high levels...1/4 www.ippr.org/articles/mor...
Focused on Scotland but relevant across the UK in making the case for social security investment.
1. High social spending is compatible with economic success. Evidence shows European countries with high levels...1/4 www.ippr.org/articles/mor...
Reposted by Maureen Pickering
It's interesting to note here that when Polanski voices a clear desire to rejoin The Customs Union and then the EU, the Labour guest has no answer other than a populist strawman trick (number 4) ... For clarity: no one has ever said we can just "walk back in". Rejoining is a process with many steps.
February 12, 2026 at 11:00 AM
It's interesting to note here that when Polanski voices a clear desire to rejoin The Customs Union and then the EU, the Labour guest has no answer other than a populist strawman trick (number 4) ... For clarity: no one has ever said we can just "walk back in". Rejoining is a process with many steps.
Reposted by Maureen Pickering
The hypocrisy is staggering. He’s an immigrant in a tax dodging haven and pays nothing into the U.K. but takes from it…. It’s criminal!!
Outwith the jobs he sacrificed in Grangemouth, I for one am glad he has no business interests left in Scotland.
Our country is richer for this racist's absence.
Outwith the jobs he sacrificed in Grangemouth, I for one am glad he has no business interests left in Scotland.
Our country is richer for this racist's absence.
February 12, 2026 at 12:54 PM
The hypocrisy is staggering. He’s an immigrant in a tax dodging haven and pays nothing into the U.K. but takes from it…. It’s criminal!!
Outwith the jobs he sacrificed in Grangemouth, I for one am glad he has no business interests left in Scotland.
Our country is richer for this racist's absence.
Outwith the jobs he sacrificed in Grangemouth, I for one am glad he has no business interests left in Scotland.
Our country is richer for this racist's absence.
Reposted by Maureen Pickering
Reposted by Maureen Pickering
The International Auschwitz Committee is calling for a ban on Germany’s Far Right AfD, Der Spiegel reports.
Eva Umlauf, an Auschwitz survivor and the committee’s President, said the AfD attacks democracy and uses Nazi-era references that are unbearable for Holocaust survivors.
Eva Umlauf, an Auschwitz survivor and the committee’s President, said the AfD attacks democracy and uses Nazi-era references that are unbearable for Holocaust survivors.
February 12, 2026 at 1:04 PM
The International Auschwitz Committee is calling for a ban on Germany’s Far Right AfD, Der Spiegel reports.
Eva Umlauf, an Auschwitz survivor and the committee’s President, said the AfD attacks democracy and uses Nazi-era references that are unbearable for Holocaust survivors.
Eva Umlauf, an Auschwitz survivor and the committee’s President, said the AfD attacks democracy and uses Nazi-era references that are unbearable for Holocaust survivors.
Reposted by Maureen Pickering
I'm proud to make a bit of an announcement.
I have accepted an invitation to become a Trustee of the Basic Income Network Scotland.
I'm looking forward to working with the group to keep campaigning for a Scottish Universal Basic Income.
cbin.scot
I have accepted an invitation to become a Trustee of the Basic Income Network Scotland.
I'm looking forward to working with the group to keep campaigning for a Scottish Universal Basic Income.
cbin.scot
About us - Basic Income Network Scotland
Basic Income Network Scotland is an educational charity raising the awareness of the benefits that a basic income would bring to Scotland.
cbin.scot
February 12, 2026 at 10:27 AM
I'm proud to make a bit of an announcement.
I have accepted an invitation to become a Trustee of the Basic Income Network Scotland.
I'm looking forward to working with the group to keep campaigning for a Scottish Universal Basic Income.
cbin.scot
I have accepted an invitation to become a Trustee of the Basic Income Network Scotland.
I'm looking forward to working with the group to keep campaigning for a Scottish Universal Basic Income.
cbin.scot
Reposted by Maureen Pickering
www.thenational.scot/news/2584953...
between Peter Mandelson and UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting reveal that top Labour figures are aware they are “knowingly aiding and abetting” Israeli war crimes, it has been alleged.
between Peter Mandelson and UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting reveal that top Labour figures are aware they are “knowingly aiding and abetting” Israeli war crimes, it has been alleged.
Top Labour ministers 'know they aided Israeli war crimes', private messages suggest
MESSAGES between Peter Mandelson and UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting reveal that top Labour figures are aware they are “knowingly aiding and…
www.thenational.scot
February 12, 2026 at 1:56 PM
www.thenational.scot/news/2584953...
between Peter Mandelson and UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting reveal that top Labour figures are aware they are “knowingly aiding and abetting” Israeli war crimes, it has been alleged.
between Peter Mandelson and UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting reveal that top Labour figures are aware they are “knowingly aiding and abetting” Israeli war crimes, it has been alleged.
Reposted by Maureen Pickering
The Scottish Government’s School Estate Statistics, in April 2025 found that 92% of schools were assessed as being in good or satisfactory condition — up from 62.7% in April 2007 when Labour were in power.
Incl. the new Currie High & Wester Hailes HS
www.gov.scot/news/school-...
Incl. the new Currie High & Wester Hailes HS
www.gov.scot/news/school-...
School Estates Statistics 2025
An Accredited Official Statistics Publication for Scotland
www.gov.scot
February 12, 2026 at 12:05 PM
The Scottish Government’s School Estate Statistics, in April 2025 found that 92% of schools were assessed as being in good or satisfactory condition — up from 62.7% in April 2007 when Labour were in power.
Incl. the new Currie High & Wester Hailes HS
www.gov.scot/news/school-...
Incl. the new Currie High & Wester Hailes HS
www.gov.scot/news/school-...
Reposted by Maureen Pickering
Pragmatism and honest. Refreshing
“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 11:07 AM
Pragmatism and honest. Refreshing