💷 Scotland’s economy is being punished by a hardline Tory and Labour Brexit we didn't vote for.
🏴 🇪🇺 Scotland needs independence so we can rejoin the EU, boost our economic growth and stop the catastrophic damage Brexit is inflicting on Scottish businesses.
1️⃣ Make Aberdeen Net Zero Capital of Europe
2️⃣ Just Transition, Green Revolution & green jobs
3️⃣ Invest in NE transport & infrastructure
4️⃣ Dedicated Small Business & Innovation Minister
5️⃣ Wellbeing Economy for fair work
Thank you for all kind msgs of solidarity/support ppl have sent to my family. Few points from me:
▪️Some ppl suggesting Nursery may not have wanted child with high profile parent. That was my initial thought, hence why we tested it 2 more times, different names but same result.
▪️I would love for there to be another explanation for all of this. That's why Little Scholars Nursery was contacted in advance & given ample opportunity to explain. Instead their response is effectively the "I cant be racist my pal is Black" defence. That doesn't fly any more.
▪️At the beginning of this process I really did not think this could be Islamaphobic or racist. It was my wife's gut instinct that something just wasn't right. As People of Colour we know when we are being discriminated against. The lesson, trust your gut (and your wife!)
🧵Not a step my wife & I have taken lightly. After our nursery application for our daughter was refused a 2nd time, my wife asked her White Scottish friend to put in an application for a Child the same age. Within 24hrs of refusing our application my wife's friend's was accepted.
I was sure there must be rational explanation but my wife felt differently. She created a profile with a White Scot name & made an application, she also asked her sister 'Sara Ahmed' to submit an application on same day. Her sister was rejected but White Scot application accepted
At this point we asked @anniebrownword at @Daily_Record to investigate. She created two profiles with kids same age, their requirements the same. "Aqsa Akhtar" application was rejected while "Susan Blake" was offered a choice of 4 afternoons.
🧵 Scotland will move to Level 0 on 19th July, with modifications, more detail in tweets below.
We are making progress in tackling virus, in week to 4th July an average of 3300 +ve cases recorded, this is now 2,700. This is still high but going in the right direction.
Having one of fastest vaccination programmes in the World is helping. We are in final stages of offering 1st doses to every adult.
However, caution still required. Cases remain high, while hospitalisation link weakened, we must not dismiss impact of long covid or pressure on NHS
Level 0 from 19th July:
8 ppl from 4 🏠 meet indoors
10 ppl from 4 🏠 in public indoor space
15 ppl from 15🏠 can meet outdoors
200ppl attend weddings/funerals
Soft Play can open
🧵Don't usually comment on stories about me, but I'll make an exception.
Most important job I have is being a good father, step-father & husband to my wife & kids. In the last 7 months they've had virtually no time from me.
Pandemic has been tough for everyone & I am luckier than most but it has been tough for my 12yr old step-daughter who missed her friends during her p7 year. As a treat, I promised this Harry Potter fan a trip to HP Studios months ago (if restrictions allowed) when school finished
Every day I have taken "off" I have worked. Speaking to Clinicians, vaccines & testing teams, clearing submissions etc.
My family don't see me much at all, and while they understand why, it is difficult for us all, so I wont apologise for giving them the v limited time I do.
Let me separate fact from fiction re Hate Crime & Public Order (Scot) Bill
The Bill will not prevent you expressing controversial or offensive views. Just don't do it in a threatening or abusive way that is likely or intended to stir up hatred.
Courts will decide (beyond resonable doubt) if behaviour is threatening or abusive & likely/intended to stir up hatred.
Surely we can agree the law should protect ppl from threatening or abusive behaviour that will stir up hatred against them?
It is NOT the case, a person can simply be offended by what you say & you're then prosecuted for stirring up hatred.
None of stirring up offences define hatred by 'accuser's' perception. Prosecution must show behaviour abusive or threatening & likely/intended to stir up hatred.