Andy Burnham's passionate response to John Swinney's claim, delivered at the Labour Party conference in Liverpool, will reassure many Scots. Speaking through grief that was clearly still raw, Burnham said he was “utterly determined” to prove Swinney wrong.
Burnham's vow and Scottish concerns
On the day Burnham's dad died, Swinney – not knowing of the PM's grief – told him he'd be the country's last Prime Minister. Scots worried by the Prime Minister's previous ham-fisted statements on another independence referendum will have been relieved by his passion. He didn't sound like someone ready to throw in the towel on the United Kingdom.
The PM had a bigger plan, too – new opportunities for young people, a rethink on welfare and undoing some of the damage caused by Brexit. But passion and promises aren't enough.
Need for tangible progress
Scotland – and the whole UK – needs to see progress. People need prices to fall, the economy to grow. There is also a need for some sense of security in a world that's becoming less certain by the day. Borders need to be properly policed, and the nation's defence properly resourced and managed.
The truth is we've not had a properly functioning government, in Edinburgh or London, for years. One good speech to a party conference isn't going to change much.
Sir Rod's generosity
Sir Rod Stewart pledged £5000 to severely disabled Ayrshire teen Connor Donnelly after reading of the family's benefits battle in the Record. The 18-year-old's family had been faced with orders to look for work and attend phone interviews – warning of sanctions if missed – before this paper stepped in to highlight their case.
Sir Rod was moved by the family's ordeal and pledged his support, leaving them “speechless”. It's not the first time the 81-year-old has dug deep to help others. From funding 100th birthday bashes for war heroes to covering life-saving medical bills in recent years, there is no end to Rod's generosity. At a time when so many are facing struggle and adversity, he should be applauded for his amazing philanthropy.
