MSPs sworn in. Many can't even get this right.

Added: 2026-05-20

[00:00:27]Good evening, ladies and gentlemen.

[00:00:29]Welcome to this evening's live stream.

[00:00:31]I'm joined by Gareth Kirk down in Bigger, our deputy chairman. Welcome, Gareth.

[00:00:36]>> Good evening. Good to be back.

[00:00:38]>> We've got um well, in some ways it will seem like a comedy show, but you don't know whether to laugh or cry. We're going to go through the swearing in of the MSPs in the parliament where they just had to come forward um give an oath or an affirmation. Should have been quite straightforward, but just wait and see what they managed to make of it in the Scottish Parliament. We'll we'll save that for a minute uh just while our audience builds up a little bit. Let's have a look at a couple of things in the meantime. Let's go from the beginning here. Now, um I've been talking a little bit from time to time about um proportional representation. Is the electoral system going to change in the UK and in Scotland? because now we've got more and more parties. Um, so this is the situation in Scotland. I find this interesting. Roughly speaking, the SMP have got more MSPs than they deserve based on their percentage of the constituency or the list, whatever. So the current system suited the SMP. They benefited and they've got 55 MSPs, but every other party has got fewer MSPs than they deserve on their proportion of the vote. Mhm.

[00:01:54]>> And so most of the MSPs in the Scottish Parliament are representing parties that have got a raw deal from the current system. So one would suspect that if someone put forward a proposal and said, "Look, we don't like this current system because it's not suiting us. It's disadvantaging us." Most MSPs would be in a position where they're thinking, "Yes, actually, me too. This system doesn't suit us."

[00:02:21]>> So will anyone bring forward? They can't change the law themselves because it's not a devolved matter. But could they bring forward a motion and vote on it saying we don't like our electoral system.

[00:02:32]We want to make it more proportional.

[00:02:34]I think it might happen at the UK level.

[00:02:37]64 Labor MPs have signed a motion some some sort of petition or whatever uh asking for proportional representation.

[00:02:45]And as there's fragmentation in UK politics, the same situation might arise. This might be where we're heading for where a higher and higher proportion of the MPs are representing parties that have had a raw deal >> from the electoral system.

[00:03:02]>> So I I think this this could happen.

[00:03:05]>> Yeah.

[00:03:06]>> What is Do you need a majority? You you need a majority voting to actually enable that from Westminster.

[00:03:15]>> Westminster could certainly change the the Scottish system. I think that would just be a vote at Westminster and they could change it.

[00:03:21]>> Yes. Okay.

[00:03:22]>> They wouldn't they would only do it in consultation with the Scottish Parliament, but they could do it. As far as the UK systems concerned, the UK doesn't have a written constitution, but you would assume they could take a vote on it goes to the laws and they could change the electoral system. But I just think momentum is gathering now for the UK government, whoever it is, it's okay.

[00:03:45]They may not it may not be in their interest to have the UK system more proportional, but it is in their interests to have the Scottish electoral system more proportional to knock Scottish nationalism on the head >> to stop them getting a majority in the parliament from a minority of votes.

[00:04:02]>> Yeah, that's exactly exactly what I'm thinking. I'm thinking it's it's in Westminster's interest >> to to prevent the the waiting the the biased waiting that currently happening.

[00:04:13]Yeah, that's >> so we've got got a system where I'd suggest very possibly a majority of members of the Scottish Parliament would support a more proportional system and the UK government would support a more proportional system.

[00:04:31]>> So it's like the uh the the the tinder is dry if you like is waiting for a spark >> to ignite it. So who will bring something forward? I I might try and see if we can get the ball rolling one way or another on this.

[00:04:46]>> I really think we what what they'll do if they change it though of course they'll try and come up with a new system that's more proportional but still keep small parties out.

[00:04:56]>> Yes. So so here's a question is if Westminster goes to reform next election >> and they decide hey Scotland could have reform too and had if it was proportional voting maybe they would be better off.

[00:05:09]>> They would be better off in Scotland.

[00:05:10]Yeah.

[00:05:10]>> In Scotland. So, so maybe there's a there's an incentive there.

[00:05:14]>> Yeah. So, let's say let's say you get like a reform conservative coalition, then every other party in the par in the UK parliament, I would guess pretty well would be for proportional representation.

[00:05:30]And the Conservatives, if they had any sense, they would be for it as well.

[00:05:33]They might not be because they're conservative and they just want to keep things the same, but it will be in interests to change it as well. So, it's uh yeah, it's interesting. It's interesting. So, it's >> I think >> okay, >> nothing's going to happen fast, but let's see. So, this could really benefit the family party. Say, but >> whatever system they come up with, one of their objectives will be to keep new parties out.

[00:05:58]>> Yeah. So they'll come up with some ways or other of doing that. Um because it's not in anyone's interest who's elected to come up with a system that helps Newport get elected. That's uh that's never going to be the case.

[00:06:13]>> Anyway, a little introduction. So this is um some people are saying that the wacky green MSPs who've got elected, some people are saying these people are only getting elected because they're on the list and they don't get scrutinized. if they were standing in their constituency, they wouldn't get elected.

[00:06:30]To which I say, no, not true. Uh there's no barrier to people with extreme views getting elected in constituencies.

[00:06:41]>> Yes. Yes. I I was wondering what you meant. Yes, you're right.

[00:06:46]The classic example was that um was Neil Han SPM MP he became he was an SNP candidate and the SNP disowned him during the election campaign for making anti-Semitic comments.

[00:07:00]So the S&P said that's terrible basically you know you're suspended from the S&P. You're not the S&P candidate.

[00:07:07]You're a total embarrassment to us. And guess what happened?

[00:07:11]>> You still get elected. He got elected in any case.

[00:07:16]So probably most people voting didn't even know what happened. There was SMPP vote for him and that was so I don't buy that. The the list candidates can be scrutinized just as well as any other candidates. So >> I don't buy that. So yeah, let's see see how that goes. We'll start on with the um oaths and affirmations soon.

[00:07:37]This is just a little little snippet.

[00:07:39]It's the Free Church of Scotland's General Assembly at the moment. And who went along? No one but John Swinny.

[00:07:50]Now, that's not normal as far as I'm concerned. The first minister doesn't go to the Free Church of Scotland General Assembly.

[00:07:57]So, why did he choose to go this year? I wonder.

[00:08:02]Uh, and my theory is that Kate Forbes was a member of the free church of Scotland as I understand this. So then the a lot of people in the free church of Scotland were very loyal to Kate Forbes >> perhaps too much so denominational loyalty shouldn't count more than matters of principle. But anyway, so they were very loyal to her. They're very supportive of her and now she's stepped down. So John Swinny might be thinking well the free church of Scotland maybe it's worth a cup an hour just to go over and mouth a few platitudes and that will maybe help keep them on side because they were sort of maybe a little bit >> kept on side by Kate Forbes. So maybe it's worth me going along and seeing how it goes. So is that too cynical?

[00:08:52]It's probably pretty um pretty sane in terms of um I think that's a reasonable assumption, reasonable expectation.

[00:09:00]>> Yeah.

[00:09:00]>> Is it Yeah. Sorry. Go on.

[00:09:03]>> Does he actually attend a church on a Sunday? He goes to a local church somewhere.

[00:09:06]>> He goes to his wife's Catholic church apparently.

[00:09:09]>> Right.

[00:09:09]>> He's a member of the church of Scotland, but he goes to his wife's Catholic church.

[00:09:14]>> Uhhuh.

[00:09:15]>> But he he doesn't I assume he doesn't participate in the mass because he's not Catholic.

[00:09:21]>> Yeah. Interesting.

[00:09:22]>> So yeah, so he does seem to have some kind of faith in terms of he can be reasonably although as we can see from his policy point of view, it doesn't it doesn't align. Um definitely not. So you can't Yeah. So just attending on a Sunday doesn't necessarily mean that you can have biblical views.

[00:09:42]>> No.

[00:09:43]>> Um yeah. So so here's a little report of the event. So Mr. when he spoke about the enduring role faith communities play in Scotland's national life saying they are spaces not only of reflection and governance but also of dialogue between the church civic society and political leaders I think that barely makes sense um it's sort of a bit un grammatical and yeah bit of a muddle but it's just sort of classic politicians like butchering people up isn't it you know we think you're great oh and but politicians should be saying that to churches because they are great and they do do amazing things and save the money the government a fortune in doing them. Um >> so John added I want to acknowledge the significant contribution the Christian communities including the free church make here at home and abroad. You you support some of the most vulnerable and disadvantages in our society whether through pastoral care, community outreach or practical support. Yeah, quite right. Your efforts not only provide material help but also dignity, compassion, and hope in a society that needs an abundance of dignity.

[00:10:50]Compassion and hope. The Scottish government deeply values these contributions. We recognize that modern Scotland is a multiffaith and multicultural society, a place where people of all faiths and beliefs and of should be able to live according to their convictions freely without fear.

[00:11:07]That's all sort of okay.

[00:11:10]>> Yeah. I I I think that can only exist well can only primarily can only exist with a Christian ethic though if you put Islam as the main religion then the others are no longer free and you know what I mean >> that's the that's a situation in pretty well all Muslim majority countries.

[00:11:30]>> Yeah.

[00:11:31]>> Yeah.

[00:11:31]>> I think sorry.

[00:11:33]>> So I just trying to understand what he was saying. He was saying you guys play a massive role like for the poor and you know feeding feed banks and social and you produce a massive amount of social welfare which actually would otherwise cost the government. Yeah.

[00:11:47]>> Um, and I think that's what you're saying. It's a free service and it's it's also moral and encouraging people to think beyond themselves and give hope. We're in a reasonably dire environment, but then also um, yeah, recognizing that you you're saying by having those values, you also enable a free and fair society for those who have a religion, those who don't. And I think it's almost like I I think that's not actually true. I think it's it's only if the state were to acknowledge those values would you then like for example being Christian and you got street preachers being being taken to prison and you know um for saying something um uh you know what they believe um that isn't a free and fair society anymore.

[00:12:30]So so it's a little bit contradictory to what's going on in Scotland. I I don't think it's I I think he's saying that there but I don't think it's followed through.

[00:12:39]>> Yeah. The majority of people sitting in that room, John Swinny would like to see them arrested under a conversion therapy ban.

[00:12:46]>> Well, that's what Yeah, that's >> for some aspects of that. But they they would basically be uh elders and ministers in the free church of Scotland and and he's after them. If they council people according to their beliefs, >> he wants them arrested.

[00:13:02]>> U so he's really um skating on thin publicly. I mean, who knows? Maybe they say, "Oh, we had we had a chat with him over a cup of tea and expressed concerns about something." Yeah. Well, whatever.

[00:13:14]I don't know how they uh would play it.

[00:13:17]I would say with John Sweeny looking sex education, the abortion issue.

[00:13:21]Interesting question. At which point do you say to someone, okay, we can have no dealings with you.

[00:13:28]We can't be shaking your hand. I mean I mean if Hitler if you're in Nazi Germany and Hitler wants to come along to the general assembly of your church do you say oh yes come along that's really lovely but we'll we'll have a bit of a chat and we'll challenge you about a couple of things but there must be a point where you say no you're not using us to >> be uh furnishing your credentials. We're not going to associate with you. There's got to be that point.

[00:13:56]>> Yes.

[00:13:57]>> So I guess everyone needs to be able to answer where that is I guess. Yes.

[00:14:00]Because because at one point you are now um you you're embellishing the sheep's clothing that the wolf is wearing.

[00:14:08]Yeah. Yeah. Absolutely.

[00:14:10]>> Yeah.

[00:14:12]>> Anyway, yeah, that was just a little uh little aside.

[00:14:17]Oh, let's go on to the main business of the evening. So, so this is the MSBs taking their oaths and affirmations. And you have a choice. You have to swear well, you have to read something out.

[00:14:28]either an oath or an affirmation. The oath is religious, the affirmation isn't. And this is the first time in the parliament that a majority of MSPs took the non-religious affirmation rather than the oath. Now, I know some Christians won't take oaths because the Jesus said don't take oaths. Um, but I I haven't heard that there's any of those.

[00:14:49]So basically the humanist society of Scotland is saying this is showing this is reflective of the fact that most people in Scotland are now not religious and most of the MSPs choose the secular affirmation. Look at the breakdown by party.

[00:15:04]I mean it's a pretty clear graph that basically the more leftwing you get the more secular it is.

[00:15:11]>> Yeah.

[00:15:12]>> And the more rightwing you get the more religious.

[00:15:16]>> Yeah. Interesting. Liberal Democrats surprisingly more oaths than affirmations. Greens nearly majority um affirmation and S&P nearly majority affirmation. That's interesting. Well, maybe >> so Greens Green's far and away the the most secular.

[00:15:35]>> S&P coming in uh next. Um reform and conservative the least. It's funny. So, but I've heard this before that the support from Christians tends to be more for right-wing parties. But it's strange. You go to the average church and the average church exists as though like it mission is to accommodate left-wing views and and to >> to heir and align themselves with leftwing views. It's strange. Um it's interesting.

[00:16:04]>> I think it's split. I think it's split.

[00:16:05]you you'll find some who are what I would call Bible based and thus >> um not uh yeah so >> some some definitely are but but some would be less so >> I would find some churches that are even like very faithful to traditional Christian truth they still try to present it everything that with a leftwing gloss they think that that their marketing strategy has got to be to present themselves as nice leftwing Y type people. Uh >> yeah.

[00:16:38]>> Yeah. Strange. Anyway, let's get to the video. Here we go. Are we ready everyone for this uh this show? So, before we start, I'll tell you what I would do.

[00:16:49]When I'm elected as an MSB, when it comes to swearing my oath, I would be thinking, right, okay, I'll put my best suit on and it seems like people wear a flower in their pel. Okay, I'll get a flower. Maybe all the family party MSPs will all get a white flower. And then I'd be thinking, right, my job is to walk down the aisle, get my words right, uh, reflect on how solemn and serious a commitment it is to be serving in the parliament. Um, yeah, say my words in the right order, then go and sit down.

[00:17:19]That's what I'd be thinking.

[00:17:20]>> But so many of these MSPs, they want to make it their show. They want to want to make their impact.

[00:17:26]>> Before Before you continue, is what is the oath actually promising? Uh it's it's promising like allegiance and service to King Charles and his and successors.

[00:17:39]>> Wow.

[00:17:40]>> So it's better saying that you're going to serve the serve the UK state through being a member of the Scottish Parliament.

[00:17:46]>> Okay. But it's not What about honesty and integrity? Is is it like you you can't lie under oath? You can't like >> you have to do the oath or you can't be an MSP?

[00:17:56]>> Yeah. But but no, one is to serve, but the other But is there anything like saying you promise not to lie to tell the truth? The whole truth is it like court no nothing like that. That's a good point though. There should be things like that.

[00:18:07]>> I think that would be excellent. Um to to put things like that in.

[00:18:11]>> Yeah.

[00:18:12]>> Yeah. Yeah. Anyway, here we go. I think this ladies with the lib dems.

[00:18:24]I ye pay turvy >> I choy >> do swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance >> do swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance >> to his majesty king Charles his heirs and successors according to law >> to his majesty king Charles his heirs and successors according to law >> so help me God >> so help me world.

[00:19:09]What language is that?

[00:19:27]French. Two languages. She lived twice.

[00:19:31]>> I think the first one was maybe Filipino or or Thai or something. Then she lived in Belgium for a while. So that was in French.

[00:19:39]>> Okay. Um, so my thoughts are, I mean, first of all, again, to be honest, her English isn't very good.

[00:19:47]>> It's not entirely easy to hear what she's saying. I mean, she pledged allegiance to King Charles's hairs.

[00:19:54]Um, so instead of preparing to do it in different languages, it might have been better if she'd learned to pronounce the English words properly.

[00:20:02]>> Yeah.

[00:20:02]>> I mean, just on the subject of accents, I mean, it is it is a serious issue. And I've met quite a few people from other countries who speak English, but I can't understand them. I mean, I went to an African church not too far ago, uh, not too long ago. Um, it was really good.

[00:20:21]Everyone was very friendly. It was great. But listen to the sermon. It was in English, but I couldn't understand it. The accent was so strong, it may as well have been in a foreign language.

[00:20:32]Um, so I I would say just judge him by that. judging by that because surely you you've rehearsed and you're trying very hard to get that.

[00:20:39]>> I think that's a bit of an issue if if you so difficult to understand.

[00:20:44]>> But why do you need to do it in other languages? What is the point of that?

[00:20:47]>> Yeah. I I I like to be fair, I can if somebody's sincere about it and they're going, "Oh, I'm going to do this in my native language to show the true I think you've missed the point. It's not about the point is you you are serving an English country and therefore that is enough." You know what I mean? Like I I can get if you want to do that, do your own like kind of ceremony somewhere in terms of Yeah. Um and also um the point of how would she listen to con like what about dialogue with your local I guess she might have been on the list but still your region the whole point of being an MSP is you listen to the local people and how's that going to work? She has to meet loads and loads of people and and understand a lot of dialogue with regards to policies and vote. How's that going to work?

[00:21:37]>> Yeah. So then she's saying, "I've been elected to the Scottish Parliament, but I just want to make it clear that I'm foreign.

[00:21:45]I I I don't come from here. My my identity is is with a different country."

[00:21:55]>> I mean, why to be honest? If that's the way you feel, you shouldn't be standing for election in Scotland. If you don't feel right, this is my home, this is where I live, this is this is me, then you shouldn't be standing for election.

[00:22:07]But but to want to make that front and center, why >> unless unless you're in a constituency that has 250,000, you know, Filipino or whatever French people, then fine.

[00:22:21]>> Well, I would say even in that situation that they need to we need a common language. But the other thing with that is it's just taken for granted that that that's everyone thinks that's really wonderful. It gets an extra round of applause.

[00:22:34]Is that is that sort of language worship almost? Is it >> just go down state read the oath and sit down? Anyway, let's carry on. Let's carry on. Here we go.

[00:22:56]allegiance.

[00:22:56]>> Do swear that I I will be faithful and bear true allegiances >> to his majesty king Charles his heirs and successors according to law >> to his majesty king Charles his heirs and successor according to law >> allegiance >> do swear that I I will be faithful and bear true allegiances >> to his majesty >> right I mean you can barely speak English I don't not being unkind to the man.

[00:23:22]It's just the fact he can barely speak English and to be an MSP. You need to be fluent in English.

[00:23:30]>> Oh, is that is that actually one of the is that one of the requirements actually?

[00:23:33]>> Uh, no, no, of course not. No, no, no, no. It should be, shouldn't it? I mean, that's would be quite reasonable.

[00:23:40]>> I I just find it surprising that you don't even need to have a visa, you know, like like you Is he on a student visa? The the other >> We'll come to him in a minute.

[00:23:49]>> Yeah. Yeah, >> this this fell's been in Scotland for 30 years.

[00:23:54]>> Oh, >> so he must have lived in a bubble.

[00:23:58]>> How did he get >> I think from Pakistan. He must have been >> ah he he didn't pass the life in the UK test that you have to de demonstrate your English capability.

[00:24:10]>> Probably not. But he must have lived in a in a subculture.

[00:24:14]>> This is multiculturalism in in action.

[00:24:16]He's been here 30 years.

[00:24:19]I I mean, can can he speak English? I think it's I'd be inclined to say can't actually speak English there. The the reminder, this is the Labour MSB. It was top of the list, Labor for Lo Edinburgh and Lotheians East.

[00:24:34]>> Oh, >> he's the one who got to the top of the list and all the local labor activists said, uh, who's he?

[00:24:40]>> We don't know who he is.

[00:24:41]>> So, I think he got all these mates to join to vote for him. He's very wealthy apparently. So, I don't know. I I I I don't know what means he used to induce so many people to join the Edinburgh and East Lotheians East um Labor branches. I don't know what say what means he used to encourage people to do that but a substantial number of them did voted him to the top of the list and he's in which sounds very suspicious and it was in the Telegraph today uh reported in fact I'll find the picture I mean it's unbelievable what just keeps coming out let's just find the H here he is Labor MSP called for Israel's crushing defeat after the October 7th attacks So >> to be fair to him, he did say, you know, we condemn the attacks, but they then went on to pray that Israel would suffer a crushing defeat at the hands of Hamas, we assume. I mean, who else were they fighting? So same basically wanted Hamas to win >> and victory for Hamas is >> um >> wiping Israel off the math off the map.

[00:25:53]>> Yeah. Coming back to John Swinn's comment, this is that's not the value that this society has been built on.

[00:26:01]>> Yeah.

[00:26:02]>> Um I mean yeah what just what can you say?

[00:26:08]What can you say that this is this is what we're getting anyway? Let's carry on.

[00:26:13]>> King Charles his heirs and successors according to law >> to his majesty king Charles his heirs and successor according to law.

[00:26:22]May Simita Kumar, Shabati Kunar, Mahim Raja Charlesi is the same thing. I'm not clear what you're saying, but what what is making herself the center of attention assuming that asserting a foreign identity is is appropriate when you've been sworn into the Scottish Parliament declar >> that I will be faithful and bear true elite >> this affirmation um for the people of Scotland and their care. My bunny bunny home.

[00:27:10]I Q Manivan >> I Q Manon >> do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm >> do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm >> that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance >> that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance >> to his majesty King Charles his heirs and successors according to law >> to his majesty King Charles his heirs and successors according to law.

[00:27:39]Um I think he's lying. How this applies to I think every Green and every SNP MSP. They all say something before they take the oath and they say something that applies that they don't actually mean it. They say my allegiance is to the people of Scotland. They then go on to say, "I solemnly declare that my allegiance is to King Charles."

[00:28:02]>> Oh, that's interesting. You can you can give a precursor. What I'm about to say is actually going to be >> Yeah. Which it shouldn't be allowed.

[00:28:09]Shouldn't be allowed. You shouldn't have the opportunity to do your own little disclaimer before you take an oath.

[00:28:16]>> No. That's almost like saying uh I'm about to do my wedding vows. And he says um for whilst the time being or you know for whatever other reason I may have I'm going to do this next bit. But um >> yeah.

[00:28:31]>> Yeah. That's um just out of interest like like when it comes to um solemnly declare Prince Charles uh you know your allegiance to Prince Charles and his heirs and successes. It doesn't really sound like it's anything to do with the people of Scotland or the people of the UK. It's just King Charles that you know >> the only oath.

[00:28:56]>> Yeah, that's the constitution.

[00:28:58]every like the prime minister is appointed if you yeah I don't know quite the right language to use but the prime minister is accountable to the king uh that the military services are accountable to the king it's only like formally it doesn't actually mean anything the wouldn't actually exercise authority over them but just that's the way it's uh it's structured so it's like the monarch is the embodiment of the nation so instead of swearing allegiance to the nation, you swear allegiance to the embodiment, the representation of the nation, which in a mon a monarchy is the is the monarch. Um, so that that's what a >> that's what it is. But, um, I mean, you can see if you're a Republican or a Scottish uh nationalist, you're not going to be too happy that with that, but I would say, well, but tough, that is the arrangement we're currently in.

[00:29:51]>> Yeah.

[00:29:52]>> So, you may not like it, but that's the >> So, yeah. So, this is interesting. So, do all of the S SNP do they all have a pre preceding cursor blurb?

[00:30:03]>> Yeah.

[00:30:03]>> And all the Conservatives in reform, they they don't.

[00:30:06]>> Yeah.

[00:30:08]>> Yeah.

[00:30:09]>> Right. Here we go. Let's uh carry on uh with the Greens >> to the people of Scotland who I hope to create a fairer, more equal future where nobody is born to rule.

[00:30:18]I, Iris Dwayne, >> I, Iris Dwayne, >> do swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance >> do swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance >> to His Majesty King Charles his heirs and successors according to law >> to His Majesty King Charles his heirs and successors according to law.

[00:30:34]>> So help me God.

[00:30:35]>> So help me God.

[00:30:38]>> Right.

[00:30:39]>> Well, that's good. That's good. He he he took the um oath.

[00:30:43]>> So he's one of the uh one of the religious ones.

[00:30:46]>> Yeah. I mean that's a the speaker of the parliament has said he's not going to tolerate misgendering.

[00:30:55]So that was obviously a man dressed up as a woman and there there's two transgender MSPs and the the speaker said it's basically implied that he will discipline MSPs who don't use the right pronouns for them.

[00:31:10]>> Oh >> so this is an open goal for the conservatives in reform. I think they'll be queue enough to get in there first and use the wrong pronouns and get thrown out and be a big news story and get lots of support for it.

[00:31:22]>> Yes.

[00:31:22]>> And then the the transgender people and their allies will be saying, "Oh, they're, you know, they're really upset.

[00:31:29]They've got it's affected their mental health and they've whatever. It's really cruel."

[00:31:36]Um, it's going to happen. This is going to happen. Um, very strange.

[00:31:44]>> Yeah.

[00:31:44]>> Right. You ready for some more?

[00:31:46]>> Yeah.

[00:32:01]I didn't catch her. She was saying there. Let's try that again.

[00:32:04]>> Sorry.

[00:32:10]>> Was that her surname?

[00:32:11]>> Was that her surname?

[00:32:12]>> Uh, no. I think she was speaking a different language.

[00:32:15]>> Right.

[00:32:16]>> But my point with Maggie Chapman is she's got the Palestinian Keer or whatever it's called around her neck.

[00:32:21]Now, now political symbols are banned in the Scottish Parliament.

[00:32:25]>> Really? Like >> surely that is a symbol. Yeah. So, people have been kicked out for wearing like the purple, green, and white feminist scarf, this sort of thing. MSBs have been thrown out for that.

[00:32:40]>> And and if you don't get sworn in, then that's it. You are no no longer an MSP like in terms of you >> if you don't take the oath within two weeks of getting elected, then you're you're off. You're not the MSP. They're getting you off.

[00:32:52]>> And can you just offer to take the election? Do they give you another opportunity?

[00:32:57]Uh I would guess they give you an opportunity up to the two weeks.

[00:33:02]>> If you don't do it within two weeks, then you're uh >> then you struck. You're right.

[00:33:06]>> You're right.

[00:33:06]>> Okay.

[00:33:08]>> So what we've got with Maggie Chapman there is she's making it clear what's her top priority of Palestine.

[00:33:15]>> Yeah.

[00:33:17]Yeah. Yeah. That's interesting. Can can the king actually come and as part of this allegiance thing say these are the values like um you know you see like John Swinny said um he would never do that obviously just if anything he'd probably get it wrong but um it's interesting that I just I just feel like this this allegiance which means nothing at the end of the day it feels like it feels like it doesn't have a per it doesn't serve its original purpose.

[00:33:45]Yeah, I would like it. This this could never happen. I would like it if the king was there and there was someone checking that people did it properly.

[00:33:54]So, no preamble, foreign language or whatever.

[00:33:57]>> Wow.

[00:33:58]>> Just >> if you haven't done it right, then no.

[00:34:02]>> You wouldn't get away with this in a court of law, would you?

[00:34:04]>> No. Well, that's my Yeah.

[00:34:06]>> So, the jud welcome to the witness box.

[00:34:09]Repeat after me. And then someone wants to do a little bit in >> a preamble. Everything I'm about to say I was paid for and paid to do because it benefited them.

[00:34:19]>> Yeah. Yeah.

[00:34:25]>> Mayumari and pledge that in all my actions the interests of the Scottish people shall be paramount over and above that of the monarchy.

[00:34:35]>> Before I >> right.

[00:34:38]So with that one we had the bonus. We've got the Palestinian Keir, but we've also got the sort of communist salute as well. Oh, Garrett disappeared. Yeah. So, we've got the communist salute there as well, which we had from Ross Greer when he was sworn in a while ago. I mean, again, what are you thinking there that you that is basically a communist farle aggressive sort of power sign. Um, so anyway, that's what we're getting in the Scottish Parliament. Let's let's carry on.

[00:35:13]>> Sorry, I dropped that to the people of Scotland who I hope to create a fairer >> people of Scotland whose interests I will always serve before those of the monarchy.

[00:35:23]>> Um, so again, that's someone directly contradicting what they're about to say.

[00:35:28]They're about to solemnly swear allegiance to the king and before it they're saying, "Oh, basically, I don't really Uh, I mean it's it's a circus.

[00:35:39]>> No, I I was going to say if somebody did that if if the king was there, right? Good point. Great point. And he heard that back in the day it would be like gallows.

[00:35:51]It just wouldn't it just looks good.

[00:35:53]It's making a mockery of it.

[00:35:55]>> It is, >> isn't it? Making a mockery of it. Part of it is making a mockery of it. Part of it they have to try and make some of them have to try and make it about them.

[00:36:03]have to make it into their moment in the limelight. I've got the spotlight on me and I'm going to use this opportunity to do something or other. You shouldn't be thinking about it. You should be using this opportunity to reflect on your solemn duties and the uh the role that you're embarking on there.

[00:36:27]>> I think that was in a foreign language.

[00:36:28]I'm not sure.

[00:36:31]What else did we go?

[00:36:38]Ahmed.

[00:36:43]>> Right. John Swerini.

[00:36:47]Before I take math, let me pledge that the primary loyalty of the Scottish National Party is to the people of Scotland in line with the constitutional principle of the sovereignty of the people.

[00:37:01]Before I take mouth, let me pledge that the primary loyalty is to the people of Scotland in line with the constitutional principle of the sovereignty of the people and how can your allegiance be to the people of Scotland? Yeah, I don't.

[00:37:23]Anyway, let's uh here's Anna Sawa.

[00:37:25]You've got a new new thing coming here.

[00:37:34]Imman I saw what >> what happened there then? What happened there? Do we think does anyone actually translate what was being said in these foreign languages and make sure that somebody didn't add the word not in front of it like I do?

[00:37:55]>> That's um what he said there. It was in Arabic and it's a standard Muslim sort of incantation. I can't remember it means exactly something like Allah the in the name of Allah the most beneficent or something.

[00:38:05]>> Oh right.

[00:38:06]>> So it's basically making it his oath if you like to Allah.

[00:38:13]Uh I think four Muslim MSPs did the same thing. They did this little Muslim incantation whatever you want to call it before they went on. And again, I say, "No, if you want to do that quietly under your breath, um, whatever, that's fine.

[00:38:30]>> But you're being sworn in as a member of the Scottish Parliament. You're not being sworn in as a Muslim, a Muslim representative. You're a member of the Scottish Parliament, and that should be the sole focus of you taking the oath or the affirmation."

[00:38:45]>> That's actually a good point. So, when you take the oath and you say the word God there, that is referring to the, I guess, the Christian God. That's a Christian note that you're referring to.

[00:38:53]>> Well, it would be open to interpretation the so help me God at the end of it. I mean that they would say it would be would be Allah who they say it's it's the same God.

[00:39:04]>> I mean could you imagine a Christian doing that?

[00:39:08]Coming and saying like a little prayer before they took the oath.

[00:39:13]I >> Yeah.

[00:39:16]>> I I can't imagine a Christian would do that.

[00:39:19]I can't I could if you have a culture where it seems like a total free-for-all and every everyone brings their toy and says their peace um before they they take the earth then maybe maybe it would happen.

[00:39:31]>> Oh yeah. Um, so I think so I can accept this as part of Muslim culture when you're taking, >> you know, committing to something serious or about to say something serious. That's what we say. Okay, as I said, but but you can you can say that under your breath or you can say it yourself before you come in. But it's just another way of like drawing attention to yourself like I'm special.

[00:39:53]I'm not just here as a member of the Scottish Parliament. There's something I want to make another point as well >> to swear that I will be faith according to law >> to his majesty king Charles his heirs and successors according to law >> is is that is that signing it >> language yeah Um, is it why?

[00:40:28]>> Oh, sorry.

[00:40:31]>> When you're watching the Scottish Parliament, uh, you you can watch it with sign language if you want to. So, there is sign language pro provided on this broadcast from the Scottish Parliament. So, there's no reason to do that in order for uh, for people, you know, for deaf people to be able to understand because the sign language is always there. So, why is she doing it?

[00:40:52]It's just I mean is showing off the right word? It's just again it's a look at me, I'm special. Look what I can do.

[00:41:02]>> That's what I want to I want to make this about me and what I can do and I've got an extra message to give.

[00:41:10]>> Yeah. The question with the signing lady is there not always somebody who is doing sign language >> say it's um so if you're watching Parliament TV that there's two broadcasts. There's one without sign language and there's one with it.

[00:41:23]>> Right?

[00:41:23]>> So if anyone deaf is watching this, by the time they get to the like the 53rd MSP being sworn in, they've probably got the hang of what they're saying. So there's no reason to do it. She would say she's showing solidarity with them and all this sort of things, but no. Let's carry on. Who we got next?

[00:41:40]>> Loyalty is to the people of the Cowenbe constituency and I take the following affirmation as required by law.

[00:41:47]So his loyalty is to the people of the cow and beef constituency.

[00:41:51]>> Uhhuh.

[00:41:52]>> Uh I said that's so does it make any sense if you're in the Scottish parliament?

[00:41:58]>> Where is where is the I'm assuming it's in Scotland?

[00:42:01]>> Uh yeah of course. Yeah. Uhhuh. Yeah.

[00:42:04]>> So just I'm just joking.

[00:42:08]>> There a few of them said this sort of thing. They you know their allegiance is to the to their constituency.

[00:42:14]But but the issues you deal with in the Scottish Parliament are not constituency issues. They're they're national issues.

[00:42:21]>> National.

[00:42:23]>> And the only reason I've stopped on him, okay, he's got his Highland dress on.

[00:42:27]That's fine. But that little badge on there, it says chieftain.

[00:42:33]So he's the the chieftain of oh, I don't know, some clan or other, whatever.

[00:42:38]Again, I think anyway, let's see who we've got next. Let's keep going.

[00:42:43]>> I I, Holly Bruce, de solemnly, sincerely, and Leo hurt her swear and uphold it. I will be faithful and bear true loyalty to his majesty, King Charles, his heirs, and only if I come after him according to law.

[00:43:01]>> Interesting.

[00:43:04]>> So, that's in some sort of Scotch dialect or whatever.

[00:43:09]>> Uh, what's the point? It's It's like um It's like primary school talent contest.

[00:43:14]>> Yeah.

[00:43:15]>> What can you do special?

[00:43:17]>> Did anyone bring a guitar? Did >> No. I mean, next time I see when I'm elected, I think I might go dressed as a Morris dancer.

[00:43:28]English to reflect my English heritage.

[00:43:31]>> Do a little dance with the bells before getting sworn in.

[00:43:35]>> Someone will have to check you mentioned the right constituency.

[00:43:38]Uhhuh. Let's keep going.

[00:43:43]Now, I'm sure this lady must be a green, but um I'm not certain.

[00:43:55]>> I Arian Burgess >> I Arianne Burgess.

[00:44:01]>> Right. Um all I'd like to say about the lady here, I mean her outfit is quite interesting for the occasion.

[00:44:08]um unsuitable I would suggest. But around her neck, I don't know if you can see it. She's got a dream catcher.

[00:44:18]Can you hear me, Gareth? Yes. U Yeah.

[00:44:21]You're muted. You're on mute. Uh yes.

[00:44:23]She's got a dream catcher around her neck. I'm sure you're all familiar with the concept of dream catchers. They were invented by American Indians and they function to prevent dreams uh passing through the ether towards your mind in order to disturb your sleep. Um I mean personally I don't entirely buy that theory. Uh but anyway, so she's got a dream catcher around her neck as she's been sworn in. It just makes me think if someone's got a dream catcher around my neck, it makes me think that they're going to be a very open-minded sort of person. U by open-minded I mean they believe all sorts of >> ridiculous things >> and >> um so when it comes to deciding energy policy right h how many gigawatts do we need how is this electricity going to be transmitted around the nation uh how how reliable are the various renewable energy system how does the load vary at different times of this cycle we're going to have someone looking at these issues who turns up with a dream catcher around their neck. It's not uh doesn't brood well, I don't think.

[00:45:32]>> Yeah. My guess is would she go, well, depending on how I feel, I'm going to vote yes or no, >> or I don't know how many options I actually even have to vote yes or no that isn't already whipped by. Yeah. No, but I agree. I mean you you need to have someone who's going to debate the issues, think about the concerns, you know, read the documents and >> understand it's like >> I mean you would assume I think with all the Greens in particular with all the S&P as well that well most of the parliaments their backgrounds are from very you know they've been social workers or uh maybe teachers or they work for a charity whatever these sort sort of areas that is not particular actually like it's not like running a business or you've been an engineer or something where you you've got to get things right. You got to do the calculations and get it right or it falls down or you go bust or whatever. They're not from those sort of backgrounds in general. Um anyway, so we've got a dream catcher. Uh so let's let's carry on. See we got next. Do solemnly, sincerely, and truly declare and affirm >> Do solemnly, sincerely, and truly declare and affirm >> that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance >> That I will be faithful and bear true allegiance >> to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law.

[00:46:53]>> To his majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors according to law.

[00:47:06]Arian Burgess, right? I swear a bit of Gay there. I think Kate Forbes did the Gay thing as well. I mean, fine. Fine. But this is just not the place for it. It's not the place. This is not the um Yeah, little talent contest. Um we've done Maggie Chapman. Who have we got next? No.

[00:47:32]I affirm the sovereignty of the people of Scotland and do hereby declare and pledge that in all my actions >> who I hope to create a >> Laura Mitchell Murray.

[00:47:47]>> Uh right, let's go back. So there's Patrick Harvey got his rainbow lanyard.

[00:47:52]As I say, um political symbols are banned in the debating chamber. that seems to make an exception for that. So, he's making clear his agenda.

[00:48:01]>> Scotland home there.

[00:48:02]>> We've got one left to go.

[00:48:05]>> Laura Mitchell, >> right? How about that then? You will note that she is holding a burnt piece of wood in her hand.

[00:48:18]>> So, that's a M. Okay.

[00:48:32]Just an aside, I would have thought it would be good manners that all the MSPs sit there and watch each other take the oath.

[00:48:39]Would you have thought?

[00:48:41]>> You saying that they all just left right after?

[00:48:43]>> Yeah, there's hardly anyone left.

[00:48:45]>> Yeah, that doesn't feel good.

[00:48:48]>> They're dressing up and putting their flowers on. I feel there should be something. If you're seeing this as a solemn occasion that you're all um recognizing what a an important task you're embarking on, recognizing the responsibilities you're taking on your shoulders.

[00:49:02]>> Yeah.

[00:49:03]>> They should all be there together.

[00:49:06]>> Like when you get your degree or something, you know what I mean? No one leaves immediately.

[00:49:10]>> Uhhuh.

[00:49:11]>> They will clap for everyone and the whole ceremony finishes and then you leave.

[00:49:15]>> Yeah. I mean, the way it looks here, it looks like the person who did it last, there's probably no one left in there.

[00:49:20]That's pretty poor. Anyway, let's carry on with the >> I, Laura Mitchell.

[00:49:33]>> I, Laura Mitchell, >> do solemnly, sincerely, and truly declare and affirm >> do solemnly, sincerely, and truly declare and affirm >> that I will be faithful and bear true >> because you've already asked me the >> right, there we are. Now that burnt stick, I think she's I think her broth is in her constituency and there's a local tradition, local custom where, you know, people gather around and they they burn a barrel. It might have been a barrel of oil or something. Anyway, they burn a barrel and um it still goes on to this day. Great. All for it. Local tradition. Fantastic. Um and also part of the tradition is that the burnt elements of this barrel brings you good luck as well. So people take away a bit of it uh for luck. Now she's got it with that. She may not be believing that this is a good luck charm. She's maybe just seeing it as I'm demonstrating my connection with my local constituency.

[00:50:28]And I and I think I I get that. That's a really good thing to do in some ways, but this is not the time for it.

[00:50:34]>> Yeah.

[00:50:35]>> This is not the time to be like this is not this is not showand session >> in the parliament. Maybe they should do that. Maybe they should do show and tell session another day so they can all get out of their system. Uh this is this is taking the edge. Uh >> yeah.

[00:50:50]>> Okay. That's the go.

[00:50:53]>> The only question is is it was a hand up sign as well, right? Whereas somebody doing a fist up.

[00:50:59]>> Yeah. A communist. That's a communist.

[00:51:02]>> Yes. Yeah. I'm also a little bit nervous by that as well.

[00:51:06]>> Yeah.

[00:51:08]Now we uh let's have a few comments. Um, I've got a little clip of Hamza Yusf to show next, but let's just have a look at a few comments. Um, uh, Scots and Gaelic. Yeah, I sense a bit like the stick. Quite happy for people to use Scots and Gaelic on lots of lots of occasions. I mean, personally, I just feel for this occasion though that there shouldn't be any distraction. You shouldn't do anything to try and make it make yourself stand out in it. Um, that's my take there. Well, doing their party pieces. Yeah. Yeah, that's a that's the way you would do it. I think this came up when we had the the dream catcher lady. Uh Q Manivan, if you've watched the video I published about him last night, he talks about his queer tarot cards as well.

[00:51:57]>> Wow.

[00:51:58]>> So, I don't know if he actually uses them seriously as an aid to decision making.

[00:52:04]So we could be having a debate where Q manavan's consulting his tarot cards and the other lady is um keeping her dreams.

[00:52:15]Anyway um but just on that point these are serious matters right like you know we're talking about policy we're talking about making law and just imagine your judge was sitting there. You're in court and the judge listens to all the evidence and he's not really listening.

[00:52:29]He's just playing cards in the background and then he goes, "Ah, this is your card." And goes, "You've guilty." You know, >> that's excellent. That diversity of judges. That's what we need.

[00:52:39]>> That's what we need. Somebody who's going to bring in someone who's just going to like, you know.

[00:52:43]>> Uhhuh.

[00:52:44]>> Now, Mark, I'm intrigued by that. Uh, they can't even vote properly for a first minister. I didn't realize something had gone wrong with that. If you want to enlighten us, that would be that'd be interesting. Just on that topic, the MSBs do elect the first minister and they've elected John Sweeney. Um that's because they've got the backing of the Greens.

[00:53:03]Um you know, there was this controversy in the election campaign about Anna Sawa saying to Malcolm Offford, you know, maybe we could work together after the election. I think this is what Anna Sawa would have been meaning. Let's say U S SNP plus Greens hadn't quite got enough for uh to get John Swinny elected as first minister then all the unionist parties could have chosen someone they if they'd have all voted for Anna Sawa he would have been the first minister.

[00:53:35]>> Yeah.

[00:53:36]>> So if you're if you're reform or the conservatives what do you do? Do you vote for Anna Sawa even though you're not on the wavelength of the Labour party or do you abstain or vote for your own leader with the result of which is John Sweeney in the green John Sweeney gets in?

[00:53:51]>> Yeah. So I think Anasawa was quite being quite reasonable in fact be being intelligent by just doing a bit of groundwork to say if it comes to it all the unionist parties should gang up on John Swinny because you'd rather have me and Asawa than have John Swinny. Um so I think he was right in that as it happened it didn't come to it. But what would that have happened? I wonder let's imagine S SMP and Greens don't have enough >> would the unionist parties have combined like that >> you need you need above you need a majority right so like a majority vote >> yes the way majority >> yeah the way it works is if there's no contender you need more than half of the votes as soon as there's a contender you just just have to beat the other contenders >> and if you don't have more than half the votes and there's no other contender then then you have another vote.

[00:54:50]So if they do if they do the vote and there's no first minister produced, they do it again and again and again until there is one. And I guess if they can't produce one, I guess you have another election. Um so it's it's an interesting system. So it didn't come to that, but it would have been fascinating if it had have done. So would they have ganged up to stop John Swinny? I think they would.

[00:55:14]I think if you look at reform and conservatives, I think people would have looked at those and said, "Okay, it was it was lesser of two evils. You did the right thing." But for Labor, I mean, imagine John Sweeney would be saying every week, "You're only here because of reform and the Conservatives."

[00:55:31]Um so it would have been difficult for Labour but just as an interesting aside remember when Kate Forbes was standing to be S&P leader uh pe people were saying even if she'd have won she wouldn't have become first minister because too many of the Greens well all the Greens and some of the SMP MSPs they wouldn't have voted for her.

[00:55:53]So even though she was S&P leader, she wouldn't have been first minister because the MSPs wouldn't have voted for her, >> right? Because it still would have gone to another they would there would have been another vote.

[00:56:04]>> Yeah. And they would never have done it.

[00:56:06]So the S&P would have to go back and produce a new leader. But I I had an idea to play the system which I'll tell you. Okay. Now all of you watching this is secret. Okay? You mustn't tell this to everyone. So I I actually passed this on uh to Kate Forbes through through an intermediary, but it wasn't needed in the end. And the way you play the system is you put so Kate Forbes stands and uh someone else stands against her. Uh but then what you need to do now sorry what what the other party should do in that situation is they shouldn't put up any candidates because Kate Forbes would not have got half of the votes.

[00:56:48]>> Yes.

[00:56:48]>> So their best strategy would have been no one else stands.

[00:56:53]>> Yes. They don't get half >> Kate Forbes stands and she fails and that's it. If they stand, if say Kate Forbes stands and let's say Alex Cole Hamilton stands for the Lib Dems, then Kate Forbes is going to win because all she has to do is beat him, >> right?

[00:57:08]>> So Kate Forbes would have beaten any opponent, but she wouldn't have beaten she wouldn't have got half in the absence of an opponent, >> right? So if if the other parties had their head screwed on, which they probably didn't, but if they did, that's the strategy they should have employed, not put anyone else up. So I said, "Right, what you need to do, I think the deadline before the vote is two hours before." So I said, "Two hours before at the very last moment, someone else puts themselves forward."

[00:57:40]>> Right. Got you.

[00:57:41]>> So like John John Mason say comes and said, "Well, I I'm a candidate as well."

[00:57:46]And then there are two on the ballot paper >> and then the MSBs have got then all Kate Forbes would have had to do would be to beat John Mason.

[00:57:53]>> Yes.

[00:57:54]>> So anyone who wanted to beat Kate Forbes would have to vote for John Mason, which was obviously not going to happen. So I thought that was quite a clever plan, but it was never needed. Uh never needed in the in the end. Uh yeah. So what went wrong with that? I'd be interested to to hear about that. Uh complete and utter uh circus. Yeah. Uh, absolutely. So depressing. I agree. I agree. Right, we've got a couple of minutes. Oh, we've got this clip about Hungry Yusf.

[00:58:25]>> Oh, yeah.

[00:58:25]>> Uh, this is very recent. I think it was just um it was interesting.

[00:58:30]Bye.

[00:58:30]>> Well, what's your personal view on on on on the whole LGBT >> not getting not I'm done with the questions. You can you've kind of questioned me on it. We'll move on to the next one because you've already asked me the questions. You've pushed me on the issue. I'm telling you that I'm not answerable to you or anybody else.

[00:58:44]people know where I exist on rights. So I'm happy >> I'm not allowed to ask that question.

[00:58:47]>> No, you can ask a question. I'm just not going to give you the answer because I've already answered your questions about everything else on this issue.

[00:58:53]You've asked about it. My what I've said is there on a matter of public record.

[00:58:57]My voting record is there in a matter of public record. My speaking record on this is on the public record. If you want to just make this entire interview, which we've got, you know, limited time on on one issue. Well, let let's get on to the few more questions because I think it's much better to get on to the few more questions than just your your your five or six questions now obsession on one point and this is the problem with our communities that sometimes is a bit >> interesting wasn't it was asking him for his personal view on LGBT issues.

[00:59:28]So it sounds like he's asked about various policies but he's now asking him his personal view and the context seems to be a Muslim because um >> Hamzaf replies in our community. So this is basically this is a Muslim who really believes Muslim values.

[00:59:45]>> Yes.

[00:59:45]>> Asking Hamzan and Hamzaf just refusing to answer.

[00:59:49]>> Yes. Yeah. Because he knows that it's it's contradictory to the um it's contradictory to the community.

[00:59:55]>> Yeah. He knows he'll burn a lot of bridges. Yeah, >> which is already burnt with his things he said. But again, part of me thinks why why didn't this happen during the leadership campaign for the S&P?

[01:00:07]>> Why was he not put on the spot like that >> during that campaign?

[01:00:10]>> He probably avoided those communities and those questions and those >> because if he's got all the right answers, he would say he's in favor um would he say he's in favor of samesex marriage? I don't know. He talked about going to Pride events. He would vote for a conversion therapy. when when he was in leadership, it he was unashamedly um pro LGBTQ.

[01:00:32]>> Yeah. Yeah. But he just wouldn't wouldn't say it. I just can't imagine ever being in that situation where you you can't say what you really believe.

[01:00:44]But uh >> yeah, >> that's that's Hamza.

[01:00:46]>> But that's >> that's kind of what we we think about with this oath thing. You know what I mean? So it's kind of interesting.

[01:00:53]>> Yeah. Yeah, >> there's conflict of interest immediately. You got Palestinian and all that stuff.

[01:00:58]>> Yeah. Let's just finish with two tweets since we're on the um uh the MSP's been sworn in. If you haven't watched my halfhour video on Q manavan that I published last night, do go watch it and find out about all about what he believes. Uh this is a couple of tweets.

[01:01:14]Um they went astray in my system and they ended up not including in the video, but he said, "War readiness leads to war, not the other way around.

[01:01:23]To which I say that's really simplistic nonsense.

[01:01:28]>> I mean war readiness readiness to defend yourself can deter war that can prevent war.

[01:01:34]>> That's exactly the opposite of reality I think.

[01:01:37]>> Yeah. I mean I mean sometimes you know if if someone's getting ready for war because they're going to go invade the ne the country next door then. Yeah. But it's just so simplistic and naive.

[01:01:46]>> It is. But but but think the way wars are actually pre-calculated. It's they the whole point is it's too much of a risk to go to war with those guys because they're absolutely thumpous.

[01:01:57]We're not even going to try. So in other words, war readiness leads to not having war unless you are that well inclined that you actually want to get involved and and and I think America's and Russia are probably the only two who are that way inclined.

[01:02:11]>> Um but yeah, so I I would say I would say you have a responsibility. So what do you think? Disband all wars. Just disband your army. I mean, see how >> you'd assume so. Yeah. So, we might say we're a bit worried about war, so we better reduce the size of our military and make them, you know, put put their tanks into storage and mothball the airplanes because the less ready we are, >> Yeah.

[01:02:34]>> the less likely war is. That's the way to sort it out.

[01:02:39]>> That and this guy's going to be voting on on decisions that will impact us.

[01:02:44]Hooray.

[01:02:44]>> Yeah. Yeah. One last one. Uh been a while. Okay. This is Q manavana. Been a while since I put out short form about my work and its time. Any open forums blog sites looking for pieces. So it's saying does anyone want to publish some of my work? Would love to put out my ongoing work on protestbased care curriculums and feminist authoritarian infrastructure.

[01:03:12]Um are you looking to read anything about that Gareth? I mean this is just academic gibberish.

[01:03:18]Isn't it? Is it political activism masquerading as um scholarship?

[01:03:24]>> What's it mean? It doesn't mean anything.

[01:03:27]>> Well, it could mean something, but I don't even even if I were to derive something from it, I'd be nervous of that derivation either way. Feminist authoritarian infrastructure. Hm.

[01:03:40]>> Protestbased care curriculum. I mean, >> how Yeah, protestbased care. um how to uh look after people who shout the loudest >> in school. in the school.

[01:03:55]>> Yeah.

[01:03:57]>> But particularly women >> um and the teachers don't have any authority.

[01:04:04]>> That sounds like Scottish education really.

[01:04:10]>> Yeah.

[01:04:11]>> So, so I would say his expert his academic expertise uh will I was going to say it will contribute nothing to discussing the Scottish Parliament. will detract from the Scottish Parliament because it will be distraction and it will be undermining of understanding the real issues. I thought when I read that it just reminded me of my my favorite book to have a laugh laugh at the impossibility of motherhood. I bought this ages ago. I knew I disagreed with it but I thought I'd read it just out of interest and I refer to it occasionally because it's so funny because it's how many pages? 250 pages of impenetrable gobbledegook.

[01:04:50]And I'm going to prove this to you by ask you Gareth, G, give me a give me a page number between uh like one and 250 and I'll start reading at the first paragraph >> on that page. So give me a page sorry >> 97 >> 97.

[01:05:10]>> Right. So hopefully this is not the one paragraph that makes any sense of the whole book. So here we go. Page 97. Um, Bovoir directly challenges essential motherhood by arguing against its central claim that female embodiment determines women's mothering. Relying her on her analysis of the body situation, Bvoir seeks to account for the significance of women's embodiment, including maternal embodiment, while also avoiding the renaturalization of mothering in terms of women's embodiment. The contradictory aspects of Bovoir's account of mothering, however, indicate that her analysis does not entirely achieve these two goals. In order to reconcile her account of the significance of women's embodiment with their vision of women's transcendence, Bvoir has to include the identity based challenge to sexism and male dominance in her discussion of the independent woman. This undermines her difference challenge to individualism, reinforces the effects of individualist elements of her theoretical framework and brings her account of women's transcendental very transcendent transcendence very close to individuals implications individualism's implication that mothering is not an exercise of subjectivity.

[01:06:22]What you reckon of that Gareth? Do you agree? profound godd the the reason we don't understand it is we we haven't had the education that Q manavan has.

[01:06:34]>> He he spent years studying this sort of I mean he could probably write this sort of thing >> quite fluently.

[01:06:41]>> Yeah.

[01:06:42]>> Well I guess it's another language that they speak in the parliament now.

[01:06:46]>> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah.

[01:06:46]>> Most people don't understand. So >> transcendent.

[01:06:50]>> Yeah.

[01:06:52]Right. Thanks for watching everyone. Um, so I hope you're not too I hope we cheered you up with a bit of levity at the end because that's pretty depressing, isn't it? I mean, having said that, I mean, we've shown the the weird and the and the wacky there. I mean, a lot of the MSPs did just do what they're supposed to do. You know, dressed decently, went ahead and read their lines and sat down. So, there were plenty who did that, but >> more than enough that we can see there's a problem there. So, yeah, thanks for watching. See you next week. And uh thanks Gareth.

[01:07:24]>> Pleasure. Thank you. Okay. Good.