Hello and welcome to The Midge, the e-bulletin that takes a bite out of politics in Scotland and elsewhere.
Today
- Dugdale: Sturgeon must do more for women
- SNP in Govan (above) questions frigates delay
- Jury conclusions on the Hillsborough inquests due
- Junior doctors in England stage all-out strike
- Johnson: EU vote as important as 1945 poll
06.00 BBC Today headlines
Nine-hour walkout by junior doctors in England … Hillsborough ... MPs question stewardship of BHS … Frank Field to criticise Corbyn over Europe … Canadian PM condemns killing of hostage in Phillipines … Syrian refugee to carry Olympic torch through migrant camp … Leicester City need one win to claim title.
07.00 BBC Good Morning Scotland headlines
Hillsborough ... Doctors ... Experts warn of home pollution build-up ... Police in Tayside concerned over missing mother and daughter ... ScottishPower to pay £18m over late bills ... 30th anniversary of Chernobyl disaster.
Front pages
In The Herald, Magnus Gardam reports that Scottish Labour’s manifesto, published tomorrow, will include a pledge to force all political parties to field an equal number of men and women in elections.
The National carries Nicola Sturgeon’s warning to the UK Government not to break its promise on the placing of Royal Navy frigate orders at Govan. The Record and Scotsman are also on the order trail.
The Daily Mail reports on a speech by tartan trouser-suited Home Secretary Theresa May in which she says an “In” vote is vital to keeping Scotland in the Union.
The Sun says a row between singer Susan Boyle and BA lounge staff at Heathrow led to police attending.
The Express says Nicola Sturgeon has been accused of “stealing” Margaret Thatcher’s material. See Need to Know.
Questions are being raised by MPs over the collapse of BHS and in particular its pensions deficit, reports the Times, FT and Guardian.
The Telegraph pictures President Obama wearing virtual reality goggles on a visit to a trade fair in Hanover.
Camley’s Cartoon
Camley is not alone in wondering where those frigate orders are. Story here.
Need to know
Twitter: @mrpaulaitken
The Scottish election campaign had its second “whoops” moment yesterday (the first being Willie Rennie and those amorous pigs) when it was pointed out that the SNP posters of today brought on a feeling of deja vu all over again when compared to Tory posters of old.
Here are ten more memorable instances of the writing being on the political wall:
1. Labour isn’t working, dole queues, 1979
2. New Labour, New Danger, Blair demon eyes, 1997
3. All the Way with LBJ, 1964
4. Be Afraid, Be Very Afraid, William Hague blended with Margaret Thatcher, 2001
5. Labour’s tax bombshell, 1992
6. Life’s Better with the Conservatives, 1959
7. Obama “Hope” pop art posters, 2008.
8. America, Reagan Country, 1980
9. Bliar, Scottish Tories, 1999
10. Vote Conservative, Miliband in Salmond’s pocket, 2015
Afore ye go
Showing my age, but was welding to Flashdance soundtrack in my head. Thanks to ace teacher, Tam, & all at Ductform. pic.twitter.com/Meipo7G3dV
— Ruth Davidson (@Ruth_E_Davidson) April 25, 2016
“I don’t think I’m bossy. I’m chummy and friendly and gooey and fluffy and marshmallowy.”
UKIP MEP David Coburn being interviewed by Gary, Tank Commander. BBC Scotland. Ian Forsyth/Getty Images
“Someone in SNP HQ will be getting the hairdryer treatment."
Following the remarkable similarity between SNP posters of today and Tory posters of old (see Need to Know, above) Scottish Labour deputy leader Alex Rowley thinks the reaction will be one often associated with Sir Alex Ferguson. Michael Regan/Getty Images
"It is sad that two grown politicians have to collude against one person who has only been a politician for ten months in order to try and stop that person from getting the Republican nomination.”
Donald Trump reacts to the Cruz-Kasich alliance. Win McNamee/Getty Images
"The public is being bombarded with conflicting claims about the costs and benefits of EU membership. Many of these are at best unsupported by evidence, and at worst, simply untrue.”
Professor Anand Menon, UK in a Changing Europe director. Ian Forsyth/Getty Images
I think I'm in love!! 😍 #BothVotesSNP pic.twitter.com/XsBMQFYcMz
— David Mairs (@DaveMairs) April 25, 2016
I think she's already married, mate
"The best thing would be for Royal Mail and the Post Office to be brought back together in public ownership."
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, to Communication Workers Union conference in Bournemouth. Cate Gillon/Getty Images
"[Abolitionist] Harriet Tubman will be replacing Andrew Jackson on the $20 bill. It's truly exciting to have a woman on there. Although, unfortunately, due to the wage gap, it is now worth $17.”
Late Night with Stephen Colbert. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
"Through this case, I intend not only to defend my integrity and my image as an athlete but also the values I have defended all my career.”
Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal announces his intention to sue a French minister, Roselyne Bachelot, who accused him of doping. The Spanish Olympic Committee and members of the Spanish government have weighed in on Nadal’s side against the French. Alex Caparros/Getty Images
“F*****”
Jeremy Irons’ use of the F-bomb on Chris Evan’s BBC Radio 2 show is to be investigated by Ofcom. Evans and Irons apologised.
“Women are not as strong, their physical body is not as strong as a man’s physical body in general.”
Lib Dem Andrew Metcalf, standing in Galloway and West Dumfries, when asked by ITV Border reporter Kathryn Samson if the party should have women-only shortlists. He later apologised, saying he was “not used to TV media interviews in high profile elections.” Above: Jennyfer Kay Roberts at the South American Weighlifting Championships before Rio 2016. Buda Mendez/Getty Images
Love the new @BBCNews 'Where's Wally' game, but they really need to make it a bit more challenging. @theJeremyVine pic.twitter.com/BCgOevQCEa
— katoi (@katoi) April 25, 2016
Diary
- Thirtieth anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster (1986).
- British Bankers' Association (BBA) releases its high street banking report.
- UK Statistics Authority Sir Andrew Dilnot will give evidence on EU migration figures at Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee.
- Culture Secretary John Whittingdale at Lords Select Committee hearing on Channel 4.
- Apple and Twitter earnings announcements.
Thank you for reading. See you tomorrow.
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