Hello and welcome to The Midge, the e-bulletin that takes a bite out of politics in Scotland and elsewhere.
Today
- Scots firm at centre of global corruption scandal
- Meet Holyrood’s new presiding officers
- Lords criticise EU migrant rescue op
- Housing boom equals more rejections for top state schools
- Row over Carney Brexit warning
06.00 BBC Today headlines
Lords say EU migrant op not disrupting trafficking as intended … Hezbollah commander killed in Syria … Brazil’s acting president Michel Temer in plea for unity … Court to rule on parents in England taking children on holiday during term time … US Navy sacks commander whose crew was captured in Iranian waters … MPs say £5bn in misselling compensation going to firms in commission … World’s oldest person, Susannah Mushatt Jones, dies in NYC at age of 116.
07.00 BBC Good Morning Scotland headlines
Woman in Edinburgh dies after being hit by car being chased by police ... Lords on migrant op ... Commonwealth Games medallist Stephanie Inglis in coma after motorbike accident in Vietnam... Family warns of legal highs danger ... Brexit warning for finanancial sector ... Funeral of Aberdeenshire oil worker Iain Stuart, killed in helicopter crash.
Front pages
Exclusive: In The Herald, Chief Reporter David Leask reveals that a firm in Fife has been named as part of an investigation into an £8million turf war in a former Soviet republic.
Under the headline “Scot free”, The National reports on calls for an inquiry after no charges are brought over RBS’s near-collapse. The Times and Scotsman also lead on the story.
Exclusive: The Evening Times has a sit down with Celtic chief executive Peter Lawell.
The Mail reports unhappiness over what it calls the “juvenile prank” of Labour leader Kezia Dugdale daring the LibDems’ Willie Rennie to ask Prince Charles what he got his “maw” for her 90th birthday. The British Monarchist Foundation called the move “rude”.
In the Telegraph, columnist Allison Pearson says the public is owed an apology for the gap between the number of EU migrants previously reported as coming to Britain between 2011-15 (0.9m), and the new official figure (2.4m).
The FT and the Guardian picture Brazil’s suspended president, Dilma Rousseff, as impeachment proceedings open.
The Guardian also previews a speech by John Major tonight in which the former PM will warn Brexiteers against trying to use immigration as a trump card.
The Sun reports that a Scottish SPCA investigation has begun after a video was posted on Facebook allegedly showing a teenager eating a goldfish.
Camley’s Cartoon
Scotland’s first online worshipping service might be 24/7, but Camley reckons Sunday best will always be in order. Read the story here.
Need to know: Holyrood’s new POs in a minute
Ken Macintosh w/ Linda Fabiani & Christine Grahame - the new team of Presiding Officers following today's elections pic.twitter.com/yH9cVHcrsQ
— Scottish Parliament (@ScotParl) May 12, 2016
Presiding Officer Ken Macintosh
Scottish Labour, West Scotland
Member since 1999
Age 54,
Previous life: TV producer
Salary: £106,290.
Deputy Presiding Officer Christine Grahame
SNP, Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale
Member since 1999.
Age: 71
Previous life: teacher, solicitor
Salary: £89,253.
Deputy Presiding Officer Linda Fabiani
SNP, East Kilbride
Member since 1999
Age: 59
Previous life: housing association director
Salary: £89,253.
Afore ye go
"We pay less than the private sector already but we need to make sure that we don't go so low that we can't get brilliant people like Chris Evans to work for us.”
James Purnell, director of strategy and digital at the BBC, responding to government proposals which would require the corporation to publish the names of stars and executives earning more than £450,000. Dan Kitwood/Getty Images
"It's not exactly breaking news that people who do what I do for a living, compared to people in the real world, get paid too much money.”
Chris Evans. Frederick M Brown/Getty Images
That's the weekly shopping paid for! Queen delighted as she was given a Tesco gift card as her horse won at Windsor. pic.twitter.com/BUOf7UXPHb
— Mark Stewart (@RegalEyes) May 12, 2016
“Trump gave Bernie Sanders a nickname. Now we have Crazy Bernie, Lyin' Ted, Little Rubio and Crooked Hillary — it's like the Spice Girls.” Above, Spice Girls sans Victoria Beckham.
Jimmy Kimmel Live. Stuart C Wilson/Getty Images
"Something she wanted.”
All the Duke of Rothesay would tell Willie Rennie when the LibDem leader asked the prince what he got his "maw" for her birthday. Labour leader Kezia Dugdale had dared Mr Rennie to inquire. He gave his £100 winnings to charity. Tristan Fewings/Getty Images
“The foundation has no comment on the actions of that person.”
A statement from the Trayvon Martin Foundation in response to the news that George Zimmerman was auctioning the gun used to kill unarmed black teenager Trayvon Martin. The former Florida neighbourhood watch volunteer was acquitted over Trayvon's 2012 shooting death. The item was taken off an auction website shortly after going on sale. Above, a mural of Trayvon in Baltimore. Andrew Burton/Getty Images
“There’s not going to be a President Donald Trump. Fear is not going to drive our country. We’re not afraid of Muslims or immigrants or women. We’re not going to be afraid of anything.”
George Clooney at the Cannes press conference for his new film, Money Monster. Clemens Bilan/Getty Images
Swearing-in special
It was best foot forward and smartest threads on as MSPs were sworn in yesterday. Read Daniel Sanderson's story in The Herald here. With the fashion press otherwise engaged perusing the latest collections of Chanel and Prada, it fell to the Scottish Twitterati to take the front row seats. Here are some of the best contributions:
Other kilts are available, but I think Humza Yousaf has won this one pic.twitter.com/6ndgTw2Bdm
— Philip Sim (@BBCPhilipSim) May 12, 2016
Trust @HumzaYousaf to out-bling the women! https://t.co/oNTohucvDD
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) May 12, 2016
When you have a Holyrood swearing in ceremony at 11, but have to take part in the Battle of Culloden at 2. pic.twitter.com/KDKUMcF0uz
— Jamie Ross (@JamieRoss7) May 12, 2016
Solidarity Reg...
— Ern Malley (@trewloy) May 12, 2016
It's like the Mexico Olympics all over again. pic.twitter.com/S8RBzeQjdb
Claudia Beamish (Lab) in pink trainers for the oath-taking ceremony pic.twitter.com/kcgmHGXwml
— Alan Roden (@AlanRoden) May 12, 2016
button it, ken. pic.twitter.com/a52Awqw0AF
— euan mccolm (@euanmccolm) May 12, 2016
Get over to @euanmccolm's timeline for the best critique of suitocracy ever. Chuckle. Then remember he wears turnups on his jeans & a quiff.
— Ruth Davidson (@RuthDavidsonMSP) May 12, 2016
Willie Rennie carrying on the campaign theme there pic.twitter.com/DYwiCEzrAD
— General Boles (@GeneralBoles) May 12, 2016
Thank you for reading. See you Monday.
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