Hello and welcome to The Midge, the e-bulletin that takes a bite out of politics in Scotland and elsewhere.
Today
- Sturgeon demands soft Brexit after court ruling
- Concern over multi-school headteachers
- Council tax bills to rise
- ScotRail told to improve services or contract at risk
06.00 BBC Today headlines
PM May insists she is sticking to her Brexit timetable … Russia to pause hostilities for 12 hours to allow Aleppo rebels to exit … President of Bulgaria claims Russia out to destabilise politics in Europe … Coroner in Australia finds death of cricketer due to tragic accident … TUC says thousands unable to pursue unfair dismissal claims due to high fees … Paris climate change deal comes into effect … Record-length earthworm found in Widnes; 40cm “Dave” dies en route to Natural History Museum in London.
07.00 BBC Good Morning Scotland headlines
UK Government says it won't be knocked off course ... MoD announcement on Clyde frigates due ... Aleppo rebels reject Russian offer ... RMT leads protest at Aberdeen over ferry wages ... Loganair reports near 50% drop in profits.
Front pages
In The Herald, Kate Devlin and Tom Gordon report that FM Nicola Sturgeon is to insist that that the UK as a whole - not just Scotland - remains in the single market.
“The judges versus the people” is the Telegraph’s take on the court ruling that a parliamentary vote must take place before Brexit negotiations can be triggered.
“May is urged to call snap election over Brexit ruling,” says the Times, while the FT says the PM’s Brexit calendar is now in turmoil.
It’s “Brexit hokey-cokey” declares the Record.
In the Guardian, commentator Polly Toynbee has a message for MPs: “It is not anti-democratic to try to stop what so many other countries see as an incomprehensible act of economic suicide.”
No messing around for the Express, which goes with the headline, “WE MUST GET OUT OF THE EU”.
Away from Brexit, in the Evening Times, Vivienne Nicoll reports that Glasgow city council leader Frank McAveety has hit out at safety staff due to stage industrial action this weekend over pay.
Camley’s cartoon
Camley finds that for Theresa May, as one door opens, another one slams in her face.
FFS: Five in five seconds
What’s the story?
Theresa May has a rather awkward phone call to make today.
Who is she calling?
European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker.
Why?
To update him on the Brexit state the UK is in after the High Court’s ruling that there must be a parliamentary vote before the UK Government can trigger Article 50 to begin Brexit negotiations.
Mood music?
Tense. Member states, led by France, had made clear they wanted talks to begin asap, but any timetable has now gone out the fenetre. Instead of triggering Art 50 next March, as Mrs May had hoped, some estimates suggest it could be 2018.
Ramifications of the High Court rammy?
Cutting to the chase, the odds on Mrs May calling a snap General election to boost her majority are being cut fast. As the Daily Mirror reports today, Ladbrokes is now offering 2/1 on that prospect. Paddy Power is giving 6/4 on, and William Hill 6/5.
Afore Ye Go
“This is an attempt to frustrate the will of the British people and it is unacceptable.”
Communities Secretary Sajid Javid on the High Court’s ruling. BBC Question Time
"In the words of our great Prime Minister, I believe they understand that Brexit means Brexit and we are going to make a Titanic success of it.”
Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson at the Spectator parliamentarian of the year awards. Some audience members reminded him that the Titanic’s journey did not end well. Above, with Theresa May and Amber Rudd, waiting to welcome President Santos of Colombia. Stefan Wermuth - WPA Pool/Getty Images
Brexiters: "How dare Parliament have a say after a referendum in which we campaigned to give Parliament more of a say!"
— David Schneider (@davidschneider) November 3, 2016
Meanwhile, Stateside:
Donald Trump tells himself to calm down during an election rally. pic.twitter.com/kq5Eml2Knc
— ITV News (@itvnews) November 3, 2016
Melania Trump speaks in Berwyn, PA, to shouts of 'we love you!' 'We love your body!' pic.twitter.com/HEVNP5SMDI
— James Astill (@JamesMAstill) November 3, 2016
From The Economist's Washington Correspondent, James Astill
— Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) November 3, 2016
A selfie one small boy in Ohio will remember, after a speech by Barack Obama on the campaign for Hillary Clinton #ElectionDay pic.twitter.com/h4CFGLefJ6
— AFP news agency (@AFP) November 3, 2016
The Telegraph's man is not having a glam time of it in the US.
I'm staying in the kind of motel where drug deals go horribly wrong.
— Tim Stanley (@timothy_stanley) November 3, 2016
Not only am I going to use the room's safe but I'm going to see if I can fit into it.
— Tim Stanley (@timothy_stanley) November 3, 2016
And back home:
“It wouldn't be the first time he tried to dispatch a frothing at the mouth but much-loved family member for the betterment of this nation.”
SNP MP Pete Wishart, calling for a debate on animal welfare, won’t let sleeping dogs lie on the Heseltine story. Christopher Furlong/Getty Images
"Mx"
The title that customers of Metro Bank who do not identify themselves with being specifically male or female will be able to choose instead of Mr, Mrs, Miss, or Ms. Laura Lean/PA Wire
Have I Got News For You: Nick Clegg got - wait for it - £15,000 to appear on the BBC programme on 21st October #eu #what
— steve hawkes (@steve_hawkes) November 3, 2016
From the Sun's deputy political editor, Steve Hawkes
Thanks for reading. See you Monday. Twitter: @alisonmrowat
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