Brian Wilson

The column argues that Scotland's creation of a single national police force in 2013 removed effective local democratic accountability. It links reduced officer numbers, the closure of almost 200 police stations and centralised services to worsening public safety concerns in Glasgow and elsewhere. While acknowledging that homelessness, dereliction and funding cuts are partly Glasgow City Council's responsibility, it says no local political figure is answerable for policing policy or resources. The piece calls for renewed local input and accountability, while praising BBC programmes for exposing urban and rural policing realities.

Brian Wilson argues that GERS has established Scotland’s current fiscal position: a £25 billion deficit alongside roughly £2,720 more public spending per person than England. He says the figures are relevant to the inheritance an independent Scotland would face, although they cannot predict the outcome of a future constitutional settlement. The column attributes Scotland’s spending advantage to historical social needs, geography and the Barnett Formula, and urges Scottish governments to protect that arrangement. The more important issue, he argues, is how funding is distributed internally, citing cuts affecting the Western Isles and Glasgow. Rising tax revenue failing to keep pace with spending and growing welfare costs are presented as an unsustainable trend that cannot be addressed simply by demanding more funding.

Brian Wilson defends Anas Sarwar’s decision to accept a Labour government trade-minister role and enter the House of Lords, arguing that defeated party leaders are not obliged to remain in opposition. He says individual boycotts cannot resolve the Lords’ constitutional flaws and that government must continue functioning while longer-term reform is considered. Drawing on his own ministerial experience, Wilson emphasizes how ministers can use thousands of everyday decisions to implement Labour principles, protect employment and challenge cautious civil-service advice. He concludes that Sarwar’s political judgment and commitment make him well suited to handle the unforeseen challenges of government.

Withdrawal of key morning air services to the Northern and Western Isles is expected to impose major costs on the NHS and worsen depopulation pressures. Loganair’s cuts, high fares and disputed demands for government support highlight a lack of transparency and absence of a coherent Scottish regional air services policy. Failures by Highlands and Islands Airports Limited to escalate funding issues to ministers have compounded the impact, while island communities face rising travel barriers and little representation in decision‑making bodies.

Andy Burnham is urged to avoid the missteps that undermined Keir Starmer’s early premiership, particularly inadequate preparation for government and misguided initial policies such as cutting winter fuel payments. Morgan McSweeney’s account of Labour’s lack of readiness is highlighted as emblematic of broader strategic failings that quickly eroded public goodwill. Burnham is advised to assemble experienced advisers, project positivity, and distinguish his leadership while still acknowledging Starmer’s achievements in reducing illegal immigration, lowering NHS waiting lists, and improving economic performance. With public willingness to give Labour another chance, Burnham’s early actions will be pivotal in shaping lasting perceptions of his government.