Nicola Sturgeon is in a political bind.
To maintain support for the Scottish National Party she needs to keep the flame of independence burning.
But she also knows she could struggle to win a second referendum, with recent polls showing a small but consistent majority of Scots want to stay in the United Kingdom.
To play for time the First Minister asked the Supreme Court to rule on the validity of Scotland holding a referendum without the UK government’s consent.
The Court ruled against such as The Scotland Act specifically states that holding a referendum is a decision for Westminster.
Ms Sturgeon responded by claiming the result of the next general election will be a “de facto” poll on independence.
Many will have sympathy with the Scots for not wanting to be ruled by the Tories in London.
But the best way to end this situation - and keep the United Kingdom together - is to vote for a Labour Government.
Key to survival
Speed is of the essence when someone suffers a cardiac arrest.
The quicker they receive treatment to restart their heart, the more likely they are to survive.
That is why this paper is campaigning for defibrillators to be available in all public buildings. As a first step, the Government had vowed to put the life-saving equipment in all state schools in England by next Summer.
That promise is now in doubt because of a shortage of batteries and components.
Ministers must do everything in their power to source the necessary supplies.
Lives will be lost if they fail to deliver.
All need this
A breakthrough drug that can slow the progression of Alzheimer’s could be available in the UK from next year.
But doctors are warning few will benefit unless NHS dementia care is improved.
This life-changing medicine should be available for all, not just those who can go privately.
