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James Walker

@jameslwalker.bsky.social
1.2K followers 495 following 92 posts

Political Reporter at The National | Other words and work with The Economist, France TV and Vice among others | Columbia Journalism alum

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James Walker @jameslwalker.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Also, a reminder that we have an incredible subscription deal on at the minute (£20 for an entire year): https:// thenational.scot/subscribe/
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James Walker @jameslwalker.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Pro-independence movements from Scotland, Wales and Ireland recently held a first-of-its-kind meeting in Cardiff. We spoke to someone inside the room about what happened – and how the reaction of a senior US political strategist left an impression 👇🏻 www.thenational.scot/news/2660021...
thenational.scot
Inside historic independence meeting that left US strategist saying: ‘You will win’
REPRESENTATIVES from pro-independence movements across Scotland, Wales and the island of Ireland met in Cardiff last week for what is believed to have been the first gathering of its kind ...
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James Walker @jameslwalker.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
EXCLUSIVE: The Scottish Secretary has been condemned for his "absolutely horrific" response – revealed via FOI – to a pro-Israel group's alleged “smear campaign” of a group of Scottish educators 👇🏻 thenational.scot/news/26583823.scottish-educators-slam-douglas-alexander-reply-pro-israel-smears
thenational.scot
Scottish educators slam Douglas Alexander’s response to pro-Israel ‘smear campaign’
THE Scottish Secretary has been blasted over his response – revealed via FOI – to an alleged pro-Israel “smear campaign” of a group of…
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James Walker @jameslwalker.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Read more here: www.thenational.scot/news/2658362...
thenational.scot
Inside Scotland’s hidden pipeline of ‘phantom’ hyperscale data centres
WHEN an official from the UK’s grid operator appeared at Holyrood’s energy committee last week, he quietly revealed that Scotland may have more…
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James Walker @jameslwalker.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
SPECIAL REPORT: Scotland has more data centres in the grid pipeline than previously known, MSPs were told last week – “closer to 30” in total. The problem? The public can’t yet see them all ... This Sunday National investigation looks into Scotland's 'phantom' data centres👇🏻
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James Walker @jameslwalker.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
‼️An incredible subscription deal on at the minute too. If you appreciate reporting like this, take advantage 👇🏻 thenational.scot/subscribe
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James Walker @jameslwalker.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
EXCLUSIVE: The Caledonian Sleeper is facing safety questions after a seat reportedly caught on fire randomly. The publicly-owned train service confirmed that a "small thermal event" recently occurred 👇🏻 thenational.scot/news/26576118.safety-concerns-seat-caledonian-sleeper-randomly-caught-fire
thenational.scot
Safety concerns as seat on Caledonian Sleeper service 'randomly caught fire'
THE Caledonian Sleeper is facing safety questions after a seat reportedly caught on fire ...
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James Walker @jameslwalker.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
EXCLUSIVE: The Scottish Government is being urged to tear up contracts between the Caledonian Sleeper and a Spanish train company linked to illegal Israeli settlements 👇🏻 thenational.scot/news/26573108.caledonian-sleeper-must-end-contracts-israel-linked-train-firm?…
thenational.scot
Caledonian Sleeper under fire over contracts with Israeli settlement-linked firm
THE Scottish Government is being urged to tear up contracts between the Caledonian Sleeper and a Spanish train firm blacklisted by the UN over…
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James Walker @jameslwalker.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
EXCLUSIVE: John Swinney has been urged to probe an ongoing £21m NHS Scotland contract with a firm whose parent company is linked to illegal Israeli settlements thenational.scot/news/26569535.john-swinney-urged-probe-21m-nhs-contract-linked-israel
thenational.scot
John Swinney urged to probe £21m NHS contract linked to illegal Israeli settlement
THE First Minister had been urged to investigate and end an ongoing NHS contract with a firm whose parent company is linked to illegal Israeli…
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James Walker @jameslwalker.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
EXCLUSIVE: Sam Heughan has urged MSPs to back a moratorium on new hyperscale AI data centres in Scotland ahead of a key Holyrood vote tomorrow. The Outlander star says politicians should “pause and reflect” and hit out at the Scottish Government's position👇 www.thenational.scot/news/2655268...
thenational.scot
Sam Heughan urges MSPs to back AI data centre moratorium in key Holyrood vote
OUTLANDER star Sam Heughan has urged MSPs to back a moratorium on planning applications for new hyperscale data centres in Scotland ...
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James Walker @jameslwalker.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
EXCLUSIVE: A nurse has claimed in an email to NHS bosses that a huge proposed AI data centre near a Scottish hospital could pose a “significant” risk to patients. She said "voltage fluctuations" caused by the facility could impact lifesaving medical equipment👇 www.thenational.scot/news/2654896...
thenational.scot
Nurse alerts NHS boss to 'safety risks' of huge AI data centre near Scottish hospital
A NURSE has claimed in an email to NHS bosses that a huge proposed AI data centre near a Scottish hospital could pose a “dangerous” risk to…
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Reposted by James Walker
The National @scotnational.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Outlander star Sam Heughan has urged MSPs to back a moratorium on planning applications for new hyperscale data centres in Scotland 👀 @jameslwalker.bsky.social has the exclusive 👇 www.thenational.scot/news/2...
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James Walker @jameslwalker.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
🚨 Swords. Daggers. Battle axes. Kukri knives. Knights Templar International, the far-right group that has provided funding to Scottish vigilante groups, has been advertising these weapons for sale in emails to supporters. All the details in this EXC👇🏻 www.thenational.scot/news/2652968...
thenational.scot
Far-right group funding Scottish vigilantes sells swords and 'massive' battle axes
A FAR-RIGHT group that has provided funding to vigilante groups in Scotland has been promoting swords, daggers and battle axes to its supporters,…
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Reposted by James Walker
The National @scotnational.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
Tomorrow's front page 📰 Group funding Scots vigilantes advertises axes and swords for sale
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Reposted by James Walker
The National @scotnational.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
EXCLUSIVE: A far-right group that has provided funding to vigilante groups in Scotland has been promoting swords, daggers and battle axes to its supporters, The National can reveal 🚨 @jameslwalker.bsky.social has the exclusive 👉 www.thenational.scot/news/2652968...
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James Walker @jameslwalker.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
🚨EXC: A huge planned £2 billion AI data centre linked to a Scottish aristocrat has been warned that it could affect local water supplies and have a “significant impact” on a protected stretch of the River Tweed, The National can reveal 👇 www.thenational.scot/news/2651722...
thenational.scot
Environmental warnings emerge over huge £2bn AI data centre linked to Scottish Duke
A HUGE planned £2 billion AI data centre linked to a Scottish aristocrat has been warned that it could affect local water supplies and have a…
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James Walker @jameslwalker.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
EXCLUSIVE: Inside the huge AI data centre lobbying campaign sweeping through Holyrood. 8 companies, 2 industry bodies, over 30 meetings involving MSPs, ministers and the First Minister 👇 www.thenational.scot/news/2649139...
thenational.scot
Inside the huge AI data centre lobbying campaign sweeping through Holyrood
AI data centre developers and the wider industry have engaged in a sustained lobbying blitz of the Scottish Parliament, The National can reveal ...
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Reposted by James Walker
The National @scotnational.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
Tomorrow's front page 🗞️ Reform UK councillor 'advised' far-right vigilante group
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The National @scotnational.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
BREAKING: A Reform UK councillor in Scotland has been caught out 'advising' a far-right vigilante street patrol group
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James Walker @jameslwalker.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
🚨EXCLUSIVE: Newly appointed Defence Secretary Wes Streeting has taken tens of thousands of pounds from donors with links to arms firms and controversial US tech firm Palantir, The National can reveal👇 www.thenational.scot/news/2640176...
thenational.scot
Wes Streeting took thousands from donors with links to arms firms and Palantir
WES Streeting took tens of thousands of pounds from donors with links to arms firms and controversial US tech firm Palantir, The National can reveal…
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James Walker @jameslwalker.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
EXCLUSIVE: Officials on Scottish Labour's governing body have said Anas Sarwar was a 'failure' as leader and branded his move to the House of Lords as 'shameful' 👇 www.thenational.scot/news/2640099...
thenational.scot
Top Scottish Labour official brands Anas Sarwar 'failure as leader' amid Lords move
SCOTTISH Labour officials have hit out at Anas Sarwar amid reports he is set to stand down to become a minister in Andy Burnham's government ...
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James Walker @jameslwalker.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
‼️Who's really behind Glasgow's recent wave of "spontaneous" anti-immigration protests? Our investigation traces how AI-generated posters, misinformation and a network of far right groups have helped organise and amplify demonstrations across the city⬇️ www.thenational.scot/news/2628907...
thenational.scot
Inside the network of far right accounts behind anti-immigration protests in Glasgow
THIS sunny Thursday in Glasgow, grown men moved from window to window outside the New Gorbals Housing Association, phones raised as they tried to…
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James Walker @jameslwalker.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
🚨EXCLUSIVE: A US anti-abortion group with links to Donald Trump and the American evangelical right spent millions of dollars on legal action in the UK and across Europe last year, The National can reveal 👇 www.thenational.scot/news/2622576...
thenational.scot
Revealed: Millions in US cash behind UK anti-abortion protest legal fights
A US anti-abortion group with links to Donald Trump and the American evangelical right spent millions of dollars on legal action in the UK and…
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Reposted by James Walker
The National @scotnational.bsky.social · 14/06/2026
Westminster MPs have spent hundreds of thousands of pounds of taxpayer cash on firms with current or past party links, The Sunday National can reveal 👇 Read more: www.thenational.scot/news/2...
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The National @scotnational.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
Tomorrow's front page 📰 Refugees are woven into Scotland
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James Walker @jameslwalker.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
Great to be shortlisted this year + to see all these noms for the team. There has never been a more important time for good, compassionate reporting on refugee issues amid the toxic bin fire that is UK politics at the minute. The article in question: www.thenational.scot/news/2546845...
thenational.scot
Home Office blocks Paisley refugee family from reuniting with dying son
A SYRIAN refugee family living in Paisley has called on the Home Office to stop blocking them from reuniting with their terminally ill son ...
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James Walker @jameslwalker.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
SPECIAL REPORT: I was at the Court of Session today as the UK Government tried to stall the Scottish Palestine Action review and former diplomat Craig Murray attempted to suspend the ban. Here is what I saw 👇 www.thenational.scot/news/2614427...
thenational.scot
Inside the room as UK Government tried to stall the Scottish Palestine Action review
THERE weren’t enough seats at court 6 of the Court of Session today ...
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James Walker @jameslwalker.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
It will be a big legal tête-à-tête. On one side, Craig Murray (Joanna Cherry KC representing) arguing for the suspension. On the other, Advocate General Catherine Smith (repping UK Government) seeking to postpone the entire thing until all English proceedings are concluded
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James Walker @jameslwalker.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
🚨On my way to a Court of Session hearing today on whether to suspend the Palestine Action ban in Scotland pending the Judicial Review later this year. Huge constitutional implications. Keep up-to-date here (🧵) and thenational.scot with a full write up later
thenational.scot
Scotland's News & Independence Debate - The National
Scottish news, politics, opinion and culture from Scotland's only pro-independence newspaper. The National - trusted Scottish journalism.
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James Walker @jameslwalker.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
EXCLUSIVE: US military use of Scotland's publicly owned Prestwick Airport spiked in the days before the latest strikes on Iran www.thenational.scot/news/2614052...
thenational.scot
Revealed: Surge in US military flights from Prestwick before latest Iran strikes
US military use of a Scottish airport spiked in the days before the latest strikes on Iran, The National can reveal ...
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James Walker @jameslwalker.bsky.social · 26/05/2026
EXCLUSIVE: Reform MSP Thomas Kerr's company has been struck off and dissolved after failing to file its accounts www.thenational.scot/news/2613992...
thenational.scot
Reform MSP Thomas Kerr's company struck off after failing to file accounts
THE PR firm owned by Reform UK’s Scottish deputy leader Thomas Kerr has been struck off and dissolved after apparently failing to file its…
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James Walker @jameslwalker.bsky.social · 22/05/2026
(5/5): If you're interested to hear more, read my deep dive into the hidden housing scandal behind Scotland's world class strawberries and raspberries 👇 www.thenational.scot/news/2612978...
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https://www.thenational.scot/news/26129785.hidden-housing-scandal-behind-scotlands-world-class-strawberries/
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James Walker @jameslwalker.bsky.social · 22/05/2026
(4/5): Scotland’s then housing secretary Mairi McAllan last year pledged new accommodation standards for seasonal workers. But campaigners say there’s still no timetable for reform as another harvest season begins
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James Walker @jameslwalker.bsky.social · 22/05/2026
(3/5): A new report from the Worker Support Centre says experiences like this are widespread with dozens coming to them to complain. Many won't though. Since housing is tied to employment, workers can lack the same legal protections from eviction or unsafe conditions ...
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James Walker @jameslwalker.bsky.social · 22/05/2026
(2/5): 38-year-old Yelena from Kazakhstan worked for a strawberry farm in Perthshire last year expecting decent accommodation during the harvest season. Instead, she lived in a mouldy, mud-caked caravan with five others. The price charged by the farm? £1800 a month ...
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James Walker @jameslwalker.bsky.social · 22/05/2026
🧵 (1/5): Every summer, thousands of migrant workers travel to Scotland to pick our world class strawberries and raspberries - sustaining an industry worth £188m to the Scottish economy 🍓 But behind the picture-perfect punnets, many say they’re living in shocking conditions👇
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James Walker @jameslwalker.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
If you value this kind of investigative work, we have a great deal on right now: 73p for three months! www.thenational.scot/politics/261...
thenational.scot
73 pro‑independence MSPs. 73p for three months of The National
Scotland has delivered a historic result – and we are marking it with a historic offer
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James Walker @jameslwalker.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
EXC: The landfill site behind the huge Fife blaze was found to be “major non‑compliant” at its last inspection by Scotland’s environment watchdog, The National can reveal. The Ladybank fire has been sending smoke over nearby communities for over a week👇 www.thenational.scot/news/2612135...
thenational.scot
Landfill site behind huge Fife blaze was rated ‘major non-compliant’ by watchdog
THE landfill site behind a huge Fife blaze was found to be “major non‑compliant” at its last inspection by Scotland’s environment watchdog,…
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The National @scotnational.bsky.social · 17/05/2026
A sinister neo-Nazi fight club appears to be increasingly targeting young Scots, the Sunday National can reveal 👇 Read more: www.thenational.scot/news/2...
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James Walker @jameslwalker.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
EXC: FOI emails reveal the Electoral Commission’s former CEO raised concerns that far-right party Independent Green Voice’s branding may have been designed to confuse voters into mistaking it for the Scottish Greens. Senior staff pushed back👇 www.thenational.scot/news/2609950...
thenational.scot
Electoral Commission boss raised concerns over IGV branding in 2021, FOI reveals
EMAILS released via FOI have revealed why the Electoral Commission initially took no action against Independent Green Voice (IGV) ...
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James Walker @jameslwalker.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
EXC: Scottish Labour official calls on Anas Sarwar and Jackie Baillie to resign. Another member of the party's governing body has called for a leadership election 👇 www.thenational.scot/news/2609159...
thenational.scot
Scottish Labour official calls on Anas Sarwar and Jackie Baillie to resign
A SCOTTISH Labour official has called on Anas Sarwar and Jackie Baillie to resign as the dust settles on what looks to be a disastrous result for…
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James Walker @jameslwalker.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
NEW: In Edinburgh Northern, I'm hearing from Lib Dems that they are confident that their candidate Sanne Dijkstra-Downie has won by around 1000 votes with SNP in second ...
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James Walker @jameslwalker.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
On the former, I’m hearing that Scottish Greens are confident – from early samples – that they could be on track to win and oust SNP heavyweight Angus Robertson. Usual caveats though, it is v early and remains close with Scottish Labour up there too …
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James Walker @jameslwalker.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
The intrigue seems to be concentrated in the back of the hall where Edinburgh Central (left) and Edinburgh Northern (right) are expected to be particularly close ...
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James Walker @jameslwalker.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
One SNP volunteer – when asked for his prediction – said “you never know”, citing the 2024 General Election. Reacting to the dismal results for Labour in the English local elections, their Edinburgh South candidate Daniel Johnson told me there are “many moving parts” in Scotland
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James Walker @jameslwalker.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
It’s very cagey in the hall, as is often the case at election counts and it will be increasingly so as the day progresses. This early, everyone also likes to talk in cliches. Think "a long day ahead", "anything could happen" etc.
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James Walker @jameslwalker.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
🚨 I am at the Holyrood election count in Edinburgh today - perhaps the most exciting race in Scotland. As many as 4 parties could realistically win constituency seats in the capital. I'll be covering it all in this thread and online/print for @scotnational🧵 👇
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James Walker @jameslwalker.bsky.social · 04/05/2026
EXCLUSIVE: A Scottish salmon farm is under investigation by a UK Government agency after blind and diseased salmon missing chunks of flesh were filmed at their Highland facility www.thenational.scot/news/2607665...
thenational.scot
Highland salmon farm investigated by UK Government agency after diseased fish filmed
A SCOTTISH salmon farm is under investigation by a UK Government agency after blind and diseased salmon missing chunks of flesh were filmed at their…
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James Walker @jameslwalker.bsky.social · 26/04/2026
🧵(5/5) With these increasingly hostile policies and rhetoric, unions and experts are warning that a migrant worker exodus would lead to serious disruption for the NHS, social care, universities and the wider economy. My special report for more details👇 www.thenational.scot/news/2605222...
thenational.scot
A great exodus: What actually happens if migrant workers leave UK en masse?
WHEN Iresha moved from Sri Lanka to the UK with her husband and three children in 2023, she believed they were starting a new life ...
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James Walker @jameslwalker.bsky.social · 26/04/2026
🧵(4/5) That includes Iresha, who moved from Sri Lanka in 2023 with her husband and three children to work in care. After building a life here and settling her children into school, she says she is now actively looking at countries such as Canada, Australia and New Zealand
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