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John Ferry

@johnferry.bsky.social
626 followers 1.6K following 169 posts

Occasional Scottish politics columnist

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John Ferry @johnferry.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
I spoke with David Tydeman, CEO of Ferguson Marine 2022-24, to get his take on the job cuts the yard has announced. He thinks the cuts were preventable. See his take on the latest in the SNP Scottish Government ferries fiasco here 👇 ✍️ spectator.com/article/how-...
spectator.com
How the SNP failed Ferguson Marine
In news that will surprise almost no one, it has emerged that Scotland’s state-owned shipbuilder, Ferguson Marine, is to cut nearly a quarter of its workers. The business, which has been at the centre...
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John Ferry @johnferry.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
New from me @thespectator1828.bsky.social on job cuts at Ferguson Marine, including an exclusive take from ex Ferguson CEO David Tydeman: spectator.com/article/how-...
spectator.com
How the SNP failed Ferguson Marine
In news that will surprise almost no one, it has emerged that Scotland’s state-owned shipbuilder, Ferguson Marine, is to cut nearly a quarter of its workers. The business, which has been at the centre...
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Kevin Hague @kevverage.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
A quick thread on today’s #GERS figures 1. Scotland’s GERS deficit continues to be much greater than the EU’s 3% excessive deficit threshold
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John Ferry @johnferry.bsky.social · 03/05/2026
In which I make the post-colonial liberal case against secessionism - and outline how to truly be a 'good' democrat - in the context of established democracies like Britain's. Get it read! ✍️ spectator.com/article/how-...
spectator.com
How to silence Scottish nationalists
If the SNP were truly good democrats would they not be more tolerant of the inclusive democracy they are already part of?
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John Ferry @johnferry.bsky.social · 03/05/2026
There is no need for non-nationalists to outline a path to a second independence referendum because it's already as clear as day what that path is. New from me @thespectator1828.bsky.social 👇 ✍️ spectator.com/article/how-...
spectator.com
How to silence Scottish nationalists
If the SNP were truly good democrats would they not be more tolerant of the inclusive democracy they are already part of?
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John Ferry @johnferry.bsky.social · 02/05/2026
Heads up. I have a new column out @thespectator1828.bsky.social tomorrow morning arguing that the route to a 2nd indyref is perfectly clear, and that it is in fact the SNP & Scottish Greens who are the real anti-democrats in this debate. Look out for it tomorrow am! ✍️ 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿
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John Ferry @johnferry.bsky.social · 17/04/2026
It's a sad state of affairs when creating division between the north & south of this island is the only real motivating factor behind Scottish government action. But that is where we are. Me @thespectator1828.bsky.social on John Swinney's supermarket food gimmick ✍️ spectator.com/article/john...
spectator.com
John Swinney wants to decide Scotland’s food prices
First Minister John Swinney needed a headline-grabbing new policy for the launch of his party’s Holyrood election manifesto today.
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John Ferry @johnferry.bsky.social · 17/04/2026
New from my @thespectator1828.bsky.social , on @johnswinney.bsky.social's food price cap policy👇 spectator.com/article/john...
spectator.com
John Swinney wants to decide Scotland’s food prices
First Minister John Swinney needed a headline-grabbing new policy for the launch of his party’s Holyrood election manifesto today.
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John Ferry @johnferry.bsky.social · 28/03/2026
Break away from Britain’s integrated electricity market and you smash the model that has led to Scotland being a ‘leader’ in wind energy in the first place. New from me @thespectator1828.bsky.social ✍️ spectator.com/article/the-...
spectator.com
The SNP’s Holyrood campaign is thoroughly dishonest
Break away from Britain's integrated electricity market and you smash the model that has led to Scotland being a 'leader' in wind energy
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John Ferry @johnferry.bsky.social · 28/03/2026
Misleading the people of Scotland in this way might be an effective core vote strategy, but it comes at the expense of degrading trust in the democratic system. New from me @thespectator1828.bsky.social ✍️ spectator.com/article/the-...
spectator.com
The SNP’s Holyrood campaign is thoroughly dishonest
Break away from Britain's integrated electricity market and you smash the model that has led to Scotland being a 'leader' in wind energy
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John Ferry @johnferry.bsky.social · 28/03/2026
Wrote this a while back about politicians attending flag-waving 'Believe in Scotland' marches and how it reinforces an ugly form of identity-driven politics. Seems a good day to repost. www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/opinion/c...
pressandjournal.co.uk
John Ferry: It's time to end Scotland's national identity culture war
We're encouraged to assert Scottish identity and reject British identity.
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John Ferry @johnferry.bsky.social · 28/03/2026
New from me @thespectator1828.bsky.social: spectator.com/article/the-...
spectator.com
The SNP’s Holyrood campaign is thoroughly dishonest
Break away from Britain's integrated electricity market and you smash the model that has led to Scotland being a 'leader' in wind energy
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John Ferry @johnferry.bsky.social · 30/01/2026
Good piece here from @staylorish.bsky.social on the millions the SNP Scottish Government is spending to issue bonds that won’t increase borrowing capacity by a single penny. More taxpayer money spent on Nationalist posturing. 👇 spectator.com/article/scot...
spectator.com
Scottish bonds are an expensive mistake
Humza Yousaf’s inglorious year as first minister will not be remembered for many lasting achievements. But he does have one legacy.
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John Ferry @johnferry.bsky.social · 12/01/2026
Sam Taylor clearly explaining how the SNP is misleading Scottish voters on income tax. Important, necessary work in the age of populists👇
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Sam Taylor @staylorish.bsky.social · 12/01/2026
Ahead of the budget tomorrow, the full story of the SNP’s statistical chicanery on income tax.
these-islands.co.uk
The Tipping Point
Last week, the Director of the Fraser of Allander Institute made a significant intervention on a notorious claim about income tax in Scotland. Has the SNP’s statistical chicanery finally run out of ro...
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Sam Taylor @staylorish.bsky.social · 13/11/2025
On bond issuance plan: John Swinney suggests Scottish independence would be shrugged off by the bond market, with an impact similar to that caused by the Wes Streeting briefing war. Absolutely ludicrous.
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Kevin Hague @kevverage.bsky.social · 26/10/2025
been watching lots of focus groups - clearly many young Scots believe we “send all our taxes to Westminster but get only a fraction back” but Scottish Government’s own National Statistics show we consistently benefit from 9.1% of UK public spending while contributing less than 8.5% to UK revenues 🤷🏻‍♂️
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These Islands @theseislands.bsky.social · 10/10/2025
The most serious failure of the SNP’s latest independence paper is that it completely ducks the question of how an independent Scotland would get its public finances onto a sustainable footing.
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Peston @itvpeston.bsky.social · 15/09/2025
“They are seeking to turn this country into little MAGA Britain” Former President of Global Affairs at Meta Nick Clegg says Elon Musk and JD Vance are interfering in European politics, which would “never” be tolerated stateside #Peston
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John Ferry @johnferry.bsky.social · 11/09/2025
At no point has Nicola Sturgeon or Humza Yousaf questioned whether actively working to create a divide that directly ties politics with identity might be socially detrimental. From me for @thespectator1828.bsky.social ✍️ www.spectator.co.uk/article/its-...
spectator.co.uk
It’s rich of Nicola Sturgeon to criticise flag-waving
That Nicola Sturgeon can come out with this stuff without even a hint of self-awareness is truly astonishing.
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John Ferry @johnferry.bsky.social · 10/09/2025
The SNP cynically split Scotland into two opposing camps: virtuous, culturally enlightened nationalists who are welcome to embrace the Saltire, and unionists who must be socially excluded from their Scottishness until they switch to the culturally superior camp ✍️ www.spectator.co.uk/article/its-...
spectator.co.uk
It’s rich of Nicola Sturgeon to criticise flag-waving
That Nicola Sturgeon can come out with this stuff without even a hint of self-awareness is truly astonishing.
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John Ferry @johnferry.bsky.social · 10/09/2025
Nicola Sturgeon and Humza Yousaf have been part of the illiberal process that has removed individuality and reasserted national identity as a political driver. Their hypocrisy on flags is astonishing. New from me @thespectator1828.bsky.social Get it read! ✍️👇 www.spectator.co.uk/article/its-...
spectator.co.uk
It’s rich of Nicola Sturgeon to criticise flag-waving
That Nicola Sturgeon can come out with this stuff without even a hint of self-awareness is truly astonishing.
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John Ferry @johnferry.bsky.social · 10/09/2025
New from me @thespectator1828.bsky.social ✍️ www.spectator.co.uk/article/its-...
spectator.co.uk
It’s rich of Nicola Sturgeon to criticise flag-waving
That Nicola Sturgeon can come out with this stuff without even a hint of self-awareness is truly astonishing.
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John Ferry @johnferry.bsky.social · 08/09/2025
This is a self-serving twisting - of course! - of the reality, but the key thing is it's designed to deflect attention away from the SNP's many failures in government. Ignore it, and don't let them get away with not answering for their failures across education & health, the ferries fiasco etc.
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These Islands @theseislands.bsky.social · 07/09/2025
Using the latest GERS figures, @kevverage.bsky.social compares Scotland’s fiscal position with independent EU countries and argues that a fiscally autonomous Scotland would need to dramatically reduce investment in public services.
these-islands.co.uk
GERS 2025: Full Fiscal Autonomy?
Kevin Hague uses the latest GERS figures to compare Scotland’s fiscal position with independent EU countries and argues that a fiscally autonomous Scotland would need to dramatically reduce investment...
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John Ferry @johnferry.bsky.social · 05/09/2025
Yes, it’s very frustrating when people whose politics you fundamentally disagree with appropriate your national symbols for their cause…
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Duncan Hothersall @dhothersall.bsky.social · 04/09/2025
Fundamentally this latest ScotGov paper is just yet another demonstration that the SNP intends to fight yet another election on issues around independence rather than on their record in health, education, transport, crime and all the other things they have actually been responsible for for 18 years.
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John Ferry @johnferry.bsky.social · 04/09/2025
The Scottish Government has put out a paper - written by British civil servants - making the case that SNP manifesto commitments are a matter not of politics but of law. This is obviously constitutionally wrong. Our civil service resources should not be used in this way. @johnswinney.bsky.social
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John Ferry @johnferry.bsky.social · 26/08/2025
I see national identity culture war fighting is unfortunately becoming all the rage. I wrote this a couple of years ago, on how damaging this form of politics is. www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/opinion/c...
pressandjournal.co.uk
John Ferry: It's time to end Scotland's national identity culture war
We're encouraged to assert Scottish identity and reject British identity.
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These Islands @theseislands.bsky.social · 20/08/2025
Defence spending in GERS. @kevverage.bsky.social explains how the Scottish Government is pushing a dishonest narrative.
these-islands.co.uk
Defence Spending in GERS: Anatomy of a Myth
The Scottish Government’s Finance Secretary’s latest attempt to spin the GERS figures is both incorrect and misleading.
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Kevin Hague @kevverage.bsky.social · 13/08/2025
it’s GERS day 🎉🫤 - all you really need to know is this: Scotland (inc N Sea) generated very similar revenue/head as UK avg (£91 higher) but spending/head in and for Scotland was much higher (£2,669 higher) and that higher spending is mainly explained by devolved (SG controlled) spending (1/2)
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Kevin Hague @kevverage.bsky.social · 09/08/2025
grateful as ever to the National for highlighting the important and impactful work @theseislands.bsky.social is doing to inform the constitutional debate - if you would like to support our ongoing efforts, you can donate to these Islands here > www.these-islands.co.uk/funding/d5/
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Kevin Hague @kevverage.bsky.social · 01/08/2025
a masterclass in rhetorical deception 1. that a big new wind farm “could” be built has nothing to do with current electricity bills 2. Scotland is a “renewables superpower” because the “Westminster run” energy market offers price guarantees to wind farm developers (which impact all GB bill payers)
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John Ferry @johnferry.bsky.social · 30/07/2025
This from Janan Ganesh is very good. Beware those insisting only a full system reset will work because 'can it really be any worse than this'. www.ft.com/content/c34f...
ft.com
Britain is not a broken society
The country has serious problems but the right’s vision of it has become hysterical
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Duncan Hothersall @dhothersall.bsky.social · 28/07/2025
Nationalism really is *fascinating*. Today we've seen (absolutely justifiable) protests against Trump during his visit, and people are praising "Scotland" for this. Meanwhile the actual elected FM of Scotland announced money for Trump's golf course and says the visit is an opportunity to be grasped.
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Hugh Pumphrey @hughpumphrey.bsky.social · 13/07/2025
I have seen quite a bit of b*!!*cks talked on @bsky.app about the issue of electricity pricing. This article from @staylorish.bsky.social is really useful in understanding what zonal pricing is really about www.these-islands.co.uk/publications... (1/2)
these-islands.co.uk
Zonal Pricing: What Happened?
Zonal pricing of electricity is not going to happen. At least not any time soon. The UK Government’s decision, part of the Review of Electricity Market Arrangements (REMA) process, which it inherited ...
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Sam Taylor @staylorish.bsky.social · 13/07/2025
Everything you always wanted to know about zonal pricing. Plus why the SNP is incoherent and unserious on electricity market reforms.
these-islands.co.uk
Zonal Pricing: What Happened?
Zonal pricing of electricity is not going to happen. At least not any time soon. The UK Government’s decision, part of the Review of Electricity Market Arrangements (REMA) process, which it inherited ...
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John Ferry @johnferry.bsky.social · 12/07/2025
Decent start to the weekend
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John Ferry @johnferry.bsky.social · 02/07/2025
I can't get my head around this. Extraordinary. Peter Murrell granted legal aid after embezzlement charge www.heraldscotland.com/news/2528231...
heraldscotland.com
Peter Murrell granted legal aid after embezzlement charge
Taxpayers are set to foot the bill for former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell’s legal costs after he was charged with embezzlement, it has…
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Alex Cole-Hamilton 🔶🇺🇦 @alex.scotlibdems.org.uk · 27/06/2025
When I was elected to Holyrood in 2016 we had just 2 councillors in the capital. This is how city of Edinburgh council looks this morning.
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John Ferry @johnferry.bsky.social · 25/06/2025
'By 2029–30, a ‘funding gap’ of £2.6 billion a year for day-to-day (non-investment) spending is projected... roughly equivalent to spending on Scottish police & fire services, or the revenue from increasing all rates of income tax in Scotland by around 4 % points.' ifs.org.uk/articles/imm...
ifs.org.uk
An immediate response to Scottish fiscal announcements | Institute for Fiscal Studies
IFS researchers respond to Scottish fiscal announcements.
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Sam Taylor @staylorish.bsky.social · 24/06/2025
1/ In May 2022, Kate Forbes made a significant pledge: Scot Gov would reset the public sector, returning the size of the workforce to pre-Covid levels, & freezing the pay bill. Here she discusses the plan at a June 2022 meeting of the Finance & Public Administration Committee.🧵
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John Ferry @johnferry.bsky.social · 20/06/2025
Puncturing the national exceptionalism myths spouted by those who claim we in Scotland are so different to our immediate neighbours as to be incompatible in the same state. www.economist.com/britain/2025...
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Sam Taylor @staylorish.bsky.social · 20/06/2025
The Economist has written about Scottish nationalism, and there will be howls of indignation from the usual suspects. But who can credibly deny that Scotland is a land of unchecked fantasies and make-a-wish politics?
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John Ferry @johnferry.bsky.social · 20/06/2025
From electing uber-populist Alex Salmond as FM to the capture of our national symbols to inflame a national identity culture war, Scotland is just as susceptible to populism as anywhere else. Some will hate this analysis, but it's spot on: www.economist.com/britain/2025...
economist.com
The rise of Nigel McFarage
Reform UK fractures the myth of progressive Scotland
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John Ferry @johnferry.bsky.social · 19/06/2025
'...far from being an antidote to Mr Farage’s populism, the [Scottish] nationalist cause is its mirror.' '...in the populist pandemic that has roiled Europe and America since the global financial crisis, Scotland was Patient Zero.' Some hard truths delivered here! www.economist.com/britain/2025...
economist.com
The rise of Nigel McFarage
Reform UK fractures the myth of progressive Scotland
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MS NOW @ms.now · 19/06/2025
Former President Barack Obama issued a warning about the future of American democracy, while speaking at an event in Connecticut. Obama cautioned that the country is “dangerously close” to normalizing behavior “consistent with autocracies.”
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Alex von Tunzelmann @alexvont.bsky.social · 19/06/2025
Farage and the far right in general come from a grievance culture. If you do what they want, even maximally – Brexit – they’ll move the goalposts and keep moaning. If you engage seriously with their concerns, they’ll find new ones. You will never satisfy them, because they don’t want to be satisfied
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Stephen Bush @stephenkb.bsky.social · 18/06/2025
The voters yearn for the radical centre.
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Ben Barclay @benbarclay.bsky.social · 16/06/2025
Essentially, the UK is a normal country with normal problems. It does some things better, others worse. If it thinks it’s an exceptional country with exceptional virtues and vices, it will do exceptionally stupid things. 1/
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