Tag Archives: Britain

Hot on the heels of Scotland’s rejection of independence from the United Kingdom, Sinn Fein is calling for a referendum on reuniting Northern Ireland with Ireland. Via Reuters: Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams said Scotland’s “inspiring” referendum on independence would accelerate a vote to unite Ireland, a prospect quickly dismissed by Unionists who share power in Northern Ireland. Scotland spurned …

The first new album in 15 years from former Frankie Goes To Hollywood frontman Holly Johnson is streaming in full today at the Guardian. I’m really digging it. Ordering details and tour info is here.

During his triumphant speech early this morning, British Prime Minister David Cameron vowed that “just as the people of Scotland will have more power over their affairs, so it follows that the people of England, Wales, Northern Ireland must have a bigger say over theirs.” He continued, “The question of English votes for English laws – the so-called West Lothian …

The polls have closed in Scotland and the votes are being tabulated. Since there was no exit polling, all eyes are on the 32 Scottish councils as they report their results. The first reports are expected at around 9PM Eastern time and we should know if the world has a new independent country about five hours later. The Guardian will …

More here. (Tipped by JMG reader Kyle)

Via the BBC: People in Scotland are voting on whether the country should stay in the UK or become an independent nation. Voters will answer “Yes” or “No” to the referendum question: “Should Scotland be an independent country?” With 4,285,323 people – 97% of the electorate – registered to vote, it is expected to be the busiest day in Scottish …

Today might be the last day of the United Kingdom as we’ve known it. CNN reports that last minute polls remain in a dead heat. Politicians are making their final pleas to Scottish voters Wednesday, the last day of campaigning before they head to the polls to vote on independence. Opinion polls put the two sides neck-and-neck ahead of Thursday’s …

Via the Scotland Daily Record: Westiminster main party leaders today set aside their differences to promise that a No vote will mean a stronger Scottish Parliament and total protection for the NHS. David Cameron, Ed Miliband and Nick Clegg have signed up to a historic joint statement that was demanded by the Daily Record on behalf of the people of …

Via press release: The euphoric joy of disco has been one consistent thread, which has run through the diverse, illustrious thirty-year career of pop legend Jimmy Somerville. Famous for re-making disco classics as his own, “Travesty”, Jimmy’s first original disco-styled single will make its debut on JoeMyGod on Sept. 15th and will be serviced promotionally (single version and extended mix) …

“Pro-independence Scots rallied outside the BBC’s Glasgow headquarters on Sunday to protest the public broadcaster’s pro-union ‘bias’ and demand the resignation of political editor Nick Robinson.”

Via the Telegraph: Polling experts said the Scottish independence referendum was “too close to call” on Saturday night as a clutch of surveys gave contradictory pictures of the state of the campaign. A survey of 705 Scots by ICM for The Telegraph suggested that the Yes vote had opened up an eight-point lead over the No campaign. Results of the …

The pro-independence Yes Scotland appears to have adopted Dougie McClean’s 1977 classic Caledonia as their theme song. Caledonia has been covered by countless artists and is often described as Scotland’s unofficial national anthem. Kylie Minogue and Lulu performed the song with McLean at last month’s closing ceremony for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

“With just one week to go, now’s the time to get out there and make the positive case for a No vote on 18 September – more powers for Scotland guaranteed, without taking on all the risks of separation. It’s the best of both worlds for Scotland.”

From Britain’s always bombastic Daily Mail: Wearing matching slippers and bow ties, Brian Davidson, 55, Britain’s consul-general in Shanghai, married his 33-year-old American boyfriend Scott Chang on the lawn of the home of Ambassador Sir Sebastian Wood. New rules mean that British nationals in homosexual relationships can marry in British consulates in 24 countries around the world as the land …

The British government is “scrambling” to offer more perks to Scotland after a recent poll shows a slim majority are now in favor of independence. British finance minister George Osborne said on Sunday that plans would be set out in the coming days to give Scotland more autonomy on tax, spending and welfare if Scots vote against independence in a …

Via Stereogum: La Roux’s video for “Kiss And Tell” is a colorful take on ’80s sex infomercials, featuring Elly Jackson acting as recipient for all of the calls. It features an impressive cadre of vintage phones, from the traditionally quirky hamburger phone to one that looks like a piano. A European telephone number flashes across the screen that, when called, …

Via Digital Spy: Holly Johnson has unveiled the music video for new song In and Out of Love. The track is the lead single from Europa, Johnson’s first album in 14 years. The video has been directed by Chris Shepherd and produced by Alex Bedford. The follow-up to 1999’s Soulstream coincides with the 30th anniversary of Frankie Goes to Hollywood’s …

Two British men have been sentenced to four years in prison for blackmailing men that they met on Grindr. Via Gay Star News: Nathanael Foster and Adam Webb, both 26 from Gloucester in South West England, were charged with two counts of blackmail. Gloucester Crown Court heard how the pair trapped two men, with one victim even handing over £15,000 …