Category: Politics

Populism and Democracy in Europe: My speech to European Humanist Federation

On Saturday 20 May 2017 I joined a panel to speak on the above topic as part of a conference organised by the Polish Rationalist Association, in conjunction with the European Humanist Federation. My contribution begins around 13m55s. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jAw4Trk7ks&t=912s

Time for action on shameful caste discrimination, my statement to the United Nations

Humanists at the UN Human Rights Council have condemned the practice of discrimination by “caste”, which continues in a number of countries, highlighting India as an egregious example. Chief Executive of the International Humanist and Ethical Union (IHEU), Gary McLelland, delivered the oral statement in Geneva on Tuesday 20 March 2018. McLelland outlined the horrific practice … Continue reading Time for action on shameful caste discrimination, my statement to the United Nations →

Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for Education Comments on ‘Trojan Horse’ scandal

At a Scottish Referendum meeting on 9th June 2014, Mike Russell, Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for Education was answering questions about the Scottish Governments independence proposals. I asked Mike Russell: In light of the 'Trojan Horse' incidents down-south today - whilst I understand Scotland has a different system, which you are in charge of, although … Continue reading Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for Education Comments on ‘Trojan Horse’ scandal →

My speech to the first public seminar of ExMuslims Scotland

I’d like to start by saying thank you to Ramin for inviting me to speak at this first public seminar of Ex Muslims Scotland. Having been involved with secular and humanist campaigning for a good few years now, I notice that we can sometimes become accustomed to certain aspects of public discourse. Most noticeably of … Continue reading My speech to the first public seminar of ExMuslims Scotland →

Islamic radicalisation in Birmingham–A Scottish perspective

It’s always important when discussing ideological issues, such as Islam, to distinguish between the idea and the person. As a humanist I value the intrinsic worth of every person, regardless of their beliefs. However I also believe strongly that all ideas are open to criticism, and that in a liberal democracy, no ideology is beyond … Continue reading Islamic radicalisation in Birmingham–A Scottish perspective →

My experiences with the Scottish Parliament

On Tuesday 6th May 2014, I became the fourth humanist to lead a ‘Time for Reflection’ in The Scottish Parliament. This article was originally written for Humanist Society Scotland. I’m very proud of this, and it was a great honour to be invited. The reason I came to be invited was a result of a … Continue reading My experiences with the Scottish Parliament →

Video of Time for Reflection address

The video footage of me leading the fourth humanist Time for Reflection in the Scottish Parliament; Full text is: "Members of the Scottish Parliament, I would like to tell you a story about a wee boy from a land far, far away. It was a wonderful land, made rich by the many different cultures and … Continue reading Video of Time for Reflection address →

Fourth humanist Time for Reflection in 15 years of The Scottish Parliament

Today (Tuesday 6 May 2014) is an important day in the 15-year life of The Scottish Parliament. I am humbled to become, today, the fourth person to lead a humanistic reflection in the chamber. It is both a great honour, and a sad realisation that despite the earlier commitments by our First Minister, and others, I … Continue reading Fourth humanist Time for Reflection in 15 years of The Scottish Parliament →