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Boris Johnson’s fondness for Union Jacks is as shallow as the annexation of the Saltire as a nationalist symbol. Scotland might be better off if there were no flags at all, writes Brian Wilson.

I felt quite nostalgic on hearing the US will impose tariffs on an eclectic range of EU products in response to a World Trade Organisation ruling that Airbus benefited from illegal subsidies to the detriment of Boeing.

Some unfortunate minion in Labour headquarters had the duty of sending out inspirational e-mails to members during last week’s conference.

I bow to no man or woman in my distaste for Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson or the odious clique assembled around him.

In his “History of the Working Classes of Scotland”, Tom Johnston wrote about Scotland’s status as “witch” burning capital of Europe between the 16th and 18th centuries – a mere hop, skip and jump in history compared to some landmarks we are invited to celebrate.

I never saw Downton Abbey on television and felt no deprivation but this week I attended the movie premiere… in Bucharest.

While Boris Johnson and Michael Gove have been telling obvious lies about Brexit and the current political crisis, it is the electorate, and not the courts, that should be the ultimate judge of politicians who are dishonest, writes Brian Wilson.

The Scottish Government’s legislative programme did not set the heather on fire. Indeed, timidity continues to be its defining characteristic.

MPs opposed to a no-deal Brexit should not fall for the trap of an early general election, but bring about Boris Johnson’s downfall as Prime Minister by letting him stew in his own chaos, writes Brian Wilson.

Throughout polling day, the First Ministerial Consort, Peter Murrell, was tweeting busily about “three great reasons to vote SNP” – “be heard on Brexit”; “cut your travel costs” and “Shetland at the heart of Holyrood”.

Until proven otherwise, it is best to regard court actions aimed at thwarting political decisions as stunts rather than serious propositions.

It is in the SNP’s gift to make good on their Shetland pledges, writes Brian Wilson

Arguing over the GERS figures is one of the less edifying rituals of Scottish politics. The Nationalists deny reality and opponents trumpet the “Union dividend”, currently almost £2000 per head of population.

Babies born in the poorest parts of Scotland can expect to die 13 years before those in the richest areas if they are male and 9.6 years earlier if they are female. But with political courage, it does not have to be like this, writes Brian Wilson.

The trickiest part of the plan to thwart a no-deal Brexit is clearly “install Jeremy Corbyn as Prime Minister”, even for ten minutes, writes Brian Wilson.

The response to a call from the BMA Scotland for more funding for the NHS was like one of Pavlov’s less thoughtful dogs, writes Brian Wilson.

Leaving aside implications for Labour in Scotland, which do not seem to trouble him one iota, John McDonnell’s foray to Edinburgh had an even odder dimension.

A closer examination of the Brecon and Radnor by-election results reveals worrying signs for anyone hoping the UK will avoid a reckless no-deal Brexit, despite victory for the Remain-supporting Lib Dems, writes Brian Wilson.