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I didn't say they should stop it - the scientists could do it quite effectively, especially if it was fronted by some sort of media person to ask them questions. If it's supposed to be about giving out public health information
I guess that's the issue. Does the message get further reach if Sturgeon (or Boris) delivers the message? I suspect it does but that's just a guess.
I just reminded myself of the various Purdah rules and guidelines. It's fairly clear that a minister is allowed to discharge their current duties without modification as long as they adhere to certain standards around sticking to specific issues and keeping things factual.
I understand why the fuss now but I think it's quite telling that it's only the Express and the Telegraph that seem to be making a fuss about this.
Stonehedge-
Does the message get further reach if Sturgeon (or Boris) delivers the message?
Yes. Especially in Scotland I'd say, to be fair. It's a lot easier to take advice from someone who communicates well and has a certain level of competence than Boris.
It's fairly clear that a minister is allowed to discharge their current duties without modification as long as they adhere to certain standards around sticking to specific issues and keeping things factual.
I'd say advantage Sturgeon on this one too given Johnson's rambling nature and capacity for porkies.
I understand why the fuss now but I think it's quite telling that it's only the Express and the Telegraph that seem to be making a fuss about this.
Neil Oliver isn't very happy about it in the Times either:
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/neil-oliver-scotland-is-making-me-sick-and-its-not-covid-to-blame-05vjqsf2wAny independent team travelling the world to monitor the safety, legality and fairness of elections would surely witness such an egregious imbalance and be on the first plane out of the country to raise the alarm. In Scotland hardly a soul is moved to bat so much as an eyelid. Much more of this and Scotland will be the sort of place the Foreign Office tells travellers to steer clear of. Is that the tinpot clang of a dictatorship? Do I detect the scent of bananas?
Fox
I wasn't being facetious, you said you didn't understand what the problem is so...
I didn't say they should stop it - the scientists could do it quite effectively, especially if it was fronted by some sort of media person to ask them questions. If it's supposed to be about giving out public health information...
Sturgeon uses them to project an image of a capable, in control leader, which is not entirely accurate but definitely very helpful during an election campaign.
Approval ratings of incumbents have gone up around the world during Covid, even if they've handled it terribly (c.f. Johnson and Co.) and this will compound that.