Eurovision 2022

Given the comments of the SNP leader of the Glasgow City Council , when the U.K. got nil points last year, where she tweeted we hate the U.K. too , and her followers gleefully joined in her delight at the failure , it would seem incredibly hypocritical for that city to host. Of course I realise not everyone is of the same opinion, but I hope we will be spared Sturgeon using the event as an independence rally. We saw enough of her Eva Peron act during the pandemic , without her giving an encore as the Eurovision interval act.

I don't think a Scottish Independence vote would happen as early as next year personally. I think Ms Sturgeon keeps that in her tartan knickers until after the next election. If her party get the bulk of Scotland seats as seem likely they could hold balance of power as it could well be Socialists or Tories don't get a majority. Them having an indepenence vote as part of a condition of supporting Sir Kier would be a key bargaining tool.

On a lighter note Scotland would be the ideal place tyo hold it, at lot is done in Manchester for BBC so they may want to be away from there or London, Birmingham held it in 1997. BBC Scotland would have the size and scale to host it in one of the arenas there and Scotland is bigger than Wales. I could see Ms Sturgeon giving a very nice incentive to hold it there and showcase Scotland and that being better than any regional city bid.

If it did turn into an SNP properganda fest then the Tories would moan and blame BBC but no more than they already do. If Scotland gave best bid BBC would say they are using best value for money etc so it would be hard to stop Scotland getting it unless London decided to bankroll it in the capital.

Wales would be compromise location and Cardiff has venues to host it.

I don't think Scotland can hold a legally binding referendum until a UK Parliament has approved them having a vote. Nicola Sturgeon could push on with one regardless but I think she'd hold back on one as a bargaining tool until after next UK election which has to be by early 2025. The next Scottish Parliament elections are in May 2026 so if the right conditions were in place holding it on that day would make logistical and organizational sense and get more people out to vote.

2014 was said to be once in a lifetime but as that older demographic ages out and younger people get vote I can see it being more likely a yes vote and Nicola is too smart to not wait until very best chance of success.

Also on a lighter note May 2026 will be the 100th birthday or anniversary of Stanley Baxter's birth so tie vote into that as he is one of Scotland's greatest ever entertainers.

Manchester get quite a lot of stuff and I just see Scotland making a bigger play for it. Manchester would be a no brainer as BBC have large presence there and there are two arenas or Bridgwater Hall as logical venues.

EBU has issued a statement acknowledging Ukranian disappointment but firmly stating that there is no way that they believe the contest can take place safely in Ukraine.
Slight dig at a number of people, including our PM and Ms Dorries, that the decisions on Eurovision's location be not "politicised"

Going to be in the UK next year!!!