Steerpike

Whatever else down the centuries, at least the Scots always had their sense of humour. But now, in Humza Yousaf's Scotland, even that seems to be under threat. For BBC Scotland has now pulled satirical cartoons of politicians from social media, following criticism from members of Yousaf's government. The broadcaster has now announced it is reviewing the future of Radio Scotland's Noising Up, following a furore of fury from thin-skinned nationalists. A tale as old as time... Central to the controversy was the depiction of Lorna Slater, the Green co-leader and a key plank of the Yousaf regime. In one clip satirising Slater, who grew up in Canada, she was labelled the 'minister for green skills, circular economy, biodiversity, short haul flights and maple syrup.

The name's Lammy, David Lammy. With Labour cruising in the polls, all signs point to the Shadow Foreign Secretary taking over at King Charles Street. And along with Chevening and 1 Carlton Gardens, comes responsibility for the Secret Intelligence Service and the nation's overseas spooks. So Mr S was surprised upon tuning into LBC last night to hear Lammy say the following about allegations of a Chinese spy at the heart of Westminster: We will find out, as this investigation follows all its leads, to how serious it got on this occasion. It is true to say that, you know, countries spy on one another and we spy on other countries, that is true. The work of MI5 and MI6 is well-known of course.

All eyes in Westminster are on the chamber today, amid talk of MPs potentially using parliamentary procedure to name the alleged Chinese spy. First up after prayers at 2:30 p.m was the Speaker, who had tantalisingly teased the media with talk of 'a brief statement' in 'relation to weekend media reports relating to allegations of spying.' Was Lindsay about to name names? Sadly, not. Like a schoolmaster chastising unruly children, the Speaker sternly told MPs that 'this is an ongoing, sensitive investigation. Members of course understand that public discussion will be wholly inappropriate.' Boo!

First it was Nadine Dorries, then it was Theresa May. Now Liz Truss has become the latest female Tory MP to announce that they're writing a book. Britain's shortest-serving premier has today revealed details of her forthcoming work, titled Ten Years to Save the West. It is set be published next April by Biteback in the UK and Regnery in America, offering the ex-PM the chance to do a Thatcher and speak on both sides of the Atlantic. The book promises to be 'a timely warning about the perils facing conservatism in the years ahead'. Well, she ought to know...

Dear oh dear. It appears Fergus Ewing has exposed one painful truth too many. The nationalist veteran is expected to have the whip removed within days after the party’s leadership decided that his backbench criticisms have gone unpunished too long. Ewing — who is rumoured to be the only Spectator subscriber on the SNP benches — will face severe disciplinary action after a series of rebellions, senior party sources revealed to the Times. From voting in favour of a no confidence motion against Green co-leader Lorna Slater to opposing the gender bill to physically tearing up government legislation on Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs), Ewing doesn’t exactly, er, toe the party line.