BBC Scotland’s fearless investigative reporters with a ‘wee guy’ from the Scotsman, have used that Freedom of Information act so not-loved by their bosses, to expose the flagrant and fragrant waste of public money on criminals. In their repeated reporting, they have headlined the costs before letting one of the prison governors claim that it’s a good thing. The NHS ‘landmark’, longitudinal (goooood) study, published nearly two years ago, was ignored despite its peer-reviewed rigour and dramatic headline claim:
Here is more from the study summary:
‘E-cigarettes contain nicotine but not many of the harmful substances produced by smoking tobacco, such as tar or carbon monoxide. However, there has been debate about exactly how safe their long-term use is. The study, involving 181 smokers or ex-smokers, has been described as “landmark” as it is thought to be the first (or at least one of the first) looking at long-term vaping outcomes in “real world” users. Previous studies of this kind have mainly relied on laboratory equipment, or animal research, to estimate the long-term effects of e-cigarettes. This study provides evidence that e-cigarettes and NRT can reduce harm to smokers by reducing exposure to toxic chemicals. The evidence would also seem to support Public Health England’s 2015 report that “E-cigarettes are 95% less harmful than tobacco”.’
https://www.nhs.uk/news/heart-and-lungs/long-term-vaping-far-safer-than-smoking-says-landmark-study/
I suppose if they had given space to the research that might have undermined their agenda to enrage the public with the subliminal message:
‘SNP blamed for massive cost of free vapes for convicted prisoners!’
A BBC reporter asked taxpayers in St Andrews’ and most said:
‘I hope the fuckin SNP leader gets lung cancer!
Talking-up Scotland 
The report on Reporting Scotland also included a spokesman for a “Campaign group” allowed to make a statement – without any questioning – that ‘this vaping policy could be harmful and that the ban on smoking should be reversed’. The name of the ‘campaigning group’ was not announced but appeared as a caption – “FOREST”. FOREST – ‘Freedom Organisation for the Right to Enjoy Smoking Tobacco’ – is financed by the tobacco industry to counter anti-tobacco legislation. The ‘campaigning’ adjective is a gross misuse of language.
BBC Scotland has used them fairly regularly over the years. A year or two back the phone-in had a programme “Isn’t it time we stopped the smoking ban in pubs and cafes and stopped making people skulk outside in the weather/ The point has been made. Let’s sop treating our friends as ;lepers’.The first speaker was a GP who spoke concisely and clearly, why the ban should continue, citing evidence of the malign effects on the health of staff and other customers and the benefits that were already apparent. Then there was the FOREST spokesperson, who said, “None of that is true”. There was no supporting argument, nor was he questioned on his assertion. Immediately, Louise White said, “And, there in a nutshell is the confusion facing the public. How are we supposed to make up our minds based on the facts?”
“One’s a GP the other’s a paid tobacco lackey – I know who I believe, ya eejit!!!!!!”
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They can claim then they’re balanced. How would they have reported ‘The Jewish Problem’ as it was commonly described in 30s Britain.
Now from Berlin we have a Mr Hitler from the think tank Nazi Solutions….
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What we really need is the Freedom of Information bill to apply to the BEEB.
There are loads of serious questions they should be answering—none of them relating to journalistic freedom or protection of sources(as if!).
This is a corrupt colonial outlet for our “masters”.
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Yes we do indeed.
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