A former Scotland leader of Nigel Farage’s previous party has been under scrutiny over pro-Russian statements since an explosive court case. The Ferret analysed what David Coburn said about Russia – and Ukraine – throughout his political career.
Mohammed was 17 years old when he was shot by an Israeli sniper in Bethlehem. Two years on, his family say there is no accountability for his death. Their story is one of dozens from across the West Bank, it is claimed, with human rights organisations calling for child rights to be upheld.
Reform UK's Malcolm Offord claimed one million people came to the UK in the 20th century, and seven million people have come to the UK since 2000. This is not accurate.
Polling day has arrived for the 2019 general election, but misinformation has not stopped online.
The day of the election is often a breeding ground for false claims and conspiracy theories as broadcast news outlets stop posting political news in line with polling day restrictions.
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One claim which is regularly circled as voters go to the polls is about what is required to vote. Perth and Kinross Council’s account posted information on 11 December suggesting voters required ID or a polling card.
Confusion about what voters need to bring with them to the polling station is common, but the official information is simple.
In a now-deleted tweet reportedly from Perth and Kinross Council’s account, voters told to bring either their polling card or identification and proof of address.
This is incorrect. In Scotland, England and Wales, voters do not have to bring any form of ID or a polling card to vote. Voters in Northern Ireland are required to have some form of ID.
As long as they registered at their current address by 26 November, all voters have to do is to go to their local polling station and say their name and address. They will then be able to vote for a local candidate.
The UK government’s How To Vote website explains: “Give your name and address to the staff inside the polling station when you arrive.
“You’ll be given a ballot paper containing a list of the people, parties or options you can vote for.”
A polling card is sent to all voters at each registered address, and gives information on your polling station, but it is not required for voting.
Voters do not need to bring anything other than themselves to their local polling station to vote. Identification and proof of address is not required. You may vote at your local polling station as long as you are registered to vote in your constituency.
Ferret Fact Service (FFS) is a non-partisan fact checker, working to the International Fact-Checking Network fact-checkers’ code of principles. All the sources used in our checks are publicly available and the FFS fact-checking methodology can be viewed here. Want to suggest a fact check? Email us at factcheck@theferret.scot or join our Facebook group.
Alastair leads our fact-checking arm, The Ferret Fact Service, and writes about disinformation and conspiracy theories. He also delivers training on media literacy and spotting disinformation. He spends his free time at gigs in basements.
A former Scotland leader of Nigel Farage’s previous party has been under scrutiny over pro-Russian statements since an explosive court case. The Ferret analysed what David Coburn said about Russia – and Ukraine – throughout his political career.
Reform UK's Malcolm Offord claimed one million people came to the UK in the 20th century, and seven million people have come to the UK since 2000. This is not accurate.
Airbnb’s business practices in the West Bank have long been in the spotlight, prompting criticism from human rights campaigners. We can now reveal that the firm has lobbied the Scottish Government 52 times since 2018.