Stephen Low argues powers are for a purpose and not an end in themselves The starting point for any consideration of the referendum campaign and what the left does now has to be an acknowledgement and recognition of a level of political commitment in Scotland that is unprecedented in our history. Two million people went […]
John Wight writes that ‘no’ won in spite of itself but that makes it no easier for the pro-independence left to influence the SNP The telling aspect of the most historic election in UK political history was not the unprecedented 85 percent turnout. Nor was it the achievement of the Yes campaign in mobilising and […]
Grahame Smith outlines the most likely post-referendum scenario, showing there are opportunities and dangers After two years, during which the independence referendum has been the all-consuming context for political and economic decision making in Scotland, the people have spoken. While the result was a decisive vote for Scotland to remain in the UK, with 45% […]
Leanne Wood argues that the September spring of the referendum will lead a new democratic blossoming Despite the obvious disappointment at the outcome of the referendum result, there is so much to be proud of. That the people of Scotland had the opportunity to decide their country’s future is remarkable. One day I hope we […]
Dave Watson sees the prospect of a positive outcome for social justice in Scotland While Scotland divided on the route to change, there was a clear consensus that a fairer Scotland is possible. The big question is, are the politicians up for the challenge and able to turn their rhetoric into action? The posters are […]
Michael Keating delves into both the ‘yes’ and ‘no’ campaigns to reveal their contradictions When the Yes campaign was launched in 2012, I did not give it much chance of success. Support for independence had been steady for around twenty years at around 30%, depending on the precise question. The big change had happened under […]
John McDonnell argues now we have the potential to work together on a unified left agenda Prior to the referendum I avoided making any public comment because I judged that the sound of English accents advising the Scots about their future came across not only as unseemly arrogance but more importantly it was totally counterproductive […]
Anna Arqué takes inspiration from the process and the outcome Because I’m Catalan and consequently have read and heard many opinions from ‘know it all’ foreign contributors about my country’s independence movement, I write these words about the Scottish independence referendum with the utmost respect. ‘The person who really wants to do something finds a […]
Peter Kelly and Carla McCormack call for action in the new post-referendum period towards banishing poverty The referendum and associated campaigns have re-invigorated Scottish democracy and engaged voters in a way never seen before. Voter registration hit 97% and turnout was a record 84.5%. We saw all sections of society engaged in serious discussion about […]
By James Meek, Verso Books, 2014, pp229, £12.99 Book Review by Andrew Noble Within living memory we British thought it possible that our seemingly mature democracy entailed of its nature open mindedness. That is ideas, especially our crucial economic ones, were inherently pragmatic in that they were open to constant scrutiny as to what they […]