Issue 69: Why you just might regret cutting the red tape
Four writers consider regulation, deregulation and the myth of red tape. Plus the state of the trade unions and the launch of the Constitution Page
Issue 69
Big Business and Deregulation
Mar - Apr 2012
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Comment
If no-one will explain what regulation means and no-one will stand up and make a real case in its favour, the Daily Mail will continue to make the running
How red tape was invented
For hundreds of years ‘red tape’ was shorthand for the frustration an individual faces when dealing with institutional bureaucracy. Robin McAlpine explains how it turned into a right-wing ideology.
In praise of regulation
Be grateful for regulation, argues Francis Stuart – it is by far our best defence against the power and influence of big corporate interests
Everything they tell you is wrong
The endless repetition of the deregulation mantra across UK politics has secured it a credibility not merited by the economics, argues Stephen Boyd. We can’t deregulate our way to competitiveness.
Workers under attack
The UK Government is using spurious reports and unsubstantiated claims to justify an assault on workers’ rights. But, argues Pat Rafferty, there are things that we can do in Scotland to challenge this.
Why we have to up our game
Dave Moxham looks at the position and role of the Scottish trade union movement in 2012. A hostile UK government and a Scottish political scene in flux makes this an especially important time for a voice for workers.
The Foundation needs you
Bob Thomson gives a quick update on all the work of the Jimmy Reid Foundation since it launched, encourages you to get involved and asks you to play your part in securing its future by making a regular donation
A very public victory
Matthew Crighton charts how the campaign to reject the privatisation of Edinburgh Council’s public services achieved victory and what this tells us about the state of Scottish politics.
Money is not wealth
Andy Anderson explains how to understand the current financial crisis we need to get beyond the slogans of neo-classical economists and instead take a more informed look at the development of current economic theories.
Life under a destructive shadow
Bob Reid looks at Jimmy Reid’s rectorial address and finds in it a clear statement of how a creative reorientation of society is at the heart of a moral response to the current global crisis of values
The Constitution Page: defence
In every SLR between now and the referendum we’ll pick a policy issue and ask four writers from across the spectrum of constitutional opinion to argue the pros and cons of independence. In this issue we look at defence.
Reviews
Reviews of Counter Power: Making Change Happen and New Parties of the Left - Experiences from Europe
Kick Up the Tabloids
‘NO COPULATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION’ PLEA