Issue 71: Who’s Really In Control?
Lobbyists, civil servants, big finance, media - who really runs Scotland?
Issue 71
Who's really in control?
Jul – Aug 2012
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Comment
The ensnaring of Scottish politics by vested interests did not happen overnight and an alternative was possible. But we are left with oligarchy nevertheless.
Where does this stuff come from?
Did you assume that public policy is a democratic thing? Well how do you explain these?
Who needs democracy when you’ve got money?
As the networks of corporate influence have incessantly increased in Scotland, the blurring and merger of commercial and political interests have followed. A network of civil servants, lobbyists, think tanks, political groups and the media are now taking the lead in setting the public agenda. In private.
More thief than watchdog
The role of accountancy firms has changed from protecting the public from businesses to protecting businesses from the public. Danny McGreggor explains how they get rich at our expense by distorting policy.
Always check your blind spots
Public policy in Scotland is heavily influenced by an informal network of powerful people - but unless you are one of them you will know almost nothing about it, argues Robin McAlpine
The Constitutional Debate
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 whether an independent Sotland would be more or less succeptible to vested interests.
Reforming the Debt Creators
In May in Edinburgh the Just Banking conference brought together a wide range of expertise to ask what is wrong with our banking system and what should be done to put it right. Matthew Chrighton reports.
Another rail disaster
If merging the Scotland’s police forces makes so much sense, why is breaking up the railways such a good idea? Instead Scotland’s railways should be kept in one piece urges Mick Whelan.
Our Society of Captives
The criminal justice system is an effective means of controlling the working classes who are the victims of social insecurity while making entire groups in society invisible, argues Chris Holligan.
Just somewhere to sleep
Do you really know what we do to so-called ‘failed’ asylum seekers in Britain? Anne McLaughlin didn’t until she experienced it first hand in her work as an MSP. Here she makes an impassioned plea for a change in approach.
The Whys Man
George Wylie’s art was not only playful and insightful it reflected a very Scottish take on issues of people against power and the nature of society. Following his death in May, Donny O’Rourke reflects on his life.
Review
Review of Jürgen Habermas, The Crisis of the European Union: A Response
Web Review
There’s nothing more annoying than being lectured by members of the British ruling class
Kick Up The Tabloids
Minimum Price for Hand Sanitiser Loophole Freakout So, the battle lines are drawn, we’ve heard both sets of argument. It’s now time for the Referendum. In about another two years’ time. The ‘Yes’ campaign, imaginatively titled Yes Scotland, launched a few weeks ago with movie star supporters and showbiz razzamatazz. Proud Scottish A-listers lending their […]