Everybody’s talking social democracy, not least in Scotland. But nobody defines what it means, recognises how it’s in crisis and sees how analysts/activists are starting to rethink it.
Archives for May 2015
Blue Labour’s theology of the common good
British politicians famously ‘don’t do God’. But much of Labour’s programme for government is inspired by an avowedly theological movement: Blue Labour. Justin Reynolds reviews a new book challenging orthodoxies of the left and right.
Politics and a vote for love
WB Yeats would no doubt be celebrating with Colm Tóibín the outcome of the referendum on gay marriage in Ireland. And, says Fay Young, his message on love still applies to the North.
Scottish Labour: Utopia… or bust?
Justin Reynolds argues Scottish Labour needs to steer a course between soaring idealism and sober pragmatism to confront the spirit of utopianism set free by last year’s referendum.
The Sceptical Scot cartoon: Cameron on the run
By Kipper Williams.
The Bavarian Christian Social Union: a model for Scottish Labour?
In light of discussion whether it’s time for Scottish Labour to sever formal links with the wider UK Labour Party David Gow considers whether the Bavarian Christian Social Union offers a possible model.
English nationalism: misreading the runes
Why Labour is wrong to blame English and Scottish nationalism for its defeat when it failed to grasp the importance of various questions of identity and democracy – and the Tories read the English mood better.
Why Plaid failed to mirror the SNP triumph
Leanne Wood, Plaid Cymru leader, had a “good election” and is now “the Voice of Wales” but her party still managed only fourth place and three seats – unlike Nicola Sturgeon’s and the SNP’s victory. How come?
Human rights and ethical exceptionalism
Nicola Sturgeon has positioned the Scottish Government as the stoutest defender of the Human Rights Act. But the SNP’s position is not as clear-cut as that, argues penal reformer Lucy Hunter Blackburn.
Cameron should ask Salmond to join UK Brussels team
David Cameron could save two Unions if he were to include the SNP’s Alex Salmond in his Brussels (re)negotiating team alongside George Osborne, an ex-Bank of England senior official argues.