Today’s referendum outcome could indeed see Scotland pulled out of the EU against its will and the ex-Mayor of London installed in Downing Street. What happens then? The author throws the dice.
Archives for June 2016
‘The idea of Europe’
If Britain does indeed vote ‘Leave’, and the gradual disintegration of the European Union were to gather pace, what would be left of ‘the idea of Europe’? Thoughts on the continued relevance of a classic lecture by George Steiner.
Will welfare changes slow the flow of migrant workers?
There is no hard evidence that UK benefits attract migrant workers. Daniel Clegg reveals flaws in both Remain and Leave arguments and concludes that welfare changes may inflict considerable hardship but will save very little money.
Leave the EU to rejoin it!
Our latest post from Napier Uni students sees the author explaining why, as a supporter of Scottish independence, he voted Leave – despite being passionately pro-EU.
Europe: please don’t leave it, England!
A visit to Berlin echoing to sounds of the bagpipes prompts a No voter ion the 2014 #indyref to urge her English neighbours to vote Remain in Thursday’s #euref and keep the European Union intact.
Is it possible to stop the free movement of people?
Immigration has become the most sensitive issue of the EU referendum. But Polish immigration is already on the decline. Christina Boswell weighs up arguments for and against the free movement of labour and asks if the focus on EU membership is misplaced? She certainly thinks so.
The meaning of Jeremy Corbyn
In Richard Seymour the Corbyn phenomenon has found its ideal commentator: this is a powerful analysis that will frustrate both the new Labour leader’s opponents and supporters.
Widening access with greater borrowing powers
The Scottish Government is keen to stress the role of college-based HE in getting poorer students into degree courses. But it ignores the cumulative effect of cuts to student bursaries over the years since 2007.
Scientific adviser, headhunters and sundries
The Scottish Government has finally appointed a new Chief Scientific Adviser (CSA) – months late. Our own CSA muses on the appointment and what else lies in store for Scottish higher education.
Curriculum for Excellence – or dumbing down?
Cameron Wyllie reported here (see above) of a surge in parents seeking private education for their offspring at S3 level because of their concerns over the flagship Curriculum for Excellence. Already independent schools dominate modern language teaching. What next: sciences too?