Five take-aways from the stunning victory of the democratic opposition It may take a couple of months before a new Polish government, almost certainly led by Donald Tusk, will finally be able to take power in Warsaw. But it’s already clear that the change will have significant consequences for Europe as a whole, and not just Poland. Here’s how. First, the anti-European rhetoric … [Read more...] about What Poland’s new government will mean for Europe
Federalism is not enough for Labour
The Scottish Government has recently made it clear that it will be seeking a mandate at next year’s Scottish Parliament elections to hold a referendum on independence. That is hardly a surprise, but it confirms that the “constitutional question” of Scotland’s future relationship with the UK is likely to be the dominant topic in those elections. Like it or not, that means the … [Read more...] about Federalism is not enough for Labour
Mixed messages on migration
A pandemic is a long time in politics. So we should not be surprised that our notoriously inconsistent Prime Minister now urges EU citizens to come back to the UK.Only a few months ago, during the General Election campaign, he was accusing them of having treated the UK as though it were ‘basically part of their own country’.Perhaps Boris Johnson should ask himself … [Read more...] about Mixed messages on migration
We must do more than clap for our migrant carers
The current coronavirus crisis has highlighted the reliance that the NHS, along with other public services, places on migrants and other ethnic minority descendants of migrants.This has been sadly demonstrated in the way that doctors, nurses, and ancillary workers from those communities have featured so prominently in reports on those who have died from the virus. No doubt … [Read more...] about We must do more than clap for our migrant carers
Don’t count on more powers post-Brexit
Many people have assumed that one side effect of Brexit will be that the powers currently devolved to the Scottish Parliament and Government will be enhanced.That is because many, perhaps even most, of the powers which are currently exercised by the European Union cover areas of governmental activity which are not specifically ‘reserved’ to Westminster by the founding … [Read more...] about Don’t count on more powers post-Brexit