Donald Trump's decision to quit the G7 summit in Canada a day early sent a clear message to his mainly European colleagues: you pygmies don't matter, I as the embodiment of untrammelled United States power, call the shots. Coupled with an open invitation to Russia to rejoin the G8 fold and a put-down of "publicity-seeking" (sic) Emmanuel Macron, it reinforced the Trump2.0 … [Read more...] about Make Europe Great Again
Federalism
A new way to govern Scotland: co-opposition
Every day, a new diatribe about Labour betrayal from the SNP crosses my computer screen. It can be as many as five or six daily news releases either accusing the party north and south of the border of betraying Scottish workers, business, civil society and/or of imposing a huge new tax burden (currently +£2bn) on Scotland. And this deluge has been going on since around … [Read more...] about A new way to govern Scotland: co-opposition
Seven questions on the Council of the Nations and Regions
For Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, politically and constitutionally, this is potentially important all round. Are we going to see much better, serious cooperation between the devolved governments and the UK/England’s prime minister? How will the mayors of England’s combined authorities fit in? Or is the mayors’ presence, politically, a clear downgrading of the three … [Read more...] about Seven questions on the Council of the Nations and Regions
UK-wide constitutional reform is an unavoidable must
The four constituent nations of the United Kingdom (UK) exist within a unitary state which is not underpinned by the transparent checks and balances of a formal written constitution. Many are appalled when they realise that the UK’s uncodified constitutional practices can seemingly vary on a fancy, depending on where a clause sits in a Bill and is debated, and whether … [Read more...] about UK-wide constitutional reform is an unavoidable must
Scotland needs a new politics – and fresh policy options
Barring a miracle, Scottish independence won't happen in my lifetime (I'm rapidly approaching 78). And I'm not talking about miraculously becoming a centenarian. It's the politics, stupid. This growing gut feeling was reinforced on Tuesday, March 14, the evening of the final televised hustings with the three candidates to succeed Nicola Sturgeon as SNP leader and, hence, … [Read more...] about Scotland needs a new politics – and fresh policy options