Political parties with commanding parliamentary majorities are often tempted by the promise of assertive leadership and decisive action. Yet, as the events of the last few weeks reveal, a large majority is no substitute for the subtler arts of political management, party cohesion and narrative discipline. Missteps like suspending four MPs and sacking three trade envoys are not … [Read more...] about Starmer risks self-harm by alienating his party
UK
Starmer Y1: what now for Scotland and a fractured union?
As the mostly scathing assessments of Keir Starmer’s first year of government roll in, the UK’s Labour government looks wobbly and lacking direction. After his disastrous, deeply inept week on disability benefits reform, perhaps the most common question remains, what does Starmer actually believe in? Starmer, in remarkably Soviet style, seems above all to believe – in some … [Read more...] about Starmer Y1: what now for Scotland and a fractured union?
The spending rollercoaster is well and truly back
Rachel Reeves has delivered the outcome of the Spending Review for both resource and capital budgets across departments and devolved administrations.It was a speech long on detail about many capital projects, but much of the lead was buried. In our preview last week, we noted that the envelope set out in the Spring Statement promised to be a reversal of Robert … [Read more...] about The spending rollercoaster is well and truly back
What tighter immigration controls mean for Scotland
Last week, the UK Government published a white paper laying out their reforms to the immigration system. The reforms are aimed at reducing net international migration to the UK, which peaked at 906,000 in 2023 and was 728,000 in 2024. The Government estimates that the measures announced will reduce net migration to the UK by about 100,000 people per year, although they have not … [Read more...] about What tighter immigration controls mean for Scotland
Welfare reforms: the (unknown) Scottish dimension
Liz Kendall, work & pensions secretary, has won a lot of criticism but a few plaudits for the long-awaited “green paper” on welfare reform. Here is analysis of the main elements: PIP will not be frozen, but eligibility will be restricted The Secretary of State’s headline announcement was in line with news over the weekend, which suggested that rates will not be frozen. … [Read more...] about Welfare reforms: the (unknown) Scottish dimension