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
devolution
Budgets, ideas and lethargy in the Scottish Government
It has been a grim few days for the Scottish Government. First of all, the Finance Secretary, Shona Robison (pictured), outlined how an extra £1 billion of funds had to be used to fill a fiscal hole for this financial year. Leaving us wondering what on earth she was going to do for next year. Then, in the shadow of this dismal prognosis, the First Minister, John Swinney, … [Read more...] about Budgets, ideas and lethargy in the Scottish Government
Options and challenges for Wales’s constitutional future
The Independent Commission on the Constitutional Future of Wales reported in January 2024. The Commission had both independent experts and party political nominees on it, produced a unanimous report, and found that the three main constitutional options they focused on - enhanced devolution, a federal UK and an independent Wales - were all viable (each with their own strengths … [Read more...] about Options and challenges for Wales’s constitutional future
Can Scottish Labour leave the branch office?
Scotland’s influence in Britain will be strongest when you have a Scottish Labour Party working with a Labour Government. If you want a Britain that places Scotland and its interests at the heart of the Westminster debate, if you want a politics that is committed to smashing the class ceiling, if you want to see more money for Scottish public services or Scottish community … [Read more...] about Can Scottish Labour leave the branch office?
Scottish devolution – time to reboot
2024 marks twenty five years of the Scottish Parliament and although the General Election is expected this year, the next election for the Scottish Parliament is two years away. Freed from the alternative truths that can be peddled during elections, Scotland has the opportunity to be more reflective and inclusive about how it should reset the governance of Scotland and create a … [Read more...] about Scottish devolution – time to reboot