A year on from the referendum Scotland remains a deeply divided nation. A revised and expanded Scotland Bill giving the Scottish Government powers to build a socially more just society within a unitary British state – the third unused option last year – could settle matters “for a generation.”
Archives for October 2015
Power and identity in island communities
The Scottish Government is planning legislation to enshrine a “national islands plan” to empower island communities. But (some) Shetlanders say this doesn’t go far enough and prefer to go it alone – even quit the EU too. Ironies abound.
Scotland could save Cameron’s EU bacon
If England says No to the EU and Scotland votes Yes to Europe, so it goes, then #indyref2 and a revitalised “independence in Europe” will come as night follows day. But Scots are as passionately pro-EU as it’s claimed they could swing the referendum – and keep the UK in…
Why the BBC must reflect devolved Britain
The BBC has repeatedly missed the boat on devolution and remains far too London-centric. Its new and current affairs structures and output need radical reform to reflect the reality of the UK’s four nations.
At £167bn Trident is useless – and could destroy hundreds of frigate jobs
Scottish Labour will debate and, most likely, denounce Trident at its “crunch” annual conference in Perth this weekend. Costs have soared to £167n, putting at risk hundreds of jobs on the Clyde building new frigates – yet the missile system remains utterly useless.
The Sceptical Scot cartoon: Queensferry Crossing
Missed chance to break up big banks
The Competition Commission has missed a trick with its refusal to countenance a break-up of big banks despite powerful evidence of the lack of real competition in the retail market. The situation is even worse in Scotland than in rUK. What’s to be done?
Brussels and the Left’s delusionary Brexit strategy
Parts of the British Left are openly flirting with campaigning to quit the EU. The SNP is planning its own “upbeat” campaign to stay in. But these divisions on the social democratic/socialist Left simply buttress the forces of darkness: the very unaccountable corporatism both wish to confront.
Has tide turned for women’s representation in Scotland?
Women lead the three biggest political parties in Scotland and the first minister is a woman presiding over a gender-balanced cabinet. But women’s representation still lags behind and needs to be reversed, three women academics argue.
Bringing Britain together: time to re-address shared interests
Cross-border urban policy, transport, health and industry are just four areas where Scotland the UK should work together in a new “post-unionist” relationship based on a joint action across a shared island.