One part of the UK and EU’s transition deal that is causing controversy is over fishing rights and access to UK waters for EU vessels. Negotiators have agreed that the UK will effectively remain part of the EU’s Common Fisheries Policy, but without a direct say in its rules, until 2021. News of the deal was met with anger from organisations representing fishermen, with the … [Read more...] about More disappointment ahead for Scottish fishing fleet
The SNP’s conservative agenda
The launch of the SNP election manifesto sees the party under more pressure than in some time.The SNP continues to poll very well in Scotland and will surely perform strongly on June 8, but the Conservatives are challenging in a number of seats thanks to Ruth Davidson successfully reinventing her party as the main protectors of the union. How has the SNP responded? Well, … [Read more...] about The SNP’s conservative agenda
Brexit puts Scottish indy back in play
One question that was omnipresent in the EU referendum debate referred to Scotland: what would happen if it voted to remain in the EU but was pulled out on the back of votes from elsewhere in the UK? Would it lead to a second independence referendum and then a vote for independence?In the aftermath of the result, Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has given the … [Read more...] about Brexit puts Scottish indy back in play
Holyrood 2016: class and constitutional politics
The 2016 Scottish election was meant to be a foregone conclusion. Nicola Sturgeon’s SNP was expected to achieve another majority in a repeat of 2011, but it hasn’t happened.The party is the clear winner, securing a historic third term, but two seats short of the majority line. It didn’t quite win as many constituencies as it hoped, and the regional-list vote didn’t deliver … [Read more...] about Holyrood 2016: class and constitutional politics
Corbyn has no solution for Scottish Labour
Dundee probably hasn’t seen the like since the independence referendum. The university’s main lecture hall was full to the point that the organisers had to open a large over-spill room to cope with everyone. According to one report, 700 people had come along for the evening, myself included – typical of what has been happening around the UK.We were here for the second leg … [Read more...] about Corbyn has no solution for Scottish Labour