A hung parliament: how little we appreciate the shape-shifting nature of politics in the UK.Like many people, I thought most analysis of the Scottish political landscape post-general election could be expressed before we fully knew the results, so I wrote the bulk of this piece early on, before reflecting on the way things actually played out.The campaign was dominated … [Read more...] about Scottish voters rewrite a well-worn script
Never a good time to call #indyref2 but…
Let’s start with an updated summary of why Brexit is good for Yes:It reinforces a well-established argument for constitutional change: we voted for X but got Y because we are outnumbered by voters in England. Voting Remain but getting Leave is the latest version of voting Labour (and now SNP) in Scotland but getting a Conservative UK government. It reinforces the same … [Read more...] about Never a good time to call #indyref2 but…
SG holistic education policy: success or failure?
The Scottish Government experience of education can give us all a profound lesson, but I’m not yet sure what that lesson will be.The positive lesson might be that you can have a holistic approach to education provision, which has a strategy for childcare, early years, and schools that support further and higher education policy effectively. In particular, its key aim is to … [Read more...] about SG holistic education policy: success or failure?
Keep troops happy – and powder dry
Nicola Sturgeon has announced a consultation on a new Bill on Scottish Independence.Clearly, it made the audience at the SNP’s conference very happy, but what should the rest of us make of it? My gut tells me there will be a second referendum but I wouldn’t yet bet my house on it, because that decision is wrapped up in three unresolved issues.First, there won’t be a … [Read more...] about Keep troops happy – and powder dry
A toothless Holyrood gains a molar
The Scottish Government made a recent amendment to the Scottish Ministerial Code to restrict the role of MSPs while ‘Parliamentary Liaison Officers’ (PLOs) in the Scottish Parliament.PLOs are not members or the Scottish Government, but they work closely with ministers and sit on committees scrutinising ministers, which blurs the boundary between policymaking and … [Read more...] about A toothless Holyrood gains a molar