“Labour’s hopes, when it won the general election, to be in government in England, Wales and Scotland by 2026 currently look off the agenda, not to say absurd. A fractured Labour government and parliamentary party is not well positioned to think about the fractured union that it claims to govern. And a UK government focused on England looks set to continue doing so.”
Elections
The fragmenting map of Scottish politics
“A disruptive polariser like Reform UK could reshape the system without facing a coherent counterforce. In such a scenario, the rules of the political game are not just changing – they may be dissolving altogether.”
Fox News wins it for Trump
“When the Trump era is over, incumbent Democrats are going to have to repair US institutions that this administration has damaged. If they want to do something about the polarisation of US politics, they may also need to restore the fairness doctrine.”
A coalition willing and delivering change
“That’s why – in the middle of tectonic turbulence geopolitically – a progressive coalition that can see off Reform with or without the shrunken Conservatives in its pockets would be the most desirable outcome of Holyrood 2026. A coalition of the ready, willing and able set on initiating reforms that will usher in transformative change and give genuine hope to a disillusioned, alienated people.”
The UK needs a reformed second chamber
Nicola Sturgeon announced her decision not to run in the next Holyrood election, echoing sentiments from other longstanding MSPs. The House of Lords lacks Scottish independence supporters and fails to represent Scotland’s interests. A reformed second chamber is needed for Scotland’s concerns in UK policy, especially regarding taxes, infrastructure, and energy poverty, which disproportionately affect the nation.
Fiscal sustainability and the Scottish budget
The draft Scottish Budget raised concerns regarding financial planning, particularly about the Funding shortfall for Employer National Insurance and the late commitment to mitigate the two-child limit on benefits. Mitigation aims to help families affected by this policy, but fiscal sustainability and proper planning are crucial to effectively address child poverty targets by 2030.
Why populists are winning: broken promises of liberal democracy
The article discusses the rise of extreme right populism in Europe, highlighting how dissatisfaction with democracy drives voters towards populist alternatives. It critiques both technocratic and liberal populist responses as ineffective, emphasizing the need for democratic reforms that adapt to the digital age. To combat populism, new forms of e-democracy should be explored.
Trump 2.0 and a new age of authoritarian capitalism
Donald Trump’s return to the White House is linked to the rise of right-wing populism and challenges faced by progressive politics. Trump capitalised on feelings of economic insecurity exacerbated by China’s emergence as a superpower. The Biden administration’s industrial policies, while ambitious, did not sufficiently address public concerns, allowing Trump to benefit politically.
We’re allowing the Far Right to set the pace
The rise of remigration rhetoric in Europe, notably from figures like Alice Weidel, echoes past atrocities, while mainstream political discourse adopts increasingly extremist views. A surge in racism and antisemitism is reported, reflecting broader societal unrest. The liberal left struggles to counter these trends, facing challenges in forming effective coalitions against the far-right’s rising influence.
Still spinning plates: the 2025 Scottish Budget
“There aren’t even any mathematical reasons (if anything, Council Tax reform and a land tax would have made it easier to win progressive votes in Parliament for the budget). There aren’t any objections from their members (indeed, quite the opposite, by not enacting those reforms the SNP are running directly against motions passed overwhelmingly at recent conferences) There is only the lack of will from the Government to make it happen.”