International
Brexit, independence and transitions
‘Across all its various dimensions, independence is about a whole range of transitions – economic, political, democratic, social and cultural. Considering how those transitions could and should be managed, and what their implications, timings and…
Sanders: the red scare
‘Both Democrats and Republicans are now engaged in a campaign against Bernie Sanders aimed at frightening voters and preventing change. Ironically, the fear-mongering of the Democratic establishment is even more dangerous than that of Trump…
Ireland: small EU state model?
‘Brexit will undoubtedly shape the next chapter in Ireland’s European story and test whether the ‘island behind the island’ can transcend its geography to define its future.’
Bitter truths in Brussels
‘…there may well be sympathy for the Scottish case but it is, for now, entirely irrelevant to what’s at stake now. As we know from the last 43 months, that’s even more true of Westminster…
Strong and stable democracy under PR?
No PR system would have been likely to produce a workable majority for any sustainable coalition, but that is a reflection of the highly fragmented multi-party political system in the UK.
The only lesson worth learning: FPTP must go
‘Centrist or socialist, whoever leads the Labour party next—or indeed the Liberal Democrats—must put electoral reform back on the agenda.’
After Davidson…?
‘Indeed, the most promising future for Scottish Conservatives might actually be in an independent Scotland, free from the members of their party pursuing a very different narrative at Westminster.’
UK finally disunited?
‘Where Scottish politics and independence goes in the face of no Brexit is one more open question. Independence, after all, would be much more straightforward to manage if the UK remains in the EU.’
Disaster for UK – and Labour
‘Red and green must join if we are to bring the younger generation with us towards a vision of a more co-operative, collaborative, sustainable future’ .
Greens take on far right
A green wave has swept over Europe (but not in Scotland)…lessons for the ‘big’ mainstream parties? Mobilise on the streets against racists/fascists…
Towards a devolution backstop?
‘Were Brexit to weaken the autonomy of the devolved institutions without increasing their influence over UK policies, relationships between the UK’s territories may become ever more strained.’
Brexit and parliamentary ‘sovereignty’
‘The EU cannot negotiate with Parliament; and even if it could, Parliament cannot fully control May. Nor can it control whoever succeeds her at No.10.’