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Sceptical Scot

Asking Questions. Seeking Answers.

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A coalition willing and delivering change

May 18, 2025 by David Gow 5 Comments

“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.”

Power from the grassroots

May 14, 2025 by Bill Howat Leave a Comment

Why improving local democracy is vital: continuing a Sceptical Scot series of analyses from the Mercat Group of the Scottish Government wilful centralisation of power

Making sense of politics in “these islands”

April 22, 2025 by Michael Keating Leave a Comment

When it comes to the Union: “Big things are happening but, in the midst of change, their shape and significance has yet to become clear. To paraphrase Gramsci, the old order is dying but the new one struggles to be born.”

Welfare reforms: the (unknown) Scottish dimension

March 19, 2025 by Fraser of Allander Institute Leave a Comment

“The Scottish Government’s block grant adjustment is based on the projected expenditure in England and Wales, and therefore a tightening of access to PIP will (all else equal) make the Scottish Budget worse off. It is then the Scottish Government’s decision to move in lockstep or to find the additional funds from other sources.”

What are Labour governments for? The aid issue

March 16, 2025 by Martin Farr Leave a Comment

“Leading where others follow, Trump has cut US foreign aid. By 83%. It is hard, in the new age of transactional, personalistic, international relations, to discern much a future for development spending. The end of the age of aid – one of the reasons for Labour governments – is upon us. Judith Hart would be broken.”

Irish neutrality comes under question

March 16, 2025 by Mick Fealty Leave a Comment

The Dáil’s failure to establish committees for government scrutiny is alarming amid shifting international relations. The discourse includes critiques on Irish neutrality, urging a reevaluation of policies that hinder military involvement. As geopolitical dynamics evolve, it’s essential for Ireland to adapt for meaningful global participation while addressing local sensitivities.

The UK needs a reformed second chamber

March 13, 2025 by Jackie Kemp 1 Comment

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.

Trump’s negotiation tactics: a business mindset in a diplomatic world

March 5, 2025 by Alexios Arvanitis 3 Comments

The confrontation between U.S. President Trump and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy illustrates the risks of prioritizing immediate national interests over foundational principles in international diplomacy. This transactional approach threatens sovereignty and democratic values, undermining trust and long-term relationships. Sustainable negotiations must balance interests with core principles to foster cooperative global interactions.

Insurgent, disruptive or flailing Labour?

February 12, 2025 by Kirsty Hughes 4 Comments

A six-hour cabinet meeting last Friday appears to have done little to give the flailing Labour government much of a new strategy. It came at the end of a week when a YouGov poll put Reform just ahead of Labour (25% to 24%) with the Tories trailing on 21%.

Yesterday’s robber barons can teach today’s oligarchs about responsibilities of wealth

January 28, 2025 by Tobias Jung Leave a Comment

Mark Zuckerberg’s recent display of wealth, exemplified by a lavish wristwatch, prompts parallels between today’s tech billionaires and the “robber barons” of America’s Gilded Age, as warned by Joe Biden. Critics argue that unlike Carnegie, who embraced moral obligations with wealth, today’s billionaires often neglect communal benefits, exacerbating social inequality.

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Welcome to Sceptical Scot, Scotland’s premier non-tribal forum for passionate, informed debate. Sceptical Scot is for all who care about Scotland’s future, regardless of how they vote: for party, independence or union, EU or Brexit. We aim to provide an arena that is both broader and deeper than current online/print offers with a rich diet of well-researched, polemical, thought-provoking writing. Read more » about About Sceptical Scot

What’s new on Sceptical Scot

  • A coalition willing and delivering change May 18, 2025
  • Power from the grassroots May 14, 2025
  • Making sense of politics in “these islands” April 22, 2025
  • Trans in fiction – and in court April 17, 2025
  • Welfare reforms: the (unknown) Scottish dimension March 19, 2025
  • What are Labour governments for? The aid issue March 16, 2025
  • Irish neutrality comes under question March 16, 2025
  • The UK needs a reformed second chamber March 13, 2025
  • Trump’s negotiation tactics: a business mindset in a diplomatic world March 5, 2025
  • What the ferries fiasco means for Arran March 5, 2025

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