Amidst the storm is it possible to discern how Britain’s (probable) exit from the EU may present opportunities for the left? Justin Reynolds takes a close look at the case for Lexit.
Social democracy
The meaning of Jeremy Corbyn
In Richard Seymour the Corbyn phenomenon has found its ideal commentator: this is a powerful analysis that will frustrate both the new Labour leader’s opponents and supporters.
Shoulder to shoulder 90 years on
Almost unnoticed in the hubbub of #Holyrood2016 this week saw the 90th anniversary of the General Strike. Here the author reflects on the power of printed news – then! – and on solidarity.
The Sun, the SNP and a new Scotland
Politicians are in the game of professional cynicism, argues Loki in his latest philippic. Posing with and for The Sun goes with the territory. Yet we were promised a new politics in Scotland, not the same old kowtowing to lobbies. The SNP needs to keep its radical fire-power.
Holyrood 2016: clearing the campaign fog
The first of our series of podcasts explores issues at the forefront and behind the scenes of the 2016 election to the Scottish Parliament – and looks forward to the next five years of the Scottish Government with Nicola Sturgeon as first minister.
Next SG: revolutionary but hardly radical
The SNP has one revolutionary aim: the overthrow of the UK constitution. Yet its manifesto is a model of moderation. Why? Tempered by the compromises of government – or cautious process to win over the No voters of 2014?
Enabling communities to plan their own future
Life outcomes increasingly depend on a postcode lottery. So Scotland needs to combine community and spatial planning so as to improve local people’s lives and tackle glaring inequalities.
‘That bloody poster’: exploring Austerity Nostalgia
It’s now some seven years since the notorious ‘Keep Calm and Carry On’ sign appeared. Owen Hatherley’s The Ministry of Nostalgia is a witty, exasperated and ferociously well-read exploration of the ‘Austerity Nostalgia’ phenomenon and its politicisation, with parties of both left and right drawing upon competing mythologies of wartime Britain to support their respective positions towards today’s austerity.
Sturgeon’s runner-up on May 5?
Nicola Sturgeon will still be first minister on May 6. Kezia Dugdale and Ruth Davidson are vying for the role of opposition leader in the next Holyrood term but both are really positioning themselves for the 2021 poll. Here we examine the prospects for the Scottish Conservative leader.
Basic income no, job guarantee yes
Inequality is one of the biggest challenges facing the global economy as the 1% get richer and richer. Industry 4.0 may worsen the divide as millions go jobless. Some, like the Scottish Greens, say a universal basic income is an answer. Here a leading German social democrat opts for a public jobs guarantee instead.