Beyond Tribal Politics
Independent journalism and commentary on politics, society, culture, climate and Scotland’s future.
George Osborne’s anti-industrial strategy
The Chancellor claimed in his recent autumn statement to be wholly committed to continuing the previous coalition government’s industrial strategy. But on…
Heart and soul: Scotland and Sturgeon
Scotland’s First Minister loves Cilla, Kate Bush and Simon Le Bon. But, while a year after replacing Alex Salmond her high standing…
HBOS: too little, too late
It cost £7m – a million for each of the years since Scotland’s (once) most-revered bank went bust. But, after all the…
An unprecedented state security apparatus
David Cameron has found more money to employ 1900 extra security and intelligence staff. But does this really help defeat the multi-faceted…
1707: what really happened?
There were plots and counter-plots but on the day in 1707 that the Scottish Parliament dissolved no riots or celebrations. A panel…
Tax credit cuts and ‘defensive devolution’
The SNP/Scottish Government and Labour now agree powers exist to restore, at least partially, tax credit cuts. But how can this be…
Student debt: class matters
The Scottish Government refuses to acknowledge the way student debt hits young working class people hardest. Even the NUS Scotland virtually ignores…
People block fight against climate change
Intentional communities, aka eco-villages, are, off course, well-intentioned. But even they tend to be undermined by human selfishness. The fight against climate…
Scotland’s special relationship with the EU
It’s commonly assumed that if Scots vote Yes to the EU and England No then #indyref2 will follow on swiftly. But there…
Lights going out all over Scotland
Scotland faces an acute energy gap in the near future and the Scottish Government will fall short of its 2020 target of…
Remembrance: poppycock on poppies
On Armistice Day and 70 years after the ending of WW2, there’s plenty of loose talk about “poppy fascism” from those with…
