Beyond Tribal Politics
Independent journalism and commentary on politics, society, culture, climate and Scotland’s future.
Why Labour’s “borrowing to invest’ rule is no game-changer
“Changing from the borrowing rule to the ‘borrow-to-invest’ rule does nothing to change the fiscal space available to the Government so long…
George Orwell and Europe’s new normal
“We once believed that workers’ rights, the green transition and sustainable development were signs of wisdom and modernity. Today these are painted…
The Road to the Isles littered with phone masts?
“The map of applications to build masts in ‘Not Spots’ – the financially-exciting areas for the phone companies under this contract -…
Who wants to (re)join the EU?
The UK needs a serious debate about re-joining the EU….A substantial majority now backs re-join yet Labour (and the Tories) don’t want…
Europe’s populists back Putin over Ukraine
Farage and his Reform party are part of a Far Right tilt to overtly pro-Putin positions across Europe: “The issues facing Europe…
Is Starmer a socialist?
“Starmer could be putting forward limited policies for the general election, only to then come out as more leftist in office. Active…
Learn from Lady Macbeth’s fate, wannabe Tory leaders
“The body of the (seemingly) outgoing leader is not yet cold, but already thoughts are turning to the post-Sunak future. This is…
Just transition is correct response to Europe’s far right
“In the next EU legislative cycle, to 2029, this greening (plus digital transformation) must continue. But it must come with greater sensitivity…
Are there thousands of jobs at risk in North East Scotland?
“The energy transition does have to happen, oil and gas will decline, and policymakers must look to see how investment can be…
Going wild: four photos to give you hope
Wild can offer hope. It is about relationships between people and the natural world so it matters what wild means and how…
Can the SNP win on July 4?
“With a cautious, centre-right Labour party offering six lukewarm pledges, any confident, pro-EU, pro-independence, social democrat (if the SNP still is) party…
Who is Lynda Myles?
Shining a spotlight on a trailblazer in film festivals who often goes un-recognised or even forgotten in Scotland