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Sceptical Scot

Asking Questions. Seeking Answers.

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%.

Fiscal sustainability and the Scottish budget

February 4, 2025 by Fraser of Allander Institute Leave a Comment

The draft Scottish Budget raised concerns regarding financial planning, particularly about the Funding shortfall for Employer National Insurance and the late commitment to mitigate the two-child limit on benefits. Mitigation aims to help families affected by this policy, but fiscal sustainability and proper planning are crucial to effectively address child poverty targets by 2030.

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.

Why populists are winning: broken promises of liberal democracy

January 24, 2025 by Jan Zielonka 2 Comments

The article discusses the rise of extreme right populism in Europe, highlighting how dissatisfaction with democracy drives voters towards populist alternatives. It critiques both technocratic and liberal populist responses as ineffective, emphasizing the need for democratic reforms that adapt to the digital age. To combat populism, new forms of e-democracy should be explored.

Trump 2.0 and a new age of authoritarian capitalism

January 23, 2025 by Laurie Macfarlane Leave a Comment

Donald Trump’s return to the White House is linked to the rise of right-wing populism and challenges faced by progressive politics. Trump capitalised on feelings of economic insecurity exacerbated by China’s emergence as a superpower. The Biden administration’s industrial policies, while ambitious, did not sufficiently address public concerns, allowing Trump to benefit politically.

We’re allowing the Far Right to set the pace

January 15, 2025 by David Gow Leave a Comment

The rise of remigration rhetoric in Europe, notably from figures like Alice Weidel, echoes past atrocities, while mainstream political discourse adopts increasingly extremist views. A surge in racism and antisemitism is reported, reflecting broader societal unrest. The liberal left struggles to counter these trends, facing challenges in forming effective coalitions against the far-right’s rising influence.

Energy privatisation is a disaster for Scotland

January 15, 2025 by Jackie Kemp Leave a Comment

Energy poverty in Scotland affects 31% of the population, which is significantly higher than in England and the EU. Despite abundant energy resources, especially renewable, local costs remain exorbitant due to ineffective regulations and privatization. High energy bills drive families away, worsen health issues, and threaten economic growth, with profits benefiting external shareholders.

Europe’s centrists are empowering the Far Right

January 12, 2025 by Gabriela Greilinger Leave a Comment

Austria’s thirtieth anniversary in the EU is marred by failed coalition talks between the ÖVP, SPÖ, and NEOS, allowing the far-right FPÖ, led by Herbert Kickl, an opportunity to form a government. The ÖVP’s willingness to negotiate with the FPÖ raises concerns about the future of Austria’s democracy and liberal values.

This is serious: Trump wants Greenland and Panama

January 12, 2025 by Paul Rogers Leave a Comment

Donald Trump’s recent remarks about reclaiming U.S. territories reflect a misguided approach reminiscent of neoconservative ambition post-9/11. The Project for a New American Century aimed for U.S. global dominance but ultimately failed, leading to devastating wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Trump’s policies may similarly escalate tensions, risking further conflict.

10 reasons why Donald Trump can’t stop global climate action

January 10, 2025 by Wesley Morgan and Ben Newell Leave a Comment

sunset sunrise? Photo Fay Young

Why Trump can’t derail global climate action: Global transition to clean energy is now a “historic megatrend” that won’t be changed by a single US president.

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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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