Scotland's Economic Future: Disruptive Ideas is a new series of papers brokered by Alison Hunter and Fabian Zuleeg and, in the second part of his essay on the net-zero carbon economy, Robert Pollock urges the creation of a National School of Government and Transition (a Scottish ENA) and extensive institutional change to help deliver decarbonisation. In order to create a more … [Read more...] about Institutions, transition and national renewal
independence
GE2019 and #indyref2
Once again, Scotland and England have diverged sharply in their electoral choices. Campaigns in both countries focused on Brexit but in Scotland equal prominence was given to the prospect of a second referendum on independence. In 2014, Scots voted by 55 per cent to remain in the United Kingdom after a campaign in which both sides shared the wish to stay in the … [Read more...] about GE2019 and #indyref2
Crack of light in Northern Ireland
I spent last night watching the election with my da. As is customary, we allowed ourselves to hope for a decent Labour result and were then crushed by the 10pm exit poll.We’ve been doing this on and off since Kinnock. We know how it goes. But the scale of defeat this time was breathtaking. Rather than going to bed in despair, we decided to wait up for North Down – … [Read more...] about Crack of light in Northern Ireland
Will no deal bring break-up of UK?
Leaving the EU without a deal is a very possible outcome of the current political crisis.A number of pundits and politicians from across the political spectrum argue that doing so would pose an existential threat to the UK’s domestic Union. But how exactly this would happen has not been set out in a detailed fashion.In a new briefing paper, published by the Bennett … [Read more...] about Will no deal bring break-up of UK?
Independence and sovereignty
As Brexit looms, fuelled by a demand for the return of British sovereignty and, in turn, the drive for Scottish Independence gains momentum, the question arises: just what powers are available or are required to be a nation state? The days of One Crown, One Faith, One Flag are long gone, if they ever existed. Even in my lifetime the change has been dramatic. Former … [Read more...] about Independence and sovereignty