By Peter Main All indicators point to a massive swing from Labour to the Scottish Nationalist Party (SNP) in the coming election. It is possible that the SNP could go from its present 6 seats to more than 40 and so hold the balance of power in a hung parliament. Because of widespread support for […]
3 February 2015 The Scottish National Party claims it is a social democratic party and it is widely seen as an anti-austerity party to the left of Labour. What should socialists make of this, asks Andy Yorke Since the 45 per cent “yes” vote in the independence referendum, the SNP’s membership has nearly quadrupled to […]
Most of the far left forces in Scotland supported independence. KD Tait looks at how they have followed this through The decision by most left organisations in Scotland to pose a vote for independence as the way to oppose austerity, defend the NHS and strike a blow at the “establishment” was an opportunist concession […]
The positive enthusiasm of millions in the Scottish referendum and the massive rejection of austerity and privatisation have opened up a constitutional crisis in Britain. But, argues Jeremy Dewar, the working class needs to intervene with its own class demands and programme if the bosses are not to use the crisis to weaken the ability […]
By Dave Stockton Despite the rejection of independence, the shock to the system caused by the final weeks of the referendum campaign – when it appeared the blue Saltire was going to be ripped out of the Union Flag – continues to be felt. The pro-union parties at Westminster, which made a solemn vow to […]
Sandy McBurney, Glasgow South Left Unity member, talks to Workers Power about why he is against voting for Scottish independence in the upcoming referendum on 18 September Workers Power (WP): What effect do you think independence would have on the unity of workers north and south of the border? Sandy McBurney (SB): It is obvious […]
The Scottish people face a historic decision on 18 September 2014, when they vote on the question: “Should Scotland be an independent country?” Andy Yorke considers what advice socialists should give Although polls continue to show a majority against complete independence, but in favour of increased powers for the Scottish parliament (“Devo-Max”), the latest […]
By Marcus Halaby It is an often-repeated truism that giving in to bullies only encourages them. Workers at the Grangemouth plant near Falkirk in Scotland are learning this the hard way. After a shameful climb-down by Unite the Union general secretary Len McCluskey, hailed as having been necessary to “save jobs”, employers INEOS are now […]
By Jeremy Dewar UNITE, THE biggest union in Britain, which is under the leadership of Len McCluskey, one of the most outspoken left general secretaries, has accepted the most humiliating terms of surrender from Ineos, owners of the Grangemouth refinery and petrochemicals plant. On Friday 25 October the workforce cheered the announcement of a deal […]
David Cameron has stirred up a hornets nest of indignation in Scotland by announcing that he intends to force the Scottish people to answer his question in the referendum on independence and to hold it when he decides – i.e. soon. The criterion set out for the vote by Cameron would likely refuse to include […]