Last Saturday, Communists from all over Scotland gathered for the second Scottish Conference of the RCP, to discuss the world crisis of capitalism, the life and ideas of James Connolly, and the perspectives and tasks for Communists in Scotland.
The SNP has faced another embarrassing setback following their defeat to Labour in a recent by-election. With nothing on offer to fight Starmer’s austerity or secure Scottish independence, the party is in a vulnerable position. One wrong move could easily upend the status quo.
Capitalism is destroying the beauty of the Scottish Highlands, where residents live in poverty amongst an obscene amount of wealth. In recent years, there have been strikes and even land seizures which show the way forward.
A recent poll has predicted that Reform could soon become the main opposition in Scotland, despite never having won a Scottish Parliament seat before. This reflects the deep anti-establishment mood in Scotland, and disillusionment with the ruling SNP.
A report from the Royal College of Midwives has exposed the conditions of Scottish student midwives. Holyrood politicians promise meetings, talks, and discussions; but nothing short of militant action will force these career politicians to remember their promises.
The emergency takeover to prevent the collapse of British Steel has raised the question of ‘who owns Britain?’. This is also the case in Scotland, whose economy has been carved up by international capital. The SNP leaders’ empty talk about ‘national sovereignty’ is a farce.
The Scottish government has axed rent controls, leaving workers and families at the mercy of greedy landlords. Meanwhile, waiting lists for social housing balloon, and leaseholders are being duped by dodgy developers. Here, our readers expose Britain’s housing horrors.
For all their progressive posturing, the leaders of the Scottish National Party are subservient to Washington. The independence movement can only retain its progressive character on an anti-imperialist and working-class basis.
SNP leader John Swinney has called for a liberal cross-class alliance of political parties and trade unions to stem the rise of Farage’s Reform in Scotland. But the liberals and right-wing populists are both reactionaries. Workers must sweep aside all of these liars and crooks.
Tenants in Glasgow are campaigning for the council to curb the housing crisis, by building more affordable homes. A recent demonstration exposed the sleazy lobbying and behind-the-scenes graft that takes place between big landlords and the council.
Recent storms have laid waste to large areas of Britain, exposing how utterly inadequate the country’s infrastructure is in the face of climate-related disasters. Only socialist planning can ensure that society adapts and averts a catastrophe.
This winter has seen the return of pitched battles in the poor neighborhoods of Edinburgh, between working-class kids and the Police. The state and the media offer nothing but demonisation. But the blame lies squarely with austerity and social decline.