The Scottish government has provoked a furore amongst school students by deploying a “postcode lottery” exam results system that discriminates based on class backgrounds. Capitalism is institutionalised inequality.
Conflict between the Tories and Holyrood has boosted support for independence. However, Yes supporters are growing critical of the SNP leadership. Boris Johnson may find himself presiding over Brexit, the pandemic, and a break-up of the Union.
Nicola Sturgeon and Boris Johnson have clashed over the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Whilst support for the Tories is plummeting, the SNP’s popularity is rising. As a result, the national question is sharpening once again.
Last year’s election saw the SNP sweep the board north of the border. This provides a strong mandate for a second independence referendum. But Boris Johnson has refused to grant such a vote, creating a potentially explosive situation.
Jeremy Corbyn and John McDonnell have come under attack for correctly stating that they would back a call for a second independence referendum in Scotland. This is a basic democratic question that all socialists should support.
The thought of Boris Johnson becoming the next prime minister and driving the country into a no-deal Brexit has struck fear into the hearts of the establishment, who are increasingly worried about the unity of the United Kingdom.
The huge strike action in Glasgow this week highlights the way forward in the fight for fair and decent pay. The labour movement must argue for a socialist alternative to austerity and inequality.
Richard Leonard, the left candidate for Scottish Labour leader, has won a close fought race to succeed Kezia Dugdale. His victory represents the most significant gain for the Left in its struggle to win control of the overall party since Corbyn’s victory itself. Drew Murray reports on the latest victory for the Corbyn movement.
It is clear from the recent election results that the SNP’s honeymoon period is over. The inspiring Corbyn movement has put pressure on the SNP leadership to prove their left-wing credentials. The question of independence, meanwhile, has been complicated by the possibility of an anti-austerity Labour government. What lies ahead for Scotland?
On the back of last week’s election, the SNP still dominate in Scotland, but have taken a major kicking. Key figures such as Alex Salmond have lost their seats. The unionist vote has consolidated around the Tories, whilst Corbyn’s Labour have won over some left-wing workers and youth. The political landscape continues to be transformed.
Nicola Sturgeon this week finally delivered the speech that had seemed almost inevitable ever since the Brexit vote in June last year. By announcing her intention to seek a second independence referendum, Sturgeon has started a political storm that will likely rage on – at the very least – until any referendum takes place, and possibly far beyond.
Ross Walker of the Edinburgh Marxists discusses the events of the recent SNP annual party conference, where leader Nicola Sturgeon announced plans for a second referendum on Scottish independence. Beneath the apparent party unity surrounding independence, however, it is clear that strong class contradictions are developing within the SNP.