“Independence supporters face the prospect of explaining and reaffirming the expanded mandate for they have won. Many will not look forward to beating their head against this particular brick wall once again, as the unionist counter-argument will only become more shrill, obstinate and unconcerned with democracy the more they are put on the defensive.”
Boris Johnson
Boris Johnson won back precious credibility with Britain’s vaccination programme. But it couldn’t last, and the Tories are mired in scandals to an extent we haven’t seen since John Major’s years of sleaze.
Source Direct: Sleaze Sleaze Me
“A new Act of Union… would not only curtail the future of Scottish democracy, but would dismantle Scottish democracy as it currently exists.”
Sean Bell: A new Act of Union would place the law and democracy at odds
“No matter how strict the law on hunting with dogs is made, the question persists of how effectively it can be enforced across the vast tracts of Scotland that remain under private ownership”
Sean Bell: Class war or not, fox-hunting must end
“In the 2012 agreement, both sides of the negotiation wanted a referendum. In any future agreement, only one side, Edinburgh, is likely to want it.”
Analysis: What pitfalls lie before the Draft Referendum Bill?
“The gradual lifting of lockdown may well spell a new dawn for protest movements, as they struggle for their very right to demand change in a pandemic-ravaged social order.”
Analysis: Social movements can beat attacks on the right to protest
Philip Hammond believes that what is good for the City of London is good for Britain. He represents the Conservative Party as sociological determinism says it should be, a Europhile and the voice of unfettered financial capitalism
Source Direct: Eeyore Returns to Rue Another Day
There were further resignations from Boris Johnson’s “Union unit” last week. As with the ongoing SNP soap opera, personality clashes masked a deeper crisis of purpose. Nobody seems capable of telling a story of what Britain is about.
Source Direct: You Won’t Get Me I’m Part of the Union
“Little to nothing hinted at in Starmer’s speech – or more concretely asserted by Conservative leaders – could even be countenanced by a new state without its own central bank or control over monetary policy. These are ideas for the wrong century, and the gulf is widening.”
Analysis: The coming UK Budget could be a blow to the austerity-mongers – and the left
What does Boris Johnson think he’s doing in Scotland? Perhaps he hopes that showing a little gallantry at the coalface can charm our national pants off. But few political leaders are so ill-equipped for a charm offensive.