The Milburn review presents itself as a plan to help young people into work, but Dr DYLAN MURPHY argues it is laying the groundwork for a harsher benefits regime
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Progressive federalism is Scotland's third option
Professor JAMES MITCHELL argues the left has a strong case for getting a third option on any future independence ballot which would prioritise what power is used for — not just who holds it
Campaigners from across the continent will gather in Brussels on June 14 to oppose Europe’s accelerating militarisation and cuts to public services, write MAGGIE SIMPSON and BOB ORAM of No Cold War Britain
National co-ordinator for General Strike 100, HENRY FOWLER, continues his nationwide tour of partner organisations by visiting the Modern Records Centre at Warwick University
GEOFF BOTTOMS recalls meeting Fidel Castro in the ’90s after joining a Pastors for Peace caravan to Cuba, and reflects on how international support is still vital to help the island withstand economic warfare
The Ivors Academy’s hike in entry fees could turn this respected peer-assessed event into an exclusive preserve for those wealthy enough to compete, warns BEN LUNN
Peter Murrell’s weakness for the allure of prestige goods is symptomatic of modern consumer culture, says MATT KERR
SCOTLAND’S constitutional debate casts a long shadow over its politics. Next May’s Holyrood elections will see the SNP seek a mandate for a second independence referendum. This will suit the Tories. The shrinking political agenda combined with the narrowing constitutional options crowd out other issues and options.
This does not mean that the constitution is unimportant or should not ignored. Constitutions frame political debate and carry inherent biases. But constitutional politics need to be grounded in debates on the kind of society and economy we want.
The current binary choice — independence vs the status quo — distorts debate. Instead of starting by asking what kind of society we want and then considering where constitutional power should lie, it starts and ends by arguing over where power should lie. It discourages serious public policy debate and gives impetus to a battle between Scottish and British identities that plays more on emotions than reasoned considerations.
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The new Scottish Parliament looks set to continue a cycle of managerial tinkering while public services face the axe, writes STEPHEN LOW
Last weekend’s inaugural conference mixed warmth, unity and ambition with the unmistakable echo of old arguments. MATT KERR wonders whether the fledgling party’s difficulties can be overcome
On the release of her memoir that reveals everything except politics, Sturgeon’s endless media coverage has focused on her panic attacks, sexuality and personal tragedies while ignoring her government’s many failures, writes PAULINE BRYAN