Fownhope’s Heart of Oak Society traces its roots to the age of friendly societies, when communities provided their own safety net. Its anniversary celebrations reveal a tradition still very much alive, says MARK SEDDON
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The kids are alright, Nicola
Sturgeon's plans for testing primary school children are uniquely unpopular
ANGUS REID explains the significance of Cuba’s egalitarian in letter and spirit Family Code and the pertinent lessons it holds for democracies anywhere in the world
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NICK WRIGHT considers how the isolation of Israel and a new film on the controversial Italian communist leader are creating new reference points for Italy’s left
CARLOS MARTINEZ says Cuba’s achievements in the face of a criminal blockade are startling, but the island’s future if the United States succeeds in crushing it looks bleak
AMNON BROWNFIELD STEIN reports that far-right MPs who mobbed the event organised by Hadash may have helped raise awareness of the brutality of the Israeli right
NICOLA STURGEON was accused of running out of ideas as she launched her Programme for Government this week. “Based on this programme, this government’s sell-by date is well passed,” Scottish Lib Dem leader Willie Rennie said.
Still, there’s at one idea she’s been offered on a plate that it seems she won’t touch with a bargepole. The Scottish government has instead doubled down in its defence of hugely unpopular tests for Primary 1 children.
The blueprint for standardised exams has managed to unite all opposition parties and teacher unions in the belief they will be completely useless. At First Minister’s Questions this week, Sturgeon refused to rule out pushing ahead with the tests even if MSPs vote against them.
It’s hard to believe this is the same politician who has made “listening” a key part of her rhetoric since taking office.
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