Durham Miners’ Association chair STEPHEN GUY speaks to Ben Chacko about the Reform threat, what’s needed from Labour and why the Big Meeting will never lose its politics
AS Scotland slouches toward the 10th anniversary of the independence referendum, few in the SNP seem remotely enthusiastic about the occasion. If anything, there’s a distinct sense that many would rather September 18 passed without note.
Two years ago, when Nicola Sturgeon announced a second referendum for October 2023, such a scenario was difficult to imagine.
However, lacking intellectual leadership and a theory of change to achieve their ultimate goal, the timidity with which John Swinney and his government have approached the occasion is hardly surprising. It is nonetheless a compelling illustration of the depth of the crisis within their party.
KENNY MacASKILL says the lines between party, government and Civil Service in Scotland have been blurred and we need a thorough investigation into how
The new Scottish Parliament looks set to continue a cycle of managerial tinkering while public services face the axe, writes STEPHEN LOW


