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
The SNP’s own image of an independent Scotland was described in the 2013 white paper Scotland’s Future: Your Guide to an Independent Scotland, as follows: “If we vote for independence, the eyes of the world will be on Scotland as our ancient nation emerges — again — as an independent country. Scotland will become the 29th member of the European Union and the 194th member of the United Nations.”
In fact, the one thing that unites nearly every elected member of the Scottish Parliament is support for the EU.
The Scottish Greens, the Lib Dems and even the Scottish Conservatives have avoided the splits they have in Westminster. And of course Scottish Labour, with a few exceptions, is pro-EU.
Years of underfunding are eroding Scotland’s local services and deepening inequality in communities, says VINCE MILLS
CLAUDIA WEBBE says the US is tightening the noose to destroy Cuban socialism — the need for immediate, international solidarity is urgent
US tariffs have had Von der Leyen bowing in submission, while comments from the former European Central Bank leader call for more European political integration and less individual state sovereignty. All this adds up to more pain and austerity ahead, argues NICK WRIGHT
Deep disillusionment with the Westminster cross-party consensus means rupture with the status quo is on the cards – bringing not only opportunities but also dangers, says NICK WRIGHT


