THE RISE OF NATIONAL POPULISM AND REACTIONARY UNIONISM IN THE RUN UP TO THE DECEMBER 12th GENERAL ELECTION

In the lead-up to the December 12th general election Allan Armstrong updates  his analysis of the drift to the Right populist and reactionary unionist politics in the UK and what this possibly means for the future of the Union. This is followed by an article by  statement from  the Radical Independence Campaign in Scotland on…

BREXIT MARK 2 – BORIS DISPELS THE FOG TO REVEAL CLASS WAR – an Irish perspective

Many both on the Left and amongst the Irish and Scottish nationalists have welcomed the break between the Tories and the DUP, following Boris Johnson’s perceived cave in before the EU, over the border. They believe that the road to Irish reunification is now open. This article from Socialist Democracy (Ireland) argues from a much…

THE CONTRADICTIONS UNDERLYING BREXIT AND SCOTTISH INDEPENDENCE

Allan Armstrong sent  this article to Conter, on September 13th, hoping  to open up one of the debates on the Left in relation to Scottish independence, before and during the Radical Independence Campaign conference in Glasgow on October 26th. There has been no acknowledgement of this article by the Conter editor, despite Allan being a…

SCOTLAND’S SECRET SHAME

The issue of ‘sectarianism’ in Scotland has raised its head again following loyalists attacks on republican marches in Govan on August 30th and Glasgow city centre on 7th September. Whilst the attacks  made by the loyalists were on  legal marches, politicians and the media have  predictably fallen back on the ‘sectarian’ two tribes approach. This…

A NATION ONCE AGAIN?

There has been a lot of  talk recently about the inevitability of a united Ireland after a ‘No Deal’ Brexit. This article from Socialist Democracy (Ireland) provides a more cautionary note. A NATION ONCE AGAIN? Dream and reality in the United Ireland discourse     What do you learn when Irish nationalist sources start to…

REPUBLICANS ADDRESS THE ‘NO TO THE COUP’ DEMOS IN DUNDEE AND EDINBURGH ON AUGUST 31st

On Saturday 31st August demonstrations were held throughout the UK to protest at ‘Boris’s coup’. Mary McGregor addressed the rally held in Dundee. Allan Armstrong addressed the rally held in Edinburgh.   ____________ Speech by Mary McGregor   Comrades and friends, We are living through extraordinary times. We live in a time where children go…

LOYALIST BONFIRE VICTORY IN BELFAST

Socialist Democracy (Ireland) reports on the latest UK state accommodation to Loyalism, during their annual Belfast bonfire rituals.   LOYALIST BONFIRE VICTORY IN BELFAST Can this be compensated for by dreams of a future modernity?     In the aftermath of the paramilitary victory at a Belfast “11th night” bonfire, correspondents were quick to spread…

Promoting Republicanism

Murdo Ritchie addresses the Left’s failing to understand republicanism. This is deeply rooted in the Left’s acceptance of the UK state for as a vehicle for its various economic and political projects. Murdo’s article is an update of his earlier piece (PROMOTING REPUBLICANISM) The advocacy of socialist republicanism has very few current precedents in the United…

BRIAN HIGGINS – A PERSONAL AND POLITICAL TRIBUTE

    Communist, Republican, Trade Union Militant, Scottish Internationalist, Glasgow Bear  9th February 1941 – 2nd June 2019   __________ BRIAN HIGGINS A PERSONAL AND POLITICAL TRIBUTE Brian made a big impression upon whomever he met. Nigel Jeffrey, who encountered him on the picket line during the 1984-5 Miners’ Strike wrote, “Brian Higgins stands out…

BRITISH GOVERNMENT EXPANDS POWERS IN THE NORTH

The following article from Socialist Democracy (Ireland) highlights the impact of the reactionary unionism in Northern Ireland.  The Good Friday Agreement,  with its official  recognition of Unionists and Nationalists in a reformed Stormont, acted as liberal mask for the continued sectarian order in Northern Ireland. This placed the UK government in the position of ‘neutral’…