The Left and the Euro-elections Allan Armstrong assesses the state of the left in Europe after the Euro elections A euro-sceptic SSP? The SSP has in the past described its attitude towards Europe as pro-Europe; anti-EU. In the run up towards the Euro-elections, held on June 10th, Alan McCombes subtly shifted the emphasis stating, We…
The Scottish Independence Convention
Independence under the Crown or a Scottish Republic? Allan Armstrong examines the case put by the proponents and opponents of the Scottish Independence Convention in the SSP and develops the RCN’s distinct republican approach. The political nature of and the ambiguities in the Pro-Convention camp After last May’s election to the Scottish Parliament, Alan McCombes,…
Beyond Broadswords and Bayonets
Challenging left nationalism and left unionism in the SSP 1. Socialist Approaches to History in Scotland i) Book publication produces political storm ii) Scottish marxists and Scottish history – the long silence iii) The Scottish Left begins to rouse from its unionist sleep iv) The symbiotic relationship between British left unionism and Scottish left nationalism…
You are the weakest link! SSP Special Conference, the Left and No to the Euro Campaign
Allan Armstrong (RCN), mover of the active boycott motion assesses the SSP Special Conference How the debate was handled The SSP SC on June 22nd, voted by a 4-1 margin to campaign for a no vote when Tony Blair finally decides to set the date for the Euro referendum. An extended morning session was given…
Republicans ‘celebrate’ the jubilee
Allan Armstrong reports on how republicans around the UK expressed their disloyalty to the Crown So how did the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations go from a republican perspective? A quick survey of the three and a bit nations making up the UK shows quite a wide variation in response. Undoubtedly the best protest and republican celebration…
Correspondence Red
Allegiance In this year of Jubilee and celebration of monarchy, a lot will be said about allegiance – allegiance to Queen and country. It slips off the tongue quite readily but carries a heavy message. Allegiance is a powerful emotional attachment to a cause or person or place and experiencing and expressing this deeply felt…
Linking republicanism and socialism in Scotland
Allan Armstrong looks at recent debates in the Scottish Socialist Party over republicanism and the jubilee Scotland is the part of the United Kingdom with the widest anti monarchist feelings, yet it is somewhat ironic that the Scottish Socialist Party, despite being the most influential socialist grouping in these islands, showed its usual reluctance to…
The Euro Referendum: The case for an active boycott
Allan Armstrong why workers should support an active boycott of the Euro referendum The rise of the populist and fascist Right in Europe The rise of the populist and fascist Right in the Netherlands, France and England has caused considerable debate amongst the Left throughout Europe. We cannot be complacent in Scotland, just because the…