So, the ‘No’ campaign against the Alternative Vote (AV) managed to win decisively in every nation and region of the UK. Even in Scotland, where on paper a ‘Yes’ vote was supported by a confident SNP, sections of the Labour Party, and the Lib-Dems and Greens, the ‘No’ vote won handsomely everywhere, apart from Edinburgh…
The case for Abstention in the AV referendum
In Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland the AV referendum on May 4th will very much play second fiddle to the elections to Holyrood, Cardiff Bay and Stormont. Ironically though, it is precisely in these three areas that the outcome of the referendum could be determined. People going to vote in the devolved assembly elections will…
Opposing the imperialist suppression of the revolution in North Africa and the Middle East
Here are 4 items relating to the current situation in Bahrain and Libya SSP Conference motion, 3 April 2011 Article by Moshe Machover – The long road of the Arab revolution Article by John McAnulty (Socialist Democracy – Ireland) the test of Libya Article by Pepe Escobar – Exposed the US-Saudi Libya deal Motion proposed…
An appeal from the International Federation of Iraq Refugees
The International Federation of Iraqi Refugees needs your support for the demonstrations and the movement for freedom in Iraqi Kurdistan. The people of Kurdistan have launched a movement for freedom, justice, jobs and services, and against political corruption. They organised civil demonstrations against the authorities of Kurdistan Regional Government and the two ruling parties, the…
Egypt’s Uprising: Not Just a Question of ‘Transition’
Adam Hanieh examines the revolutionary process in Egypt and looks at the broader implications for the Middle East. This article first appeared on the Monthly Review website The events of the last weeks are one of those historical moments where the lessons of many decades can be telescoped into a few brief moments and seemingly…
Libya: imperialism’s next war in the Middle East
After days of bombs and missiles raining down on Muammar Gaddafi’s air defences and tank columns, it is clear the imperialists are settling in for a long war. With the legal cover of a UN resolution designed supposedly to protect the rebel population under attack, the USA, France and Britain have taken the lead in…
Two Royal Weddings… and a Republican Funeral for the UK?
Allan Armstrong (RCN) has written an article for the Word Power site (see Two Royal Weddings and… a Republican Funeral for the UK? by Allan Armstrong). He is author of the book, From Davitt to Connolly and co-author of the pamphlet, ‘Republicanism, Socialism and Democracy‘, puts the case for using the opportunity provided by the British…
RCN statement following the Tommy Sheridan Perjury Trial.
The RCN welcomes the vindication of those SSP comrades who refused to go along with Sheridan’s attempt to use his public and celebrity position to extract money for personal gain. Whilst fully recognising the political damage and personal hurt to SSP members resulting from this debacle, the RCN opposes the jailing of our former SSP…
Feed The World
Africa’s new global role for the 21st century? Hands up anyone who thought that the G8 and G20 conferences were modern inventions at which the rich and powerful decide the fate of the world. It could be contended that they had a precursor one hundred and twenty-five years ago. Between November 15, 1884, and November…
From Davitt to Connolly – ‘Internationalism From Below’ Book Launch
‘Internationalism from Below’ and the challenge to the UK state and British Empire from 1879 – 1895 Launch on 19th November Venue: Word Power Books 43-45 West Nicolson Street Edinburgh EH8 9DB For More details see Internationalism From Below