The following article written by Mike Small on police violence in Great Britain, including Scotland, first appeared in bella caledonia ON POLICE VIOLENCE The state holds the monopoly on violence in our society. We can talk about male violence but the murder of Sarah Everard is also state violence and needs to be seen in both contexts. A…
The SWP and Scottish independence – Part 2, To party or not to party?
This posting covers the Introduction and Contents of the second part of Allan Armstrong’s review of the book, Breaking up the British state, Scotland, Independence and Socialism, edited by Bob Fotheringham, Dave Sherry & Colm Bryce of the SWP. The full article can be seen at:- https://allanarmstrong831930095.files.wordpress.com/2021/10/breaking-up-the-british-state-part-2.pdf Contents This posting covers the Introduction and Contents of the…
The SWP and Scottish independence – part 1, Breakin’ up is so hard to do
The following post includes the Contents and the Introduction of the first part of the review by Allan Armstrong of Breaking up the British state – Scotland, Independence & Socialism, editors, Bob Fotheringham, Dave Sherry and Colm Bryce. The full review of Part 1 can be read at: https://allanarmstrong831930095.files.wordpress.com/2021/09/breaking-up-the-british-state-2.pdf THE SWP AND SCOTTISH INDEPENDENCE Part…
Glasgow protest against the Nationality and Borders Bill
This article written by Maria Elena Carpentero Torres-Quevedo was first posted by bella caledonia. It reports from the Glasgow protest against the Nationality and Borders Bill organised by the No Evictions Network. It is followed by a poem by Ewan Girvan read out on the Buchanan Street steps. 1. GLASGOW PROTEST AGAINST THE NATIONALITY AND…
The aftermath of Kenmure Street challenges us all
This article written by Sean Bell for Source News highlights the dangers ahead, following the stunning Kenmure Street victory, as Priti Patel and the Tory government make plans to up the ante. “Kenmure Street was a stunningly successful example of solidarity and nonviolent resistance. We should not be surprised if the authorities’ next moves attempt…
Further reflections on the Battle of Kenmure Street
We are posting two further articles on the events at Kenmure Street on 13th May. The first is by Smina Akhtar of Glasgow University , which outlines the blog post by Smina Akhtar, University of Glasgow, describing the history organisation in Glasgow which led to this successful challenge. The second if by Alistair Davidson, first posted…
Its the constitution stupid!
This article by Allan Armstrong (RCF) looks at the aftermath of the May 6th elections in Scotland, Wales and England, the current situation in Northern Ireland, and then to the political significance of new movements from below across these islands, culminating in the people of Govanhill challenging the UK state’s Home Office Border Agency’s attempted…
Glasgow says “No Pasaran” to the Hostile Environment
This article written by Robina Qreshi, Director of Positive Housing , celebrates the victory of the residents of Govanhill in Glasgow over the UK Border Agency. She refers to past battles in Glasgow over housing led by Mary Barbour; whilst only two days following the action on 13th May, more protestors condemning the lethal actions…
The power grab of the queen’s speech
This article by Mike Small was first posted on bella caledonia. It outlines the Tory government’s plans to bring the politics of Brexit Britain closer to the authoritarian Right in Eastern Europe, coupled to their attempts to bury its own murderous past in Ireland. At the State Opening of Parliament today the full-farce of Britain’s…
The Alba Party and the Left in Scotland
The following article by Allan Armstrong (RCF) provides an analysis of the Alba Party and the response of the Left in Scotland. THE ALBA PARTY AND THE LEFT IN SCOTLAND Introduction The public emergence of the Alba Party on 26th March has led to considerable political confusion on the Left as to its political significance…