1 - ScottishLeftReview Issue 100 July/August 2017 2 - ScottishLeftReview Issue 100 July/August 2017 feedback

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Where we are now ay didn’t quite end in June situation has afflicted the SNP – still an election campaign, under which but her mantra of providing the biggest party by seats and votes reporting had to be more balanced, M‘strong and stable’ in Scotland but looking and feeling a Labour’s pledge to govern for the leadership turned into the actuality lot like Labour after its involvement reviewsmany and not the few resonated of being ‘weak and wobbly’ while in the ‘Better Together’ campaign – widely. Jeremy Corbyn was more at Corbyn went from being (allegedly) somewhat dejected and on the back home and a much better performer unelectable and an electoral liability foot. at the countless mass street rallies into something akin to a conquering than in the Westminster chamber. hero – certainly if his reception at Serious left analysis must start And, Labour was able to create its UNISON annual conference and by asking two fundamental own direct link to voters, especially Glastonbury were anything to go by. questions, namely, why did Labour younger ones, via social media Just as with after the independence do much better than any of the without being reliant upon the referendum in September 2014, it polls (including its own) indicated mainstream media. Its organisation seemed that the vanquished were it would, and why did Labour not of activists especially via a dedicated actually the victors. But there are actually win? The exposure of app used by Momentum in also other historical parallels to Theresa May as weak and wobbly particular was also notable. But be cited for the Tories did as much as well as cold, austere and without Labour still received just under to lose their slim parliamentary any common touch certainly helped 800,000 votes less than the Tories, majority as Labour did to bring but so too did Labour’s programme. with the Tories gaining 5.5% more about this situation. The same Under the heightened exposure of votes than in 2015, and it is doubtful

Cover: ScottishLeftReview Nadia Lucchesi Issue 100 July/August 2017 ([email protected]) Contents Proofing services: Bob Thomson and John Daly Extended editorial: where we are now...... 3 The electorate: surprisingly strong, unsurprisingly unstable Malcolm Harvey ...... 6 Communications and Warning shot given and received Chris Stephens ...... 10 organisational development: Getting back on the socialist saddle Lesley Brennan...... 11 Carole Ewart Many new flowers are beginning to bloom Clare Haughey ...... 12 Editor Email: The Corbyn connection Lynn Henderson ...... 13 [email protected] Could the left have done more and, thus, better? Helen Mcfarlane...... 14 Web: www.scottishleftreview.org SNP climbdown over indyref2 presages new realignment Colin Fox ...... 15 Tel: 0141 424 0042 Independence is still the game changer Carolyn Leckie ...... 16 Our movement, our future Maggie Chapman ...... 17 Address: Take note - this is what we are about!...... 20 Scottish Left Review, 100 editions down – here’s to the next 100!...... 21 741 Shields Road, Pollokshields, Constituting Scotland Tom Nairn...... 22 Glasgow G41 4PL Eyewitness report from Quito, Ecuador Jennifer Bonnar and Chris Ruddy ...... 26 Jean-Luc Mélenchon – the French Jeremy Corbyn Daniel Brillet ...... 27 Printed by Book review – Sean Sheehan...... 28 Hampden Advertising Ltd, Film review – Jackie Bergson...... 29 403 Hillington Road, G52 4BL, Kick up the Tabloids – Vladimir McTavish ...... 30 Tel: 0141 429 1010

3 - ScottishLeftReview Issue 100 July/August 2017 that Labour would have won had the for themselves through collective and Wishaw, the Tories would have election campaign run for another struggle in their workplaces and had difficulty forming any kind of two weeks as John McDonnell communities. The message should government. Compared south of the claimed. In other words, ‘Jez he did’ be ‘Rise up!’ border, neither the Corbyn effect but by not quite enough. (10% vote increase in England) Like many others on the left, the or a popular Labour devolved The ecstasy and exhilaration of Morning Star has become an administration (12% vote increase moment of advance for Labour will uncritical cheer leader for Corbyn. in Wales) existed in Scotland. The surely dissipate – not so much as the This is not helpful and it serves legacy of ‘Better Together’ and a Tories are still in government but no positive purpose for the left to politically and personally woeful because Labour is not and it is not suspend its critical faculty when it leadership in the form of Kezia clear how, when and where it can comes to Corbyn. Yes, he should be Dugdale are the critical explanatory act to bring the Tory government defended from attacks from the right variables. So it is all very well saying, down. This means Labour is likely but his support should be not be as left Labour MSPs Alex Rowley to something of a bystander, unconditional and without criticism. and Neil Findlay and others have waiting for the Tory-DUP coalition One of Corbyn’s weak points is the said, that Labour would have done to tear itself apart. Meantime absence of the use of the vocabulary better in Scotland with more radical and no matter saying that it will of class. In an age where working approach, namely, empathising remain on a war footing as well class consciousness is at such low Labour’s manifesto, and one less as boosted by tens of thousands ebb, ‘for the many, not the few’ based on opposing indyref2. Logic of new members recruited during could too easily be interpreted as then dictates that Labour can’t win and after the election, Labour the 99% against the 1% following in Scotland with Dugdale so the left could easily return to the narrow the Occupy movement. The ruling needs to move to remove her and confines of the parliamentary class and its functionaries are much do so soon. Not doing so is to ignore arena. Here, and despite the fillip bigger than 1% and the working the elephant in the room. to his personal confidence and class does not comprise 99% of the stature with weakened Tories and population. In similar terms, Corbyn We asked eight of the leading a becalmed Parliamentary Labour must explain his socialist vision voices on the left in Scotland to Party, Corbyn is on weaker ground as because, while to be welcomed, give their thoughts on ‘where he was before in the last parliament. what he sets out is merely social now for the left?’ The plurality Indeed, the last Scottish Left Review democracy albeit a progressive of perspective is evident over editorial argued that Corbyn needed version. Brexit and independence. What is to be ten times better than May common though is that the SNP The left in the Labour Party, – it turned out that he easily was over-estimated, as this editorial especially Momentum in England but that was during an election has argued before, its impact of, and Wales and Campaign for campaign when normal rules did not and importance to, the cause of Socialism in Scotland, must seize apply. independence. Since the SNP’s the initiative with the increase in parliamentary retreat on 8 June, Since he was elected leader, popular support and membership many have pointed out that the Corbyn has endured vilification and take control of the Party SNP is not synonymous with from the right and soft left of the constitution, structure and independence movement. That Parliamentary Labour Party. Some of organisation in order to hand power has always been the case but it these figures have indicated they are back to ordinary members and cannot hide the essential truth now willing to serve in his Shadow isolate the right wing careerists who that the SNP is the major – and Cabinet, but he should be very have ruined it. This should start controlling- part of that movement careful in his choices. He may find it with a radical agenda for change at and so what happens to the SNP prudent for the sake of party unity this year’s National Conference in does have a significant impact on to invite some to join the cabinet, September. the prospects for independence. but their numbers should be limited. For Labour, Scotland continues to Its defence of access to the Single Yet only if Corbyn looks to act where provide a particular and continuing European Market and the freedom he is strongest, namely, outside conundrum. If Labour had done of movement for labour have parliament, can he seek to replicate much better than its extra six not gained the degree of traction the strength and support he had seats and 2.8% vote increase – with voters as the SNP thought – during the election campaign. Here, like winning Aberdeen South, certainly not being the material rather than saying what a future Renfrewshire East, Stirling and the change Sturgeon regarded Brexit Labour government would do, Ochils (which they held before to be. Just like the neo-liberal he should be putting much more but which the Tories took) as well version of independence that the emphasis on what citizens can do Airdrie and Shotts and Motherwell SNP offered in 2014, it provided 4 - ScottishLeftReview Issue 100 July/August 2017 no compelling social democratic of support for independence, at editions. Thank you for your reason for people to vote for it to best, just treading water. It might support so far but we need hasten independence on 8 June. In provide others with an opportunity you to continue and redouble consequence, Sturgeon has had to – if not a sense of coercion – not that in future. Please send accept that the mere possibility of a to view all economic, social and any donations, payable to second indyref has been put out to political struggles through the lens ‘Scottish Left Review’, to 741 pasture for the foreseeable future. of independence. Indeed, just a Shields Road, Glasgow G41 week before the election and rather 4PL, visit our website http:// (As an aside, the Socialist Party ironically, Nicola Sturgeon said www.scottishleftreview.org/ (formerly Militant) has characterised independence was not the solution (donation button at bottom the Labour Party as two parties in to every problem. of home page) or pay direct one since Corbyn was elected leader to SLR at Clydesdale Bank Sort in September 2015. While there has The view of the Scottish Left Review Code: 82-69-11, Account No: always been some truth to this – and is to support the call for another 50045653. well beforehand too – it seems that referendum on independence as an the characterisation is also apt for expression of the democratic will of Review the SNP. Its setback on 8 June ever the Scottish Parliament. However, ScottishIssue 100Left July/August 2017 - £2.00 more indicates that it is (or was) two this mandate for holding another 'best re(a)d' parties in one, with a thin veneer of referendum needs to be reviewed in social democratic illusion for those either 2020 or 2021 depending upon in the Central Belt and a Tartan Tory when the next Scottish Parliament base in the North East.) elections are held. As before Scottish Left Reviewdoes not take a position Where does this leave the on how people should vote in a independence movement? It forthcoming referendum. leaves the Scottish Independence Convention, Commonweal, the • We are now one hundred Radical Independence Campaign editions old. To celebrate this, and those that marched on 3 June we have a number of features in Glasgow in the biggest show associated with our very first

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5 - ScottishLeftReview Issue 100 July/August 2017 The electorate: surprisingly strong, unsurprisingly unstable Malcolm Harvey surveys the wreckage, identifying the victors and the vanquished he recent past has indicated as a defeat – both for her party and remains without a government – that inviting the public the Brexit plan they had proposed. had an influence on how voters cast Tto participate in the The losers were winners, and the their ballots, and the outcome had political process in elections and winners were losers. significant implications for how the referendums leads to unintended Across the UK, the picture was UK will be governed for the next consequences. Theresa May’s similarly mixed. The tension five years. decision to call a snap election in an between perception and reality, With Sinn Féin continuing their attempt to secure a clear mandate between winning and losing, policy of abstentionism and not for her premiership and the was blurred. In Wales, polls early taking up their seven seats in the ‘hard Brexit’ her party have been in the race had suggested the House of Commons, this reduced championing undoubtedly falls into Conservatives were in line to be the the effective threshold for a that category. As the exit poll was largest party. However, the ‘Corbyn majority to 322 seats. Although announced on the stroke of 10pm surge’ propelled Labour to 49% of the Conservatives were short of on Thursday 8 June, it appeared the vote, three seat gains from the this figure, an agreement was that a surprising result was once Conservatives and a significantly reached with the DUP to secure again on the cards. Indeed, Mrs buoyant mood as they continue to the votes of their 10 MPs for the May had lost her majority. govern in the Welsh Assembly. Plaid Queen’s Speech. The DUP won the The Prime Minister’s reluctance Cymru took Ceredigion, the last most seats in Northern Ireland, to enter into television debates remaining Liberal Democrat seat in and achieved a deal with the UK and the uncertainty over the start Wales, but that gain aside it was a Government to the tune of £1bn of Brexit negotiations appeared disappointing night for the Welsh extra in the Northern Irish treasury. to weaken the Conservative claim nationalists, with their vote share However, their inability to reform a that they would continue to be a down 1.7% and expected successful Northern Irish government against ‘strong and stable’ government. challenges in Ynys Mon and the the backdrop of the ‘cash for ash’ By contrast, Jeremy Corbyn – who Rhondda failing to materialise. So, scandal and the improving electoral has faced down several mutinies an increase in representation, but performance of Sinn Féin makes it from within his own parliamentary more broadly, a backward step for unclear as to how influential this party - extended his popularity from the Welsh nationalists. And while position will be. the wider Labour membership to UK-wide the Liberal Democrats the electorate at large. The Corbyn increased their seat total, the loss In Scotland, the revival of the surge, it appeared, was quite real, of their sole Welsh MP, coupled Scottish Conservatives continued but the momentum came a little with the loss of former Deputy PM, unabated after their return as the too late to propel Labour into Nick Clegg, in Sheffield Hallam, second party in 2016’s Scottish power. meant that their night was one of Parliamentary election. Twelve mixed fortunes too. gains from the SNP saw the party’s Nevertheless, momentum creates most successful return since 1983. perception. Despite returning just In Northern Ireland, 17 of the 18 Scottish Labour too, made six 262 seats (albeit 30 seats more than seats were won by the Democratic gains from the SNP, recovering to Unionist Party (DUP) and Sinn Féin, in 2015), the fact that Labour had a more secure position, while the polled 40% of the vote meant that with only (former Ulster Unionist Liberal Democrats added three the election looked to be a success and latterly Independent Unionist) to their solitary hold in 2015. The for Corbyn’s Labour. The fact that Lady Sylvia Hermon able to break SNP’s high water mark of 56 out of opinion polls early in the campaign the polarized duopoly. The more the 59 Scottish seats in 2015 was had the Conservatives much further moderate parties on both sides always going to be an impossible ahead – in some, by as many as 18 of the constitutional divide - the task to replicate. Despite the loss points – meant that the narrowing Social Democratic and Labour Party of 21 seats, the party still returned of that gap was treated as a major (SDLP) and the Ulster Unionist Party 35 MPs, second only to the 2015 victory. By contrast, despite winning (UUP) lost three and two seats election as their best-ever result 55 seats more than Labour, and respectively as voters fell back to and, crucially for them, still a taking over 13.5 million votes, the entrenched positions. The collapse majority of Scottish seats. inability of Mrs May’s Conservatives of the Northern Irish Assembly to achieve a majority was perceived – which, after March’s elections, The ‘Corbyn surge’ in the final 6 - ScottishLeftReview Issue 100 July/August 2017 weeks of the campaign convinced still emerged with a minority been checked – the Conservative many former Labour voters in government. One of the perceived revival in Scotland was based west-central Scotland to return advantages of FPTP is that it predominantly upon their to the party, while in areas produces strong governments with opposition to such a vote – and a where the party lacked strength, working majorities – yet two of rethink of constitutional strategy unionism trumped socio-economic the last three elections have seen appears imminent. concerns, and tactical voting for the no party secure such a mandate. The prospect of a second Conservatives helped to squeeze Thus, we see a situation where the independence referendum the SNP vote. The implications two main parties have increased dominated the election in for the SNP - the party running their vote share – in Labour’s case, Scotland, while Brexit appears the Scottish Government, and significantly – but a requirement to have dominated elsewhere. attempting to secure a second to rely on smaller parties to secure Constitutional politics continue at independence referendum - were parliamentary support. Thus, the the forefront of UK politics. But clear. The winners of the most seats perception appears to be a return with multiple terrorist attacks in were regarded as losers, while to two-party politics, but the reality recent months and the tragic events the parties who had finished well is not quite the same. that unfolded in the fire at Grenfell behind them in both votes and And so, now to the aftermath. The Tower, politicians will have to widen seats were perceived as victors. Conservatives sought and achieved their focus as the more immediate Socio-economic themes generally a deal with the DUP to pass critical issue takes precedence. Minority took a back seat to the constitution legislation, but will operate as a governance provides opportunities in this election, with the looming minority government. An extra for the opposition to influence Brexit negotiations casting a £1bn for Northern Ireland, the government policy, in these areas shadow over proceedings, while the continuation of the triple-lock on and many more. The election prospect of a second independence pensions, and the universality of provided a surprising outcome – referendum in Scotland dominated winter fuel payments were the now politicians need to make the election debate there. As a result, key extractions made by the DUP. best of what they now have. a significant measure of tactical Theresa May has been weakened Dr Malcolm Harvey is a Teaching voting was apparent. In Scotland, by the loss of her majority, but Fellow at the University of Aberdeen this meant voting against the will continue as a lame-duck SNP if you did not want a second Prime Minister. The independence referendum – and poisoned chalice in no fewer than nine of the of EU negotiations Scottish Left Review The Scottish Left Review is a non-profit making publication. Conservatives’ 12 gains was it makes a Conservative Please subscribe or make a donation by going to www. apparent that these tactical votes leadership contest swung the seat in their favour. In scottishleftreview.org where you can pay by credit card an unappetising or by filling in your details in the form below and returning England, the collapse of support proposition for to Scottish Left Review, 741 Shields Road, Pollokshields, for UKIP split between core- potential candidates. Glasgow G41 4PL leave voters, who returned to the In opposition, Jeremy Conservatives, and those who Corbyn has increased Name were more sceptical on Brexit his popularity beyond that voted Labour (with a smaller his party, and his Address portion returning to the Liberal performances during Democrats). The first-past-the-post and since the election (FPTP) electoral system utilised for have seen significant UK elections lends itself to tactical improvement on Tel: voting of this sort, with voters often the past – he even selecting the candidate best-placed appeared on stage E-mail: to beat their least favourite option at Glastonbury. rather than actively supporting their However, he still has Subscription/Donation preferred candidate. some way to go to As a result, a further paradox secure the unwavering Date: 200 emerged from this election. Despite support of his Subscriptions: £18 (waged), £14 (unwaged), £24 (local the effective return to two-party parliamentary party. organisations), £30 (national organisations). politics in terms of vote share – For the SNP, their Donations will be gratefully recieved. Cheques should be the combined Conservative and progress towards a crossed and made payable to: Left Review Scotland Ltd. Labour vote breached 80% for second independence You can also subscribe/donate online at www.scottishleftreview.org the first time since 1970 – we referendum has 7 - ScottishLeftReview Issue 100 July/August 2017 Hampden Advert in SLR July 2017_Hampden logo 2008 27/06/2017 09:52 Page 1

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9 - ScottishLeftReview Issue 100 July/August 2017 Warning shot given and received Chris Stephens recounts his experience of the campaign ith two weeks before polling, Yet they still managed got 43% of was the start, but most exciting for me myself and my agent were votes. But Tory austerity came back to is the promise of a bold and radical Wdiscussing our strategy for haunt them because it’s clear voters programme for government. Every the count and when we’d call for a are fed up being told what cannot be political party and government needs recount. We both thought I was in achieved, or that the austerity vision of a refresh at certain points, and this danger of losing, because despite workplace practice is the only game in should allow the SNP to present a more some positive canvassing, we were town. attractive offer to the electorate. picking up warning signs. Early on, The brutal reality is that no matter who The first opportunity is to present more people were self-identifying as the Labour candidate was, in certain a vision of a fairer, more respectful Tory voters. This was over and above constituencies many people were vision for delivering social security. I the normal ‘Unionist’ vote. We found voting for Corbyn. Even if the candidate welcomed the promise to make phone solid ‘No’ voters whose main issue was had signed a letter calling for Corbyn calls to the Scottish social security the prospect of a second referendum to go, and even where a candidate had service free - it will be a relief to those voting Tory in the belief they were best consistently voted for outsourcing and currently pay over the odds to contact placed to defend the Union. The Tory privatisation as a councillor, that didn’t the DWP when sanctioned, chasing up vote share jumped from 5% to 15%. matter. claims and payments. From my own experience and There has been some talk of hitting Returning to a parliament of minorities, observing material Labour put out a reset button since 8 June, but the opportunities for MPs like myself in Glasgow South West, and in stark I wonder how much was beyond are limitless and this should now be the contrast to its national campaign, the anyone in Scotland’s control in that in justice parliament. Justice for women constitutional issue was barely being a Westminster election has historically who are now having to work in some mentioned. In the more prosperous been Tory/Labour contest. 2015 has cases an additional 6 years before they areas where voters heard that now to be seen as an outlier rather reach retirement. Justice for those who message it opted for the Tories, to the than a trend – ‘yes’ voters translated are victims of, or family members who detriment of some experienced and into SNP votes in 2015, when we were have lost loved ones to contaminated well-known SNP MPs. I’ve also heard the insurgents, but this didn’t happen blood. Justice for former miners and tales of tacit nod and wink agreements in June on the same scale. What we those blacklisted. where Labour stood back and didn’t have learned is that in British general run campaigns firing on all cylinders This parliament should pursue fair elections, we must update our offer precisely to bring down SNP candidates rights at work to be protected in into a radical and bold vision of what where the Tories, or in some cases the Brexit process. And, we need to we can do at Westminster. LibDems, were the main challenger - make the case for socialism and social protection in a Scottish context and something that Dugdale tried to deny In Glasgow South West, we need to do more to communicate what she implied in a Sky News interview but campaigned to re-elect a left wing, anti- we can do if given the opportunity. the slip-up is on the record. austerity candidate, who had argued the trade union corner, consistently Both the general election and council There were two Labour campaigns represented the Waspi women, argued results have proved there are voters in Scotland - one led by Dugdale, the for shipbuilding on the Clyde, and for in Scotland who will vote for the de- other promoting Jeremy Corbyn and his funding of public services and the toxified Tories, and there are enough anti-austerity message and the latter benefits this has on the economy and ‘Labour no matter what’ combined with only kicked in towards the end of the everyday life. So where do we go from young voters with no direct memory of campaign but was sufficient to attract here? ‘new’ Labour to give Labour a second enough indy left supporters to switch look. Internal Labour contradictions to Labour that cut majorities and cost Our opponents’ biggest mistake cannot be papered over as Brexit takes my party seats. It wasn’t the only factor is to say this was a setback for place and the powerlessness of Scottish though. Although May wanted the independence. Independence support Tory MPs has already been exposed by election to be about Brexit and political still remains consistently higher than the DUP grubby deal. However, the SNP support for a referendum. We cannot commentators thought it would be must not focus on the failings of other about the constitution in Scotland, we allow ourselves to be boxed into parties but present a bold vision to ended up with an election about public process arguments and must make generate enthusiasm for independence services and trust. the case as to why independence will as a positive choice worth making. deliver for people in Scotland. The ‘yes’ The British Tory campaign was The results in June are a warning shot, coalition can do this by articulating complacent and arrogant, giving the message received and understood. a vision of why independence rather distinct impression it was blissfully than Westminster dependence can Chris Stephens is the SNP MP for unaware what actually happens in achieve this Glasgow South West workplaces, public services, homes, and for those relying on social care. Sturgeon pressing the ‘reset’ button 10 - ScottishLeftReview Issue 100 July/August 2017 Getting back in the socialist saddle Lesley Brennan argues that Labour is now on its way back wo years on from the most and opportunity and that achieving Government they voted for. cataclysmic defeat of Labour this will be paid for by government All of that said, there is still much for in Scotland’s history, Labour is investment – paid for by redistributive T Labour to do in Scotland. Yes, we are back in play. The six new MPs and taxation policies – in health, education, regaining in heartland seats and giving umpteen new SNP/Labour marginals housing and jobs; public ownership people much to think about but we still defied all the odds and contradicted and control of our public services; full have to convince many more to ensure all those who prematurely reported employment, fair pay and security at we take the next steps on our road to the permanent demise of Labour in work complemented by a humane social government. This must necessitate security system. Scotland. Importantly, the outcome of positive messaging coming from all the election demonstrates another step Labour provided hope, which resonated. constituent parts of our Party. Labour forward in the revitalisation of Labour Many people who voted ‘yes’ 2014 must, front and centre, offer a vision in Scotland. This revival has potentially in the hope that independence of positivity that moves beyond the profound implications for the future and would create a fairer society and saw divisiveness of 2014 and distinguish the Scottish political landscape. independence as a means to creating a itself in full from the competing The 2015 General Election was socially just Scotland have been given a nationalisms of the SNP and Tories. undoubtedly unique. Shortly after lot to think about. In 2014, they simply From here on in, there must be no the referendum in 2014, Labour was assumed the discourse that said big bad ambiguity and at all times we must punished by a still emotionally charged Westminster could never again be the make clear that it’s the politics of Labour electorate for the ill-fated decision catalyst for any kind of transformative and trade ‘unionism’ that provides our to work alongside the Tories in the change and that only an independent ideological bearings and inspiration. Better Together campaign. For many, Scotland offered the potential for a We must provide all those people who Labour’s decision to do so confirmed fairer society. have in recent times drifted from Labour reasons to vote for us again not excuses their suspicions that Labour had Now with Labour’s programme for to stay away. compromised its values once too often. government, the choice is either the Thirteen years of Labour Government road to fairness and equality led by If Labour in Scotland follows the lead of did make the lives of many better, Jeremy Corbyn, or support for – albeit Jeremy Corbyn, vis-à-vis campaigning including lifting millions out of tacitly – the reactionary SNP, whose with positive messages, then we can poverty. However, we were still seen record in government is woeful and take our next steps to turning the very as being too close to big business and fails to protect Scotland when in many SNP marginal seats into Labour too comfortable with the political power despite their hollow rhetoric of seats. This is vital in electing a Labour and economic orthodoxy that saw progressiveness at Westminster where Government. When at that point, having huge bubbles of super wealth being they have no power. elected the most transformative and progressive Government since Atlee, accumulated by too few with a parallel Corbyn’s manifesto related to the the focus on constitutional politics will inequality and poverty for far too many. material realities of people’s lives, which become peripheral and confirm how Alongside an apparent comfort with the represents a refreshing shift from the another world really is possible. increasing hollowing out of the state and almost total focus on constitutional – tragically - of a gung ho, interventionist politics that Scotland has been Lesley Brennan is a former Labour foreign policy, Labour was seen as being consumed with in recent years - albeit MSP and councillor who now works part of the establishment rather than as granted the constitution continues to be for Labour MSP, Neil Findlay, and is a challenge to it. a factor, evidenced by the resurgence a constituency representative on the By 2017, under Jeremy Corbyn’s of the Tories in Scotland. Their revival is Executive Committee of the Scottish Labour Party. leadership, the Party is transformed in part due to a realignment of Scottish politics back to and as a result has presented Labour REFUGEES Greetings from with a huge opportunity in Scotland. days of old when people did vote Stand up to Racism Scotland Our resurgence under Jeremy has Tories in as MPs rattled the SNP, which seems confused WELCOME HERE in Scotland. The about how to tackle the Corbyn return of the Tories phenomenon, illustrated by its STAND UP TO RACISM, also exposes the approach during the election, which shallow argument ISLAMOPHOBIA, started with Corbyn being too inept to of Scottish ANTISEMITISM be PM to before the end of the election exceptionalists, who AND FASCISM telling voters in Scotland vote SNP and deny the evidence help get Corbyn in! of history with the Labour is now rediscovering its purpose false democratic www.standuptoracism.org.uk and its soul. People in Scotland and deficit claim Facebook: Stand up to Racism Scotland Twitter: @SUTRScotland beyond now know exactly what that Scots never Email: [email protected] Labour stands for: dignity, decency ever got/get the

11 - ScottishLeftReview Issue 100 July/August 2017 Many new flowers are beginning to bloom Clare Haughey sees hope emerging as a phoenix from the bonfire of political certainties he 2017 general election will go the prevailing rhetoric, and this can a positive effect. It is also driven by down in history as one of the only be good for the left. It may an alliance of involved and motivated Tgreat mis-steps of Conservative have taken eight years of austerity activists who are increasingly Governments, and the beginning of and an increasingly doomed Brexit educated and motivated to reform the end of the hegemony of the right programme, but left-of-centre voices those issues that are close to their in the UK. With the short campaign are becoming louder. hearts. pitched as an opportunity to reaffirm When faced with the realities of the Conservative’s catchphrase- devil-in-the-detail legislation from reliant ‘Brexit means Brexit’, deliver the political right – most notably the a personal mandate for Theresa May Rape Clause - the left have had to and secure a stronger majority of become policy experts themselves, Conservative MPs in the Commons and many new entrants to activism – it actually failed dramatically on all have become energised by small-p three counts. rather than capital-P politics. Parties with a left-of-centre agenda Because the explosion in left wing were expected to be cowed by an fervour has happened both inside unstoppable Conservative force, but and outside parties, the left is now instead the results showed that no a broad church with no one single one party had a majority. What the owner. Being of the left is a belief election did do, however, is show system, a state of mind not a one- that the values and aspirations of party membership card. the left are alive and well, despite Paraphrasing Mao - It’s about believing in humanity, the crystal ball gazing of those in Let a thousand flowers bloom … in social justice, in equality and in the Conservative government and and let’s see what flourishes human rights. It’s about believing the crossed fingers of the wider And, there is a plurality of views we are all equal and that our society mainstream media. on the left – no longer are we should reflect that. It’s about It’s no mean feat to get a hung represented by a monoculture protecting those less fortunate and Parliament in a first-past-the-post Labour party as we have been at a asking those of us with broader shoulders to carry the load. It’s about system, but when gerrymandered national level for the past fifty years. looking after each other. boundaries across Britain favour Many would argue until the rise of the Tories, when the mainstream Corbyn, Labour was anything but The future for the left is in media favours the right wing, and left in its views and policies. It is harnessing the energy of the growing when the current government is not enough to be merely ‘anti-Tory’ army of single-issue campaigners almost on a ‘war footing’ with the or to speak in generalities about and activists into the party system. EU, the Conservatives failure to human rights when the grassroots Not merely by co-opting policies, get a majority with this structural resurgence of left politics has been although I would point out that the advantage is, perhaps, a sign that the fuelled by many issue-specific groups SNP has been largely in sync with tide is turning. that are largely aligned to values of many of these movements including the left rather than any one single WASPI, Trident, the Rape Clause and It’s a sign that the electorate – part of the left. anti-austerity – but by harnessing after years of being saturated with Issues such as pensions inequality the energy and personalities who regressive messages - are beginning for women born in the 1950s, champion these causes to bring to see through the rhetoric of Trident and those suffering benefits authenticity and passion to party stability and ‘tough decisions’ to sanctions have all had their politics. The left hasn’t found its reveal the class warfare that is raging champions and local activist groups voice, it has instead found its voices. beneath. It is a collective realisation which have given rise to a left that austerity is not the ‘only’ option Clare Haughey has been the SNP defined not from the top-down, but and that there are alternative MSP for Rutherglen since 2016. Prior from the bottom-up. The left is no economic policies which do not to that, she trained as a mental longer solely dominated by a single involve making the poorest in our health nurse and worked as a clinical national figure, although leaders society pay for the bankers’ mistakes. nurse manager. such as Nicola Sturgeon, Caroline A growing sense of economic Lucas - and notably in the last month solidarity is being fostered despite - Jeremy Corbyn, have, of course, had 12 - ScottishLeftReview Issue 100 July/August 2017 The Corbyn connection Lynn Henderson argues Corbyn has seized the zeitgeist and can do more hree summers ago, remember possible. Young people revelling in said Scottish Labour would never do the air of excitement across hedonistic Glastonbury singing ‘Oh, that. This leaves too many people Scotland? Heady heightened Jeremy Corbyn’ is only the tip of the still saying they support for Corbyn in T England but not here. political confidence rose in the belief iceberg. that another Scotland was possible. The 2017 Labour manifesto is a Scottish Labour’s entire energy People felt that this might be the crystal clear programme for an seemed determined to keep the time for a true alternative to austerity alternative to austerity. Labour’s debate away from progressive policies imposed by successive Tory and costed commitments to invest in and on to attacking independence, Labour governments. 45% of us voted infrastructure, rebuild public services, or defending the Union. ‘Stronger Yes to Independence as a vehicle we social security, housing and end pay Together’ was used more prevalently hoped could deliver that change. restraint remains sharp compared to in Scotland than ‘For the many’. While Something similar is happening with the blurry SNP manifesto mildly listing it is necessary to debate and expose Corbyn’s rise that the most hardened things on which it would ‘press the UK contradictions and limits of SNP anti- Blairite, died in the wool Tory or government’. Whilst the SNP sought austerity rhetoric, Scottish Labour’s obsession with independence and the lifelong Scottish nationalist cannot to fan the embers of the Remain camp SNP let the Tories off the hook. deny. Another world is again possible. to the independence cause, Corbyn And this time not just in Scotland or has been resolute that Brexit, indeed, Peak SNP is over. The supersonic 2014 for Scots. The chant of ‘Oh, Jeremy means Brexit, and seeking the best SNP surge was never one that could Corbyn’ might still have a mostly deal. be sustained. Winning 56 of 59 MPs English accent, but it is catching, and in 2015 was remarkable, and no one, There is something deeply troubling Scots are joining in. if they were honest even in their own and counter-democratic to a liberal ranks would expect or want that to be If ever a PM had a weakening ‘win’’ elite seeking to rerun referendums sustained. Now the myth of no Tories it was the Theresa May. The general over and over until the people finally in Scotland is busted. There have election called to deliver a ‘strong capitulate. That Sturgeon has now always been Tories in Scotland and a stable’ hard Brexit mandate is now thrown indyref2 into the longer grass, Tory vote. There is little evidence of propped up by DUP confidence and perhaps some of the dogs will come supply’. May found her own magic Labour voters tactically voting Tory to heel for a while and we can focus to undermine SNP. The percentage money tree to buy the support of a on class over nation. party weakened in Assembly elections swings from SNP to Tory sit at around by accusations of corruption at the A bewildered Welsh sister asked 13%, but there is also an upturn in highest level. Even with DUP buy-off, it ‘Scotland, what’s with the Tory the Labour vote in the same seats. might only take seven Tory dissenters thing?’ Who would have thought The gains made by Tories are in to bring the whole house of cards that a growing momentum of unity natural and previous Tory territory. down. on the left for a Corbyn government Tory voters have voted tactically for might be hindered by a dozen years either to keep Labour out by When Corbyn calls out the Tory gains in Scotland? Corbyn has voting SNP or this time to burst the juxtaposition of Grenfell’s burnt-out revolutionised Labour in England SNP indy bubble. The Tories feel tower of poverty, homelessness, and Wales. In Scotland the party is emboldened and this is dangerous. unnecessary death caused by cuts, trapped in its own 2014 nightmare. Let us remember, if Scotland hadn’t surrounded by uncaring extreme Neither the Scottish leadership nor voted those additional 12 Tories in, wealth and vacant properties of the the Party machine has even had a then there would be no Con-DUP. rich, it is not mere rhetoric. He is no Corbyn makeover. With a few notable Labour, SNP and others would have spin-politician but the real deal. We exceptions, the Scottish Labour beast found common ground. are Corbyn and he speaks our truth. is the same one that served Jim I voted ‘yes’ in 2014, ‘remain’ in 2016 ‘For the many not the few’ has been Murphy as leader. Its 2017 election and Corbyn in 2017. Everything has reclaimed from the faux morality of strategy scored a complete own goal. changed. It is time to look forward. Tony Blair’s speech writers of twenty Scottish Labour remained at odds with We, the Scots left must prepare to years ago. those that wanted to support Jeremy work together as never before in class With humanity, with strength and Corbyn. His attempts to engage those solidarity over national identity. commitment to an alternative, who voted Yes to independence in Lynn Henderson is a national officer Corbyn reaches out to the victims and 2014 displayed an understanding for the PCS union with responsibility survivors of terror in Manchester and that was either absent or ignored for Scotland and the vice-chair of the London and the victims who paid with by those in charge in Scotland. He Jimmy Reid Foundation their homes and their lives for public said he would talk to the Scottish sector neglect. Another world is again Government about Indy Ref 2, Kezia

13 - ScottishLeftReview Issue 100 July/August 2017 Could the left have done more and, thus, better? Helen Mcfarlane reflects on hear near miss to be a left Labour MP on June 8 am now back in my NHS day job after experience as a left working woman The absence of formal support from my a rollercoaster experience. Despite Labour candidate -not working or living union and other affiliates to dedicate Ilosing by only 195 votes and seeing in the political bubble -but doing an staff and members as volunteers, to a hardline Tory/DUP government in NHS job in an already highly politicised win a Labour government committed Westminster, my political and feminist arena, with commonplace family and to delivering so many of our union standpoints are strengthened. As neighbour carer responsibilities taught campaign ambitions, was a major should those of the left be. The left me that the left needs to demonstrate disappointment. Could this be and the union movement had a rare not just talk about solidarity and perceived as a lack of confidence in opportunity to unite behind a winnable equality - specifically gender equality. fully backing a socialist agenda or just socialist manifesto. What if the left had a sign of caution wrongly worrying The left needs to show solidarity by the vision and confidence to truly unite about non-Labour supporting member having a duty of care to the welfare around this class agenda? That’s what resignations? and well-being of candidates selected the Labour manifesto was and that’s to champion the left cause. Equality If only the left both in the Labour Party what inspired so many - especially of opportunity should not stop at and the wider union movement had young people - to unite behind Jeremy generating a gender- balanced slate truly done all it could! If there was ever Corbyn. Regretfully, many so-called but must be demonstrated e.g. in the the need for the three main Labour left comrades in Scotland persist in allocation of support and resources. affiliates in Scotland to go beyond the prioritising national identity politics. In Lanarkshire, despite having four call by issuing, for example, a joint As a left activist, feminist and former women and three men as Labour statement to ‘Vote Labour’ to remove Unite EC member, I was already candidates, it was the three men who the anti- union legislation, ban zero committed to Unite’s political strategy got paid staff from the Scottish Labour hours contracts and end bogus self- to ‘win back the Labour Party to Party. All the men got a shop front employment, this was that time. A working people and to win back office rented for them to use and the missed opportunity indeed! working people to Labour’. I agreed, women got none. There appears to So after my experience I am left following a ‘please stand’ phone call, be no statistical justification for this wondering … if the left had strived for to fight the Airdrie and Shotts seat. in terms of other election outcomes equal opportunity, fully demonstrated I was motivated by the left aim for a or margins – indeed, the majority solidarity and been bold and confident gender-balanced slate and by Corbyn’s in Airdrie and Shotts of 8,779 was in the Labour manifesto, could we have ten pledges that hinted at the socialist the smallest of the seven seats to gained more left MPs and secured a manifesto that was to come including be overturned. I have to question if Corbyn led Labour government? What nationalisation of public transport, £10 sexism provides a potential explanation now for the left? A serious conversation minimum wage and workers’ rights. about this stark contrast of resource about where we go collectively is long My approach was to work alongside allocation? Two of the men got elected. overdue. My hope is that the left is elected councillors, MSPs and Meanwhile, two of the women came a bold and recognises the opportunity Constituency Labour Party officers so close second, reducing the majority that may still be there to back a and members connecting ‘Labour’ to to 195 in Airdrie and Shotts and from government in waiting, committed communities; to take the manifesto 11,800 to 318 in Motherwell and to an undeniably socialist manifesto to people’s homes across the Wishaw. and that the left in Scotland shows constituency; and to be highly visible Solidarity during the election solidarity by supporting and joining at campaigns, events, street stalls and can best be shown by joining the Labour. through the press/social media. Early candidate in door knocking, leafleting Helen Mcfarlane stood as the Labour on in this short campaign, we started and displaying posters. Being the party candidate in Airdrie and Shotts to sense successes with this approach candidate can feel lonely and for Westminster. She works for NHS, is connecting particularly with former vulnerable, never knowing if anyone a member of the People’s Assembly, a Labour voters. Good conversations will respond to the mass call to unite member and activist and is vice on doorsteps bred an increasing members and affiliated organisations chair of United Left both in UK and confidence amongst our small but to help. I am deeply thankful to Ireland and in Scotland. growing group. everyone who did volunteer to My recent grassroots Unite help - particular thanks to the solid electioneering for left executive council crew who came rain or shine- and, and general secretary candidates unlike my sister in the neighbouring meant I was already in campaigning constituency, I was fortunate never to mode in left politics. Reflecting on my have no-one turn up. 14 - ScottishLeftReview Issue 100 July/August 2017 SNP climb down over indyref2 presages new realignment Colin Fox argues for a return to socialist struggles to lift up the fight for independence n the latest edition of the Scottish improve the things that matter. Cuthbert have demonstrated, is Socialist Voice (issue 496), I suggest it effectively in a recession masked by Indyref2 was the main issue and may be argued no one won the 2017 consumer spending fuelled in turn by I frankly the SNP’s tactics were inept. General Election. The ‘victor’ Theresa unsustainable credit card debt. The Unionist parties were able to May lost a perfectly good majority and show how unpopular the SNP’s What the pro-independence left a 22% lead in the polls to emerge as proposal for a second vote at this time needs to do now is to construct a the least stable Government in forty and on the EU issue was and gained far more compelling economic case. years. Her campaign will undoubtedly ground; the Tories took 12 more We must also press for initiatives at go down as one of the most seats, Labour 6 more and the even the Holyrood and beyond to tackle the incompetent any party has run in the hapless Lib-Dems took another 3 in grotesque poverty, inequalities and post-war period. So much for Lynton their old fiefdoms of Caithness, East social injustices rife in Scotland today. Crosby’s invincibility! On the other Dunbartonshire and West Edinburgh. The SNP has done next to nothing to hand, Labour also lost – its third defeat Nicola Sturgeon’s response has been address these scandals. The left could in a row. And all the other parties to retreat even further on indyref2 and then take a leaf out of the SSP’s book trailed in far behind, including the SNP, to reiterate her neo-liberal view that and promote legislation at Holyrood to as ‘the big two’ hoovered up 85% of all ‘a soft Brexit’ and membership of the guarantee the legal right to affordable the votes cast. European Single Market is now more housing, a living wage and to lift people The Tories, having reached a deal with important than independence. out of poverty. The Scottish Socialist the DUP, will try to hold on, of course, Party put forward more Bills – to scrap A new realignment of Scottish politics because they fear a second election the Council tax, to return the railways is now under way with allegiances would see Jeremy Corbyn sitting in to public ownership, to introduce shifting on both right and left. Conflicts Downing Street, a prospect that both free school meals, to abolish NHS are emerging within the SNP with alarms and galvanises them. But the prescription charges and to introduce the leadership foolishly claiming, as Parliamentary arithmetic and divisions free public transport - in our time at Mike Russell did in The National on 17 inside their party over Brexit, the Holyrood than any other party pro rata. June that this was their second best central issue facing her Premiership, general election result ever, inferring But, as the SNP and others have found suggest May will not last five years. the strategy will be to simply ‘carry to their cost, work inside Parliament is Whilst 2017 will be remembered as on regardless’. The left in the party, not enough. The pro-independence left ‘the Brexit election’ – with indyref such as it is, disagrees. Former MP must also mobilise resistance to neo- being the central issue in Scotland - George Kerevan, for example, speaking liberal orthodoxy in Scotland and to do Corbyn’s vote shows there is a deep at a Radical Independence Campaign so on the streets, workplaces and in reservoir of discontent in Britain; meeting in Edinburgh I attended on working class communities throughout over austerity, poverty wages, public 20 June insisted the result was a the land. sector pay caps, workplace insecurity, very significant setback. The correct Colin Fox is the Scottish Socialist Party widening inequalities, greater response, he argued, was now to national spokesperson indebtedness, the lack of affordable decouple the independence movement housing and the uncertainty Brexit from the SNP. brings. The SNP has not made the case for At the same time, the Tories saw Independence a marked revival in their fortunes for three years. north of the border particularly in Moreover rural and conservative Scotland at their fiscally the SNP’s expense. Tactical voting conservative welcomes the 100th edition of Scottish Left Review against indyref2 galvanised them. prospectus has The Nationalists meanwhile lost been undermined 21 seats and held on, just, in a by the collapse dozen more. Their grip on Scottish in North Sea Oil politics is slipping badly because prices, the deficit dis-satisfaction with their lacklustre in the Government record in Government at Holyrood Expenditure and is widespread. They were once the Revenue figures beneficiaries of an anti-Labour mood [GERS] and by an but patience is now fast running economy which, as out with Nicola Sturgeon’s failure to Jim and Margaret Subscriptions: ScottishSocialistVoice.wordpress.com

15 - ScottishLeftReview Issue 100 July/August 2017 Independence is still the game changer Carolyn Leckie argues for continued work on the cause of independence n 2017, radical and progressive spending cuts. The result was the movement must now orientate if it ideas are more popular in Scotland ‘Winter of Discontent’ and the rise to is to succeed in delivering a majority than for many decades. Yet the left power of Margaret Thatcher. ‘yes’ vote sometime between 2019 I and 2022. Some SNP members is more diffuse and fragmented than When Kezia Dugdale says that ever before. There are radical leftists have argued with me that most independence is dead, it betrays in the Scottish Green Party, RISE, the of the left is already in the bag for her lack of any sense of Scotland or independence so we now need to SSP, the Labour Party, the Communist its history. Even five years ago, the concentrate on the middle ground. Party and in groups like Common idea that the SNP would hold 35 But politics is always in a perpetual Weal and Women for Independence. Westminster seats in Scotland would state of flux. Attitudes in Scotland and And, there are more socialists in and have seemed unthinkable. Of course, across the Britain have polarised since around the SNP than in all of these there will ebbs and flows, as there 2014. The right is stronger – but so organisations combined. have been over the past half century, too is the left. It is the middle ground but the trend of history is that the There is, in addition, the great fault that has collapsed. line that divides the majority pro- flows are becoming stronger and the independence left from the minority ebbs weaker. pro-United Kingdom left. And just to In one way, those on the Labour Finally, I would suggest that much of complicate matters further, there is left who argue that independence the non-SNP radical left avoid what within the pro-independence left a is a diversion from class politics Lenin called the infantile disease of wide spectrum of attitudes towards have a point. But that debate ultra-leftism. Even after ten years the SNP, ranging from those who won’t go away. For much of the in power at Holyrood in a time of believe the SNP can do no wrong past 50 years, Scotland has been austerity, the SNP has established to those whose hostility to the SNP consumed with conflict over national itself as the main party of the Scottish matches that of the Daily Mail. autonomy versus unionist centralism. working class. Yes, the SNP leadership These divisions won’t easily be Independence would allow to has made mistakes and the Scottish overcome, and I certainly have no us move on, leave the endless Government has had failures as well grand plan to bring about left unity. constitutional debates behind us and as successes – but without the role of But as an independent left-wing move towards the usual class politics the SNP, the intense politicisation of activist who has no tribal allegiance of left and right. the past few years would never have happened. The 2014 referendum to any political party, I would raise the A Scottish Labour Party fusing the campaign, ignited by the SNP, following points. principles popularised by Corbyn changed everything. First, I have great admiration for with support for independence could If the SNP sells out the independence Jeremy Corbyn, who has electrified look forward to shaping a brand- movement, then shrill denunciation British politics. But Scotland is a new nation state. But if the party will be justified – but that is not different country, and the national continues to stand with the Tories and where we are today. The biggest question is here to stay. Even if block the will of the majority of the enemies of progress in Scotland are Corbyn had won the general election working population of this country, the Tories, and those in the Scottish – and perhaps especially if Corbyn it will end up on the wrong side of Labour Party who deny our nation had won the general election – the history. And that is a grim place to be its right to self-determination. We independence movement would for a party whose founding leadership was a century ahead of its time when need open, honest debate. But to have been strengthened rather than overcome the might of the British weakened. it came to standing up for autonomy and democracy for Scotland. establishment, we also need unity Why? Because a Corbyn government, of the forces that stand for the most trying to run a capitalist economy The prospects for the left in Scotland radical next step forward for Scotland while dealing with enormity of Brexit, are stronger than south of the border. – independence. In the general election, 64 per cent of and surrounded by hundreds of Carolyn Leckie is currently working sullenly hostile MPs from his own Scots voted for the progressive left- of-centre manifestos offered by the as a trainee solicitor, is a member of party, would have run into serious Women for Independence national difficulties. Even Attlee only lasted six SNP, Corbyn’s Labour Party and the Greens. In England, the figure was 44 committee, is not a member of any years, while Harold Wilson, elected in per cent. party, and was a former SSP co-chair 1974 on a far more radical manifesto and SSP MSP. She writes a weekly than Corbyn, was forced to resign That differential political balance of column for The National. within two years while the IMF forced forces also demonstrates where the his successor to carry out drastic SNP and the wider independence 16 - ScottishLeftReview Issue 100 July/August 2017 Our movement, our future Maggie Chapman looks at the roots of the current political impasse The crisis consists precisely in the British politics. But this crack has been Placed against this are Tory demands fact that the old is dying and the new papered over with a continuity politics that we stop talking about politics cannot be born; in this interregnum of managerialism. and ‘get on with the day job’. This a great variety of morbid symptoms successfully mobilises the anti-political The General Election result sits in a appear. Antonio Gramsci, Italian emotions of the privileged. The context of deep crisis for the British revolutionary answer, of course, is to reinvigorate establishment and elites still unable to the movement politics of 2014. s time goes on it becomes clear find a response to the financial crisis There are plenty of issues where this that the 2008 crash was the end of 2008. They have tried continuity approach is more needed than ever: of an old world, yet a new world managerialism of Gordon Brown; they A housing has been an issue of increased is struggling to be born. To paraphrase have tried austerity; they have tried significance for some time, but the Gramsci, now is most certainly the Brexit. And, having tried to crush the Grenfell disaster puts this into sharp time of monsters. The situation in Labour Party with the opportunistic focus. A movement must make the Britain is an exemplar of a global General Election, they have run out of case for new collectively managed situation where neoliberalism has died options. housing. The private rented sector has and cannot yet be replaced. Rather The depth of political crisis that failed a whole generation. than the world being haunted by a followed the financial crash of 2008 spectre, we are lumbered by a corpse We must find ways to bring democracy is in part due to the failed invasion of a dead economic system. But this to more of our institutions. People of Iraq in 2003. The War was always corpse cannot yet be buried because have the ability to be much more obviously morally wrong, but the the alternatives have not yet emerged engaged in decision making and a inability of the British and American in a coherent way. centralised state designed to control states to successfully stabilise the an empire has long outlived its This has produced reactions of the country after the invasion prefigures usefulness. And in so many other areas right: most notably Trump and Theresa Brexit: a project of the British of our lives, from social security and May; of the left: Sanders, Corbyn and imperial elite intended to restore workers’ rights to harnessing for good Melanchon; and even from the centre: the country’s greatness, but one that the care and creativity of our people, Macron. All have one thing in common instead exposes the lack of strategic, movement politics show us the way. - their reference points are in a revival diplomatic and planning capacity of of Les Trente Glorieuses or ‘The that elite. The new world that must be born will Glorious Thirty’, the three decades of be prefigured by the movements for In Scotland, the SNP’s response to economic prosperity and improved social and environmental justice. We the independence movement and social security following World War can, and must, learn from the Upper the mandates given to them by II. We cannot see British or Scottish Clyde Shipbuilders work-in in 1971, subsequent elections has failed to politics outside of this context. from those who refused to fix bomber- capitalise on the political energy plane engines destined for Pinochet’s And we must also remember that this behind the social movement. In the Chile, from those who developed crisis is not just a crisis of finance or days after the referendum, Women the Lucas Plan in 1976. Very much of politics: it is a crisis of resources for Independence ran a successful like the independence movement of and the environment. Climate change campaign to prevent the Scottish 2014, these people-led social justice threatens our very existence, but Government placing a women’s prison movements, showing us the way technology is beginning to point the at Greenock: the prison was the wrong forward. They showed us how to direction to a world of low carbon thing to do. And the independence democratise our power structures and energy generated by locally owned movement was able to work with our economy. installations rather by corporations. Scottish Government to deliver a The first industrial revolution was better outcome. In Scotland, we need to re-engage our driven by a shift from local power people and recapture the energy to This movement approach to politics sources (water mills and wood make the case for a better world. But showed the world what we could have. burning) to energy from centralised this cannot and should not stop at our Corbyn’s surprise performance in the sources and fossil fuels. The capitalist borders – nor, indeed, the borders of election was powered by movement age is the fossil fuel age, and the fossil Britain. The new world that will be politics. These movements, like fuel age is the capitalist age. born must share the benefits of the the Stop the War movement, have economy with people everywhere. The independence referendum in politicised people bringing together 2014 was one of the first cracks in political analyses and democratising Maggie Chapman is the Scottish Green the hegemony of carbon-fuelled our politics. The surprise (relative) Party Co-convener neoliberalism. Through that crack, success of Labour is down to the light got in, inspiring the Corbyn harnessing the power of movement movement and a new bravery in politics.

17 - ScottishLeftReview Issue 100 July/August 2017 ASLEF CALLS FOR AN INTEGRATED, PUBLICLY OWNED, ACCOUNTABLE RAILWAY FOR SCOTLAND (which used to be the SNP’s position – before they became the government!)

Mick Whelan Tosh McDonald Kevin Lindsay General Secretary President Scottish O cer ASLEF the train drivers union- www.aslef.org.uk

FIGHTING FEARLESSLY FOR JUSTICE, COMPENSATION AND LAW REFORM Call 0800 801299 Visit TalkToThompsons.com

18 - ScottishLeftReview Issue 100 July/August 2017

 Trade Union Recognition agreements on all construction sites

 Adherence to collective agreements

 Direct employment

 No blacklisting

 No public contracts for blacklisters

 No Bogus self employment or umbrella schemes

 Protect skills

 Proper apprenticeships The Rank & File was born out of an attack on the skills of electricians in 2011 by eight of the major mechanical and electrical construction companies in the UK. We have also been in the  Health & Safety forefront in the fight against blacklisting with our partners, the Blacklist Support Group. We seek the adherence of collective agreements on all construction sites and recognition of all elected shop stewards and safety reps. The Rank & File, who is made up mostly of Unite members but Contact: also count members of GMB and Ucatt among our ranks, are determined to change the face of construction for the benefit of working people by transforming the attitudes of companies in the Email: [email protected] industry to realise the benefits of having an organised workforce. To do this we need the assistance of clients such as the Scottish government, local authorities, NHS and Scotland’s Universities and Colleges through their procurement processes, in line with the Scottish Unite Scottish Rank and File government’s Fair Work Framework. Together we can make a difference. @ScotRankFile

19 - ScottishLeftReview Issue 100 July/August 2017 Take note - this is what we are about! We reprint from the back cover of the first edition of Scottish Left Review (September/October 2000), the founding statement of intent of those that set up the magazine.

he Scottish Left Review will be a bi-monthly website magazine that will seek to provide a focal point of thought and discussion for the Scottish Left. It will be non- Tparty but will aim to provide a forum for those on the Left of all parties and none. Such a forum is urgently required at a time when the untrammelled play of market forces is not only tolerated but actively promoted as the only agency that thcan century ensure economic prosperity. This is in sharp contrast to the first 75 years of the 20 when capitalism was widely believed to have ignominiously failed and was viewed by many as the harbinger of the two most destructive wars in human history, and slumps that paralysed economic activity; creating widespread misery in the midst of human capacity to create an abundance. When you look at the world today you might well ask: What has changed? Mass poverty and hunger stalks the planet in the midst of actual abundance. Even in the prosperous and developed parts of the planet a seriously underprivileged class exists, cheek by jowl with rampant consumerism. Alienation is rife. The greed, which is supposed to be the dynamic of the free market system, menaces the ecology, placing in jeopardy the very existence of our species. The promoted culture is nihilist. Drug addiction is rife. There were more wars in the last quarter of the last century than in the previous 75 years. The collapse of the Soviet Union and its geographically linked satellites was used to signal the end of socialism, though many socialists had denied that the Soviet model was in any fundamental sense socialist. In Britain the Labour Party as New Labour, abandoned socialism, even as an aspiration for the long term, but also forsook social democracy, as a guide to formulating policies in the short term. New Labour has embraced free market capitalism with all the enthusiasm of the convert. The years of Thatcherism seem to have engendered different patterns of political thought in the Scottish nation as compared to England. From the very start Scotland rejected Thatcherism. The Scottish Left has always been diverse, cross-party, and non-party. There is a strong left tradition in the SNP, and the Scottish Socialist Party is emerging as a credible electoral force. The establishment of the Scottish Parliament is bound to render Scottish politics even more Scottish. It is inconceivable that the present constitutional arrangements are fixed forever. Events and the moving hand of the political development will overhaul them. The SLR must take the view that the Scottish people has an inalienable right of self determination and this will find expression through elections and referenda. There will be different views as to how we proceed from here, but all that envisage change through the democratic process should be considered legitimate. The SLR wants to stimulate debate. Each issue will have six or more essays dealing with a wide range of subjects, viewed from a Left Scottish perspective. We hope that this will stimulate discussions and forums in the various regions. For those who aren’t on the Internet we will try to make some hard copies available. The range of support for this venture can be seen from those who sit on the editorial board. I believe and hope that this initiative will bear fruit in the regeneration of the Left in Scotland.

20 - ScottishLeftReview Issue 100 July/August 2017 100 editions down – here’s to the next 100! Scottish Left Review interviewed its founding stalwart, Bob Thomson, on the past, present and future of the magazine As the remaining founding member Budget Scrutiny, Automation Friend McAlpine, and to current editor, of the editorial committee of or Foe; Workers Rights are Human Gregor Gall. And, of course, also to Scottish Left Review, can you tell Rights and the Case against Trident our loyal band of print subscribers us what the intention was behind Renewal. Most major trade unions and the labour and trade union launching the magazine? in Scotland are now affiliated to movement for adverts. It was a vehicle to counter the neo- the Foundation which, together liberal philosophy and policies of with sustaining members who give What has Scottish Left Review still Tony Blair and ‘new’ Labour which regular donations, means we have to achieve? modest resources to extend and many on the left had swallowed after Our online traffic has trebled publicise our work. eighteen years of Tory governments. in recent years and we hope to Jimmy Reid was early in in exposing increase this with Facebook and this in his Herald columns, famously In the light of this, what has Scottish Twitter pages etc. Posting the stating: ‘People say that Tony Blair Left Review not achieved? Review online costs money and has no principles. They are wrong. In the big picture while we have our donation button has raised a He has principles. They are Tory been a forum for all left parties disappointing amount so this is principles. He is in the wrong party.’ and individuals there has not been something we will have to improve As Treasurer of the Scottish Labour any great success on creating upon. As already mentioned we Party, I had personally experienced joint co-operation in campaigns need to increase print subscribers Blair’s duplicity and contempt for and policies with left parties and to keep the print issue viable. democratic decision making in his groups. Our print subscribers have Subscribers and readers can help by interference in the questions on the not increased significantly. With forwarding links to the Review and referendum to establish the Scottish printing and postage costs rising particular articles to acquaintances Parliament. Jimmy gathered together publishing a print issue could be in by email, Twitter and Facebook. an eclectic group of activists and danger of not continuing in the not And, after 17 years of publishing thinkers to start the magazine too distant future, something the are we still radical enough? Do including Aamer Anwar, Campbell Editorial Board has so far resisted. we need more blue sky thinking? Christie, Roseanna Cunningham, However, there has been an increase This is something we want to hear John Kay, Cathie Jamieson, Isabel lately of trade union branches from our readers on so we invite Lindsay, John McAllion, Henry taking out subscriptions so we hope feedback from them to editorial@ McCubbin, Tom Nairn, Andrew scottishleftreview.org Noble, Alex Smith and myself. Left to avoid that situation. Originally, Review Scotland is the company set our intention was to have readers • Many of Jimmy Reid’s Herald up to run magazine. meetings throughout Scotland but columns are collected in his Power after a few these stopped because Without Principles: New Labour’s of resource issues. We have tended Sickness and Other Essays (Black In the light of this, what has SLR to be West of Scotland centric and and White Publishing, 1999, achieved since 2000? would welcome more volunteers pp384). As part of a then small group of from throughout the length and • Gregor Gall adds: ‘Bob Thomson often distinguished voices from breadth of Scotland. many parties and none who argued is too modest to say so himself the case for progressive policies for but of all the individuals involved How has Scottish Left Review in Scottish Left Review and its Scotland and the UK, I think we are managed to sustain itself over the now a majority. The Scottish Left associated projects, it is by far and years while other magazines have Review is now the main forum for away the case that we would not foundered? left politics with an online traffic of be here today without his efforts. over 1500 visits per day. We have Primarily by the work of volunteers Having retired in 1999 as Associate also started the Scottish Left Review (who have carried out the Scottish Secretary of UNISON, Press which has published occasional organisational and administrative Bob has since taken on an almost books on the political and economic tasks), our Editorial Board and, full-time and never paid role as situation. And, we established the importantly, our contributors who company secretary, chair of the Jimmy Reid Foundation, the only left have given their time freely. We have magazine editorial board, chair think tank in Scotland. Recent policy never had the resources to employ of the Foundation and general papers have included such titles anyone full time. Special thanks to organiser. Hats off to him!’ as Public Service Reform, Scottish past editors, Jimmy Reid and Robin 21 - ScottishLeftReview Issue 100 July/August 2017 Constituting Scotland We reprint in full and unchanged from issue number two (December 2000), Tom Nairn’s contribution to the debate on the future of Scotland etting out of Britain is not Unit at University College, London, they were independent, and able to easy. We mustn’t be parochial estimated that about half Edinburgh’s confront whatever English body (or Gabout this, I agree; it may turn legislative time had involved bodies) will by then have come into out to be even harder for the English measures at least questioning the existence. and the Welsh than for the Scots. links with London. But of course as In Scotland, we can’t of course However, we in Scotland have to do it long as Labourism prevails, such legislate for the rest of Britain. But our own way, and a starting-gate has questions will be either answered surely we can get ready to legislate for now been laid down: the new Scottish (or drowned) by committees. The our own part in what will be a great Parliament. There are both pros and smoke-filled rooms are no more; process. That involves high politics, cons to it, much debated around the but not what went on in them. The and long-range questions of identity first birthday celebrations in July. But Kingdom is now effectively United by and national direction. When Gordon the most important con was scarcely Committee; and not much else. There Brown warned Scots against immature mentioned then; a sign of immaturity, they are, committee, council, board identity politics, what he really meant perhaps, which any new political and quango: Joint, Inter-Ministerial, was: leave my old British identity- opposition will have to address? Steering, Departmental and Planning, politics alone; United Kingdom Scotland had been allowed a ranging from the anachronistic, nationalism would remain safe within Parliament, but not a constitution like the Judicial Committee of Her his (and Robin Cook’s) custody. The of its own. The rules guiding the Majesty’s Privy Council (arbiter Greenwich Dome was a reanimation new assembly are a concoction of matters constitutional) to the project for that Brit-nation; meant to rather than a synthesis: on one out-of-sight, like the Council of the demonstrate how unstoppably lively hand, the Scotland Act (1998) with Isles (thought up to make Ulster the old Constitution would be under its absurd stack of prohibitions Protestants feel there will always be a new management. Why, it could delimiting Scottish sovereignty; and Britain). even strengthen itself by handing out on the other, that crumbling Dome As the wind leaks remorselessly power around the periphery... just as of Ages, Westminster’s Mother from the Project, however, such long as the meek recipients settled of all Constitutions. It’s rather as devices lose their pith as well. Is down, and concentrated on their low- if Monopoly and Chess had been there anyone at all who seriously political nuts and bolts. arbitrarily compounded into a single believes such a system can endure? As Ross McKibbin has pointed out game, and the players left to get on In 2005 or (at the latest) 2009-10, most acutely in the last number with it. No-one will ever understand there will be the problem of different of New Left Review, the Blair the rules. Few enough affected to parties and governments in power at government’s aim of modernisations grasp the mystique of Great Britain’s Holyrood and Westminster. Though has come to need and imply constitutional lore. That remained quite normal in broad comparative depoliticisation. In Bertold Brecht’s the preserve of those who worked it, terms, our problem will have to be famous phrase, what it now strives the former ruling class and their legal tackled in an hysterically abnormal constantly to do is re-elect an gun-dogs: they always believed that British context. By that time, I doubt alternative British people: those tacit knowledge (conventions, etc.) if even Brian Wilson M.P. will retain idealised customers of government was safer than damned documents undented faith in the old unwritten depicted in its Annual Report. readable by any lout off the streets. constitution. Actually I suspect that Whenever actual people upset it, Blairism inherited this antique and is by then the English may be regarding however; as in Wales and the London now striving to refurbish it; for God’s it with greater contempt than the Mayoral contest; a quite different sake, a new House of Lords is one of Scots, Welsh and Irish. The question face appears. What we then see is the the provisions in the Preservation was ignored by Thatcher, flirted with tetchy, impatient visage of a Great Order! and then cast aside by Blair. But it’s (if regrettably declining) Power. Its Certainly, a faltering semblance bound to impose itself soon. The fear of farther loss generates ever of normality has been upheld in main hinge of world-stage Britain’s greater impatience with disloyalty, Edinburgh over Year One. But this has always been the Treaty of Union hence ever more spin doctoring and is simply because the same political (1707), and if a British state and modernisation rhetoric. The position party is in office in both countries; one identity are to be maintained at all, is summed up by Brown’s policy on machine, run from one place (in spite they will in those circumstances have the Euro, only partly unwittingly: of occasional squeaks from Glasgow) to be re-negotiated. Much negotiation yes, Britain must join; when every and harnessed to the one-off dream- can only be among equals: Holyrood, one of her five impossible conditions state of the Blair Project. In a recent Cardiff and Belfast will have to are fulfilled to the last semi-colon, bulletin, Robert Hazell’s Constitution conduct themselves at least as if and Middle Britain is quite sure 22 - ScottishLeftReview Issue 100 July/August 2017 foreigners have given up deviance. is for them rather than us may now of the Constitutional Convention We can be Eurocitizens the day a Paris be a feature of British-Labour politics; and all that flowed into it; which government stops fearing another it is emphatically not a feature of gave us the Scotland Act and the Editorial tongue-lashing from The the older Scottish tradition. The reconvened Parliament. But in one Scotsman. exact opposite is the case. A study vital respect things have now altered. called Claiming Scotland has recently From 1979 onwards the initiative for The Scots and their Parliament badly appeared and made this point most constitutional change lay unavoidably need to get their own act together, in interestingly. The author, American with the Labour Party, even although order to defend themselves against anthropologist Jonathan Hearn, (as nationalists say) their pressure this foundering world. This is why has got to know us pretty well, from outside remained vital. This is no any new political formation must be but also kept some distance from longer the case. Labourism has allied constitutionally oriented; aimed not our dafter notions. He argues that itself fatally and finally with the failing just at defending the Parliament but although ethnic Scottishness is largely structures of the United Kingdom, and also at constructing a more durable contrived, the effort to transcend it what was new about it in the nineties and internationally presentable and to make (or claim) a political and now risks foundering completely in basis for Scottish government. It is constitutional nation has been the the wreckage. In Scotland and Wales, important to notice this is not the underlying identity of the Scots. In the initiative must now surely lie same as independence; I mean, in the William McIlvanney’s famous slogan, with the genuinely new forces and sense of the Freedom-or-bust single- we are indeed a country of mongrels alliances released by their Parliaments strike idea traditionally cherished on the edge of nowhere. But there is and changed electoral systems. among SNP fundamentalists. That was an odd implication to this. The only a way of keeping nationalist spirits That’s why I think any new left- way we have ever been able to do up against huge adversity, at the cost national movement should put better is by becoming a civic nation. of a certain paranoia and tunnel- the Constitution in the centre of And what that means is constituting vision. But it’s out of date: adversity its ambition. Of course it isn’t the ourselves by choice, as an egalitarian in that sense is finished. The ancien answer to all problems (any more (in today’s terms a social-democratic) régime is falling apart so quickly no- than independence). But it is a society. Hearn lists the chronology of one can keep up with it. We’re fully much more important necessary the effort: 1638, 1643, 1689 (Claim of into the rapids of disintegration, condition of Scottish political advance Rights Mk.1), 1707 (the Union Treaty, accelerating every day that passes, than the arguments of Year One conceived by the Scots as an equal and the question is how Scots can have recognised. Combined with arrangement), 1842 (Claim of Rights emerge from them intact. Intact and, reappraisals on other fronts; foreign Mk 2), 1949 (the Covenant), 1988 of course, independent; or at least, relations, for example, and escape (Claim of Rights Mk 3), 1992 (The much more independent than the from the Barnett Formula via taxation Democracy Declaration at Edinburgh). powers; there must be a strategy in Scotland Act permitted us to be. Even more amazing, he points out the making, which I hope this new It’s true that most voters and MSPs how all these have referred back, Review and its supporters will be still think of constitutional matters sometimes half-consciously, to an arguing during the remaining time of as somehow abstract, remote or event in the later Middle Ages: not the first Parliament. secondary. But this is essentially the the military victory of Bannockburn Tom Nairn has been a leading political residual myopia of Britishness; not but the claim made in its wake, the theorist and academic and is best surprising in a transitional system Declaration of Arbroath (1320). known for his seminal 1977 work, ‘The where, unavoidably, it has been This is what constitutionalism is about Break-up of Britain: crisis and neo- the old-Brit parties that took over in Scotland. It isn’t unique. England nationalism’. and are still trying to run things. and other countries exhibit analogous They have borne forward many traditions which vices of Westminster, and here is an are not (or outstanding one; perhaps the most not entirely) fundamental, and the hardest to get invented as a Congratulations rid of. Since the defeat of Chartism in current fashion on your 100th edition from 1848, popular constitutional agitation would make us has been marginalized in U.K. political Scottish Cuba Solidarity Campaign believe. But it life. The only exception; a great one; isn’t unimportant To join was the feminist revolt of Edwardian either; and times, which shook the old order perhaps it’s time badly. But the ranks were reformed we went ahead S.C.S.C. none the less (and it’s still happening: phone or text towards Claim of I find myself writing this the week Right Mk 4. After Arthur West: after Mo Mowlam’s resignation). all, it was the 1988 07826 127 759 The sense that constitutional politics version; the work 23 - ScottishLeftReview Issue 100 July/August 2017 Congratulations Scottish Left Review on publishing 100 issues A leading forum for radical politics for all the left in Scotland for seventeen years.

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24 - ScottishLeftReview Issue 100 July/August 2017 We are prioritising our agenda for the next six months to protect the future of journalism.

• The NUJ will be fighting to save at risk jobs and encouraging creation of quality new jobs. • Re-introducing a Zero Tolerance campaign towards workplace bullying. • Campaigning for improvements of delivery of Freedom of Information in Scotland. • Training members to improve job opportunities in the face of changing technology. • Demanding employers take steps to protect their editorial staff from abuse on social media. NATIONAL UNION OF JOURNALISTS SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

Congratulations to Scottish Left Review on reaching your landmark 100th issue

25 - ScottishLeftReview Issue 100 July/August 2017 Eyewitness report from Quito, Ecuador • In April 2017, a crucial Presidential election was held in Ecuador where the socialist candidate, Lenin Moreno, was up against the US sponsored right wing candidate, Guillermo Lasso. Given some of the setbacks suffered by the left in South America recently, it was expected that Ecuador’s socialist government would face the same fate. In fact, Moreno won the election with 51% of the vote. His Country Alliance Party has a commanding majority in the National Assembly. Jennifer Bonnar and Chris Ruddy travelled in Ecuador at this time following several months teaching English in the south of the country. This is their account: fter six months teaching in bankrolling the opposition campaign. politics as a campaigner for disability the town of Loja, we travelled rights and was nominated in 2012 One sinister aspect of the opposition extensively including time for a Nobel Prize. He campaigned A campaign which we picked up on spent in Quito at the height of the to protect and extend the socialist almost constantly in our travels election campaign. Tension was programme of the government was its refusal, in advance, to high as rival forces took to the and to uphold the constitution recognise the eventual result. Its streets and airwaves yet it became against attacks by the US sponsored position seemed to be; if we win apparent that these were very opposition. The contrast with his fine; if we don’t, we’ll continue in different campaigns. The Moreno opposite number could not have our campaign to bring down the campaign was characterised by huge been clearer. Guillermo Lassa is a government by almost any means. popular rallies of ordinary working multi-millionaire businessman with These are not democrats trying ‘to people, many from an indigenous close links with the United States. restore democratic legitimacy to background with the Ecuadorian To say he has a chequered past is an Ecuadorean politics’; many of its flag predominant interspersed with understatement and he has been leaders supported previous corrupt, many red flags and banners. These investigated for massive tax fraud - dictatorial regimes in the country were overwhelming peaceful and not surprising given that most of his and have openly welcomed United inclusive. The contrast with the right companies are registered abroad. States intervention. wing rallies could not have been We were back in Britain when the On our travels we also witnessed greater. Smaller, exclusively white final round of voting was completed a clear class and ethnic divide with a strong element of racism confirming Moreno’s victory. Huge in the two campaigns. Moreno and always ready for violence. They crowds took to the streets in all draws his support overwhelmingly also had the media mostly on their the major cities to celebrate while from poorer sections of society side. There was a lot of tension with the opposition, as expected, has violence just below the surface but and from the previously under- refused to recognise the result it became clear that most of this was represented indigenous population. and continues to campaign against coming from the Lasso campaign His movement also draws on a the government. It may well step and seemed to be very organised. broad alliance of unions, community up its campaign of destabilisation. groups, single issue pressure groups Moreno came to the campaign Whatever happens, we will continue and socialist and progressive forces to defend the track record of the to follow events and wish our many throughout the country. The core of socialist government and of his socialist and progressive friends the opposition is white and middle predecessor, Raphael Correa. every success in the future. class. It also draws heavily on a This included impressive social legacy of racism towards the newly Jennie and Chris are both 24 and programmes to improve health empowered indigenous people. One both went to University in Edinburgh. care, education, pensions and child thing that shocked us when living Chris is a member of the SNP. In care; political reforms to make the and travelling in the country was 2015, they both travelled extensively country more democratic and to give the level of racism including among in South America before returning to the indigenous people more rights; poorer working class whites who feel teach English as a Foreign Language and a dramatic shift in foreign policy threatened by the rise of those they in Ecuador. Both were active in the aligning Ecuador with progressive considered to be inferior. YES Campaign in 2014. governments across Latin America. However, in more recent times The new president, Lenin Moreno, the economy has faltered due to a seems an impressive figure. In his collapse in the oil price and there sixties, he has was formerly the Vice was also much evidence of economic President and, following a shooting sabotage by capitalists and political at an attempted robbery twenty interference by the United States years ago, is wheel chair bound. He which appeared to be significantly made his reputation in Ecuadorian 26 - ScottishLeftReview Issue 100 July/August 2017 Jean-Luc Mélenchon – the French Jeremy Corbyn Daniel Brillet explains why an old left figure has found new friends and supporters ith the France Insoumise polls for months. The failed Hollande For example, all French pupils would movement led by Jean-Luc government also left some serious get a free organic and vegan school WMélenchon, we are witnessing questions on whether there are any real lunch and would help boost the nascent a moment of popular awakening. Let me differences between the traditional left- organic agriculture industry. Amongst provide some background: Mélenchon right political factions. other things, the French people will has a rich political history. He made have the permanent choice of recalling President Hollande decided not to run his debut in politics as a student any of their elected officials. Salaries for re-election - it was clear to him like activist in the May 1968 movement. over 360,000 Euros per year will be everyone else that he stood no chance. Initially a Trotskyist, he moved on to taxed at 100%, Mélenchon has warned Hollande’s replacement, Benoît Hamon, the Socialist Party where he became employers: ‘you found cheaper labour to polled poorly and was overtaken by close to President Mitterrand. For many do the work, we will find cheaper bosses Mélenchon whose poll numbers kept years, he was a Socialist Senator and to replace you’. rising. The 2017 presidential election later served as a Minister in the Jospin saw a total of 11 candidates across Additionally, EU Treaties would be government. In 2005, he broke with the political spectrum. Mélenchon renegotiated and Mélenchon has his own party line and successfully presented himself for the second time, already signalled to the powers in campaigned against the European formerly as Front de Gauche and now question, France is not Greece and he Constitution referendum. This saw as the France Insoumise movement, will not be pushed around like Tsipras. Mélenchon campaign (and get closer) inspired in part by Podemos and Latin It’s hard to imagine how you cannot with different figures to the left of the American movements. The advantage have an EU without France but it’s time Socialist Party. Despite a democratic of running La France Insoumise as a to stop the policy of liberalisation and consultation, the French political movement allowed Mélenchon to step privatisation of public services to satisfy establishment ignored the referendum away from the political party structure the economic imperatives of Germany. altogether and pushed it through and become as inclusive as possible. Amongst other things, there’s also a parliament nonetheless. It was clear the 32-hour workweek, leaving NATO and Socialist Party was a dinosaur unable The France Insoumise movement so on. The programme is extensive and to change and which had long given up reaches out to the good sense and logic was very well presented by its main on socialism and moved to the right. in us. The programme called L’Avenir candidate. Mélenchon left with his supporters in en commun (‘our future together) calls 2008 to found his own political party, for a 6th Republic where everything Mélenchon’s speeches are poignant the Parti de Gauche ( Party of the Left), will be shaken up. Mélenchon said: ‘we and honest. He integrates philosophy, subsequently creating an alliance of wish to put in place institutions that will poetry, ecology and education into his different anti-liberal left-wing parties, prevent the election of a President such speeches: ‘It is completely ridiculous the Front de Gauche (the Left Front). as the last one we had’ and this means to create 5kg of vegetable protein The alliance was inspired by the Die giving the power directly to the people. that will only produce 1 kg of animal Linke German party model and achieved Currently, in the French 5th Republic protein’. Even those who disagree with some success in the 2012 presidential system most of the power lies with him can feel his genuineness. His love election with Mélenchon as its the President and it’s often referred to for the French Republic and its people candidate scoring a respectable 11%. as the Presidential Monarchy. Leaving come across as very natural: ‘Do not this 5th Republic can be done with a doubt yourselves and do not doubt your The Socialist Party won the 2012 Constituent Assembly, comprised of country’. Mélenchon also integrates Presidential election and did so for elected (and some randomly selected) ecology into the heart of his dialogue: the first time in over 30 years. In fact, citizens who will be responsible for ‘Do you understand people, if we don’t people were so sick of Sarkozy, the drafting a new French constitution do anything we will destroy everything!’ Socialists ended up winning everything. to redefine all of the rules of French He also has a talent for shaming his Despite controlling all branches of democracy. The new constitution, opponents - during a debate he told government with a left-wing mandate, the 6th republic, would be subject to Le Pen: ‘You serve no purpose and for it still governed by the same failed right approval by referendum. 50 years all you have done is distribute wing policies of its predecessors. There hate’. In the same manner, Mélenchon was initially a lot of hope as it was The programme is also strong on has no problem pushing back against President Hollande who told us that environmentalism, with the aim being journalists and calls them out when they he was ‘the enemy of financial system’. for an ecological transition fuelling evade talking about the real issues. Instead, he became the lapdog of the job growth with 100% renewable financial system. The Socialist Party energies, 100% organic agriculture, a The campaign embraced new didn’t accomplish anything substantial green rule established directly into the technologies such as holograms, and left the country in a worst state constitution where one cannot take social media, video games and despite than ever, propelling the National Front more from nature than it can replenish. running on a tinye budget (in contrast leader, Marine Le Pen, into leading the The programme is well planned out. to his competition) was very effective.

27 - ScottishLeftReview Issue 100 July/August 2017 Mélenchon with his programme and capable of winning against Le Pen. had there not been such dirty media amazing oratory skills attracted record Macron supposedly incarnates political tricks. With seven million votes, just crowds, over 100,000 on Bastille Day! renewal despite being a former Socialist a few hundred thousand away from a His message was very well received by Minister backed by the oligarchy and the second round place (polls showed him the working class and young people. worst of the old Left and Right parties. beating Le Pen in the second round), it’s Mélenchon not only knows how to By way of association, they accused still an amazing accomplishment! Held connect with people, he really knows Mélenchon of supporting aggressive shortly after, the legislative elections how to reach youth too: ‘Don’t listen regimes like Syria, Iran and wanting to were complicated by record low turnout to those who say it was better before, instore a Venezuelan like regime as his especially amongst the working class the world your parents had is now gone programme called for French Guiana and youth electorate. France Insoumise forever and you are the first generation and the French West Indies to join still managed to make its debut in the who now have to think about creating a ALBA - the ‘Alianza Bolivariana para National Assembly with 17 deputies new world’. los Pueblos de Nuestra’ (the Bolivarian including Mélenchon himself elected for Marseille. This is just a start and is Hundreds of groups were set up in Alliance for the Peoples of Our America). enough to constitute a formal group France and around the world, to support It’s a cooperation alliance, France is part (15 deputies is the minimum, a deputy the movement and Mélenchon’s of many such organisations and this without a group has no speaking time) candidacy (including right here in doesn’t seem to be an issue nor is it an and will be a great platform for the Glasgow - Ecosse Insoumise). Most of issue when France sells arms to Saudi movement going forward. The future is the movement relies on volunteers, not Arabia. It’s true, Mélenchon can be bright. Finally, there is a fresh voice for just for typical canvassing but for web feisty but he has to be. This attack was the people of France: an opposition who development, video game programming, disingenuous and meant to frame him will speak out loudly and clearly against social media management and event as an angry and dangerous radical by a failing economic system, the misery planning. In fact, the well-organised making a connection that isn’t there to and poverty experienced by too many campaign included a lot of talented Iran and Syria (who are former observer French people. people from all sorts of backgrounds countries of ALBA). Mélenchon was very who cohesively worked magic with the good at responding and made everyone Daniel Brillet is the creator of the little they had. The France Insoumise know that the longest border France has Ecosse Insoumise - Auld Alliance Defiant is learning how to federate the French is with Brazil in French Guiana and not Scotland support group. It arose people. with Germany, also pointing out ‘France from Jean-Luc Mélenchon’s Left-Wing is not a Western nation, France is a movement and its programmeme, The reaction of the media has been Universalist nation’. ‘L’Avenir en commun’. very aggressive. Everyday drowning the airwaves with the narrative about In any case, it’s hard to imagine the ‘vote utile’ - the vote that really Mélenchon not making the second counts as Macron is the only candidate round of the Presidential elections Tariq Ali The Dilemmas of Russia’s revolutionary situation and provides a fascinating insight into Lenin’s the uniqueness of Lenin’s intervention, soul. Devastated by her early death, he of Lenin: Terrorism, there is no book more stimulating and walked alone at her funeral: ‘He seemed War, Empire, Love, more likely to encourage wider reading to have shrunk; his cap almost covered than The Dilemmas of Lenin. his face, his eyes drowned in tears Revolution, held back with effort’, in the words of The book is structured around themes Angelica Balabanoff who observed his 2017, Verso, £16.99, 9781786631107 and aspects of the revolution, the behaviour. Reviewed by Sean tensions within them and the resultant Sheehan dilemmas that confronted Lenin and Ali is good at noting details: Scotland’s fellow revolutionaries. The most telling John MacLean opened the new The book is not political dilemma - the conflicting Bolshevik consulate at 12 South Portland a conventional claims of libertarian and authoritarian Street, Gorbals, but was not recognised historical account socialism - is well explored, though as consul by the UK government and the A People’s of 1917 - Bakunin’s opposition to Marx is skirted post office was instructed not to deliver History of the over and there is no mention of how mail to that address. Britain also sent Russian Revolution the anarchist communists at Kronstadt troops to Russia in the hope of deposing by Neil Faulkner found themselves on a collision course Lenin. Out of the plethora of new books (Pluto Press, 2017) with Lenin’s government. responding to the first centenary of the performs this task Russian Revolution, The Dilemmas of admirably – nor Lenin is usually depicted as ruthlessly Lenin emerges as the most engagingly does it plot in detail cruel and dictatorial but Ali counters readable account of one of Europe’s the hugely dramatic course of events this caricature with moving accounts great political transformations. between February and October – for of his personal life. A chapter is this there is the incomparable October: devoted to his elder brother, who was Sean Sheehan is author of ‘Žiżek: A The Story of the Russian Revolution executed for his part in an assassination Guide for the Perplexed’ (Continuum, by China Mieville (Verso, 2017) – but attempt on the Tsar, and the nature of 2012) and a forthcoming guide to for directing attention to key aspects his relationship with Inessa Armand Herodotus’ Histories. 28 - ScottishLeftReview Issue 100 July/August 2017 feedback

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Sleaford Mods: In an early scene, Jason firmly directs diverse audiences? the camera crew not to film the street One post-gig female commentator excit- Bunch of Kunst, 2017, where he lives - his ‘missus already had edly talks about them in terms of being weird fan mail’. The missus also speaks director Christine Franz, band: Jason the new Sex Pistols; a younger, male for herself and is markedly present Williamson and Andrew Fearn, https:// fan talks about the band not being like when Jason is hyping himself for gigs, www.bunchofkunst.com the Sex Pistols at all; a male German fan doing breathing exercises and pacing like lovingly describes them as ‘dirty English Reviewed by Jackie Bergson a caged lion, as well as when he comes bad ass working class’; none other than A band of two guys making such an home after touring and has to settle Iggy Pop waxes lyrical and openly pro- incredible sound that you have to listen down to emptying the dishwasher and motes the duo by many means. Whatev- is nothing new on the music scene. Of making ‘baby tea’ for their daughter. er words and means are used, responses the non-wallpaper variety and probably Seeing Andrew on his house boat with and reactions reverberate with effusive not busking-friendly, the duo known as his little pedigree dog and throughout energy and excitement towards Sleaford Sleaford Mods commands unique at- the film, where his articulate, reflective Mods’ clearly different yet somehow tention. The maker of recently released honesty contrasts with the tremen- recognisable looks and sounds. documentary, Sleaford Mods: Bunch of dous power of the beats-driven, often Franz’s film is a labour of love: a clever Kunst, Christine Franz, describes them anthemic tracks he creates for the band, as a ‘swear-punk duo’ in an interview genus that educates its own audience he tells of his own journey into becom- about the band, which is no bad thing, for silentradio.co.uk. Punk rock was, of ing half of Sleaford Mods. Before this, course, first termed as such by the music given that it represents one of the most his music was ‘too spiky’ for producers’ surprising successes of our time. Her press. Their genre classification relates tastes. to Sleaford Mods having arrived in no camera gaze regularly leans into gig uncertain terms, at a time when societal audiences’ responses to tracks such norms have split and reformed into as Jobseeker and Human Race, these different shapes and manifestations. particularly causing seismic waves of Sleaford Mods are irrevocably a living, crowd-bombing, lyric-for-lyric, sound- breathing manifestation of a particu- for-sound shout-backs and an individual lar, raging and downtrodden zeitgeist, brand of controlled hysteria, where although in this documentary, their fights and dancing are equally not in manager, Steve Underwood, insists that evidence. they are like nobody he has ever heard Formerly disaffected and dis-enfran- and are ‘not even zeitgeist’. chised? Anti-hedonistic antithesis of Franz’s film is led by the story about how rock star glamour, rap-gang brutal, the band and their manager work and absent of choreography and telling it as communicate together throughout their it is, Sleaford Mods provide massively interesting documentary subject matter. journey to being the ‘fifth most listened Franz made the film by following the to’ band at Glastonbury and also to band for a few years, so it resonates being the only Nottingham natives to with warmth and knowing detail. The have played its Rock City venue to fullest quiet moments are as captivating as the capacity three times. The documentary stage performances by virtue of being tells of smart guys with understated There is a consistent sense that the duo about the guys who make the music humour working through European pub have lived through what they are saying work. gig tours to gain an irrefutable fan base. through their synth-rock-ranting brand The idea that ‘you do Jools Holland and of music, which is why music fans who Jackie Bergson has worked in the retire’ is talked of, tongue in cheek. The relate to that love what they do. So what voluntary sector and commercial Sleafords Mods made it there and con- explains a fan-following of a different business development in technology and tinued. Now with Rough Trade Records, kind – middle class even - which brings creative sectors. Educated in and living Jason admits that they have ‘no idea the band to appear on such as BBC’s Lat- in Glasgow, her political and social views what will happen next’. er with Jools Holland and keep growing chime left-of-centre.

29 - ScottishLeftReview Issue 100 July/August 2017 VLADIMIR McTAVISH’S Kick up the Tabloids

he three days between amount of cajoling or prompting got the Magic Money Tree to bribe ten Thursday June 8 and Saturday May to come up with anything other climate change denying, homophobic T10 June proved to be a three- than ‘strong and stable’ or ‘coalition bigots to keep this discredited bunch day rollercoaster of emotions for of chaos!’ of idiots in power. millions of left-leaning Scots. No However, as it turns out, at least Ruth Davidson’s planned wedding to sooner had we digested Thursday’s three of those six words proved to her long-term partner, Jen, has had mixed election results north of the be prophetic in the extreme, as the to be postponed from October to a Border, we were then taken through country is, indeed, now governed by date yet to be confirmed. I wonder the nerve-shredding experience of the coalition of chaos. Fair enough: if Arlene Foster will be getting an the events at Hampden Park on the it’s a totally different coalition to the invitation. I know it is wrong to judge Saturday. one she predicted, and a much worse people on appearance, but looking While we wanted to see Theresa May level of chaos. at Arlene Foster, I do find it difficult to understand that she does not take a pasting at the polling booth, I There was seldom a day during the have more sympathy for the trans- suspect many of us are quite enjoying election when nether The Sun nor gendered community. the sight of her clinging on to power Daily Mail would fail to come up with like a ship-wrecked victim hanging on a story about Jeremy Corbyn giving Meanwhile, here in Scotland, a to a lifeboat, and whose fresh water support to extremists groups, or nation that was deeply divided on supply is at a critical level. featuring library pictures as evidence the morning of Friday the ninth The shameful fact we have to face of his association with, and love for, of June had once again become is that she is being propped up by terrorists. Now we have the obscene united by early evening on Saturday Scottish Tory MPs. When was the pictures of May posing for photos, the tenth. At least fifty per cent of last time an English Conservative shaking hands on a deal struck the population went through the Prime Minister had to rely on votes with the political wing of the Ulster entire gamut of Scottish emotion in Scotland to stay in power? Shame Volunteer Force (UVF). in the space of five minutes, at the conclusion of the vital World Cup on you, the voters of Aberdeen Furthermore, it would now appear qualifier against England. We went and Stirling, you are now officially that the much-mentioned Magic from resignation at 0-1 to satisfaction more right-wing than the people of Money Tree actually does exist. Not at 1-1 to utter delirium at 2-1 then Kensington. only has two-billion pounds been back to total devastation at 2-2. Ask Writing in the Evening Standard on found to pay for an aircraft carrier any Scotland fan before kick-off, and the day after the election, George which will be operating without any they would all have settled for a draw. Osborne described May as a ‘dead aircraft (apparently the money tree Perhaps, the SNP should use that woman walking’. However, it’s was not magic enough to conjure game as a metaphor for its own difficult to work out whether this up even one plane) but over £6m has suddenly appeared to carry out fortunes. To lose twenty-one MPs was was a comment on her tenuous grip not good, but the high-water mark on the reins of power, or merely a essential repairs to Buckingham Palace. of fifty-six in 2015 was never going to rather obvious attack on her personal be repeated. The day after the 2010 appearance. The longer the campaign What kind of society do we live General Election, if you had asked went on, the more the PM began to in where its elected members of any SNP voter if they’d be happy with resemble a bit-part player in a trashy parliament vote to pay an unelected thirty-five MPs in seven years’ time, 1950’s horror movie such as Zombie monarch to make repairs to one of they’d have bitten your hand off. Invasion or The Bride of Frankenstein. her six homes but deny pay rises for Vladimir McTavish will be appearing fire-fighters, less than two weeks This was accentuated by her robotic in ‘Scotland-the state of the nation’ after at least eighty poor people were speech patterns, in which she only throughout the 2017 Edinburgh killed because so many corners were appeared capable of saying six words, Fringe at The Stand Comedy Club cut in the refurbishment of their as if her internal programming had from Friday 4 to Sunday 27 August accommodation that their homes gone haywire. It was a bit like that (except Monday 17) at 6.15 pm turned out to be as combustible as a episode of Father Ted, where they try wwwoutstandingtickets.com box of matches? to get Father Jack to say more than three phrases, but all he can utter Most obscene of all, however, is the is ‘Drink ! Feck ! Girls’ Likewise, no £1bn plucked from the branches of 30 - ScottishLeftReview Issue 100 July/August 2017 31 - ScottishLeftReview Issue 100 July/August 2017 32 - ScottishLeftReview Issue 100 July/August 2017