ScottishLeft Review Issue 108 November/December 2018 - £2.00 'best re(a)d' 'best feedback

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leading figures from the left writing about what their positions are on Brexit Brexit breakdown beckons and what their preferred options are his was an issue of Scottish Left lexicon but they seem increasingly apt after Britain has left the EU (or not). But Review we could not put off any as the ever more likely deleterious and we also cover the likely ramifications of Tlonger. Since the referendum disruptive impact of a Brexit under the Brexit for politics and economics. These in June 2016, we have covered the Tories becomes clear. The issuing of articles cover issues of both process and decision of Britain to leave the EU and its statements by the government on various reviewsoutcome. Of course, there is much we attendant prospects every so often and matters in the event of a ‘no deal’ as well still don’t know, especially concerning with one or two articles. But until now we as the impact on workers’ pay and jobs as what any Westminster government have not made it the theme of an issue a result of employers’ recent decisions on will do with powers repatriated from – because while we might harbour our investment and production have headed the EU and where it might place them particular suspicions and thoughts about up the trouble ahead. That is why the (Westminster or Holyrood, Cardiff Bay how things might turn out, this would title to this editorial comment, ‘Brexit or Stormont). Much will depend here on have been little more than a combination breakdown beckons’, seems appropriate. which party is in government. If there is a general election which Labour wins, of idle and informed speculation. Now What is so marked about the political then the post-Brexit outcome is likely that the 29 March 2019 date of leaving situation is that despite the clear to shaped in a very different way from is very nearly upon us and the fault lines and present danger to their profits if the Tories hold on to office. The SNP have become relatively clearer – not so from the ensuing uncertainty and Scottish government has often talked up much in terms of what different sections disruption, employers have not had more the politics of the power grab and the of the Tory party want and more in influence on their political party, the prospects for further devolution would terms of the interplay of what the EU has Tories, to make sure there is a smooth very much depend on what happens at demanded and the British government transition to a single market or customs Westminster. has been prepared to concede – we can union. Somewhat ironically given her with less speculation and more insight weakness, this must be because May’s It was tantamount to political harikari cover and analyse some of the main parliamentary majority depends on trying or self-immolation to raise the issue salient issues. to assuage the rampant Brexiteers and of any kind of referendum on the deal negotiated by the British government the Democratic Unionist Party. ‘Car crash’ and ‘train wreck’ are over- to exit the EU any time soon after 23 used phrases in the present day political So, in this issue, we have an array of June 2016. This is now not so and this is correct – simply because the vote to leave ScottishLeftReview (as with the vote to remain) reflected Issue 108 November/December 2018 a number of different, sometimes Contents conflicting, concerns so that it was also Comment...... 2 the case that voting to leave was not Helping capitalism digs its own grave George Kerevan ...... 4 synonymous with a particular type of deal Brexit still represents an opportunity Jim Sillars...... 6 to leave, be it a ‘soft’,’ hard’ or ‘no deal’ Tory Party implodes as Brexit explodes Neil Findlay...... 8 Brexit, where the configurations of single Against Brexit and for a ratification referendum Molly Scott Cato ...... 9 markets, custom unions and WTO rules Demanding what was promised Mick Whelan ...... 11 could be very different indeed. Bordering on the insane: against borders and Brexit Steven Agnew ...... 13 Brexit: what about the workers? Jane Carolan ...... 14 Any notion of popular sovereignty does Where is Brexit heading and with what impact on independence? Kirsty Hughes...... 15 demand that the deal negotiated to leave Brexit, the ruling class and prospects for a left Labour government Neil Davidson ...... 16 is not only voted upon by parliament – a Making positive use of Brexit in hospitality and tourism Sarah Collins ...... 17 concession grudgingly rung out of the Claim of rights repudiated Bob Thomson ...... 18 Tories – but also subject to a popular Facilitating fairness in post-Brexit Britain Mary Senior ...... 19 vote. Only time will tell whether this Preparations for the day of reckoning on independence Max Wiszniewski ...... 20 then becomes a de facto second Brexit A role for unions in careers education Nick Cimini and Pete Robertson ...... 21 referendum – but, as some fear, the Labour, anti-semitism and hostile ethnocentrism Sandy Hobbs ...... 22 danger of that cannot be allowed to Age, ageing and older people’s issues Bill Johnston ...... 23 prevent the referendum on the terms of Culture for the many, not the few Mike Quille ...... 24 leaving from happening at all. It is also Reviews – Jackie Bergson, Bill Bonnar, Sean Duffy, Sean Sheehan, Tony Adams, Gordon Morgan...... 26 legitimate that any deal also has the Vladimir McTavish’s Kick Up The Tabloids...... 31 agreement of the devolved governments 2 - ScottishLeftReview Issue 108 November/December 2018 in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. reformed from the inside. Rather it is an more socialist-inclined outlook, Labour If there is another simple ‘in/out’ argument for ‘don’t try to do anything could do better than it actually is doing. referendum on whether to continue to that makes the situation even worse than After the mammoth independence march leave or re-enter the EU, there must be it already is’. In other words, pick the fight in Edinburgh on 6 October, the continuing tight controls on not only expenditure but at a time of your choosing when you’re strength of support amongst the activist- campaign claims. likely, at least, to have a good chance of orientated milieu cannot be doubted. One of the Brexit outcomes that might winning – and not when a faction fight But that is not the same as there being have been prophesised was a tightening inside the Tory party demands it. This majority support for independence. Polls labour market as migrants from within requires the kind of tactical deft that the suggest there is still some way to go and without the EU no longer arrive likes of Lynn Henderson, this year’s STUC there, and this is what is pre-occupying and many who were here (sic) leave. president and vice-chair of Scottish Left the SNP leadership. Will Brexit make Review’s In days gone by, this would have led sister organisation, the Jimmy the difference given that most people to a downturn in the supply of labour, Reid Foundation, showed when she voted living in Scotland voted to ‘remain’? The pushing up wages. Yet since the financial ‘yes’ for independence in 2014, then credibility of the SNP’s leadership’s hope for Labour led by Corbyn in 2015 and crash at least and despite the reduction there is a rather tenuous one. It reckons ‘remain’ in 2016. in unemployment, wages have (in real the worse a Brexit is, the more support terms) stagnated or fallen for most. Job Following the party political conference there will be for independence so that insecurity and in-work poverty abound season, it is increasingly clear that Scotland could re-enter the EU. But and it is likely these factors help explain Labour under Corbyn and McDonnell any serious prospect of independence why workers in Britain are unlikely to offers a genuinely social democratic requires a consent motion for another receive a fillip from what might have been alternative to the Tories and SNP. referendum from Westminster. If the a Brexit bounce. Somewhat similarly, the While the SNP promised to hold a Tories get their way on Brexit, the costs of leaving – direct and indirect – consultation on establishing a state clamour for another independence never featured in the arguments of the infrastructure company, Labour has referendum might be greater but that main ‘leave’ campaigners. The now iconic already committed itself to do this and would not change the will of the Tories. claim of £350m per week being saved and more with its investment plans. But If Labour enters Downing St due to the destined for the NHS has long since faded there was no starker evidence of the Brexit breakdown, it is more likely to into political oblivion. clear ‘red water’ between Labour and give consent for another referendum the SNP than Labour’s proposals to but the clamour for one might be a lot For those on the left advocating a left transform corporate governance. Policy less because Brexit might not be quite Brexit – a lexit – it should have become on worker directors (a third of a board) as bad as many expected as Labour apparent long before the referendum and employee share ownership (10% smooth offs the Tories’ rough edges. An that now was not the time. It’s not their after ten years) show that Labour is interesting fly in the ointment here is that arguments for leaving are without merit – prepared to use the levers of state power Scottish Labour under Richard Leonard’s far from it. The EU was always a capitalist to progressively alter the way the market leadership has signalled its intention institution from the ‘get go’ and it was operates – even if searching questions to oppose a second independence captured by the neo-liberals so that any can still be asked about how effective referendum, repudiating the 1989 Claim of its (limited) benign characteristics these proposals would be in practice. This of Right which Scottish Labour signed, have increasingly been dispensed is something we will examine in the first and putting it on a difference course from with. A number of what count for its issue of 2019. British Labour under Corbyn. If there is minimum social protections were fought One of the reasons why the term social a snap general election occasioned by for and won in Britain given that EU democracy – and not socialist - is used Brexit, it will be interesting to see how members must have only have in place to describe Labour under Corbyn and reliant a potential prime minister Corbyn national laws which meet the minimum McDonnelll is because Corbyn speaks will be on Scottish Labour MPs and what requirements of EU directives. Only a of wishing to govern in the ‘national sway those MPs will hold to make him not few things like the limit on the working interest’ while McDonnell has made concede said consent motion. week (with the British-inspired opt out) repeated appeals to employers that a In all this, there is a clear parallel came from Brussels and Strasbourg and Labour government would be in their between the 2014 and 2016 referenda. not London, requiring a directive to be best interests (because it would make Referenda almost inevitably condense implemented in law through regulations. investment in the infrastructure which complex issues into binary questions. But you didn’t need a crystal ball to see businesses rely upon). Even where Just as those that voted for Brexit could that the balance of political ideologies Labour today is predicated upon being not know what shape Brexit would take, and class forces meant then and now ‘for the many and not the few’, this is not the same is true for those that voted that a ‘lexit’ was not - and has not been - the language and practice of socialism for independence. The 45% of those possible. Indeed, any left votes for Brexit where clashing class interests cannot be voting for independence did so for many have benefitted the right by giving it a reconciled or subsumed within a single different, often conflicting, reasons. What narrow mandate (52%:48%) to pursue interest. It is disconcerting to note that independence could or should mean was its policy of the further deregulating even these ‘concessions’ to the right have essentially a battle to be fought out after capital over a whole host of issues like not led to a lead in the polls. Despite the a vote for it. Just the same as in the case workplace health and safety and other Brexit shambles presided over by Theresa of Brexit - but with one key difference. forms of corporate responsibility over May and the considerable internal Tory Proportionately, more citizens in Scotland the environment. This is now quite an divisions, Labour is still behind. It would, voted for progressive social change in argument for ‘better the devil you know’ therefore, not be entirely unreasonable 2014 than did citizens in Britain in 2016. by staying in the neo-liberal EU or a to conclude that along with a most robust Oh, and happy Xmas and New Year when backdoor argument that the EU can be form of leadership from Corbyn and a the holiday season comes!

3 - ScottishLeftReview Issue 108 November/December 2018 Helping capitalism digs its own grave George Kerevan sets out his socialist position in the context of the contradictions of capitalism HAT position should socialists forces. For instance, a genuine workers’ up to both World Wars. It is where we advance regarding optimal government might want to control are destined in the 21st century. trade arrangements with the import and capital flows, and so avoid W Where does Britain fit in? In the short rest of Europe, in the event Britain does foreign trade pacts that limited its ability term, post-Brexit it will find itself quit the EU? Let’s leave aside the tactical to do so. alienated from Europe and treated with debate on the efficacy of a second How does the current economic patronising contempt both by Trump’s Brexit vote, or the fraught arguments conjuncture influence capitalist trade America and Xi’s China. Result: British concerning any valid transitional policy? The neo-liberal era (c.1980 capitalism will be forced to launch a arrangements. Bottom line: what trade onwards) bulldozed away international massive onslaught on worker’s rights set-up is the least worst for Scots, barriers to the free movement of and public services just to survive. The English, Welsh and Irish working people logical game plan for British capitalism post any Brexit? capital, labour, goods and services – so-called ‘globalisation’. This has led is to turn Britain into a giant version of This debate is as old as the hills. It to the hegemony of US investment Singapore – deregulated, authoritarian goes back at least as far as 1847, when banks and world market domination and relying on semi-fascist English an international congress of radical by a tight band of American high-tech nationalist currents to demobilise economists, liberal intellectuals, monopolies (Amazon, Google, Apple, working class resistance. All this will trades unionists and left-wing activists Facebook) which make super-profits. sharply circumscribe the room for convened in Brussels to discuss the European capitalism – still dominated manoeuvre of a Corbyn government arguments for European and global by Germany’s unsustainable, high- imprisoned by its Blairite backbenchers. free trade. At that point in history, cost luxury manufacturers and faded It is against this background, we need to a triumphant British industrial domestic banks – has retreated further test the pros and cons of any post-Brexit capitalism was championing an end to behind EU protectionist walls. Rising trade arrangements. protectionism everywhere. The cocky Chinese capitalism has resisted the US This analysis leads to the conclusion it British industrial bourgeoisie had just onslaught by protecting its own, vast would be political madness for socialists succeeded in abolishing the infamous domestic market and building local rivals to ally themselves with those extreme Corn Laws – tariffs on imported grain to the US technology giants behind elements of British capitalism pursuing that protected aristocratic British land these tariff walls - companies such as a globalist, free trade model. Those owners and kept the price of bread Alibaba and Tencent. Labour MPs or former MPs who sided artificially high for the rapidly growing with the Farage wing of the ‘leave’ urban proletariat. campaign – like John Mann, Frank With the Corn Laws gone, bread Field and Kate Hoey – have merely prices fell. However, the industrial reinforced the slide towards a Britain bourgeois class used this as an excuse where workers’ rights are almost totally to cut wages. Then and now, free trade abrogated. Besides, a ‘hard’ Brexit proved a two-edged weapon. Its actual based on World Trade Organisation impact depends on circumstances and (WTO) rules is not what it seems. The what class you are talking about. This big imperialisms, e.g., China and the inconvenient fact was pointed out US, have already forced the EU to forcibly by one delegate to the Brussels concede so-called Mutual Recognition free trade congress – a certain Karl Agreements which eliminate routine Marx. His conclusion was that free trade border checks. Following a ‘hard’ Brexit, deals should be supported pragmatically Britain would not have the clout to by socialists. But only because they The rise of Trump represents a political negotiate such bi-lateral arrangements. usually help capitalism spread, backlash by sectors of traditional US Exactly what sort of post-Brexit thereby, creating more revolutionary capitalism which lack the technological arrangement best protects workers? proletarians. superiority of the Amazons and Apples, Labour proposes negotiating ‘a’ new Modern socialists should imbibe Marx’s and so are vulnerable to EU and Chinese customs union for physical goods – as approach to so-called free trade. We are protectionism. Hence, Trump’s new opposed to staying in ‘the’ present for it tactically because bigger markets trade wars against China and Europe. EU Customs Union. Assuming Europe are more likely to lead to economic Here’s the political contradiction. Once accepts, this would leave existing expansion, more jobs and a stronger you start global trade conflicts, they do cross-border supply chains tariff free, proletariat. Eliminating protective not end in greater free trade. Instead, protecting British jobs. Of course, barriers also undermines the power of tit-for-tat protectionist measures lead the phrase ‘a’ customs union is pure domestic monopolists, strengthening to a complete breakdown in the global sophistry. The rebranding would allow the leverage of the local working class. market, the emergence of regional Labour to say it had left the EU without But this general approach has to be blocs under the hegemony of individual changing anything as far as the British applied in the light of given economic imperialisms; and ultimately to military and German industrial bourgeoisie were circumstances and a given balance of clashes. This was the pattern in the run concerned. It would also mean that 4 - ScottishLeftReview Issue 108 November/December 2018 Britain would continue to apply common all know, 62% of folk voted ‘remain’ In this revolutionary sense alone, to EU tariffs against the rest of the world. north of the border, seeing Europe paraphrase Marx, I am in favour of free So Britain would be forced to follow as a counterweight to the Tory trade. the line laid down by Franco-German government in London. It is incumbent George Kerevan is a member of the imperialism in future global trade on all socialists in Scotland to respect executive of SNP Socialists and former disputes. That’s a poisoned chalice. that decision, even if Britain quits SNP MP for East Lothian (2015-2017). the EU. And that is why the SNP However, Labour would stay outside of Scottish Government has been arguing the Single Market because - in common Cover: consistently since the publication of its with the Tory Brexiteers – it wants an Nadia Lucchesi Brexit White Paper in December 2016 end to free movement of people. The ([email protected]) that Scotland should have a bespoke Labour leadership, thereby, capitulates solution even while remaining inside Proofing services: to the prejudices of the most backward Britain, namely, that Scotland should John Wood and John Daly and racist sections of the working class stay inside the Single Market, even if and petty bourgeoisie. Unfortunately, Communications and England remains outside. There is no on the continent, elements of Die Linke organisational development: technical barrier to this. Scotland and and France Insoumise take the same England would remain a free trade Carole Ewart line as Labour against free movement. area with a common external tariff. This plays directly into the hands of the Editor Email: Goods passing from England through anti-immigrant, extreme right which is Gregor Gall Scotland to an EU jurisdiction (either gathering force throughout Europe. [email protected] as entities or incorporated into Scottish There is an obvious progressive manufactures) would be liable to Web: www.scottishleftreview.org alternative: for post-Brexit Britain any European taxes. But the Scottish Tel: 0141 424 0042 to remain inside the Single Market authorities would take responsibility for Address: through membership - alongside collecting these tariffs and passing the social democratic Norway - of the money to Brussels (i.e. the Norwegian Scottish Left Review, European Economic Area (EEA). The model). 14 West Campbell Street, EEA encompasses the free movement Glasgow G2 6RX Simultaneous Northern Ireland of goods, services, capital and people membership of the Single Market via across the EU and other partner states. Printed by the EEA would eliminate the border It is a free trade area but – crucially Hampden Advertising Ltd, question both with the EU and Britain. – not a customs union. Norway is, 403 Hillington Road, G52 4BL, In fact, it is difficult to see any other thus, free to have different trade Tel: 0141 429 1010 practical alternative short of Irish arrangements with nations outside the reunification. However, EEA. The trick is that goods transiting I remain ever sceptical Norway from the outside world into the of the Tories or Labour EU are taxed by the Norwegians and the recognising the national money passed on. democratic demands If Britain was a post-Brexit member of Scotland and of the EEA, physical goods would flow Northern Ireland, in freely between it and the EU, preserving respect of maintaining just-in-time supply chains and the jobs internationalist links dependent on them. It would also with Europe. eliminate the return of a hard border Of course, the present between Northern Ireland and Eire. Free EU treaties are aimed at movement of people would remain, defending a protected though it is perfectly possible within the space for European rules (as applied by Switzerland, and capitalist exploitation. EAA member) to insist that European But creating a socialist immigrants prove they have paid Europe will not be employment inside a minimum time advanced by dismantling period. EEA members handle trade the existing, collective disputes with the EU via a special social and democratic independent court, not the European gains achieved by the Court of Justice. Britain inside the EEA European workers would even recover unilateral control movement through over its farming and fishing grounds. The the EU. That is why only barrier to this progressive solution free movement must is Labour and Tory hatred of free be defended. And why movement – a position aimed at dividing I, as a socialist, am the European working class. committed to keeping And this brings us to Scotland. As we Scotland inside the EEA.

5 - ScottishLeftReview Issue 108 November/December 2018 Brexit still represents an opportunity Jim Sillars say capital rules the roost in the EU so the only way is out n requesting views on preferred A 10% tariff, resulting in a revenue fall Lancaster House speech with it red options ‘after Britain has left the of 12.4bn euros (-18%), with 550,000 lines, to the Chequers stitch up, the IEU’, the editor has almost asked for fewer units sold in Britain, causing Government has a different definition the impossible as no one knows what 18,000 jobs to go. But economic logic of ‘leave’ than those of us who voted Brexit will mean until a deal is struck and the EU do not go together. There ‘leave’. It looks like we are heading to and we can study the details. If the is for the Commission a bigger agenda. be no longer legally in membership Prime Minister and the EU continue of the EU on 29 March next year, As the Commission has shown in the on the present path of so-called but still in the customs union, single handling of the euro zone, it gives negotiations, Britain will effectively market, and under the jurisdiction more weight to its political ambition remain in on the worst possible of the EU, with EU access to our of ever greater integration than to the terms – subject to EU rules without a fishing waters not clear, providing not economics. It has applied the same say in how they are made. Nothing, only a whopping £39bn pounds, but principle to British-EU trade relations. therefore, will change. Those of us continuing to pay over a proportion The Commission has a need to punish who voted Leave were clear. Out of of our VAT proceeds to the EU budget Britain for leaving as a warning to the customs union and single market, other member states, because if during a prolonged transitional period. no further contributions to the EU others take the British road then the How a British Government can lay budget, out of the Common Fisheries objective of finally creating a United £39bn on the table and be unable Policy and Common Agriculture Policy, States of Europe, a single state, will to make ‘leave’ mean ‘leave’ on the no longer subject to the jurisdiction vanish. definition the majority voted for, is of the European Court of Justice; and something of a wonder; something able to strike free trade deals with The euro zone was a giant step countries outside the EU bloc. towards that ambition, because to that should destroy the Tory party’s make it work it requires political self -declared claim to competence. I never met anyone on the ‘leave’ and fiscal union; and no matter its So, given the uncertainty about the side who, on the hard facts, thought inherent flaws without that union, and eventual outcome of what are called other than that a sensible trade deal the severe punishment dealt out to negotiations but have in reality been would emerge from negotiations. One the peoples of Greece, Portugal and an EU blocking, tackling and dictating of those facts is the trade surplus of Spain due to those flaws, it has been the agenda, it is only possible to £68bn in favour of the EU, showing kept in place – a triumph of politics speculate between the two scenarios how important the British market is over economics, still the forcing agent seemingly considered by the Cabinet to exporters in key EU states such as of that final piece of the integration – Chequers and WTO, and within the Germany, France, Italy, Netherlands jigsaw that remains the Brussels former the future of Scottish fishing and Denmark. Another was underlined ambition. waters. The lead EU negotiator has by the Deloitte study of the effects a talked of continued EU access in any British departure on WTO terms would As we have moved from the Prime deal. Would a Tory Government accept have on the German vehicle industry. Minister’s ‘Brexit means Brexit,’ to her that, given the number of Scottish Tory MPs whose constituencies are in fishing areas? Never mind them, would the Scots? Before looking at these options, let me re-state the reasons why I voted Leave. Away back in 1972, before Britain entered the EEC, at a special Labour conference, I denounced the Treaty of Rome as the ethic of capitalism, and I have been proved right as the EEC evolved into the EU. The Laval and Viking judgements by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) are one point of proof. Both cases posed a conflict of interest between capital and labour. In both the ECJ, properly in my view, applied the EU treaties which enshrine the rights of capital, and said that capital’s rights to move at will within the EU trumped any workers’ rights to stop it. Properly? Yes, in law, as there is nothing in the EU treaties, which are the basis of EU law, that make labour 6 - ScottishLeftReview Issue 108 November/December 2018 even equal to capital. Both can move capital in the EU treaties, it is logical hostile to independence. Moreover, freely, but that gives capital the whip for the CBI to back the Chequers Brussels has come down firmly against hand as Laval and Viking showed. position, which will continue the rule Scotland having a seamless entry to of the ECJ and its pro-capital and the EU, with the Spanish veto always The second point concerns the fears anti-labour precedents. For the rest available to prevent a precedent that often expressed on the left that out of us, it is a different matter. Britain would give Catalonia a case for its of the EU, Britain will see a massive will be of, but not in the rule making independence. attack on workers’ rights by an illiberal of the EU. The worst possible outcome Tory government; and that, therefore, Take the EU out of that triangle of to joke negotiations; with money sticking with the EU one way or the power, and it will be much easier to continuing to flow to Brussels instead other, is the best defence workers deploy a case for independence when of into our public services. A vassal will have. The fact is on rights like only our relations with the rest of state. paid holidays, maternal and paternal Britain at stake. leave, British standards - introduced Chequers and the Irish border is a Jim Sillars is a former Labour and SNP by different governments - are above false problem, and the idea that MP the EU minimum. But more important Britain must stay in the customs union is the question of who, in defence and single market to solve it, equally of capital in the form of French and false. A ‘hard border’ already exists German banks, tore up workers’ rights, in respect of fuel duty, excise duties, and imposed the sale of national VAT, taxation and currency, without EDITORIAL COMMITTEE assets on the peoples of Greece, effect on the Good Friday Agreement, Bill Bonnar Bill Ramsay Portugal and Spain? The EU - that’s which is not about trade but managing Cat Boyd Lilian Macer relations between the nationalist who. The workers in those countries Sarah Collins Gordon Morgan were then forced to use their ‘right’ and unionist communities. If trade of free movement to find work between Switzerland and the EU states Moira Craig Tommy Sheppard elsewhere, at low wages. can flow freely, then the same can be Sean Duffy Dave Sherry done in Ireland where the volume of Carole Ewart Stephen Smellie Out of the EU, we in Britain trade is much lower. Over 2.4m people can campaign and evict a Tory Gregor Gall Chris Stephens cross the Swiss-EU every year; 23,000 Editor Maggie Chapman government, whereas in Greece and lorries cross it every day. Switzerland Portugal, for example, a change of exports 56% of its goods and services Pat Kelly Bob Thomson government has not meant lifting to the EU. It is not in the customs Convener Vice Convener the yoke of the Troika, until the union, yet the traffic flows easily. governments have fully submitted to the Commission in Brussels. A A World Trade Commission we cannot evict. Britain Organisation (WTO) rules Scottish Left Review has no written constitution and this Brexit is not cliff-edge. It The Scottish Left Review is a non-profit making publication. gives capital supreme rights over is a known system, being Please subscribe or make a donation by going to www. labour, as do the treaties and ECJ the one used for Britain’s scottishleftreview.org where you can pay by credit card judgements in the EU. Throughout trade of £342bn with or by filling in your details in the form below and returning our history, there has been a struggle the rest of the world. to Scottish Left Review, 741 Shields Road, Pollokshields, between capital and labour, and The same one EU states Glasgow G41 4PL labour through political and industrial use to trade with the action has been able to recoup its rest of the world. In the Name losses and win significant victories: all WTO system, EU tariff because, unlike the EU treaties, the barriers, except on cars Address rights of capital are not entrenched in and agriculture, are low law. at around 3%-4%. As the British pound has been This is where the Corbyn-McDonnell devalued by at least Labour leadership has me puzzled. It 15%, they will prove no Tel: is sensibly preparing for an onslaught punishing barrier. by international capital the day it On Scottish E-mail: takes office. Yet, if Britain remains independence, not subject to the rules of the EU, it unusually, Nicola Subscription/Donation will be powerless in the face of Sturgeon has got the that organisation’s assertion of the wrong end of the EU absolute right of capital over any Date: stick. My vote for ‘leave’ 208 legislation that curbs its powers, or was strategic: it takes the Subscriptions: £18 (waged), £14 (unwaged), £24 (local gives labour advantages. That the EU out of the triangle organisations), £30 (national organisations). Labour left wishes to stick with an of power between Donations will be gratefully recieved. Cheques should be organisation that gives capital pre- Edinburgh, London and crossed and made payable to: Left Review Scotland Ltd. eminence is a wonder to behold. Brussels that existed in You can also subscribe/donate online at www.scottishleftreview.org Given that fundamental advantage to 2014, with the latter two

7 - ScottishLeftReview Issue 108 November/December 2018 Tory Party implodes as Brexit explodes Neil Findlay articulates Labour’s position he next few weeks and months will see the culmination of a Tforty-year civil war amongst Tories. From the days of Heath taking us into the Common Market, Thatcher signing the Single European Act, Major the Maastricht treaty and Cameron’s referendum dilemma, each has faced a hostile onslaught of criticism from the within their own ranks - Enoch Powell, Teddy Taylor and David Davis immediately spring to mind, all buoyed and sustained by a romantic and All through this process, Labour has The Tory zoomers will never support outdated notion of British nationalism called it right - suggesting and winning ‘Chequers’ and have said so, and Labour where Britannia still rules the waves. the argument for a transition period, will reject the deal - any Labour MP For many Tory zealots, the EU and suggesting and winning the argument who considers voting to support May’s hatred of it is part of the reasons why for a ‘meaningful vote’, and advancing position really must examine their they got into politics. Their vision is and winning the public argument for a conscience, and be held to account for one of a deregulated, ultra free market customs union. Keir Starmer and Jeremy their actions. world where corporations and capital Corbyn set out six tests Labour will apply In Scotland, the SNP is using Brexit as can do what they like with no pesky to any deal: both leverage to advance independence interference from Government or any 1) produce a strong collaborative and to distract attention from its other meddling institution. To hell with relationship with the EU, where we dreadful stewardship of our public workers’ rights, consumer protection or work with our friends and colleagues services. It’s had numerous positions environmental cooperation - why that’s in countries across the continent to over the last 2 years including joining just communism by another name! improve the lives of working people; the Euro, joining EFTA, the EEA, re- For the Tory far right, this is their big 2) secure the benefits of the single joining the EU, the single market and chance and it won’t come again. It is all market and customs union, customs union membership and now a or nothing - all the chips are in in this protecting jobs, building a prosperous second referendum. If Brexit has taught insane game of chance. The stakes are future for Scottish businesses and us anything then it is the uncertainty huge. their workforce; and economic consequences of Meanwhile in our communities people 3) have a fair and transparent withdrawing from any political union is worry about their jobs, they worry immigration system - ending the complex, time-consuming and riddled about whether the NHS will cope, exploitation of workers wherever with problems. So, surely withdrawing whether their child’s school has enough they come from; from a 300 year old arrangement teachers and how they will pay the bills 4) maintain all rights and protections and a market four times the value to at the end of the month. Of course, enjoyed by people currently - Scotland than that of EU would be there are none of these worries for Boris including rights over employment, many times as seismic as leaving a De Pfeffel Johnson or Jacob Rees Mogg. health and safety, the environment 40 year old institution. And now that Imagine taking these two for a pint with etc; SNP MPs will support a second EU your mates - I suspect you wouldn’t referendum, Sturgeon must commit to 5) protect our national security - and have them as mates afterwards! They the same if there was ever a time that have a system of cross border are two of the most excruciating political independence was again proposed. Or policing to ensure that dangerous frauds I have ever had the displeasure is the case that a second referendum is and organised crime is tackled to observe. It’s not their inherited only on the cards when Sturgeon loses? internationally; and millions that are at stake. They won’t So the next few weeks and months need to wait weeks on a Universal 6) protect Scotland’s interests at all will be tumultuous. We could see a Credit payment to settle their bills. Their times. deal (very unlikely), we could see a private school fees will still be paid. As it stands, Theresa May’s shambolic Government defeat in the meaningful As manufacturing workers and NHS negotiations exemplified by her vote in the Commons (highly likely), patients amongst many, many others humiliation at Salzburg and failure to we could see a second EU referendum hold their collective breath, these two find a solution to the crucial Irish border (possible) and we might see a new PM balloons jockey for position to be the far question delivers a score of zero out (probable). I hope and pray we see a right candidate when May is despatched of six. Whilst only a fool would predict general election. as inevitably she will. Johnson did not what will happen over the next few resign over a disagreement over policy weeks, it appears she is heading for Neil Findlay is a Labour MSP for the - he resigned for one reason, namely, to defeat. The DUP have set out their red, Lothians and the Brexit spokesperson for challenge May for the top job. or maybe that should be orange, lines. Scottish Labour 8 - ScottishLeftReview Issue 108 November/December 2018 Against Brexit and for a ratification referendum Molly Scott Cato makes the case for stopping a disaster by having a ‘People’s Vote’ rexit means Brexit’ declared of the 1% or a disaster capitalist looking British exports to the EU will suffer and Theresa May. Though what to benefit from a crisis. imports from the EU will become more exactly Brexit means depends, expensive. ‘B Britain’s trade with the EU accounts of course, on who you speak to. What for 44% of this country’s exports and And the Westminster government is clear is that there is no version 53% of its imports so any disruption already knew all this before the which commands majority support in will put jobs and livelihoods at risk. referendum. In 2014, it published Parliament, let alone any version that is There has been a steady succession ‘the most extensive analysis ever feasible. Theresa May’s ‘Chequers Plan’ of industries and businesses warning undertaken of the UK’s relationship with is effectively dead, though it barely ever that Brexit also means their exit from the EU’. This Balance of Competences saw the light of day. The plan is loathed Britain. Some have already walked. report concluded that membership by most within her own party, opposed Lloyds of London has begun the process of the single market resulted in the by Labour and declared unworkable by of morphing into Lloyds of Brussels and GDP of both the EU and Britain being the EU. Aviva is moving to Dublin. Love it or ‘appreciably greater than they otherwise Then there are various far-right versions loathe it, insurance represents a huge would be’ and that ‘integration has of Brexit, but all share something in proportion of our services exports. brought … appreciable economic common. They are all being promoted Then there are corporate giants such benefits’. by powerful and secretive organisations as Airbus, who have said they could The result of the EU referendum has best described as the Brexit syndicate. leave the country if Britain leaves the also been seriously undermined by All want to usher in new ‘free trade’ single market and customs union, and law breaking. The official ‘Vote Leave’ treaties - whether this be a ‘Canada car manufacturers like Honda, warning campaign was fined £61,000 and plus’ model, or a ‘no-deal WTO’ (World about severe disruption to their ‘just-in- reported to the police afterevidence Trade Organisation) scenario - that time’ supply chains. But at the other end emerged of illegal coordination with would rip up the standards, protections of the spectrum too, farming businesses another campaign group, ‘BeLeave’. and rights the EU has brought us over could be devastated. A recent report Meanwhile, the unofficial ‘Leave.EU’ the past four decades. And all seek to concluded that a ‘no-deal’ or WTO campaign, headed up by Nigel Farage, rewrite the rules of global capitalism rules Brexit would impact on Cornwall was fined £70,000 overmultiple in favour of the 1%. The powerful more adversely than any other region breaches of electoral law. All this has led lobby group, the European Research in Britain, due to the high proportion of to a crisis in our political and democratic Group (ERG) chaired by Jacob Rees- EU exports in highly vulnerable sectors, system. But rather than address these Mogg, is one such organisation. Its particularly with food and live animals, problems, proponents of Brexit have hard Brexit demands were described accounting for 90% of exports to the deflected a crisis of their own making by Conservative MP Nicky Morgan as a‘ EU, and with material manufactures, onto others. They blame those who ransom note’. accounting for 69%. voted ‘remain’, accusing them of ‘talking So, a referendum that was meant to heal But it’s not just businesses sounding down Great Britain’. Then they blame divisions inside the Conservative Party the alarm bell. A stream of studies, the EU for lack of respect or failing to over Europe has only exacerbated them including the government’s own impact come up with alternative plans. Or if further. The party has now descended analyses, have indicated that Brexit none of that is convincing, they turn into bitter in-fighting and chaos. Our would be a disaster for the economy it back on the electorate, pointing out country has been left ungoverned by the and employment. All reach similar that they are just fulfilling the will of the ungovernable. Neither does Brexit make conclusions: any Brexit option will people, however tough that may be. any economic sense, unless you are part impede Britain’s trade with the EU; And that brings us to the ‘People’s Vote’. Two years on from ‘Brexit means Brexit’, parliament is in political paralysis and the idea of a vote on the final deal between the Britain and the EU has been gaining increased cross-party as well as public support. Last weekend some 650,000 marched in support of the ‘People’s Vote’, the biggest London demo since the 2003 Stop the War march, when a million people protested against the Iraq war. This movement is now looking unstoppable and the rate at which it has grown is breath-taking. A

9 - ScottishLeftReview Issue 108 November/December 2018 similar march in June attracted 100,000, its plans for public ownership. But A ‘People’s Vote’ offers not just an which was considered a huge success Corbyn needs to listen to leading law opportunity to extricate ourselves given that at the beginning of the year experts on the matter. from an impending disaster. It also the campaign was still in embryonic offers – indeed, it must offer - a chance A legal assessment of 26 of Labour’s form. to fashion a new vision for a Europe economic proposals found the effect based on the principles of social, of EU or Single Market membership economic and environmental justice. to be negligible. The authors noted Above all else, the vote to leave the EU Britain would have to more than triple was an expression of discontentment; the amount it spends on state aid to of alienation; of feeling left out and even match the proportion of GDP left behind. No wonder those regions which Germany spends on subsidising most affected by austerity, poverty and its public companies. And, of course, inequality jumped at the promise to French railways and German municipal ‘take back control.’ energy are examples of exactly what Labour wants to do in terms of public A ‘People’s Vote’ which simply offers a ownership. return to the status quo simply won’t do. It needs also to offer political Alongside growing public support for and constitutional reform. This must the ‘People’s Vote’, leaving the EU can include self-determination, which is no longer be considered ‘the will of the why the Scottish Greens want to see people’. Demographic changes, - where an independent Scotland in the EU, many more pro-European young people allowing the nation to collaborate with have now reached voting age – along other European countries on equal with many who have changed their terms. minds since the referendum, means Political parties have found it difficult remaining in the EU now commands Democracy did not end on the 23 June to keep up but have now begun to majority support. Of course, to the 2016. So much more is now known move. The Greens and Lib Dems have people of Scotland, leaving the EU has and understood about the EU and our long backed the idea of a vote on the never been ‘the will of the people’ relationship with it, and about the final deal. Indeed, it was the Green and they are being dragged into Brexit corruption that was central to the ‘leave’ Party of England and Wales that first against their will. campaigns. People have a democratic right to demand a further opportunity to put forward the idea of a ‘ratification But is such a vote feasible? The Article decide whether the reality of Brexit, as referendum’ which has since developed 50 letter notified the EU of our intention opposed to broken promises, is actually into the ‘People’s Vote’. Both the Green to leave, but Britain is still a member what they wanted – or, whether their Party of England and Wales and the state, so has the right to withdraw the interests are best served by remaining in Scottish Greens confirmed their backing letter. As to government legislation for a the EU. It’s time to let the people decide for a ‘People’s Vote’ at their autumn new vote, the ‘People’s Vote’ campaign the best way forward. conferences. The Scottish National Party, believes there are currently at least six with the third largest bloc of members plausible parliamentary routes. And the Molly Scott Cato is Green MEP for the at Westminster, also passed a motion EU has made clear – despite the trouble South West of England and Gibraltar. at its autumn conference, pledging its and expense Britain has caused – it She is also a professor at the University MPs to vote for a new referendum if would be happy to extend the Article 50 of Roehampton. that choice is put to Parliament. Even timetable to allow for a ‘People’s Vote’ Theresa May, who has consistently to take place. refused to countenance the idea of a further referendum, was forced to address the issue in her conference speech, faced as she is with a growing number of her own MPs calling for the second vote. But what of Labour, the Party that is most able to make this happen? At their conference in September, the opposition Labour Party passed a motion which agreed to ‘all options remaining on the table, including campaigning for a public vote’. Such a move was driven by members, 9 in every 10 of who support a ‘People’s Vote’. But Labour’s leadership is still reluctant to back such a vote. Corbyn seems to regard the EU as a bosses’ charter, out to wreck Labour’s economic programme, and specifically 10 - ScottishLeftReview Issue 108 November/December 2018 Demanding what was promised Mick Whelan lays out why his union supported Brexit and what it expects from the negotiations SLEF backed Brexit – the At the heart of our objections to the the EU and the US. It was, and is, campaign to leave the European European Union were a couple of unnecessary, as the EU and US already AUnion – in the referendum in proposals which we knew would be enjoy strong trade and investment Britain in 2016. Not because we wanted bad for Britain, in general, and bad relationships, with tariffs at minimal to stand shoulder to shoulder with Nigel for the railways, in particular – the levels. So why were – and are – some Farage – a man memorably described by European Commission’s Fourth Railway companies so keen to see this new deal The Economist as ‘a saloon bar bore’ and Package and the Transatlantic Trade and signed? Because the aim was to remove with whom we had, and have, nothing Investment Partnership (TTIP) with the barriers which restrict the profits in common, politically, industrially, or United States. transnational corporations can make. ideologically. Instead it was because we The Fourth Railway Package is a The problem, of course, is that what believe the EU has become a rich man’s controversial set of proposals which global corporations perceive as barriers club which offers plenty for the boss would foist the British model of rail include vital regulations protecting our class – for the neo-liberals whose siren privatisation on the rest of Europe. Now labour rights, food safety and banking calls echo around the corridors of power we know that privatisation does not safeguards. It might be handy for a in the capitals of Europe – but very little work. It’s not the right model for Britain profit-hungry corporation if it didn’t for the ordinary hard-working men and and it’s not the right model for Europe. have to comply with pesky social and women trying to earn a living in this But this package, which despite the environmental regulations – many conservative age of austerity. reservations of many MEPs, and protests cheerfully admit they would like to I’ll be frank. We didn’t realise that from rail workers across the continent, live in a free market Wild West – but the Tory government was going to is the one the neo-liberal ideologues at it would not be very good for the rest make such a horse’s arse of leaving the heart of the EU are determined to of us. TTIP appeared to wither away the European Union. I was a district foist on people whether they want it or – first there were problems in the organiser for ASLEF before I became not. It will turn what we see, and is still European Parliament and then Donald general secretary, and I know that our seen in many European countries, as a Trump seemed to prefer to pursue his eight full-time divisional organisers, and public service into an opportunity for a aggressive America First policy – but our company council reps, are much, few firms to plunder a private profit. there are signs that this zombie deal has much better negotiators than the risible been, rather quietly, resurrected behind Because privatisation has not worked, lightweights Theresa May has sent to the scenes. does not work, and will not work in try and do the business in Brussels. And, what is – like other public services, Britain’s public health and education while I know that she was a ‘remain’ such as the provision of gas, water, sectors have suffered gradual supporter during the referendum electricity and the Royal Mail – a natural privatisation – under, sadly, ‘new’ campaign she did, famously, say ‘Brexit monopoly. The model is broken and is Labour as well as the Conservative-led means Brexit, and we will make a selling Britain – passengers, taxpayers, coalition and now the Tory government success of it’ when she succeeded David and those of who work on the railway – of May – and TTIP or TTIP2 or whatever Cameron as Prime Minister. woefully short. In the last 20-odd years, else the bureaucrats in Brussels might Now there were cynics who suggested since John Major privatised our industry like to call it would only accelerate this that ‘Brexit means Brexit’ was one of the in the 1990s – a privatisation, more fabulously fatuous remarks of the incidentally, which even that twenty first century. But many of us took arch-privateer Margaret it to mean that there was no going back, Thatcher described as and that May would be able to do a deal ‘a privatisation too that was good for Britain. That, after all, far’ – we have seen was the promise she made. our rolling stock get older, our But it doesn’t look, right now, as if she trains get more will be able to do a deal at all. And crowded, and any deal which she does put before our fares go Parliament – or, if some people get right through their way, the British people in another the roof. We referendum – looks as if it will fall far now have short of what Boris Johnson, Liam Fox, the highest David Davis – so memorably lampooned passenger fares by Duncan Wisbey on Radio 4’s Dead in Western Europe. Ringers as hapless Brexit Bulldog – and Why? Because of the other Brexiteers cheerfully promised privatisation! during the referendum campaign just two years ago. £350 million – remember TTIP was a free trade the Boris bus promise – for the NHS, and investment treaty being anyone? negotiated, in secret, between

11 - ScottishLeftReview Issue 108 November/December 2018 transformation of our public services less democratic here in Britain as we temporary exceptions but has indicated into privately-run sectors. For those who would still be bound by EU directives that it is highly unlikely that these would want to make a private profit at public without having a voice around the not be granted to Britain. As we prepare expense. table as they are drawn up. Norway, to leave the European Union on 29 for example, a country often touted As the aim of Brexit was – and, I hope, March 2019 we need to ensure that the as a possible template for Brexit, still is – to take back control of our terms on which we leave – whatever the incorporates single market rules as they deal, or no deal, and however it is sold destiny it would be totally wrong to sell are made in Brussels and Strasbourg. the people – and the public sector – out to us by Noel Edmonds, Theresa May, And we should remember that the or Boris Johnson – does not leave us to the EU or the US. We do not want a Norwegian government’s recent Outside in a worse position than we are at the Brexit deal with the European Union – and Inside Report concluded that, moment - because that wasn’t what we or any deals with other countries after through its single market membership, voted for. Brexit – which would make it easier Norway is three-quarters integrated for companies to source goods and into the EU compared to a typical EU Mick Whelan spent 34 years on the services from countries, such as the member country. railways, and all as an active trade United States, where labour standards And state aid – or any kind of unionist. Elected general secretary of are lower, or to eradicate workers’ ASLEF, the train drivers’ union, in 2011, rights, such as collective bargaining and preferential treatment designed to protect or promote specific companies he became chair of the Trade Union our right to organise, on the grounds or strategic industries, such as steel, for and Labour Party Liaison Organisation, that they restrict a company’s business example, whether in the private or the which co-ordinates the activities of the model and its profit margins. public sector – is banned as a distortion 12 affiliated unions, in 2016; and was Remaining in the single market would of competition under Article 107. The EU elected to Labour’s national executive make our decision-making process even Commission may grant very limited or committee in 2017.

Report from sixth annual Jimmy Reid Memorial lecture A successful lecture was held on Thursday 27 September in the Banqueting Hall of the City Chambers in Glasgow with Frances O’Grady, General Secretary of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) speaking on ‘A Future after Brexit? Unions and the Scandinavian model of social democracy’. Introduced by Lynn Henderson, current president of the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) and vice chair of the Foundation, some 180 people were in attendance. Lord Provost of Glasgow, Eva Bolander, welcomed all to the City Chambers. The Jimmy Reid Foundation wishes to thank Glasgow City Council for facilitating the lecture and the numerous unions, trade union solicitors and other progressive organisations for sponsoring the published programme of the lecture. The full text of Frances’ lecture can be found here: http://reidfoundation.org/2018/09/text-of-frances-ogradys-annual-jimmy-reid-foundation- memorial-lecture-27-sept-2018/

The full text of Lynn’s introduction can be found here:

https://daughterofrosa.wordpress.com/2018/09/28/introducing-frances-ogrady/

The video of Lynn’s introduction and Frances’ lecture can be found here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_AbNMNtMmM&feature=youtu.be

12 - ScottishLeftReview Issue 108 November/December 2018 Bordering on the insane: against borders and Brexit Steven Agnew argues that only avoiding Brexit can resolve the border issue in Ireland

t’s now been around 850 days since about degrees of harm. As Greens, as a It is utterly irresponsible of the British the EU referendum and there is still cross community party, we see that any government insist on leaving the Ino agreement as to what ‘no hard hard border will result in hardship in customs union in the full knowledge that border’ means in practice. And yet, the Northern Ireland. a ‘hard’ border will be the inevitable Brexiteers promised us that it would consequence. Twenty years of hard won The May government is now dependent all be so simple. That, as Tory MP, peace could be put at risk and must be on the DUP in the form of their Liam Fox, infamously said: ‘the trade protected. The conflict in Ireland dates confidence and supply arrangement. I agreement that we will have to do with back over 600 years. It would be naïve can tell you that I have no confidence the European Union should be one to think that a relative peace of two of the easiest in human history’. The in what the DUP might supply. The decades is secure and there could never ‘leave’ campaign neglected to engage DUP claims that Northern Ireland’s be a return to the violence of the past. in any meaningful debate about the regulatory checks must not diverge from Do not take my word for it – listen to the Irish border during the referendum the rest of Britain. Our ‘Precious Union’ Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) campaign. is everything to the DUP and we’re Chief Constable, George Hamilton, told Belfast must not be any different when he says that the police service is Any debate around frictionless trade to Bradford, Birmingham or Battersea. ‘working 24/7 to keep a lid on it’ – the was brushed off with nonsense on Except when it comes to reproductive ‘it’ being the troubles and conflict here how Brexit would be glorious and rights for women and equal marriage for in Northern Ireland. That’s the reality Ireland would be chomping at the bit our queer citizens that is! of this particular part of the ‘Precious to similarly leave the EU, solving the Union’. So instead of denying the extent The reality is that Northern Ireland is issue. Since then, we have been told of this cluster for us here in Northern already treated differently, with agri- that technology that does not yet exist Ireland, give us a ‘People’s Vote’ to have food products transported across the will ensure frictionless trade across the the final say on any final deal. island of Ireland. Irish Sea already facing checks. The threat of a border down the Irish Sea Steven Agnew is the leader of the Green The People’s Vote campaign is a way is the Project Fear that the DUP have Party in Northern Ireland. He was to navigate our way out of a bad deal been operating since its inception. There elected as a Member of the Legislative for Britain or worse still no deal at all. should be common cause in Northern Assembly for North Down in Stormont in We all went in to the EU referendum in Ireland to ensure that we have no ‘hard’ 2011. June 2016 in a state of ignorance. No border anywhere on these islands by one knew what leaving the EU would Britain remaining in a customs union, mean. So, while those of us who voted the single market and a ‘people’s vote’ ‘remain’ may have known what we were on any final deal. voting for, we could have no idea what exactly we were voting against. The reverse is true for those who voted to leave. The momentum for a People’s Vote is growing across Britain – witness the 700,000 marching in London on 20 October. It is no surprise to us in Northern Ireland, the majority of whom voted to ‘remain’, that the Irish border issue is proving to be the stickiest of sticking points between the UK and EU 27. Yet, in Northern Ireland the traditional parties predictably view Brexit through a sectarian lens. Nationalists have argued that the impact of a ‘hard’ border in Ireland would devastate the all island economy and this would be the worst possible scenario. Unionists argued that a border down the Irish Sea will impact on our trade with the bigger Britain market and that this is the worst possible scenario. This is an argument

13 - ScottishLeftReview Issue 108 November/December 2018 Brexit: what about the workers? Jane Carolan examines the consequences of the neo-liberal EU for workers’ rights hat do you want? Do you ever followed, even after the 2007- type Brexiteers. The alternative May favour a Chequers Brexit or 2008 economic crisis. Across the EU, ‘Chequers’ proposals continue the Wa ‘no deal’ deal? Should it states weakened by the banking crisis current EU prohibitions on state aid be Canada plus or WTO rules? Another had bailouts and imposed ‘structural and comprehensive public ownership choice is another referendum, in the adjustment’, meaning privatisation, cuts of the utilities. ‘Canada plus’ and hope that a rerun will produce a different in wages, pensions, benefits and social Chequers are lose/lose options surely result from 2016. Bombarded by multiple provisions. From Ireland to Greece, for progressive politics. The least options for a future relationship with the prescription ensured destructive examined argument in relation to the Europe, it can be difficult to keep up economic and social decline. Britain EU has been on workers’ rights, where with the acronyms, never mind critically went through the same processes, labour market developments have analysing the politics behind them. albeit voluntarily. Larry Elliott (Guardian been influenced by neo-liberal thinking 19 August 2018) noted: ‘Greece has emanating from Britain. Current TUC Discussions are curiously clouded by been a colossal failure. It is a tale of discussion is focussed on maintaining selective amnesia, wiping any memory incompetence, of dogma, of needless existing protections from EU directives of debate prior to the referendum when delay and of the interests of banks being (on equality etc) and seeks to transpose left opposition to the EU was side lined put before the needs of people.’ Few on these and any future EU protections completely. The left critique, however, the Left would doubt Elliott’s analysis into British law. This ignores most recent began with the 1975 referendum. Then, could be applied to Britain, and that initiatives and the direction of travel, a coalition of the Labour left and unions the EU has been far from a source of where policies are deliberately aimed coalition was the official opposition. protection for workers here. at reducing the wage setting powers Over time the TUC solidly defended of unions in order to limit collective ‘Social Europe’ as promoting democracy, Left discussion of trading policies has agreements, increase the scope to egalitarianism and social liberalism a highly developed critique of EU undercut national sectoral agreements, while individual union contributions trade treaties such as the EU/Canada and extend the right to participate to Congress were critical from the Comprehensive Economic and Trade in collective bargaining to non-union Maastricht Treaty onward. TUC standing Agreement or Transatlantic Trade and groups. Taken in combination with the orders ensure that statements from Investment Partnership. These treaties Court of Justice of the European Union the General Council take precedence provide the freedom of capital to operate judgements, the extent to which EU over motions. Thus, critical motions in every country on its own terms, to workers’ rights have been eroded and are passed by vote of Congress but penetrate the public sector, and to degraded is well documented , as is its superseded in terms of policy. Motions secure conditions for employment centrality to the nature of the European critiqued the undemocratic and that maximises its own advantage. project. Such developments are currently unaccountable nature of EU Institutions, These treaties negate basic democratic at the centre of a wave of industrial highlighting the critical role of the processes by locking in privatisation unrest in France. European Central Bank, and lambasting and making it difficult for governments the neo-liberal economic policy to regulate in the public interest. Such Austerity Britain needs a genuinely new embedded within the EU constitution. treaties incorporate the Investor-State economic policy that seeks to repair and Indeed, in taking forward the doctrines Dispute Settlement offering corporations improve the social and industrial fabric of the free market, privatisation and significant rights to sue governments in of an increasing divided unequal society the withdrawal of the state from the private international tribunals, essentially .That policy has to break from the neo- economy, British governments has often being private courts. liberal model. In Labour’s ‘For the many, led the way. not the few’, progressive policies that Thus advantages of a ‘Canada plus’ challenge the EU’s neoliberal principles This is not only of historic interest. deal between the UK and Canada can are offered. This includes plans to No re-evaluation of these policies has only be obvious to the Boris Johnson- secure the rights of unions as proposed in the Institute of Employment Right’s Manifesto for Labour Law. That is the challenge that needs to be prioritised. Only a general election will do that. Jane Carolan was until recently a Unison NEC member, chairing the union’s Policy Development and Campaigns Committee. She represented the union on the TUC General Council and Executive Committee for a number of years. She is currently working as Scottish coordinator for the Institute of Employment Rights. She works with Radical Options for Scotland and Europe (http://radicaloptions.scot/)

14 - ScottishLeftReview Issue 108 November/December 2018 Where is Brexit heading and with what impact on independence? Kirsty Hughes shows Brexit has thrown up many more questions than answers

he October summit where a might it be to Britain-EU trade? Brexit deal �as meant to be Even if the political declaration signed off has come and gone. T (alongside the withdrawal agreement) Plans for an emergency November is more detailed than some now summit have been put on ice, with the expect, the talks are likely to take EU’s regular summit in mid-December sufficiently long that there could well now looking the most likely end point. be a change of government and change Uncertainty reigns: will there be a of tack before they conclude. And, deal and what will it look like, will unless the British government decides a deal pass at Westminster, what to go for a ‘soft’ happens if not – an election, another Brexit of staying in both the customs EU referendum, neither? Certainly, if union and single market (as a rule- there’s no deal or a deal is rejected at Westminster, there will be an intense taker – an unstable and undemocratic political crisis which will get worse if outcome), it is hard to see how there time (or 75% excluding ‘don’t knows). MPs at Westminster cannot agree on a will be frictionless Britain-EU borders. So, if there is a deal, this will be a shock way forward. Yet lack of agreement is If there aren’t frictionless borders, then to the majority of the public. Nor is any quite possible – Corbyn may not muster whatever Northern Ireland backstop is deal, however hedged about, expected a majority for a no confidence vote, agreed should come into play. If that to be one of staying in the EU’s single supporters of a second EU vote might turns out be a Britain-wide indefinite market and customs union, so it will not find a majority for that to happen. customs union plus regulatory be one that the SNP’s MPs would be expected to vote against. If there is a general election, will the divergence for Northern Ireland, the stalemate at Westminster be resolved future trade deal may never come Whether the certainty of Brexit will by an election – and in what way; and into being (unless the rest of Britain lead to a larger independence bounce will a second vote produce a ‘remain’ does end up in a separate customs than polls currently suggest remains outcome or not? Uncertainty is relationship to the EU than Northern to be seen. But SNP politicians may pervasive and is bad for the economy, Ireland). find their ‘slowly-slowly’ approach to bad for individuals (not least EU citizens If Britain and Brexit politics is independence might not fit well with in Britain and British citizens in the EU) unpredictable in the coming months, either the shock of Brexit actually while continuing political instability then so is Scottish politics. At the SNP happening, or the political turmoil and deadlock is not a recipe for good conference in early October, Nicola that will go with ‘no deal’ Brexit or the governance or good policies in the Sturgeon gave a clear message that rejection of a deal. midst of this chronic Brexit crisis. a second independence referendum Of course, it’s still possible that a If a deal does pass at Westminster may not come very quickly. She has second EU referendum could keep – perhaps not until January – then promised an outline of a route ahead Britain in the EU after all – something the Britain will, indeed, leave the once the Brexit deal is clear – although the SNP now back. And that outcome EU on 29 March 2019. But that will that may not now be until December, would certainly take away any not be the end to uncertainty, just and even then the future will not be Brexit-driven pressures for a rapid the start of a new phase. How long that clear. independence vote. But staying in will the transition period be – until A recent Survation poll suggested the EU could still be accompanied by end December 2020 or longer? Will a potential ‘Brexit bounce’ for deeper political divisions and instability a Britain-EU free trade and wider independence – with a 50:50 split on in England. Wherever Brexit goes next, relationship be negotiated successfully independence if Brexit goes ahead, and business as usual looks very unlikely in and what will it look like, and when a 52:48% majority for independence Scotland and the rest of Britain. might it be ratified? How damaging in the face of a ‘no deal’ Brexit. But Kirsty Hughes is Director of the Scottish opinion could change more quickly Centre on European Relations (https:// in the face of an intense political www.scer.scot/) crisis – with knock-on sharp, negative economic effects – if Westminster rejects a deal. YouGov polls also show that, across Britain, only a minority expect a deal to be done in time for Britain to leave in March - 62% do not expect a deal in

15 - ScottishLeftReview Issue 108 November/December 2018 Brexit, the ruling class and prospects for a left Labour government Neil Davidson warns of dangers past, present and future for Corbyn, Labour and socialists or over 200 years after 1688 Labour’s massive membership growth, future, given, for example, any Israeli political governance in England, overwhelmingly from the left, has repression of a future Palestinian then Britain, was a relatively simple put paid to that particular illusion, uprising. But this is essentially aimed at F Corbyn himself. The biggest threats to matter for British capitalism. Two but Labour has been brought to heel parties representing different wings many times before the advent of his programme lie elsewhere. of the ruling class, Tories and Whigs, ‘new’ Labour; what is different on this Second, while a calculated ambiguity would alternate in office, with different occasion is the extent of the Tory crisis. over Brexit may have allowed Labour emphasis reflecting their respective David Cameron hoped to sideline UKIP to avoid alienating ‘leave’ voters in agricultural and industrial bases, but and the Tories’ Europhobes by calling particular, capitulating over the issue of united in exercising hegemony over the a referendum - which he assumed freedom of movement, accepting that emerging working class. The crisis of ‘remain’ would win. To an even greater migration is a problem is to concede the Liberals and emergence of Labour extent than the Scottish Independence the right-wing populist case and make it at the beginning of the twentieth referendum, this was a gamble. The more difficult to resist. Third, what has century complicated the picture, in two majority of British capitalists do not been remarkable about the response ways. want to leave the EU, but are now of the CBI, and those sections of the First, although Labour in office has saddled with Brexit because of the media where the ruling class conduct always been committed to maintaining ineptitude of the politicians who serious exchanges of views (Financial capitalism, albeit in a more humane are supposed to represent them. In Times not Daily Mail), is how prepared form (above all between 1945 and other words, the Tories, main political they are to take seriously Corbyn and 1951), it has also always contained a representative of British capital for over McDonnell’s economic proposals. left, with historically varying degrees 300 years is, temporarily at least, no The danger here is that the novelty of of strength and coherence, which has longer capable of playing that role, not this situation will lead a government sought to transcend capitalism rather least because of unresolvable internal trying to avoid economic dislocation than ameliorate its worst effects. divisions and the incompetence of its to compromise with a business sector Second, the links between Labour and leading figures. looking for a realistic alternative to the the unions and wider labour movement Tories. It is precisely at moments like this that means that there were limits to how a suitably disciplined Labour Party Finally, Labour’s refusal to take the far Labour governments could go in would be expected to step into the national question seriously in either responding to capitalist demands: the breach and restore some kind of order Scotland or Ireland (at a time when neoliberal era began in the mid-1970s, ‘in the [British] national interest’. The unification is beginning to look like but the Wilson-Callaghan government leadership and mass membership of a feasible option) is to needlessly of 1974-79, anti-working class though Corbyn’s Labour are obviously unwilling deprive itself of allies. Scottish Labour’s it undoubtedly was, could not have to play this role, and many of the usual unhinged sectarian hatred of the imposed the new order; for that pressures will be brought to bear, yet SNP is partly to blame here, but no- Thatcher and the Tories were required. one expects Labout to necessarily there are four specific dangers facing support Scottish Independence or Irish Consequently, Labour governments, a potential left Labour government, all Unification – just that the Scots and usually from the moment of taking stemming from weaknesses in party’s the Irish should be able to take that office, have been subjected to own political positions. decision. Here, as always, democracy disciplinary actions, from business itself First, attempts to remove Corbyn would be an aid to radicalism. (particularly in the form of investment himself following the smears about his strikes and capital flight), international Neil Davidson lectures in sociology at entirely imaginary anti-Semite. While markets (‘runs on the pound’), the the University of Glasgow and is the this may well have been assisted by state apparatus (notably the Treasury author of numerous books like ‘Nation- elements in the British (and Israeli) but, in extremis, the security services), States: Consciousness and Competition’ security services, the main driver has geopolitical pressure from the USA and (2016); ‘We Cannot Escape History: been an alliance of Zionists wanting attacks in the predominantly right-wing States and Revolution’ (2015); and’ to make fundamental criticism of press. The advent of ‘new’ Labour Holding Fast to an Image of the Past: Israel effectively illegal and Labour made it seem as if these tactics would Explorations on Marxism and History’ right-wingers prepared to do make no longer be necessary; such was Blair (2014). any accusation to get rid of Corbyn, and Brown’s willingness to appease such is their horror at an actual left capital it appeared that a modern winger coming to power with mass alternative to the old Tory/Whig support inside the party. Corbyn alternative government might have and Momentum’s capitulation over been established. the IHRA definition of anti-semitism The ascendancy of Corbyn and will come back to haunt them in 16 - ScottishLeftReview Issue 108 November/December 2018 Making positive use of Brexit in hospitality and tourism Sarah Collins argues for using Brexit to sort out longstanding ailments on wages and conditions he TUC and many others are keen to highlight the potential Timpact that Brexit will have on workers’ rights, or the erosion thereof. In its August online briefing, the TUC noted: ‘right now, EU law protects equal pay for equal value work, pay and conditions for outsourced workers, and equal treatment for people in insecure jobs. That means bosses can’t treat anyone like a second-class citizen - including agency, part time and temporary staff. And EU law also ensures workers have the right to a voice at work’. In the same month, as the TUC published a report called identifies the tourism and hospitality is a standard entry level minimum Ending the Undercutters’ Charter sector as the one that would be wage, with some more experienced showing agency workers are being particularly hard hit by restrictions on workers earning more than double treated inequitably, there is a massive immigration into lower-skilled work. this rate. As the industry effectively still works on piece rate (i.e. per kilo/ equal pay dispute at Glasgow City The two prominent options open to bunch/tray harvested) or a system Council, and the poor conditions of the Government for attracting migrant of bonuses, the statutory minimum hospitality and tourism workers have workers in are an expanded youth wage effectively sets the floor, with been consistently exposed by the mobility scheme, and a work-permit experienced workers capable of earning Better than Zero campaign, Unite and system that channels workers into considerably higher hourly wage rates. BFAWU. specific, low-wage jobs. Already in A similar collective bargaining body sectors like tourism, EU nationals are Regardless of whether Brexit will should be set up for hospitality and not necessarily paid less per hour than be a disaster for workers’ rights tourism, particularly if young people British counterparts, but the terms in Scotland, the fact is that many are going to be encouraged to work in workers already face adversity day- and conditions under which they are Scotland from other EU countries. in and day-out – from low wages expected to work mean that many to insecure contracts and poor and British workers do not undertake these EU, or indeed British or Scots, law is overpriced accommodation. We have jobs. The STUC recently reported on not a panacea for putting workers, an understanding of what sectors treatment of workers at a hotel on migrant or otherwise, at the forefront migrant workers work in, and we know Skye staffed predominantly by EU of the industrial and labour struggle. the terms and conditions of workers nationals, where workers sleep in Whilst the floor of workers’ rights across Scotland that are suffering most staff bunks, which are scarce, or in should be defended, it is clear from from lack of empowerment in enforcing makeshift pods and caravans. For this, the daily fight to empower workers to their basic rights in these sectors. they pay the employer £50 per week. challenge their employment conditions What we need is to look at how Brexit Workers have little guarantee about that despite laws on minimum wage, can be used to enact a strategy which the length of their stay and therefore, maximum working hours or holiday promotes all workers’ class interests in will often accept whatever they are pay, employers all over the country these sectors. given, and will often be denied paid are flouting these laws even prior to holidays, sickness leave, and other Brexit. As such, focusing on Brexit as There are an estimated 150,000 EU rights that are written in statute, but the cause of workers’ rights erosion nationals in employment in Scotland, overlooked in situ. As the Director of masks the underlying and more representing nearly 6% of the the Migration Observatory has said: ‘if pervasive issues of enforcing workers’ workforce in employment in Scotland. workers can’t leave a bad job, there’s rights in an employer’s world. Instead, For EU nationals, similar to British more responsibility on government ensuring a robust collective bargaining nationals and non EU nationals, the to prevent exploitation. In theory framework, particularly in the context highest proportion are employed in this should be possible with careful of Brexit, is the best way to shore up all distribution, hotels and restaurants; monitoring and oversight, but enforcing workers’ rights and increase wages in public administration, education and labour standards is not an area where characteristically low wage and low skill health; and banking, finance and the UK has the best track record.’ sectors. insurance. Around two-thirds of all EU nationals in employment in Scotland Instead, in agriculture, the influence Sarah Collins is a policy officer at the work in these three industry sectors. of the Scottish Agricultural Wages Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) However, a Scottish Government report Board is more evident. Generally, there

17 - ScottishLeftReview Issue 108 November/December 2018 Claim of rights repudiated Bob Thomson argues Scottish Labour’s leader has ditched its policy of the Scottish people having the right to decide their own form of government

ublic and media attention on signed by every Labour and LibDem rejected the Tories for over fifty years the debacle that is Brexit meant MP who was then serving, including and ended up with Tory Governments Pthere was little attention given Gordon Brown and Alistair Darling with for the majority of that time. This was to the speech given by the Scottish the exception of the late Tam Dalyell. undoubtedly a factor in many traditional Party leader, Richard Leonard MSP, at The Claim of Right was the genesis for Labour voters switching to the SNP over this year’s Labour Party Conference in the 1997 Scottish referendum which the last ten years. Richard Leonard’s Liverpool in late September. In it, he led to the establishment of the Scottish strategy is predicated on a rejuvenated said that the Scottish Labour’s manifesto Parliament. Is Labour now repudiating radical Labour Party under Corbyn for any forthcoming Holyrood or the Claim of Right? winning a British general election; most Westminster elections would oppose a working class voters including many If this measure is adopted, it means that second referendum on independence. SNP voters support this. However, polls the official position of the Labour Party This was unqualified and at odds with consistently show Labour and the Tories is that it does not matter what Scotland Jeremy Corbyn’s position that he was neck and neck. If the Tories win the next votes for; it does not matter if Scotland against a second referendum but that if general election but are again rejected returns a majority for parties that seek a the Scottish Parliament was elected with in Scotland the clamour for a second referendum on independence whether referendum will become unstoppable. a majority with a mandate for a second in a Westminster general election or a If Labour was then to oppose a consent referendum, he would not oppose it but Holyrood election; and it does not matter motion for a referendum at Holyrood would campaign against independence if a party achieves a mandate within in that referendum preferring radical and Westminster, it would be an Scotland to seek self-determination. electoral disaster in Scotland worse than constitutional devolution for the whole That mandate could be overturned by of Britain. the 2015 general election and the 2016 whatever it is that the 92% of voters in Scottish election Leonard’s statement is a profound Britain outwith Scotland have voted for. change of Labour policy of over 30 years. Political parties must have a vision As well as being undemocratic and beyond the next election. Keir Hardie, In 1989, Labour, the Liberal Democrats, contrary to a nation’s right of self- the STUC, the Scottish churches and one of Labour’s founders, famously determination contained in the UN supported home rule for Scotland. civic Scotland agreed the Claim of Charter of Human Rights, it is also Right which asserted the sovereignty Unfortunately, Labour’s record on electorally disastrous. It could put constitutional change has been slow, of Scotland within Britain. It stated Labour together with the Conservative that the signatories ‘acknowledge the reluctant and timid on issues such as and Unionist Party in a Catalan scenario devolution, decentralisation, and a fair sovereign right of the Scottish people where there was overwhelming support to determine the form of Government voting system. It has been promising for a referendum but the Spanish to abolish the House of Lords for more best suited to their needs, and do Government stopped it by brute force hereby declare and pledge that in all than the 50 years I have been a member and the imprisonment of politicians – of the party. It has made crass mistakes our actions and deliberations their Better Together with stilts! interests shall be paramount’. The such as the botched handling of the 1979 Scotland Act, the failure to use the Claim of Right was launched at a historic Richard Leonard passionately argues full powers of the Scottish Parliament, ceremony in the General Assembly Hall that the problems and solutions for not insisting on a devo-max question in Edinburgh. I attended as Vice Chair working people are class related and in the 2014 independence referendum of the Scottish Labour Party. It was not those of national identity. He is partly right! then agreeing to the Vow which was But where supposed to offer more devolution and at what when the British party leaders panicked level those when it appeared that ‘yes’ might win. class solutions After the 2015 general election wipe-out are applied in Scotland, the 2016 Scottish Labour are for voters conference agreed on setting up a to decide constitutional convention to review all on tactical aspects of our unwritten constitution. and other Nothing has been heard of it since! considerations. Labour in Scotland will have to have Working class more than Corbynism to offer voters at solidarity does the next and future elections. not and never has ended at Bob Thomson is a past Chair and borders. Treasurer of the Scottish Labour Party Voters in Scotland have 18 - ScottishLeftReview Issue 108 November/December 2018 Facilitating fairness in post-Brexit Britain Mary Senior summaries the recommendations of the influential new report on economic justice stablished in the wake of the EU plan for good pay, good lives and a strategy to support the adoption of referendum, the Institute for Public ‘good jobs standard’, where good work new technologies, but also importantly Policy Research (IPPR) Commission enables individuals and their families to ensure that workers don’t lose out, Eon Economic Justice to contribute to society. We need a is a landmark share in the productivity gains, and are initiative to rethink economic policy pay rise, and the National Living Wage helped to retrain. There’s also a call for post-Brexit Britain. Commission should be raised to the level of the to rethink the immigration system to members came from all walks of life, voluntary Living Wage, which meets promote human dignity, prosperity and different political view points, and the cost of a decent standard of living. justice, and to give Scotland and the brought perspectives from across To help increase wages more widely, other devolved nations more control Britain. Its plan for the new economy the Commission proposes a doubling of over our immigration rules. This will was published in September 2018. collective bargaining coverage to 50% allow us to tailor immigration rules of workers by 2030, with a focus on the to suit Scotland’s economic needs, The conclusion that the economy in lowest paid sectors. Unions are key to where we benefit from overseas labour Britain is not working is hardly a surprise making a difference, and we know that in industry and our public services - to unions. Representing workers at the organised work places are healthier and including the NHS and universities. sharp end - facing casual contracts, safer, and have higher pay rates. The declining pay, bogus self-employment, We can’t just muddle on hoping for Commission proposes introducing union and a growing gap between rich the best. The Commission is very clear auto-enrolment in the gig economy, and poor - we see the casualties of that as we confront the challenges of to help provide isolated workers the our economy on a daily basis. The globalisation, technological, democratic opportunity to organise together. Commission demonstrated the state and environmental change, on top of of economic injustice in Britain, with Everyone in work should be entitled Brexit uncertainty, doing nothing will average earnings stagnating for more to rights and protections, and not keep things the same - it will only than a decade, even while economic the Commission calls for stronger make it worse. Fundamental reform growth has occurred. Nearly a million employment rights for people in can be achieved, and the Commission’s people in Britain are on zero hours insecure work, and the extension proposals would place more power contracts, young people are set to of work-related benefits to the self- with workers, provide Scotland and all be poorer than their parents, and employed. The law on employment regions of Britain with more economic the nations and regions of Britain are status and rights must be clarified levers for change, widen opportunity diverging further. and backed up by properly funded, and ensure we all benefit more fairly proactive enforcement to crack down on from economic growth and prosperity. The Commission is clear that we need employers who are flouting their legal a new deal, a fundamental reform of Mary Senior is Scotland Official of the responsibilities. the economy, a change as significant University and College Union (UCU) and as the Attlee government’s Keynesian To shine a light on inequality in the a member of the IPPR Commission on reforms of the 1940s and the Thatcher workplace, the Commission calls for Economic Justice (seewww.ippr.org/cej). government’s neo-liberal free market greater transparency on pay, and reforms. But this time we need change all firms with more than 250 that builds fairness and equity into the employees should be required economy. We’ve described it as ‘hard- to publish their pay scales. wiring’ economic justice into the way We’ve seen how gender pay gap the economy works to create a more reporting has drawn attention to equal economy that generates stronger women’s pay, but this should now growth, lower social costs and greater go further to people of different wellbeing. ethnicities. There is no silver bullet to tackle the To rethink how we balance work injustices and inequality in our economy and family and other aspects of for we need to address this in the our lives, the Commission calls for structures of our economic system. This jobs to be advertised as flexible includes in the labour market and wage by default, for ‘use-it-or-lose- bargaining; in the ownership of capital it’ parental leave to enable and and wealth; and in the governance encourage men to take part in of firms – giving workers a voice on raising children, and for more bank boards, and restricting voting rights holidays so that economic growth of temporary shareholders, so those is not just shared financially, but wielding power are committed for the in the form of time for life outside long term. work. Building on Scotland’s Fair Work The Commission’s recommendations agenda, the Commission sets out a include a ‘managed automation’ 19 - ScottishLeftReview Issue 108 November/December 2018 Preparations for the day of reckoning on independence Max Wiszniewski explains what the Scottish Independence Convention funding raising initiative is about t’s time for the Scottish independence need to happen after a referendum is to offer it the legs that it needs to get movement to build beyond its base called. On the contrary, the Scottish running faster than before. Regional and get support consistently beyond Independence Convention (SIC) is hubs for autonomous ‘Yes’ groups I like Yes Highlands and Aberdeen 50% in the polls. In the absence setting up a campaign organisation to of any formal campaign body, it’s drive popular support and show that Independence Movement (AIM) have commendable that the movement has independence is not just possible but already joined the fold with more on maintained support at its current level the best option for our country. their way. The appetite is there to get on despite a glaring media onslaught. with the work and this new campaign It is now widely accepted in the Yet, faced with the most incompetent organisation aims to sit alongside the movement that we should talk less Westminster Government for movement to offer them the front-foot about referendums and discuss generations presiding over a shambolic media handling and strategic tools it the why of independence much Brexit process and an official opposition needs to reach undecided voters across more. This is an argument that the that is (at the time of writing) lagging in Scotland. SIC presented at the Build: Bridges the polls, there has not yet been a silver to Indy conference in the Usher Hall ‘But what is the strategy?’ some people bullet that has significantly moved the last year and has now been adopted have asked. We’re going in strategy polls for us. The many broken promises as a narrative by the political parties. neutral. It’s up to the qualified people of the ‘Better Together’ campaign and The pro-independence parties have who will go through our recruitment the underwhelming deal on new powers done a good job overall in the Scottish process to work with the movement in failed to make Scotland anywhere close Parliament – they could always do developing it. It’s not for us to decide. to ‘the most powerful devolved country more but they have taken on important We do know, however, that there are in the world’ nor did it make Scotland policies like a Scottish National tens of thousands of people ready to anywhere near part of a more federal Investment Bank which is now on its work with a campaign that can make arrangement. And yet, frustratingly for way. a genuine difference to the stories many there has not been a significant of independence, contrary to the move in the polls. However, it will take more than political framing in mainstream media. It was parties to win a referendum when it There has been a debate within the interesting to read the response to our independence movement about the comes: it will take people like all of us fundraising launch by the opponents need for a campaign to make movement to persuade our friends and neighbours of independence. They reverted to the in the polls, with some believing that who are more open to independence usual call for the SNP to ‘get on with the we need another referendum campaign than ever. They might not be there yet day job’ and totally ignored that this is to change minds. This is no doubt but the hard hitting fact is that being an all-movement, all-party campaign achievable, provided there is a manifest dragged out of the EU against the will of vehicle. the Scottish people, regardless of how strategic backbone and the necessary This campaign initiative could have, preparation given to this campaign. you voted, and with every proposal for a special deal for Scotland profoundly and should have, begun a long time However, while an effective national ago (perhaps right after the 2014 rejected, it’s easy to see why people campaign is necessary, it does not referendum). It has been time- will be questioning consuming to navigate these plans for our supposed equal a campaign organisation in a genuinely relationship with the inclusive way and by consensus so rest of Britain. A silver that the entire movement can to be bullet? No, because the supported when the time comes. movement will need to Nevertheless, that time is near and with work hard to win the such variety and talent coming together, trust and support of the independence movement is poised our fellow citizens in to become a very powerful united force Scotland. – something that the well-resourced The independence opponents of independence will not be movement is growing able to ignore. all the time and is Max Wiszniewski is a voluntary becoming more organiser for the Scottish Independence organised at every level. Convention and has coordinated the The grassroots have conferences and its fundraiser (https:// kept the momentum thisisit.scot/). going since 2014 with their hearts and their heads and SIC want 20 - ScottishLeftReview Issue 108 November/December 2018 A role for unions in careers education Nick Cimini and Pete Robertson say careers advice should not be shackled to neo-liberal diktats nions are well placed to support with a neo-liberal agenda. The rhetoric their Unions in Schools initiative. career education and guidance of career management places all the This initiative includes a wide range Ufor young people. Though responsibility for dealing with change of teaching materials, videos, lesson the TUC and STUC currently have on the shoulders of individual workers, plans, etc., that are freely available initiatives of this nature, we believe not on employers. online - on topics ranging from the there is scope for a greater role for history of unions to workers’ rights If we teach young people to be unions, and that educationalists and and responsibilities. The initiative flexible, and they follow this advice, it policy makers need to renew their also provides contact details to allow may not deliver for them a good career commitment to union involvement. teachers and educationalists to invite and an economically sustainable Jeremy Corbyn recently made a similar union members into schools. More of lifestyle; it may even be setting them point when he said: ‘Children should this is required - for young people and up to be disadvantaged at work. For not only learn about … unions and students at all levels of education. example, young adults encouraged their rights at work, but should be to think that ‘flexible’ employment With the growth in non-standard fully equipped to exercise and develop contracts help them to work around employment contracts, one thing those rights’. pregnancy or intermittent absence due that young people entering into Career education and guidance are to a mental health condition can find the labour market would benefit provided in schools, colleges and themselves without maternity or sick from understanding is the different universities to support students to pay rights. employment status types: workers, make choices and plan their future. In employees and the self-employed. Employers are already actively recent years, the thinking in this field Knowledge of these categories, and involved in career education, has been dominated by a belief that the rights accrued by each, would providing speakers, opportunities for work is undergoing a transformation, support young people to make industrial visits and work experience and as a result careers are defined by informed career decisions. Labour amongst other activities. Employer chronic uncertainty. This is a partial market entrants should also be given involvement is actively encouraged truth. Eurostat data shows that opportunities to learn about pensions, by educators and policymakers. For stable and open-ended employment income tax and national insurance, example the curriculum guidance contracts still account for a great deal benefit entitlements, their rights to for schools produced by Education of employment. It is, however, younger join a union and collective bargaining. Scotland in the Career Education workers that are experiencing greater Standard (2015) makes explicit a Teachers, lecturers, career advisers insecurity. Nearly eight million young strong role for employers. Though this and policymakers need to sit people in the EU, representing almost document highlights the importance of down with unions to consider how half (43.9%) of employees aged 15 to partnership, there is no mention of a best this might be achieved. We 24, are on a temporary employment role for unions. envisage teaching unions playing an contract. important role: acting as a bridge This is not an argument for the Educators and policymakers between educationalists and the radicalisation of school pupils. Nor responsible for career education union movement and promoting is it not an argument for reducing and guidance have promoted the union initiatives in their own schools, or replacing employer involvement. notion that work is unstable and colleges and universities. There is some evidence that employer careers are fluid. This logic insists involvement can lead to positive Learning materials need adapting for that individuals should be self-reliant, outcomes for school pupils. Rather, it learners of different ages and regular flexible and learn ‘career management is an argument for a rebalancing. Both updating to reflect the changing skills’, because they cannot look to world of work. Fourteen year olds employer and employee perspectives employers to provide secure career just beginning to think about work should be represented in the pathways. Similarly, students and will not require the same provision curriculum. the unemployed are encouraged to as a final year college or university develop their ‘employability’, i.e., Unions have a history of involvement student. If unions have the know- attributes that make them desirable to in supporting lifelong education - how and experience of dealing with employers. Through being adaptable, from the colleges established for workplace rights, and educationalists skilled and co-operative they gain working people in the late nineteenth and policy makers commit to working in security in the labour market, even century to the ongoing role of learning partnership, then this can only improve if no single employer can provide a representatives in workplaces across the provision of career education and certain future. the UK. guidance to young people. These ideas are okay up to a point, but Union involvement in careers Nick Cimini is a lecturer in sociology there is growing disquiet among career education could take many forms. and Pete Robertson is a lecturer in education and guidance practitioners The TUC and STUC have already career guidance, both at Edinburgh that their work has become infused made a positive start on this through Napier University

21 - ScottishLeftReview Issue 108 November/December 2018 Labour, anti-semitism and hostile ethnocentrism Sandy Hobbs makes a plea for reassessing how we look at anti-semitism n 1993 socialist historians attachment to their particular culture not be casually equated to conducting Dorothy and E. P. Thompson and a clear statement of opposition a pogrom. Margaret Hodge’s recent were interviewed for a television to hostility towards particular cultural outburst against Corbyn shows that I tempers can be lost on both sides programme. Summing up their lives in groups. Had such a policy been explicit politics, Dorothy expressed regret that there would have been no need for the of the ‘debate’. It does not make they had underestimated the extent ‘Working Definition of Antisemitism’ Margaret Hodge an ‘anti-socialist’. to which people are willing to fight Labour has recently been pressurised Labour could benefit from a clear for their racial, ethnic, cultural and into adopting. Why would there be a policy statement on ethnicity. religious interests rather than their supposed need to come out against Attachment to one’s own ethnic roots economic ones. I suggest that this is a hostility to Jews, when there was is not incompatible with socialism but failing they share with many socialists already an explicit position which to be hostile to other ethnic groups in (including myself). applied across the board? Note too any form is. This is not only because it Reading the valuable commentaries that adopting a position on Jews is morally objectionable but because by Henry Maitles and Vince Mills seems anomalous when this has not historically it has been a barrier to (issue 107) concerning supposed been done for other groups, such as achieving goals of social justice. anti-Semitism within Labour, I was Muslims, Roma, Gypsies or Travellers, Capitalist exploiters have been harder reminded of that interview. I suggest for example. for people to identify than neighbours that the current issue of Labour with a different religion or skin colour. and anti-semitism should be looked Nineteenth century German socialists at in a broader context. Dorothy called anti-semitism ‘the socialism Thompson used four words to refer of fools’, meaning anti-semites saw to the problem, but I suggest that evils in society but mistook the causes one is sufficient, ethnic. When of those evils. International socialist socialists condemn ‘racism’, they are solidarity collapsed at the outset giving too much to the people they of the First World War. Examples are criticising. There are no human which enforce Dorothy Thompson’s ‘races’. People differ culturally and observation are legion. tend to be attached to the culture in If Labour had a clear position on which they grew up. This applies to The pro-Corbyn, non-Zionist ethnicity and racism what relevance language, religion and much else. The Jewish Labour group would this have to ‘anti-semitism’? term for this is ‘ethnocentrism’. Such The ‘Working Definition’ itself is One by-product is that it might attachment is not a problem in itself. deeply flawed, as Henry Maitles encourage socialists who criticise It is hardly a big deal if a Scotsman is argued. However, there is a more Israeli policies to make more explicit more comfortable hearing a Glasgow profound criticism of it than he that their objections are against accent than a Birmingham one. It mentions. Anti-semitism is defined policies which are racist. It also might becomes a problem when love of the as ‘a perception of Jews’ which may encourage supporters of Israel to familiar is combined with hostility be ‘expressed’ in ‘rhetorical and look more critically at that country’s to the stranger or the outsider. physical manifestations’. Referring to policies towards the Arab ethnic ‘Ethnocentric hostility’ would be a ‘a’ perception rather than perceptions minority within its borders. better term than ‘racism’. I write this plural or, as would be preferable, Maitles is surely right to expect that as a former secretary of the Glasgow words and actions, encourages the Committee Against Racism. Scotland Labour’s acceptance of the flawed idea that anti-Semitism is a ‘thing’ Working Definition will not mean the has had a problem usually labelled rather than a set of things. Shouldn’t ‘sectarianism’. I suggest it is best end of attacks on Labour on this issue. we distinguish between, for example, The party’s position would be stronger seen as a particular form of hostile saying there are too many Jews in ethnocentricism. if, instead of simply reacting to Parliament and putting Jewish people accusations, it took a proactive stance Labour in Scotland long suffered in in gas ovens? Account should also be by clarifying its position on ethnicity the past from the fact that many taken of the context in which things and ethnocentric hostility across the working class Protestants saw voting are said. Words spoken in the heat board. for Tory/Unionist candidates as a of argument might be called ‘anti- defence against Catholicism. It is Semitic’, or as I would prefer ‘show Sandy Hobbs, honorary research regrettable that Labour has not had ethnic hostility towards Jews’, but fellow, University of the West of a long-standing clear position on that does not justify labelling the Scotland and Labour Party member. ethnicity. This would have included a speaker ‘an anti-Semite’. The words clear acceptance of people’s rights to may be condemned, but they should 22 - ScottishLeftReview Issue 108 November/December 2018 Age, ageing and older people’s issues In the first of a series of articles, Bill Johnston looks the so-called troublesome demographics. a society where the majority of people Housing; Social Isolation & Loneliness; are in older age groups and this trend is Funeral Poverty; Carers; Volunteering; set to continue. At the same time, key Community Safety; Workplace Equality concepts like ‘old age’, ‘retirement’ and and the Older Workforce; Population ‘state pension age’ are being reframed Demographics. A key question will be in a public narrative shaped by a neo- whether the Framework perpetuates liberal agenda. Ageing is presented as a negative, dependency construct of entailing unsustainable pension costs older age, or introduces a positive, with equally unsustainable associated rights based ethos. health and care costs (J. Macnicol Taken together these developments (2015) Neoliberalising Old Age, should benefit our democracy and Cambridge University Press; ‘Cridland encourage social cohesion but they Report’ (2017) State Pension age raise important questions for the left: independent review: final report, DWP). i) how effectively will the Scottish Thus, state policy links retirement with Government deliver and what are the concept of pensioner dependency the barriers to change; ii) can the on economically active age groups, i.e., left develop a coherent, longer-term his is the first in a series of three the ratio of older ‘dependents’ to those position on the ageing population linked articles on the implications of working age. whilst supporting demands for Tof an ageing population for Social attitudes based on a dependency immediate improvements in areas Scottish politics and civil society. This concept of retirement and old age like health and social care; and iii) article outlines the demographic can be corrosive in policy debates, what are the most effective ways of issues, and challenges the current whilst also creating intergenerational influencing the content of the Scottish ‘dependency’ framing of retirement. tensions. The cynical manipulation Government’s proposed Older People’s Current Scottish Government of the apparent material differences Framework? These are questions for innovations are described as offering between generations creates a unions, political parties, community a platform for critical dialogue and narrative of blaming older people for groups, and opinion formers to tackle contributions from the left. Subsequent the problems of younger people and during the rest of 2018 and into 2019. articles will confront ageism and promoting the notion that the only way The period to end March 2019 is a key develop the arguments for a rights- to support the young is to penalise the one for interventions to shape Scottish based approach to ageing. Some of old. Such a distorted view of ageing Government policy on older people and the issues raised may also resonate and older people should be challenged should be used to improve provision with age-related aspects of the by commentators and activists of the for current older age groups, and lay debates over Scottish independence left as part of their opposition to neo- down a framework for the next twenty (see Craig Dalzell, The Demographics liberalism and support for equality years for current ‘younger’ age groups of Independence, 2018 edition: A and human rights. The 2017 resistance to inherit. study of polling on and since the 2014 to the May government’s strategies Bill Johnston is Chair of the Scottish referendum, Common Weal) and on pensioner winter fuel allowance, Seniors Alliance and writes in a democracy more generally. My view is ‘triple lock’ on pensions and funding personal capacity. that demographic ageing is a key issue of social care, demonstrates that for the left’s challenge to neo-liberalism such a challenge would have popular and requires a much higher profile resonance. amongst commentator’s and activists. The recent Cabinet reshuffle introduced The population of Britain has the post of Minister for Older People undergone a fundamental demographic and Equalities, currently held by Ms shift in age structure including: falling McKelvie, MSP. This is welcome and birth rates; longer life expectancy; offers greater focus and accountability increase in the average age (see within Scottish Government, the British-Irish Council (2016) Population Parliament and civil society. The Plan Ageing Society: Policy Implications; for Government 2018/19 (https://beta. ‘Foresight Report’ (2016). Future of an gov.scot/programme-for-government/) Ageing Population, Office for Science; contains a very specific commitment to and Scottish Science Advisory Council publish an Older People’s Framework (SSAC) Reaction to the UK Government by March 2019, thereby, providing an Office for Science Foresight report immediate focus for interventions. The ‘Future of an Ageing Population’). This potential scope of such a framework requires substantial changes in policy is substantial including areas such as: and practice. In effect, we are living in Transport; Adult Health and Social Care;

23 - ScottishLeftReview Issue 108 November/December 2018 Culture for the many, not the few Mike Quille explains why culture is critical to human being and how it and we can flourish ulture matters to the many, change, both personally and politically. life. We can see this not only in arts not just the few. This article is So practising and enjoying cultural institutions, but also sports clubs, social Ca contribution to the growing activities are not optional extras for us. media platforms, broadcasters, pubs and debate and campaigns on the socialist They are essential for us to develop and clubs, churches and supermarkets. left, in the labour movement and in flourish as human beings. They sustain Let’s look in more detail at some academia about culture, the cultural our health, well-being and happiness, examples of the cultural issues and struggle and cultural democracy. It and equip us to live with and liberate problems we face, which show the need covers what culture means and why it is ourselves from oppressive political for an inclusive culture policy which can so important; the links between culture, systems and exploitative economic make cultural democracy a reality in our class and politics; the general principles arrangements. lives. In sport, owners and management of a democratic and socialist approach Those are the common characteristics bodies are failing to make sport to all cultural activities; and examples of cultural activities. But class divisions accessible, affordable and enjoyable of measures which might form part of in society, based on unequal and for everyone. Ticket prices are too high a programme for a left-leaning Labour antagonistic relationships of property for working-class families to afford; government in Westminster, for national ownership, constrain or prevent the ‘light-touch’ regulatory authorities and local authorities in Scotland, Wales, full and free enjoyment of culture by are undemocratic and toothless; and England and Northern Ireland and which everyone. Cultural activities may be elite sports and sportspeople are could also form the basis for campaigns potentially liberating and essentially subsidised at the expense of school by social movement activists in the shared, socialising activities, but in sports and grassroots sports. Capitalist Labour and elsewhere. societies divided by class they are ideologies of individual excellence ‘Culture is ordinary: that is where we limited, appropriated and privatised. and competitiveness prevail in sport, must start’ said Raymond Williams. Historically, in class-divided societies like rather than its essentially social and This means culture is about much our own, tiny minorities of dominant co-operative nature. This causes regular more than the arts, including all those social classes often succeed in making scandals involving drug-taking, cheating learned human activities which give life cultural activities inaccessible, costly, and corruption. purpose, meaning and value, and which irrelevant and of poor quality. Cultural In the media, private ownership of large human beings engage in for enjoyment, activities become an instrument of swathes of the means of communication entertainment and enlightenment. political hegemony, designed to secure by gigantic corporations like Amazon, To restrict discussion of culture issues consent and co-operation through Google, Apple and Facebook prevent to a selected menu of arts-based legitimising, concealing and ignoring the us enjoying human interaction without activities is to immediately devalue on-going, systematic oppression and being watched, manipulated and and exclude the majority of cultural exploitation of working people. influenced by commercial capitalist activities, as practised by the majority So we face a cultural struggle to reclaim interests. Corporations like Sky, Netflix, of the population, from analysis and a cultural commons against the co- Disney and Fox are all dedicated to political action. Applying Williams’s option, misuse and appropriation of making profits rather than meeting insight means as well as the arts, culture cultural activities. This runs alongside human need. State-controlled media includes sport, TV and the media our economic and political struggles like the BBC, as well as commercial generally, eating and drinking, fashion for a better return for our labour, and broadcasting platforms, are designed and clothing, education, religion and for ownership and control of essential to support and legitimise the economic many other popular activities. goods and services like our schools, and political status quo, and have clearly Given this inclusive approach, what are our railways and our health service. shown themselves to be institutionally the common characteristics of cultural Neo-liberal capitalism has shown itself biased against socialist politicians, activities, and why are they so important to be incapable of providing adequate newspapers and ideas. to socialists? Fundamentally, they tend public services in these areas, and in Our daily activities of eating and to be social, unifying and egalitarian. meeting basic human material needs drinking are also cultural activities, as They tend to express and assert our fairly and equally – and neither can it well as biological necessities. We eat common humanity and solidarity against sustain cultural production, delivery and and drink in company with family and divisions of class, gender, race and consumption. The rich and powerful friends, for pleasure and to express other social fissures caused by unequal assert their economic and political and enhance our common and social economic arrangements like the domination of our lives through natures. Yet huge corporations produce capitalist system. Additionally, cultural corporate influence and control over and sell us food and drink loaded with activities such as art, music and religion cultural institutions, and through the far too much sugar, salt, and fat, and we can directly inspire and support radical co-option of elites in all areas of social are encouraged to consume unhealthy

24 - ScottishLeftReview Issue 108 November/December 2018 amounts of alcohol. Corporate as more labour-saving technology is working-class communities and profits flow from human obesity and introduced. Over time there will be provision outside London and other drunkenness. an increasing need by working-class capital cities; people for accessible, relevant cultural In the arts, the situation is not much • Increasing the representation of activities. better than when Raymond Williams working-class people in all cultural said, in a Guardian lecture in 1985: To tackle these growing problems, what institutions, especially the arts, ‘The central socialist case, in matters should be the general principles for sports, and the media, in terms of of culture is that the lives of the great building a social movement on culture content, audiences and practitioners; majority of people have been, and issues? What should political parties, • Developing and applying various still are, almost wholly disregarded by authorities and governments do so that kinds of social partnership, ownership almost all arts’. We face inaccessibility, culture works for the many, not the few? and democratic management obscurity, and vapid spectacle, and the First, accept that culture is ordinary and models to the whole range of fact that state funding is so unequal. every-day, and that it is essential and cultural institutions such as pubs, The money that comes from our taxes not marginal to working people’s lives. supermarkets, churches, arts and and our lottery tickets is overwhelmingly Both spectatorship and engagement in sports venues. focused on cultural provision in the cultural production and consumption London area, which benefits mainly All these points could also inform local are fundamental to human fulfilment the already well off, and tourists. campaigns by activists working together and flourishing, and therefore central The spectacular failure of funding to audit, challenge and transform to any progressive political programme. institutions to develop and sustain the local landscape across all cultural Second, development a more inclusive fair allocation of the massive increase activities. approach to culture if we genuinely in resources it has received from the want to transform the world for the Cultural activities tend to reflect and taxpayer and from Lottery funds over benefit of working people. Discussions serve the needs of the dominant class the last twenty odd years is truly on culture policy should cover cultural in a class-divided society such as ours. appalling. activities which matter to most working At the same time, they can also provide As Jeremy Corbyn has said: ‘There is people, and which can attract the the space to resist the status quo and a poet, author, singer, pianist, actor, support of the labour movement. overcome alienation and oppression. playwright, and artist in every single Third, develop approaches in which They can help people envision better, person’. However, for working-class communities of practitioners and fairer ways of organising our society, as people wishing to have an arts career, it audiences are empowered, through well as promoting our physical, mental is getting harder to become a musician various structures of social ownership and spiritual well-being. The Labour or actor or writer without rich relatives and democratic control, to direct manifesto of 1945 contained these to support you. And cuts and curriculum culture towards their own defined ends. words: ‘We desire to assure to our changes in education mean our children Scotland has some very good examples people full access to the great heritage are being deprived of the chance to of people working together at various of culture in this nation’. Cultural learn how to appreciate and participate forms of cultural activity – whether democracy was promised in 1945 and in artistic, sporting and other cultural learning to play a musical instrument, is long overdue. Now is the time for activities, at both primary and secondary paint, write poetry, cook, play football or Labour and for other local and national school stages. make films – for enjoyment, education political parties and authorities to adopt or the value generated by doing things new kinds of radical, democratic and Religious and other broadly spiritual in a social environment. socialist culture policies. And now is the activities are also important to many time to build a social movement through working-class people. Yet in most areas Some examples of specific proposals diverse local, grassroots campaigns of the country the valuable real estate, which flow from this approach would around the cultural issues outlined here, wealth and other material and spiritual be: involving activists and sympathisers from resources held by religious institutions • Dismantling the barriers of class, cost all the relevant cultural institutions. This are under-used. They could be better and geography that stop working is because culture matters to the many, focused on achieving the common good, people from accessing culture as not the few. and particularly for the benefit of the consumers and as practitioners; less well-off in society. Mike Quille is editor of Culture Matters • Embedding cultural education – both (https://www.culturematters.org.uk/), The Government’s politically-driven appreciation and practice – into the which promotes a socialist approach to austerity policies have led to huge national curriculum; culture. Culture Matters Co-Operative cuts in cultural facilities – libraries, also publishes books, runs arts awards, community centres, youth facilities • Reclaiming the media – newspapers, and delivers cultural education to and sports facilities, which are set online platforms, TV and radio – by unions. With thanks to members of to continue for years to come. Most reforming its funding, ownership Culture Matters Co-Operative, and scandalous of all, they have been and control and providing space various contributors to the Culture knowingly targeted at sections of society for working-class voices and truly Matters website, for their valuable which are the least well-off. diverse, community-based providers; comments and contributions to this All this is taking place against a • Massively shifting public spending article. background of a possible expansion in on the arts and sport towards more leisure time in the next few decades, support for grassroots participation,

25 - ScottishLeftReview Issue 108 November/December 2018 feedback

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BlacKkKlansman (2018) - the undercover division. During the who he suspects may be a police Writer and Director: Spike Lee division’s first task of infiltrating a officer. Covert listening devices and Reviewed by Jackie Bergson Black Panthers rally, he witnesses Stallworth’s pragmatic action save the the charismatic Tunde delivering an moment, while coincidentally almost or those of you who missed out expressly intelligent, vitalising speech revealing the sting operation itself. This on seeing BlacKkKlansman while which succeeds in changing African- palpable tension throughout the film Fit was on general release earlier American self-perceptions. Reporting contrasts with the incidental love story this year, you might like to make a point back to the police station, Stallworth between Stallworth and Black Student of catching it now on a digital format. and his detective colleagues assure their Union president, Patrice Dumas (Laura Insightful and pointedly timely, Spike Chief that no violent threat is imminent Harrier), although both situations rely Lee’s crime drama’s truth-telling quality from Black Panthers. Other more sinister upon Stallworth’s ability to reveal his bears relevance from the 1970s until KKK goings-on are, thus, given due real identity at exactly the right time: today, through both political and social priority thanks to Stallworth already perfectly judged, in-film characterisation currency. being on the case. and direction reassures. Lee famously directs dramatized Understated and assured performances Humour-drama paradoxes reflect the real-story genre films with political by Washington and Adam Driver as his real necessity of the detectives having savvy and knowing wit. Amongst his detective colleague, Flip Zimmerman, to keep their nerve under the eyes of award-winning back-catalogue of films justly reflect the actual men’s trusting, sinister and dangerous KKK idolatry. is the powerful, biographical drama, intelligent partnership. Driver’s laconic Ultimately, Stallworth, with help from Malcolm X. Narrative connections style and Washington’s confident his detective colleagues reveals both into BlacKkKlansman are represented demeanour of natural ingenuity draw the ‘great white wizard’, David Duke through such as Black Panthers founder, us into their bold world, from the (Topher Grace), and his KKK members Kwame Tunde (Corey Hawkins) whose offset to the closing stages of the film. as abusively misogynistic and absurdly main influence was reputed to be In particular, Driver’s ability to portray farcical. Wryly accurate in conveying Malcolm - real last Little. terse rage just under the surface of his terrifyingly ignorant witlessness of character is impressive in scenes such prejudice and vitriolic hate, espoused BlacKkKlansman itself is based on a true as when, as Stallworth’s white proxy, he from the inside out through the film’s story about Ron Stallworth (John David has to fall into line with his ‘fellow KKK plot medium, BlacKkKlansman on the Washington, Denzel’s son) who was members’ as they habitually espouse whole delivers thought-provoking, the first African-American police officer racist hate and vitriol. Another scene, truly edgy impact rather than a more and detective in the Colorado Springs where the infiltration detective trio blockbuster-type visceral thrill. Police Department. His journey begins rehearse so that Zimmerman’s voice and Superb matter of fact-ness; theatrical when, armed with a college degree, he dialect will be identical to Stallworth’s decides to become a police officer. This reverberates with irony and satire which support cast; a clear message at its moot point is itself fascinating because are internal and external to the film. heart about the unthinkable repeating it coincidentally – intentionally for the itself - legendary singer Harry Belafonte purpose of the film - represents his Intrinsically strategic to the film’s plot is as Judge Jerome Turner, calmly character’s schismatic value. the fact that the detectives’ infiltration describes the lynching of his friend and exposure plan could be easily to Black Panthers; a quietly divulging, Enrolled into the police department, exposed to the KKK, if their judgement private conversation between Stallworth Stallworth quickly tires of being of characters or situations fails. There and one of his police colleagues that demeaned by his records department is a lie detection scene, where the Americans will eventually elect someone supervisor. Subsequently, he succeeds odious, sadistic Felix Kendrickson who embodies racist ideals embody this in requesting to be transferred to (Jasper Paakkonen) corners Zimmerman, film’s power. The currency and relevance of casting fine actor and erstwhile Trump impersonator Baldwin as right wing, ill tempered, prejudiced academic, Dr Kennebrew Beauregard, is right 26 - ScottishLeftReview Issue 108 November/December 2018 on the money. With his introduction population and win non- Catalans to assimilation and conquest which has bookended by the real Trump’s the cause. There is some evidence of shaped modern Spain and forms part of Charlottesville ‘there was blame on both success here in recent times. the modern Spanish identity. Second, sides’ speech, which is cut with recent its tough stand on Catalonia is very Of course, this could be a description documentary news footage of the popular with large sections of the of the situation twenty or thirty years horrific event itself and of David Duke’s Spanish population and any attempt ago, so what has changed? What resurgence as a right wing activist, the to compromise on this issue would additional factor has been brought into meaningful impact of BlacKkKlansman is certainly result in a serious political play? The book locates this definitively stunningly executed. backlash. Third, the government will in the financial crash of 2008. This had not concede a referendum in Catalonia Jackie Bergson has worked in the a devastating effect throughout Spain in the fear that this would fuel a voluntary sector and commercial with the return of mass unemployment, similar demand in the Basque Country; business development in technology and particularly among young people and a referendum which the Spanish creative sectors. Educated in and living the implementation of an austerity Government would have no confidence in Glasgow, her political and social views programme more draconian than that in winning. chime left-of-centre. imposed on Britain. The book concludes by looking at the For Catalonia, this impacted in two future. The independence movement ways. The people of Catalonia felt the Chris Bambery and George Kerevan, is stronger than ever although divided same levels of austerity as suffered Catalonia Reborn; How over how to proceed. While the tough elsewhere in Spain, with young people actions during the referendum inflamed Catalonia Took on the suffering the most. For those supporting much of that movement, it also left independence, the conception arose, Corrupt Spanish State and other sections severely shaken and largely accurate, that Catalonia’s highly reluctant to go down that road the Legacy of Franco, 2018, more developed economy was now Luath, £12.99, 9781912147380 again. Keeping this movement united subsidising the rest of Spain and its Reviewed by Bill Bonnar will be a challenge. And although there increasingly anti-Catalan government. As has been a change in government in his recently published work is a one Catalan commentator put it: ‘those Madrid the fundamental approach of welcome account of the current Guardia Civil forces who are attacking us the Spanish Government will be the struggle for Catalan independence. during this referendum - we are paying T same. In fact, there is evidence that this Most relevant are the first chapter, Birth for them’. of a Republic, and the last four chapters strategy is now as much about reversing The book also deals at length with the which outline the current struggle. In the current constitutional settlement very diverse nature of the independence the middle is a journey through Catalan established in the immediate post- movement. On the one hand, there history: interesting but not particularly Franco years and returning to direct is a very definite conservative wing relevant to the modern case for rule. The recent move to undermine which draws much of its support from independence. the status of the Catalan language is more rural areas and has strong links an example of this. The main problem The outline of the current state of the with the Catalan bourgeoisie class - with the book - and this cannot be independence movement is clear cut. independence is well supported by helped - is that it comes out in the The overwhelming majority, probably Catalan based small to medium-sized middle of an unfolding drama. The in excess of 95% of the native Catalan companies. This wing also draws heavily situation in Catalonia changes from population, supports independence. on Catalan cultural traditions and month to month. As such it is a welcome This has led to the largest and most language. On the other hand, there has commentary on current events and successful independence movement emerged a more radical wing - often should be read by everyone following in modern European history. Evidence urban based and drawing support from this moment in history. of this has been some of the colossal a much younger generation. This wing Bill Bonnar pro-independence demonstrations in has been very successful in welding is a founding Barcelona in recent years often involving radical social and economic demands member of in excess of a million people. However, to the independence cause, seeing it as the Scottish native Catalans are not a majority a means to an end rather than simply Socialist in their own country. Spanish policy an end in itself. These two wings often Party and particularly in the post-war years has differ over strategy with the former serves on been to encourage Catalan emigration much more cautious in its approach. the Scottish while actively promoting Spanish One weakness of the book is that it Left Review immigration to Catalonia, the aim being does not sufficiently take on board the editorial to create a Spanish majority in the committee. perspective of the Spanish Government country and finish the independence and how this perspective informs its issue for good. This means that there strategy. The Spanish Government’s are now almost as many Spaniards living position is shaped by three factors. First in Catalonia as Catalans; many of whom is an absolute principle. It will never bring a settler mentality; ‘this is our willingly concede Catalan independence country not yours’. Therefore, for the as its sees Catalonia as an integral independence movement to succeed part of Spain - part of a process of it needs to reach beyond the Catalan

27 - ScottishLeftReview Issue 108 November/December 2018 James Hogg, ensure his talent went unrecognised. made them up remains unresolved but The Private Memoirs and The Justified Sinner, for Douglas, is what these essays suggest is that, in ‘one of the greatest novels in Scottish terms of their afterlife, it matters little Confessions of a Justified – and in English – literature and whether they were fake news or not. his commentary goes a long way in Sinner, Commentary by Sean Sheehan is author of ‘Žiżek: A validating the claim. Douglas Gifford, Guide for the Perplexed’ (Continuum, Readings by John Sheldon, Association 2012) and’ A Guide to Herodotus’ for Scottish Literary Studies, £14.95, Histories’ (Bloomsbury, 2018). 9780948877827 The International Reviewed by Sean Sheehan Companion to James John Kelly his is a set of two CDs, not the Macpherson and the Poems Contemporary Trotskyism: book by James Hogg that was of Ossian, published anonymously in 1824 T edited by Dafydd Moore, Scottish Parties, Sects and Social and best read in the Oxford World Literature International, £14.95, Classics edition. Not having read the Movements in Britain, 2018 9781908980199 novel is no barrier to enjoying this Routledge, 9781138943810, £23.99, Reviewed by Gordon Morgan commentary and Douglas Gifford James Macpherson, explicates the plot and the characters he Fourth International held its without assuming listeners are familiar The Poems of Ossian: The first congress 80 years ago on 3 with the story. Interestingly, the Son of Fingal September 1938 in France. It is commentary begins with a full-blooded (Classic Reprint), Forgotten Books, T timely that this book has been published reading of Robert Burns’ poem ‘Holy £12.85, 9781331367130 as it relates to the enduring legacy of Willie’s Prayer’ by John Sheldon. It is Reviewed by Sean Sheehan Leon Trotsky, the Fourth International(s) seen as a representation of the Calvinist and the many groups which describe bigotry and belief in predestination that ames Macpherson was born in themselves as Trotskyist particularly in goes a long way to understanding the Inverness-shire in 1736, the son of Britain. characterisation of Robert in Hogg’s Ja tenant farmer, and he died at the novel. The self-righteous narrator of age of sixty not far away though on his Chapter 2 of the book sets out and own estate and in a house built for him the poem is able to justify his lechery briefly explains the key theories by the Adams brothers. Educated for because he is a ‘chosen one’. espoused by Trotsky and espoused in the clergy at Edinburgh University, he some sense by Trotskyist groups. This Robert is brought up by his adoptive told a member of the city’s literati that is useful for those not familiar with father, the Reverend Wringhim (like he had collected fragments of Gaelic characters in Dickens, his name is a poetry and was persuaded, apparently terms such as ‘permanent revolution’, clue to his nature), whose religiosity reluctantly, to make them public. They ‘united front, ‘transitional demands’ does not preclude the likelihood that were published as the work of a poet and ‘the workers state’. Those who have he is Robert’s real father. Brainwashed called Ossian (an 18th-century edition argued over these terms for decades by Wringhim, Robert becomes ‘a is available from Forgotten Books in may be frustrated. Nevertheless, it is a prisoner in a Calvinist jail’ and this is its original format; modern editions fair summary. Chapters 3 and 4 outline the subject matter of the second track are very expensive) and Macpherson the development of the main Trotskyist on the first CD. The final track on this became a literary sensation. He also groups in Britain from 1950-85 and side is all about the enigmatic Gil- became an MP for a seat in a rotten 1985-2017. The significance of 1985 Martin who can be seen as the devil in borough which he never visited – and is that in some ways this marked the one interpretation of the novel. Such he never spoke in the House – and his height of most groups and, thereafter, a supernatural reading is one of two success enabled him to acquire the only the SWP and the Socialist Party interpretations considered in the second wealth to purchase his own estate and have a significant membership, with CD, placing it within a context of Borders pay for his own burial in Westminster most others diminishing in size or legends and folk tales, a world of devils Abbey. disappearing. It is here that some and fairies, spiritual pride and demonic possession. Alternatively, a psychological The authenticity of Ossian’s poems reading allows for an understanding of was soon doubted and Samuel Robert as a schizophrenic individual, Johnson wasn’t alone in calling them forgeries. But they entered the cultural tormented by hallucinations. bloodstream of Europe, as the editor The Justified Sinner becomes ‘a book Dafydd Moore puts it in a new collection of riddles’ in the way these apparently of essays about Macpherson and his conflicting interpretations co-exist poems, and they were enormously within the novel, the ambiguity being influential. Recent scholarship is its strength. The final track looks at intrigued by the text’s cultural politics Hogg’s other writings and the snobbery and how they impact on a sense of of Edinburgh’s arbiters of literary taste Britishness and Lesa Ní Mhunghaile’s that dismissed Hogg because he wasn’t essay explores the relationship between a ‘gentleman’. In truth, convincingly Ossian and the Gaelic culture of argues Gifford, he ‘has as much raw Scotland and Ireland. To what extent talent as Walter Scott’ – one of those Macpherson collected genuine Scottish who looked down on him and helped Gaelic ballads and to what extent he 28 - ScottishLeftReview Issue 108 November/December 2018 caveats need to be made. Many leading Darren McGarvey gentrification, a force that many on the members of groups continue to identify Poverty Safari: organised (student heavy) left passively as Trotskyists whilst working within enact. The blueprint of Marxist dialectic other parties. Moreover, Ireland and Understanding the Anger means little to someone living on Scotland are excluded from the analysis, of Britain’s Underclass, Luath, the dole that has just seen their local largely due to lack of archival material, 2018, 9781912147038, £7.99 community centre knocked down to the complexity of the movements and Reviewed by Seán Duffy be replaced by a trendy café, and the lack of time. author (a rapper as well as author) has omething of a surprise winner experienced first-hand that patronising Chapter 5 looks at doctrine, orthodoxy of the Orwell Prize, Darren experience in the cultural sphere. and sectarianism as part of the author’s McGarvey’s journey through the S McGarvey, like many of us who grew travails of growing up on the sharp end analysis of the internal workings of up in smallish post-industrial towns and the various groups as ‘sects’ within a of the economic spectrum is a worthy recipient of praise and pondering. The either through education, talent, graft or wider movement. This section appears avenue of attack experienced in this luck found ourselves mixing with those overly anecdotal and fails, I believe, book is not, perhaps, one you would from an entirely different background, to relate the many splits and internal immediately predict. McGarvey is at his adeptly depicts the sense of being disagreements to real events in the best when tackling what he refers to forever wedded to a past that we sense wider world. The next two chapters as the ‘poverty industry’, a term used we are leaving behind, whilst also never on party recruitment, electoral here not in the sense of payday lenders feeling completely comfortable with performance and organisational and bookies shops, as has become the the more middle class world we have resources provide a very valuable record standard usage in much sociology, but entered. of how groups attracted members, how in the sense of those third sector and Unlike many other tales of life on the well they did in elections, the money state funded organisms that operate and lower rungs of the ladder, this book they raised and the number of full-time flourish in a manner that is distinctly does engage in overt political points party workers employed. separate from the actual impoverished that are not missed by anyone who communities they claim to advocate for. The following two chapters will has spent even a brief amount of time looking at the effects of austerity and prove most interesting to those who In short, it’s no wonder the left has lost underfunding through successive come across Trotskyists (but are not so much ground as we engage with governments. themselves Trotskyists) working in the the working class from on high, and unions and in social movements and take a moralistic tour through those Where the book strays from this path communities in order to fulfil some ‘front’ organisations. This in reality is is in its overreliance on the belief that sense of progress. It is easy to see the meat of most Trotskyists’ activity pointing out individual autonomy plays parallels with the Brexit vote in 2016 irrespective of the group. Whilst a part in deprivation is in some way and, perhaps, the larger than anticipated remarkable. Whether McGarvey thinks different groups analysed priorities vote for Scottish independence in 2014. differently, Trotskyist groups invariably this, I do not know, but it certainly McGarvey’s tendency to question class bubbles up from the broth whenever were at the forefront of many union assumptions is refreshing, particularly the root cause of poverty is discussed. disputes and campaign groups from in regards of the emotional effect The consistent referral to this as 1968 to the 2000s. The final two of poverty as opposed to the more an inspired point becomes rapidly chapters summarise the various splits discussed material consequences. In uninteresting. in the Fourth International and provides particular, the author shines a light on the author an opportunity to assess the ingrained aspects of working class This is not an academic text, and is all the achievements and weaknesses of reality that few celebrate on the socialist the better for it. If you have experienced Trotskyism in Britain. podiums of the left, the desperate poverty you will find great kinship reality of many young men in particular in McGarvey’s ability to reflect that Overall this is a worthwhile book, well who sustain themselves on an existence it is an experience only those who researched, most significant participants of alcohol, unhealthy food, drugs, and have encountered it can ever fully have been discussed with and provides more quietly – depression. understand, yet it is not a tale heavy a number of facts those of us who on prescription for a new political For anyone who has grown up in and spent forty years in such groups did path. The lesson here is that politics around Britain’s council estates, there not know. It is a very academic book, not embedded in the day-to-day lives is a great deal to be nostalgic and equal lots of references and inevitably of those you are parts morose about in this memoir. slightly skewed by lack of space and looking to represent Yet McGarvey navigates these themes will inevitably fall archival information. The focus on with a more critical and self-reflective Britain and not Scotland and Ireland by the wayside. eye than most. There is little of the It is a lesson the is understandable. However, some contemporary trend for pity here and left continues to reference to Trotskyists in Vietnam, much more that is reminiscent of those struggle with. China, Latin America, France, USA etc social commentators of old who saw over the past eighty years would have pride in the solidarity evident in these Seán Duffy been worthwhile, otherwise the debates communities and an eminent desire for is the Senior many of us had with other groups seem action stemming from the sense they Parliamentary purely parochial. have been forgotten. Researcher in Where McGarvey excels is in his the office of Neil Gordon Morgan is a member of the take down of the onward march of Findlay MSP. Scottish Left Review editorial committee

29 - ScottishLeftReview Issue 108 November/December 2018 Wade Rathke Nuts and Bolts is about building an In May 2014 ACORN UK was formed by Nuts and Bolts: The organisation. Rathke goes for the jugular 100 tenants in Bristol. Supported by 3 with his first chapter entitled - All staff organisers they voted to organise ACORN Fundamentals of About the Base- Who Do You Organise for more security, better quality and Organizing, Social Policy and Why? If you are going to build an more affordable housing. ACORN has organisation it all begins with a set combined online organising via social Press, 2018, of decisions on who, why and where media with its traditional door-knocking 0997094311 you are organising. The first principle approach to organise transient private Reviewed by Tony Adams of organisation is that it is never sector tenants. The group combined uts and Bolts is a compendium about you and always about the base. local direct action ‘member defence’ of tools, examples from the Whether working for an organisation actions with larger regional and national field, advice and tips for building or founding one, the decision to build campaigns. For example, ACORN runs N #Renters Rising, a movement to build power and effective mass organisation an organisation is a commitment to in the community, workplaces, politics serve and represent the people being a national tenants’ union, fighting for and the media. Rathke shares almost organised. renters right against rogue landlords. 50 years of organising experience with Last year, it celebrated a huge win for The acronym ACORN stands for a look at the ‘nuts and bolts’ of how people power, beating international Association of Community Organisation ACORN was organised and able to build banker Santander. Buried deep in for Reform Now. It started life as the a mass membership and achieve major Santander’s buy-to-let mortgages was a Arkansas Community Organization victories in the US, Canada, Britain and hidden clause that forced landlords to for Reform Now with its roots in the around the world in plain language that raise rents to the maximum. They also community organising teachings can inform organisers, leaders, activists worked alongside Generation Rent to of Saul Alinsky the founding father and policy makers about how to change register and mobilise the renters vote in of this approach. Any discussion of and build power. Written in a strident the 2016 general election. Living Rent is the history and current practice of but inspiring tone with tongue-in- Scotland’s tenants union which is also community organising must feature cheek reminders, the book is dedicated affiliated to ACORN International has Alinksy. He organised the Back of the to ‘all great leaders, members and branches in Glasgow and Edinburgh. The Yards Neighbourhood Council that was organisers that have worked in these organisation recognises the necessity of made famous In Upton Sinclair’s The same vineyards to empower people and direct action in creating change, not just Jungle. Alinsky wrote two books that are force their voice to be heard’. After all, in supporting a fairer society but fighting immensely popular and in constant use for it. community organising explicitly seeks as tools in the training for community to build the power base of the poor so Nuts and Bolts is hardly a template organisers and leaders, Reveille for they can affect and change the public but it offers the basic tools and Radicals and Rules for Radicals. If the policies and private market forces that principles to organising. They must Prince was written by Machiavelli for the create and sustain social and economic be seen as guidelines and suggestions haves on how to hold power, Rules for inequality. to be evaluated and adapted to meet Radicals was written for the have nots, your needs and particular situation. Community organising is fundamentally on how to take it away. Ultimately, only hard work and about oppression, inequality and the Alinsky’s work from 1938 until his dedication to organising will make struggle for social change that come from death in 1972 was unique and had a change happen. Justice is just us. them. It begins with the assumption that powerful multi -dimensional influence small and great injustices are typically Tony Adams is a lecturer and EIS equality on the community organising. It the results of power imbalances and rep at City of Glasgow College. He has has influenced every generation of those most hurt by the system are published in the Asian Times, Caribbean community organisers since. His inspired those who are the most powerless to Times, Morning Star and Weekly Journal. approach to community organising act on the system. Organising does was a catalyst in the creation of many two central things to seek to rectify organizations while he was still alive the problem of power imbalance. First, and he spearheaded efforts to modify it builds a permanent base of people organising methods and strategies for power so the dominant financial and maximum effectiveness. institutional power can be challenged and held accountable to values of ACORN’s model also emphasizes that greater social, environmental and an organisation must be permanent economic justice. Second, it transforms with multi-issued concerns achieved individuals and communities, making through multi-tactics, direct action, them mutually respectful co-creators of and membership participation in policy, public life rather than passive objects financing, and achievement of group of decisions by others. In this regard, goals and community improvements. ACORN’s community organising model It unites communities for social change posits the organiser as a key component and in contrast to traditional unions in developing an un-organised and which organise around workplace apathetic community into a viable interests, ACORN unionises on social organization. There are a vast numbers and community issues. When Rathke of roles an organiser plays in ACORN’s’ visited Scotland for the first time in May model. The most simple is that he/she 2013, he was invited and hosted by brings in members and keep them there. Edinburgh Private Tenants Action Group. 30 - ScottishLeftReview Issue 108 November/December 2018 VLADIMIR McTAVISH’S Kick up the Tabloids

here has been no lack of to be reading from a coherent script had a thing known as industry. hyperbole in the media over so much as trotting out a succession of There can be few things more the past few months as Britain well-worn catchphrases. T Dickensian than Deliveroo. Students approaches the cliff edge of a ‘no-deal’ It is entirely likely that a ‘no-deal’ Brexit trying to earn a crust and workers Brexit. The headlines have boomed out could take us back to some dystopian on zero-hours contracts peddling the on the front pages and on the BBC. version of the early seventies with streets at all hours of day and night This is ‘The Most Important power cuts, a three-day week and providing fast food for rich people Constitutional Crisis since the trouble in Northern Ireland. In fact, it who can’t be bothered to get off their Abdication’, ‘The Biggest Challenge wouldn’t surprise me if Jacob Rees- arses and cook themselves a meal Facing Britain since World War II’, Mogg were to start proposing that or even go get it themselves. In this ‘The Biggest Disaster since Suez’, and television should shut down at eleven modern version of Hard Times, there ‘The Most Monumental Cock-Up since o’clock at night, and that the BBC is no Gradgrind, just an algorithm. It Profumo’. should bring back the test card. is hugely ironic that the only young people in Britain who are not clinically Of course, what all this right-wing The important thing when considering obese spend their working lives cycling how the Left responds to Brexit is to nostalgia for 1970s Britain ignores is untold miles delivering food to lazy fat learn from history, and to learn our that in the seventies the right-wingers bastards. lessons from the past - because that were getting dewy-eyed and nostalgic is precisely where we are heading. about the nineteen-forties. And, let’s 100,000 people marched through the Back to the past. Or at least that would face it - that is where we could be streets of Edinburgh in October in appear to be the world that where headed at the end of March 2019. support of Scottish independence. A the most rabid Brexiteers would like There is a genuine prospect of food fortnight later, 700,000 gathered in to inhabit. Exactly which part of the rationing if Britain crashes out of the London demanding a People’s Vote on past we are headed to is still open to EU without a deal, not to mention what Brexit. If their voices are not heard, question. the impact will be on the NHS. Andrea and we crash out of Europe without a Leadsom, who always reminds me of deal, many young people face no jobs, It seems a bizarre co-incidence that as a tuneless Vera Lyn, yearns for us to no education, no future and no career. Brexit talks stumble from one impasse return to the times when The White As a comedian, satirist and social to another, the BBC launches a new Cliffs of Dover were the end of the commentator, I suspect my job will be series of Doctor Who where a shape- world as we knew it. Come next March, safe. I take no joy in that. shifting, two-hearted alien travels we’re all going to driving off the edge of Vladimir McTavish is appearing in through space and time in a 1950s those cliffs into the unknown. ‘THE END OF THE WORLD SHOW’ at police box. Not just the programme The Stand Comedy Club, Edinburgh on itself, but the associated nostalgia Jacob Rees-Mogg yearns to take us Wednesday 19 December. surrounding it, could be seen as a back to World War II when Britain perfect metaphor for the entire Brexit stood alone against the threat of expedition. German Nazi tyranny. The irony in that attitude is that the likes of Rees-Mogg Britain entered what was then the would have been the first to collaborate European Common Market in the early with the Nazis if they had invaded. 1970s and that is a time and place for Indeed, he could easily be cast as a which many of the ‘leave’ persuasion rather sinister Gestapo agent in that would like us to return. Indeed, were other awful BBC sitcom, ‘Allo ‘Allo. one to assemble Jacob Rees-Mogg, Andrea Leadsom, Michael Gove, Boris Likewise, Boris Johnson could have Johnson and Arlene Foster in the same walked straight off the pages of a P.G. room, it would look like the cast of one Wodehouse satire on upper-class of those dreadful nineteen-seventies buffoonery in the nineteen-thirties. sitcoms like Are You Being Served ? Even Wodehouse, however, would Indeed, as the stress of trying to work never have thought it credible that a out what it is she is meant to be doing, clown like Boris would actually be put Theresa May is increasingly taking on in a position of power and influence. the look and demeanour of Blakey, The truth, however, is that Brexit will the grumpy and careworn inspector take us further back in time, to the in On The Buses. Like many of those Victorian era. Indeed, we are already characters from a seventies sitcom, the well on our way there now, with the Prime Minister doesn’t actually appear subtle difference that Victorian Britain

31 - ScottishLeftReview Issue 108 November/December 2018 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

LRD TUC Sept15_Layout ASLEF1 10/07/2015 the 14:09 train Page 1 drivers union- www.aslef.org.uk FIGHT ANTI-UNION LAWS

www.rmt.org.uk

General Secretary: Mick Cash President President: PSeaneter P Hoyleinkney