Scottish Left Review Issue 82 May/June 2014 £2.00 Scottish Left Review Issue 82 May/June 2014 Contents

Comment...... 2 Email: [email protected] Common Weal...... 4 Web: www.scottishleftreview.org Stephen Elstub, Paddy Bort, John Davis, Kay Tisdall, Tel: 0141 424 0042 Louise Hill, Selywn Mccausland, Liam Cairns, Carine Address: Scottish Left Review, Leborgne, Paul Spicker, Andy Cumbers, Willie Sullivan, Annie Miller, Sarah Glynn, Malcolm Fraser, Mike Danson, Jimmy Reid Foundation, Iain Cairns, Gordon Morgan, Katherine Trebeck, Gillian PO Box 8781, Wales, John McDonald, Isobel Lindsay Biggar ML12 9AG Real answers are Labour answers...... 16 Neil Findlay Editorial Committee It’s all about unions...... 18 Malcolm Balfour Henry McCubbin David Miller Jackson Cullinane Cat Boyd Moira Craig Gordon Morgan Losses to the left...... 20 Gregor Gall Tom Nairn Ann Henderson, Alan Pottiger, Isobel Lindsay, Morag Isobel Lindsay Jonathan Shafi Gillespie John McAllion Tommy Sheppard Elaine Smith Poverty and independence...... 22 Robin McAlpine (Editor) Peter McColl Bob Thomson (Convener) Gerry Mooney Reviews...... 25 Printed by Clydeside Press Ltd, 37 High Street, Kick Up The Tabloids...... 27 Glasgow G1 1LX

Mick Cash, Acting General Secretary 2 Peter Pinkney, President Comment If nothing else, the Common Weal symposium demonstrated that if nothing changes its not for lack of strong ideas

n 3 April the Jimmy Reid how to change the politics of work, result for all. This approach pushes away OFoundation held a symposium creating social security, creating personal from concentration of power and wealth on its Common Weal project. It was financial security, creating human and implies a greater mutual sharing of significant for a number of reasons. security and designing our society in a resource to create better outcomes for all. The project itself is very ambitious. way that enhances life. It is this which conservative In what was little This issue of commentators refuse to engage with. more than a year It has become Scottish Left Review is In their paragraphs and paragraphs of the Foundation a collection of short wilful confusion they present alternatives commissioned and quite the fashion essays summarising to what we have as either ‘the same developed 50 major in political each of the thing but with higher taxes’ or ‘central reports and papers presentations. Each is planning and state communism’. That covering most of the commentary today linked to each other a different political outlook might not policy issues that to feign a belief - you can’t fix work be the same thing at all appears to be would need to be without changing the beyond their comprehension. That a addressed if there was that creating a economy, you can change in politics might lead to a change to be a fundamental fairer, more equal, change the economy in society is dismissed - ‘if those Nordics change in the way we without investment, did it then it must be about tax, right?’. run our society. more productive you can make This is another important factor This in itself society is an investment unless in the symposium and the Common is important; it has you sort out public Weal project - the content is there and become quite the aim so complex finances... so to argue that ‘no-one knows how to fashion in political and difficult as What it adds up do any of this equality stuff’ is to be commentary today to is a fundamentally deliberately ill-informed. Hopefully in to feign a belief that to be virtually different approach to future conservatives will have to find a creating a fairer, impossible. how we design our more cogent argument against this policy more equal, more society. There has work than ‘oh dear, it’s all so complicated productive society is an aim so complex been much interest in major new works isn’t it?’ and difficult as to be virtually impossible. on the state of global capitalism (notably But there are other aspects to the An entire industry of conservative writers Capitalism in the 21st Century by Thomas day which hopefully have a lasting have filled newspapers with copy which Picketty and The Price of Inequality by impact on left politics in Scotland. Since is carefully crafted to imply that Scotland Joseph Stiglitz) and the lesson from these the project is greatly focussed on what (or Britain, depending on context) may is straightforward. If we allow inequality needs to change and how to change it, well have many social problems which to grow to great it creates concentrations it is to be hoped that the various strands other similar countries do not face of wealth and power which create of progressive politics in Scotland will be but that for ill-defined reasons there is their own feedback loop, acting only encouraged to take a similarly detailed nothing that can be done about it. to increase that wealth and power at and measured approach to change. The There were about 100 academics, the expense of everything from human ‘steady as she goes but with just a little economists and writers at the symposium wellbeing to economic effectiveness. tweak’ arguments need to be tested to and among them there was little This is an inevitable result of a see how these little tweaks will actually sympathy for the ‘there’s nothing we political philosophy of ‘survival of the achieve change. And the ‘tax the rich and can do’ tendency. The day itself was fittest’ - any enterprise that grows biggest all will be fine’ arguments need to be based around ten sessions, each with must therefore be the best and must tested to see if these simple measures will two presenters covering different policy be supported at the expense of those actually work. aspects. That there could have been who are smaller. It creates cartel and All of this is leading up to a major double the numbers of people presenting monopoly and these distort and weaken launch of the projet in early June. This shows the volume of work that has been the economy which in turn harms launch will pull together all the ideas done. wellbeing. in all the papers into a single narrative The sessions moved through Common Weal works from explanation of how transformation can the steps that authors believed were a different perspective; rather than be achieved. necessary to create fundamental change. looking at two actors in a policy area If nothing else, at least let it Participants heard about changing in and working out which one is ‘the be hoped that this can change the political philosophy, the need for a winner’ to be backed and which ‘the perception that those who want social participatory democracy, how to create loser’ to be forgotten, it looks at all the change have no idea what they’re talking investment, the outline of an industrial actors in a policy area and asks how about. policy, the scope for collective control, they collectively can produce the best

3 and advocacy of relevant information more likely they are to participate in The case for and positions are then cross-examined politics. Random sampling removes the by the lay citizens. They seek to answer socio-economic bias. The whole point mini-publics a fundamental question: How would is that the participating citizens are ‘the public’ deal with an issue if they representative of the broader public. had the time and resources to learn and Fourthly, when citizens do Prof Stephen Elstub, deliberate about it in order to reach an participate, they are usually uninformed. UWS lecturer in Politics, informed decision? In this sense they This is partly due to the fact that if are anticipatory publics and trusted their participation is unlikely to be discusses the advantages information proxies that can guide consequential there is little incentive to of mini-publics in politicians and the broader public. make the effort to become informed. In political debate in Scotland, However, this enables politicians and building a Scottish it is common to hear concerns about the media to unduly influence and participative democracy. the ‘uninformed public’, the ‘distorting manipulate public opinion. Minipublics media context’, and the lack of provide participants with information opportunities to ‘get a fair hearing’ for from a range of perspectives, and gives egardless of the independence all perspectives. Furthermore, citizens them the chance to question experts and Rreferendum result, Scotland has can also feel uninspired to engage with discuss the information. The incentive the opportunity and potential to put important issues due to a lack of safe and opportunity to become informed is its citizens at the heart of the political spaces for learning and deliberation, and also created as citizens in a minipublic system by moving towards a participatory the absence of new and trusted points of can influence policy. democracy. There are, however, a number reference to guide their judgements. A Fifthly, due to a combination of of significant problems that must be robust minipublic can provide that ‘safe all these factors, when opportunities to overcome to achieve this, and the space’ and ‘trusted point of reference’.taxi participate beyond the ballot box are argument here is that minipublics can There are though significant extended to citizens, specific interests help overcome these issues. barriers to achieving a more participatory mobilise their support and capture Participatory democracy involves democracy in any political system, these processes, meaning they are not all citizens affected by a decision including Scotland. I would like to representative of the whole public. participating in the making of these highlight six of the most salient barriers Random sampling means minipublics decisions directly. If we take the literal here and further demonstrate how tend to be made up of non-partisan and original Greek meaning of the minipublics can alleviate these problems. participants and the possibility of capture word ‘democracy’, then it is ‘rule by the Firstly, many citizens lack the by special interests is eliminated. people.’ Therefore the more opportunities inclination to participate. However, Sixthly, there are problems of scale. all citizens in Scotland have to take an because minipublics use random In any country, including relatively equal part in decision-making directly selection and invite specific citizens they small ones like Scotland, the numbers the more democratic Scotland will be. are more more likely to participate. If of citizens, geographically dispersed, In this sense a participatory democracy they decline the invite they are replaced present significant logistical challenges offers a more authentic approach to by someone with similar demographics. to ensure inclusive and meaningful democracy than just having our elected Secondly, citizens also lack the political participation in the public policy representatives decide all policy on our time to participate. We all have other process. Through random sampling an behalf. commitments including work, family and economy of scale is achieved as only a Innovative institutions, to promote a social life and understandably many relatively small number of citizens are participatory democracy, that have people are reluctant to sacrifice their required to participate, but this sample is been employed all over the world are limited and valuable time to participate representative of the broader public. minipublics, which are made up of in politics, especially when their This is not to suggest that randomly selected citizens. The principle participation may be inconsequential. minipublics are the only relevant type of here is that everyone affected by the Paying participants helps them find the institution that can deepen democracy topic in question has an equal chance of time, and minipublics are usually held at in Scotland and open up opportunities being selected, and to ensure that a range weekends to make this easier. for citizen influence on public policy. of demographic characteristics from Thirdly, there is a socio-economic Nevertheless, they do provide distinct the broader population are adequately bias to political participation with white, and unique advantages and could be represented e.g. age, gender, ethnicity, middle-aged, middle-class men most used in combination with other new disability, income, geography, education, likely to participate, although the key and traditional forms of participation religion, and so on. Participants are determinant for political participation and representation that already exist in remunerated, the discussions are all over the world is education. The more Scotland. facilitated, and experts provide evidence education a person has undertaken the

4 The selected, but fairly representative Reclaiming numbers speak for themselves: Table 4 Voter Turnout at Local Elections Austria (2004) 73% local Table 1 Contraction of Local Denmark (2005) 69% Authorities Finland (2008) 61% 1950 2001 Av. Pop. democracy France (2014) 63% Austria 4,065 2,359 3,437 Germany (2014) 50% Prof Paddy Bort, Denmark 1,303 276 19,381 Italy (2012) 68% Edinburgh University France 37,997 36,585 1,615 Spain (2007) 73% England (2012) 31% lecturer in Politics, Germany 33,932 13,854 5,931 Scotland (2012) 40% analyses the problems Italy 8,100 7,802 7,141 Switzerland of Scotland’s ‘local’ 3,097 2,867 2,488 Scottish voters clearly experience local Norway democracy and argues 744 435 10,295 government as something they are being Scotland 236 32 163,200 excluded from and ignored by and which that it must be reclaimed they see as remote and bereft of powers. Even before the onset of the council Table 2 Proportion of the population as genuine community- tax freeze, Scottish councils only raised standing in local elections about 20% of their revenue. In other based democracy. Pop Stand Ratio EU countries like Belgium, Denmark, (m) for Finland, Italy, Spain and Sweden, local election he state of Scottish local democracy councils’ revenue is based significantly Finland 5.4 38,509 1 in 140 Thas come under increased scrutiny on local income taxes (where is the SNP as part of the wider debate surrounding Norway 4.8 59,505 1 in 81 bill proposed but not introduced in the the independence referendum. Why Baden- 10.7 75,726 1 in 141 last Parliament?); in Belgium, Denmark, did devolution stop at Holyrood? Württemberg Finland and Sweden, local governments Scotland has the largest council units Sweden 9.4 64,810 1 in 145 are free to set the rate. in Europe with the weakest community Scotland 5.2 2,607 1 in tier of government in Europe. Local 2,071 Table 4 Tax revenue over which local government in Scotland is, in large authorities have some discretion as parts of the country, not local, and it Table 3 Number of candidates a percentage of total local revenue is administration – the executive arm contesting each seat excluding borrowing of central government – rather than Stand No. of Stand decision-making self-governance. First Second Third for seats per tier tier tier There are only 32 councils with a election seat Denmark 46 63 -- total of 1223 councillors for the whole Finland 38,509 14,412 3.7 country; community councils are, by and Norway 59,505 10,785 5.5 Finland 43 -- -- large, toothless, powerless and even more Baden- 75,726 21.279 3.6 France 46 61 48 poorly supported than local authorities; Württemberg distances – particularly in rural council Spain 35 -- 16 Sweden 64,810 14,631 4.4 areas – can be prohibitive. Highland Netherlands 8 19 -- Scotland 2,607 1, 223 2.1 Council, for example, covers an area as Sweden 56 66 -- big as Belgium, with the population of Scotland 20* -- -- Belfast, all represented by one council; Scottish local democracy has been compared to a ladder, with the lower * until the Council Tax Freeze imposed by Central towns like Kirkcaldy, East Kilbride, Government in 2007 Cumbernauld or St Andrews are without rungs missing. It is excluding Scots their own governance structures. from running their own local affairs, The three island councils of Shetland, Nowhere else in Europe is such a state of denying them access to democracy. Orkney and the Western Isles launched play remotely imaginable. Combined with the loss of power their ‘Our Islands – Our Future’ campaign Not only do we have far fewer through centralisation and privatisation, about a year ago, with demands for elected councils per population and emphasising the customer rather than greater autonomy; then the Scottish cities area than the rest of Europe, we also the citizen, that begins to explain the chimed in; and, finally, CoSLA installed have far fewer elected councillors and catastrophically low turn out at local a Commission on ‘Strengthening Local candidates standing in council elections. elections. Democracy’.

5 COSLA president David O’Neill inequalities inhibit the building of strong warned the ‘centralising’ Scottish Children’s long-term relationships, for example: Government against future power grabs it is difficult to make friends if you do and called for the role of councils to be not live in housing that you feel happy enshrined in law. Among the issues set Rights, Social to bring a friend home to. The Scottish out for the commission is the funding Human Rights Commission and The of local government. ‘The council tax Justice and Christie Commission have argued freeze has been in place since 2007 and that dignity and fairness can be better that is going to go on until the end of achieved, if the core principles of human this parliament which will be 2017,’ Participation rights (participation, accountability, said O’Neill. ‘During that time, local non-discrimination, empowerment government’s ability to raise its own Prof John Davis, Prof and legality) are embedded into public finances has been reduced from only 20 Kay Tisdall, Prof Louise services. A new politics in Scotland per cent down to 14-ish per cent.’ That, requires us to develop frameworks for he argued, is ‘not a sustainable future.’ Hill, Selywn McCausland, enabling children and young people to Devolution was never meant to Liam Cairns and Carine influence and change issues in their lives. stop at Holyrood, and the Parliament’s The UN Committee on the Rights founding principle of sharing power with Leborgne look at what of the Child defines participation as the people has, so far, not been extended participative democracy an on-going process of information to sharing power with local democracy. sharing, mutual respect and dialogue On the contrary, as Andy Wightman could mean for children between children, young people and has commented: “At the same time and children’s rights. adults, where diverse views are taken as Scotland is on a journey to greater into account and shape outcomes. autonomy as a nation, the opposite is he rights of children and young Here, the rights of adults, children happening at the local level.” Tpeople are inalienable - they cannot and young people are not separate and The Scottish Government’s White be taken or wished away. A new politics competing - they are connected and Paper offers only limited hope. While in Scotland should lead to the full complimentary. Outcomes in Scotland: promising to guarantee local government incorporation of The United Nations tend to to be defined by professionals; in a written constitution, it states: Convention of the Rights of the Child often fail to enable social justice; can be ‘On independence, the responsibilities - the most ratified human rights treaty incomprehensible to most families; and and services of local government will in the world – that addresses a holistic can be manipulated or used un-reflexively continue as normal, as councils’ statutory range of children’s provision, protection by professionals to discriminate against basis, funding, contracts and workforce and participation rights. The rights families. A children’s rights and social will remain in place.” That is one of the of children and young people have justice approach poses questions for most disappointing sentences in the been incorporated on a piecemeal and how we ensure that children and young Scottish Government’s White Paper. case-by-case basis in Scotland because people are enabled to: collaboratively What’s ‘normal’ about Scottish local the political establishment fears full define outcomes; collectively participate government? incorporation of the UNCRC may in local partnerships; and co-operatively Centralising tendencies continue, open a floodgate of litigation. Yet a set the agenda for the Common Weal. and any attempt to democratise local UNICEF UK 2013 report found that Participation can sometimes be government will have to slay the ghosts of full incorporation and increased training manipulative – hence one Think Tank on the past when local elites ruled the roost, for professionals had given: legal effect children and young people’s participation and corruption, sleaze and nepotism were to government commitments, generated called for participation to be meaningful, rife. None the less, addressing Scotland’s more respect for children and young effective, embedded & sustainable. local democracy deficit ought to be the people as rights-holders and ensured Good examples exist of where children priority of any Scottish government, the implementation of children’s rights and young people have been engaged regardless of the referendum outcome. principles in domestic law and policy. with on a rights basis. Children and Reclaiming local democracy is not a Children and young people young people are able to collaborate distraction in the current debate, it is associate rights with being: safe/secure, with adults, in different ways and at an essential cornerstone of a renewed treated fairly, respected, and included. different levels, to influence policy and democracy in Scotland: self-governance They associate rights with concepts practice - whether it be a local early years begins at the local level. of social justice such as access to law, centre at Cowgate in Edinburgh which respect from adults and the removal of receives regular outstanding inspections structural inequalities such as poverty, for promoting child-led learning, or scarce transport, poor play facilities Investing in Children, an organisation or inadequate housing. Structural with an emerging profile in Scotland,

6 that runs a membership scheme, agenda The core of this model was the idea of benefits are also often austere, in a sense days and dialogue groups to effect ‘institutional’ welfare, accepting welfare of that word we seem to have forgotten: local change, or the Scottish Youth as a normal part of everyday life, in the the NHS was introduced when there Commission on Alcohol. same way that roads, or street lights, was no money to waste on complex The Common Weal papers have or drains are ‘normal’. Welfare was administration or the luxuries of choice, sought to create a new participatory ‘universal’ because it was comprehensive and in the developing world universal political environment in Scotland - if and extensive, meeting needs ‘from the Basic Health Care Packages have been children and young people are to be cradle to the grave’. The model was the introduced as the simplest, cheapest and afforded their full rights, we need National Health Service. It does not most effective way of spending what one to build on existing good examples do the same things for everyone, but it plans to spend and no more. to ensure that we foster appreciative provides everyone (including people who Selective services and benefits are collaboration between adults, children don’t use it) with something in common services which are preserved for people in and young people. - a service equivalent to health insurance. need. Examples include free personal care There are other things that people may for older people, benefits for people with want to see beyond institutional welfare disabilities, and benefits for people who - rights and empowerment for citizens, are unemployed. Selection implies a test - Universality vs solidarity and mutual support, or the that some people will receive the benefit, commitment to equality implicit in the and others will not. This should, in Selectivity idea of the ‘people’s home’. In the most principle, lead to greater efficiency, and basic sense, however, the institutional greater fairness; selectivity is supposed to Paul Spicker, Professor principle is fundamental to common be responsive to need. However, selection decency. Few people who believe in the is difficult in practice: selective systems of Public Policy at RGU, Common Weal are not also universalists. tend to be complex and intrusive, the looks at the benefits When universality and selectivity boundaries are difficult to maintain fairly, are considered as methods, however, and the process of exclusion means that of universalism over things get more complicated. One key the systems run the risk of becoming selectivity as two distinct question is whether people are better divisive and stigmatising. Means-tests - receiving goods and services, like water benefits which are selected on the basis approaches to public or medical care, or whether they are of low income - have all the problems of services. better receiving the money to buy things, selectivity, and more besides. Income is which is what we do for food. Another complex, unstable t one and the same time, arguments is whether a service should be ‘targeted’, and difficult to track. There are Aabout universality and selectivity are focusing on people in need, or whether fiendish problems of equity, treating about principles - what kind of society it should go to everyone. Sometimes the people fairly and dealing with people in we want to live in - and methods - how best services are personal; sometimes they different circumstances such as self- things can practically be done. When are general, like providing schools and employment, savings and low earnings. the ‘welfare state’ was founded in the hospitals. Mistakes are frequent. The public 1940s, part of the idea was to break Universal services and benefits response is often hostile, and the take-up away from the old patterns of welfare are services which go to everyone, or at of means-tested benefits is notoriously provision. The Poor Law was supposed least to everyone in a category (such as poor. At the same time, some element of to be a safety net, ensuring that in older people, or children, or residents selectivity is unavoidable - we cannot not the last resort there would be some in a community) without a test of need. have some extra provision for the needs provision for people who were destitute, Examples are schools, libraries, bus passes of people with disabilities. who had no other means of living. It for older people and the controversial The arguments about universality was supplemented between the wars ‘Winter Fuel Payment’. The basic and selectivity are not well served by by ‘means tests’, that were supposed to arguments for universal benefits are, supposing that we ought to have entirely break away from ‘pauperisation’ but in principle, that they represent rights one kind of system or another. The were just as problematic. The Poor Law which everyone has, and they meet main argument for universalism is that was punitive, divisive and stigmatising. common basic needs. The basic practical we should be trying to shift the balance It has been called a ‘residual’ model; it arguments is that they are simple to towards greater simplicity, less intrusion, was designed to hold provision to the administer, and minimally intrusive. and a sense that the public provision of minimum, and to deal only with people The main arguments against are that benefits and services should be accepted who could not manage in any other they divert resources away from people as a normal part of social life. way. The Welfare State was supposed to in greater need, that the British press is do things differently: providing welfare adamantly opposed to them, and they for everyone at the best level possible. can be expensive. However, universal

7 networks are not being delivered because The Case for of reliance on private investment. In Making other areas too, notably rail, critical strategic infrastructural issues – such Democratic as shifting freight from road to rail and Welfare delivering modern public transport Public solution – are not being met. about Social Privatisation was a powerful political and ideological project that managed Ownership to inaccurately castigate older forms of Security nationalisation for their ineffectiveness Andy Cumbers, Professor and wasteful bureaucracy. In developing Willie Sullivan, Director of Economic Geography new forms of public ownership it is of the Electoral Reform important to counter some of the at Glasgow University, widespread myths and caricatures of past Society Scotland, looks makes the case for forms of nationalisation in the UK to at the principles behind a stress the under-reported effectiveness democratic public of many forms of public ownership at progressive approach to ownership as distinct delivering public goals, in contrast to the welfare in Scotland. from top-down state experience with privatisation. However, older forms of public ownership in the elfare has been given two distinct ownership and private UK were often lacking in democratic Wmeanings in Britain. As distinct ownership. accountability and public participation. as a tennis ball is from a graduation New forms should address these deficits. ball. One concerns the wellbeing of In particular there is a need for an individual and the other is about a ince 1979 the privatisation and a more democratic approach to the stigmatised hand out to the poor. This marketization policies of successive S ownership and management of basic political occupation of language is where governments have delivered the economy resources and network infrastructures the right excels. We have to break out into the hands of a narrow set of vested which re-distributes economic decision- of this political frame if we are to have a corporate and financial interests. The making power beyond its capture by chance of creating a society beyond the consequences are that decision-making financial, corporate and foreign interests. limitations set by the new right. is geared towards short-term profit and In particular we need to create new forms The Common Weal approach to rent-seeking, at the expense of more of public and collective ownership that welfare is a return to the concept of social longer term thinking and in particular are better able to develop an economy security. It sets up our view of a society strategic concerns for the common good. to serve social needs and environmental of individuals free from anxiety against a Privatisation has also been accompanied concerns over private gain. Such forms system of welfare that seeks to keep the by a growing foreign ownership of of ownership should combine higher population in a state of low level fear. Scotland’s most strategically important level strategic coordination with more To be secure people have to be resources and assets, raising important localised forms of public ownership. In sure that they won’t be left destitute if questions about government’s ability to all cases, though, ownership should seek something goes wrong. They should have control and administer important public to enhance democratic accountability a secure home, meaningful occupation policy objectives such as tackling climate and public engagement in the economy. and a reasonable income. change and providing essential services to The failures of privatisation in other The publication ‘In Place of the public at the lowest cost. countries are producing a growing trend Anxiety : Social Security for the Privatisation of Scotland’s to take back utility sectors into public Common Weal’ explains that an infrastructure and key resources also ownership where the emphasis is upon industrial policy that raises employment means that key public policy objectives developing non-profit and collective levels, skills and wage could take us are not being achieved. For example in forms of ownership. A range of new out of a low wage economy and ensure the energy sector, privatisation is failing and hybrid forms of public ownership tax revenues are enough to support the to provide energy security, meet climate have been developed in other countries, disabled and carers. It shows with a change targets, or deliver cheaper fuel from Latin America to Western Europe proper house building program and supplies to consumers. Critical issues and Scandinavia, that offer models for decent regulation as has happened in such as upgrading and modernising the Scotland to draw from in creating its own Germany ,we could hold house prices electricity grid to better enable a post- bespoke forms of collective ownership and therefore rents down and ensure carbon future and securing international and infrastructure provision. homes are not products but places people connections to other European energy build lives, families and communities

8 from. Most importantly it reiterates he UK Social Security system gets what. Will every one get the same? the case for a Citizens Income as a basic Tcomprises a National Insurance How will it be financed? Potential level of payment for every single person scheme, plus a means-tested-benefit sources of finance include income tax, from birth to death varying at different (MTB) ‘safety-net’. National Insurance sales tax, land value tax or other wealth life points. This is cheaper to run than was designed for industrial societies with tax, or a sovereign wealth fund. current ‘situation tested’ systems and high employment. The withdrawal rates A CI scheme can help to achieve fundamentally changes the individual’s of MTBs act as inherent disincentives several related objectives for welfare relationship with the state, each other to work-for-pay for unemployed and reform, including healing the current and with capital. It also allows proper low-paid workers, leading to inefficiency divisions in society of stigmatised benefit- integration of the tax and benefit system in the labour market. In addition to recipients and resentful taxpayers. It so that those with enough, pay back the the below-poverty benefit levels, there can also help to reduce financial poverty citizens income through their tax code. are many other structural faults in the and insecurity. Prevention is cheaper There are potentially two views of system. This results in widespread than cure. A CI will restore incentives a successful society. The first is a society out-of-work and in-work poverty, to work-for-pay, and labour market that strives on the back of fear. It is built stigmatisation, intrusion, insecurity, high efficiency. It could introduce simplicity, upon the idea that the population should stress and anxiety levels, and endemic transparency and thus accountability be so afraid of the stigma of failure and fear of long-term unemployment, debt into the administration of benefits. It the material reality of poverty that comes and homelessness. grants financial privacy and autonomy from not being able to work or find In addition there is evidence that to individuals, and gives citizens more work that they are motivated to produce all government administrations over control over their lives. and grow that economy or else sink. the last four decades have systematically A CI scheme can help to achieve Its politics are fear-based, setting one redistributed income from poor to rich. the objectives listed above, but, by itself, section of the population against another. This has lead to the UK having one of cannot redistribute income from rich These are all elements that thrive in an the highest income inequalities in the to poor without a restructured income atmosphere of anxiety. developed world, and high levels of tax system. For instance, income tax The second is one that is built personal debt. and employees’ NI contributions could upon humanity’s innate desire to create, What sort of society do we want be amalgamated. It would contain no communicate and be social. Where to be part of and help to create? A personal allowances, or tax loopholes. our Common Weal is used to give government’s first duty should be to All sources of income could be taxed at everyone a guaranteed a basic starting provide the conditions to enable all of the same rate. platform from which to build a good its citizens (not just the wealthy) to meet CIs can fulfill a variety of welfare life and a good society. Creativity, their needs to be able to develop and objectives. There is no single optimum ambition for something better and hope flourish. CI scheme, and so it should be designed drive productivity and the creation of The UK Social Security system is to fulfill a set of prioritised-objectives and community. Cooperation and mutual complex, unwieldy, unjust, inefficient constraints. It is not a panacea for all support build the economy. Its politics and not fit for 21st century society. This ills, but is a necessary (but not sufficient) seek unity and the power of a collective Gordian Knot needs to be cut through condition for a better society, and it has force. These are all things that thrive in and replaced by a radical alternative been shown to be economically feasible. an atmosphere of security. suitable for today. A Citizen’s Income (CI) scheme is just such an alternative. It is like Child Benefit, but for everyone. It involves a new way of thinking about Good housing Social Security policy, and represents a The Case for new, more compassionate relationship for a good life between society and its citizens. A CI a Citizen’s uncouples the link between income Sarah Glynn, housing and work, and can secure both greater equality and efficiency; the more expert at UWS, outlines Income generous the scheme, the greater the how we can achieve fulfilment of these objectives. Annie Miller, Chair of the A CI is defined as universal, affordable social housing Citizens Income Trust, individual, unconditional, and high for all. enough to enable one to live a life of makes the case for a dignity, participating in society. This ood housing is essential to the good citizen’s income definition does not create a complete Glife, and provision of good housing system. One still needs to decide who should be the defined purpose of housing

9 policy. But housing is also integral to the Tax - ending all subsidies for home wider economy, so investment in housing ownership, extending capital gains tax to The Common is money doubly well spent. include the home, and raising the levels A strong economy needs a well- of both capital gains tax and inheritance housed workforce, and the social tax. Re-regulation of mortgage lending Weal in consequences of bad and expensive would reduce risk of default and restrict housing have huge economic price inflation. the Built implications. High housing costs have House prices would fall and stabilise also soaked up billions of pounds at a more realistic level. Even for existing that could have been invested in the owner occupiers this could be generally Environment productive economy. In contrast, positive or neutral. Mortgages would money spent on housing construction need to be genuinely portable, while an Edinburgh-based and upgrading boosts local economies extension of the mortgage to rent scheme architect Malcolm Fraser and jobs, and public investment in could offer owners the alternative of construction can contribute to economic converting their existing home into a argues that space must stability. local authority tenancy. Good pension be at the heart of the The current focus on housing as provision and elderly care would ensure speculation has failed to provide the that housing is not relied on to meet the Common Weal homes people need, pushed up housing costs of old age. costs, encouraged bad design and short- Strengthened empty homes he built environment provides the termism, and concentrated wealth in a legislation should be used to increase the Tplaces and spaces in which we are small elite. It has also brought economic stock of affordable rented public housing, more-or-less happy, more-or-less creative crisis. We need to move housing away and the use of houses as holiday homes and more-or-less economically-effective. from the market and shift focus towards should be regulated. A proper measure of the “more”, rather social and environmental priorities. This Private renting can be improved than the “less”, is the amount of amenity, includes preventing a person’s life chances through controls on rents and repair and or utility, a built environment offers us: being dictated by their housing tenure. better security of tenure. Landlordism is the nearby parks, schools and shops, Land is the major element of a major vehicle for transferring wealth to it’s connectivity via a nice, easy route property speculation. A Land Value Tax the rich, and ultimately most privately to work or by good access to its public would allow increases in land value to rented homes can be turned into public buildings, how it allows and encourages benefit everyone; and, combined with housing. the ways we creatively interact with each strong planning, would foster the most Environmental concerns must other from park bench to great places beneficial use of land and reduce land inform everything from national of public assembly, and how all relate to speculation. We should also promote planning to the design of individual nature and sunshine. public land ownership. houses. Maximum use should be made How we achieve such a simple, Publicly owned rented housing of existing buildings, with VAT removed focussed vision, intersects with the avoids speculation while providing from building repairs and Green Deal general aims of the Common Weal, for a affordable and secure tenancies. Major type funding extended to cover holistic fairer, more open society: investment in new and upgraded public whole-house improvements. Democracy and the Common Weal housing can make this a tenure of choice Wider environmental demands : whatever our digital future the delivery for all who want it. This can be done mesh with social requirements for of services, from public to private or through local authorities, but with a new connected local communities and green commercial (Town Hall and libraries to approach to management (locally based space. Planning is key and needs to ordinary offices and shops) will always with active tenant involvement) and be supported by revived democratic have a physical component for we are freedom for tenants to personalise their structures to create good places to live. social animals and work and play best homes. Housing policy needs to be part when we come together. In planning our Home ownership is not a ‘natural of wider social changes towards a more built environment we must not forget aspiration’, but has long been promoted equal community-centred society, that not all have access to a car. and subsidised by government. Good and good housing policy can make an First and foremost, we need to available public housing would remove important contribution to those changes. regain confidence in the idea of public the imperative to get on the housing services, and the fairness and efficiency ladder in order to get a home, and fiscal of how the open, democratic state can changes would restrict the use of homes deliver them. Thereafter, a democratic for speculation (but not stop investment right for all to have easy access to the in building new homes). These changes physical manifestations of these services, should include – besides Land Value as well as to complimentary commercial

10 ones, would see them fortified in their round sunshine and shared space, has the essential building blocks in existing, town centre locations under the offices focussed on creative working their manifestos or plans. For change Town Centre first principle, where public environments and schools on light, to happen, we must have a reversal of transport goes, rather than dispersed out- playspace and their location in their anti-trade union legislation, regeneration of-town, where the car owner gets stuck communities, for instance; and villages, based on high quality-high value added- in traffic. towns and cities focussed on parks, high wage jobs, active encouragement of Alongside this, the Common Weal’s walking and shared space. employee ownership and involvement, proposals for reinvigorating democracy funded through a national investment would see the revival of the missing, local bank with complementary financial level, of parish, community or whatever institutions and enterprise support at the councils that would care for their An Industrial local level. That Common Weal approach immediate communities, providing a is inclusive, cohesive and all-embracing. balance to larger authorities which might Policy for The revival of the economy and be reorganised around the 14 Health society cannot be based on consumerism Board areas. Alongside this is land and personal debts nor blind to the reform, with the rights of communities Scotland negative and stultifying effects of the to access and own land and buildings financialisation of the economy. An in common, underpinned by a Land industrial policy can make the most of Registry that makes all ownership clear. Mike Danson, Prof of our natural resources and investment in The Built Environment as Precious Enterprise Policy at our people: a Common Weal approach Resource : the urgency of resource- which is for all and involves all. depletion and man-made climate Heriot-Watt University, Our institutions for the change must make an end to cycles looks at how Scotland development of the economy, enterprise of demolition and new build, and and skills have been rightly described abandoning old towns for new. The can build an economy as world-leading in the recent past Town Centre first policy helps re- that puts all of us first and partnership working has led and nucleate our atomised built environment, informed best practice across the drawing it together so we can walk in it, through an industrial European Union. Our networks and or access it by public transport. policy for Scotland. diasporas give us access to markets And just as we need to renew, around the world, but many have been not abandon, our old towns, building obstructed and underdeveloped without oday’s most successful economies joyful new buildings alongside their a focus on the smart specialisation of the and societies had similar structures old ones, so we need to joyfully-renew T Scottish economy. and standards of living as Scotland in the old buildings, finding appropriate uses The key words in the superior early 1970s; now they are ahead of us in for them rather than condemning their economic and social performances of almost all ways of measuring quality of often sturdy fabric to landfill sites. To our closest neighbours are inclusion, life and economic development. This is do this we also need to level our absurd cohesion, innovation, sustainability down to the UK’s poor performance in VAT regime, that taxes renewal at 20% and involvement. These do not feature innovation, productivity, competitiveness and rewards demolition and newbuild highly on the agenda of the neoliberal and the other drivers of sustainable with a zero or 5% rate. Such a policy, parties who oppose independence. In development and the divisive and wrong with a flat rate of 5%, has been shown power or opposition at Westminster, the policies and strategies of successive to promote regeneration, increase the damage of the policies and closures from Westminster governments. Our supply of homes by encouraging empty 1977 have not been addressed - there neighbours also have high trade union homes back into use at the hearts of their has been no recognition of the need for membership, low gender and income communities, reduce the black economy radical change, that ‘fundamental and inequality, employee involvement at and increase employment – repair being irreversible shift in the balance of power work, and high protection for the more labour, and less resource, intensive. and wealth in favour of working people unemployed, disabled and old. These A wee magic bullet for society. and their families’ that we voted for and are not unrelated in theory, policy or A Utilitarian Planning System : never rejected at the polls. If we look practice to economic success, and the delivering all this would be a radically- at the social partnerships underpinning Nordic countries, Basque country and revised Planning System, which the Nordic countries, the low levels of other small northern nations have shown would answer the question “why does inequality and strong social security how an industrial policy contributes to a society build?” by putting utility at its systems, we see how local communities balanced and sustainable economy. heart : hospitals that use light, fresh and enterprises can thrive to mutual Yet, none of the Westminster air and access to nature to promote advantage. parties has promoted such an approach healing, homes and communities built The UK has an industrial policy of inclusion and quality, and not one

11 which privileges banking, insurance recognised that the cost of paying off PFI and finance sectors and retailing, which debt would be over 40 per cent cheaper if Community together suck energy, incomes and hope government funding were used. out of families and the local economy. A Common Weal approach Banking A better future is possible through a would abandon such failed models of Common Weal industrial policy which investment. Moreover, it must ensure highlights: that investment results in tangible Gordon Morgan, benefits to the public, in higher wages, researcher with the • creating and sustaining high wage, more interesting work and in greater high quality jobs revenue for public services. To enable Reid Foundation, makes • produces socially useful goods and stability going forward, capital and the case for community services revenue investment should be separated banking to build local • creates sustainable industry sectors with the objective of ending deficits which achieve these two goals in revenue expenditure. Borrowing for economies. without social or environmental public investment is justified where it harm develops the capacity of the economy so he credit crunch of 2007 led to: that returns ultimately meet the cost of Tthe Failure of Northern Rock and borrowing. other medium size banks; the effective These returns may be: indirect, nationalisation of RBS and Lloyds Common Weal such as with the Scottish Government’s TSB; a crash in the real economy, childcare proposals which, by helping unemployment and on-going recession. more women into employment, Banks created a trillion pounds of investment realise gains through an increased tax new money between 2000 and 2007: take; or direct, where, for example, 40% of this went to property, which Iain Cairns, researcher investment in a major housing project pushed up house prices; 37% went with the Reid Foundation, is financed through borrowing by into financial markets which eventually local or national bodies against future imploded during the financial crisis; just proposes a new approach rents. Other approaches may include 13% of the money went into productive to public finance and the establishment of Special Purpose businesses. Vehicles to source funds at public rates 97% of all money in the economy investment that breaks of borrowing on behalf of locally or is created by banks NOT governments. with the UK’s neoliberal nationally owned companies or, more Money creation was deregulated in radically, large scale companies could be the ‘80s and rarely since then has bank dogma. developed as national or local mutuals lending matched the public interest. in which each member of the country or The UK banking sector is he current rounds of austerity in the community would receive a non-tradable dominated by just five banks which TUK are justified neither by the level share, providing voting rights and a account for approximately 90% of of debt nor the rate of interest paid on return on investment through a dividend. banking. Banking reforms in both the that debt, both of which are currently A central component of an investment UK and the EU have simply forced low by historical standards. There has strategy should be a national investment the merger of banks increasing the rarely been a more favourable time for bank. National investment banks, such number of too big to fail banks and the government to borrow to invest in as Germany’s KfW, provide stable long encouraging banks to boost capital and renewing infrastructure and fostering term financing, promote diversity in cut lending. Bank bail outs put pressure new industries. Yet the UK is damaging the commercial banking sector, direct on government budgets and increase the productive capacity of the economy lending towards societal goals and austerity. by neglecting investment. Only cash provide profits to the states which own All central banks used to issue strapped Cyprus, Greece and Ireland them, helping to reduce deficits. Beyond generally followed guidance to banks invested less in 2012 as a proportion of this, a more stable and sustainable over how much they could lend and who GDP. investment landscape could be realised they should lend to. Guidance was only The UK is one of the most while simultaneously providing abandoned in the Western economies expensive countries in which to build government with considerable sums in in the ‘80s. It is still used in East Asian infrastructure, largely because of seigniorage, which could be allocated for economies and is arguably the central Private Finance Initiative (PFI) schemes investment, through the implementation mechanism for China’s long stable and their derivatives. The House of a full reserve banking system. growth. Its use alongside central bank of Commons Treasury Committee activity could help align policy objectives report which investigated PFI in 2010 and bank lending and prevent “bubbles”.

12 90% of lending by large banks is consultation – tells us that people do not damaging the UK because large banks Personal seek extreme levels of wealth. Instead are less likely to lend to SMEs which they want enough money to live in their are the most productive part of the community with dignity and they want economy. Scottish SMEs experience Finance for to know funds will be forthcoming when problems accessing bank finance they need it. Sadly it seems the erosion particularly finance for development and social need of the social safety net and the growing manufacturing and especially if they lack numbers of ‘precariat’ workers on zero a trading track record. Katherine Trebeck, hour contracts are undermining these Smaller banks are more likely to very natural objectives. lend to SMEs as they are more willing research & policy advisor And A is for Accessible to All. This to visit premises and meet with budding for Oxfam, looks at what means everyone needs to be included entrepreneurs e.g. Airdrie Savings – not just those ‘striving’ in paid work Bank est. 1835 has 8 branches with we need to do to create and those deemed to have ‘contributed’ independent managers, no shareholders secure and sufficient in a narrow sense, excluding those and lends to local businesses. In who contribute through unpaid work Germany, Japan and even the US such personal finance. or caring, for example. This requires banks are common as they were here ensuring a basic level of support. For until deregulation. If supported with ay the words ‘personal finance’ to all. On this, increasing discussion of management training and seed funding, Smost people and it’s likely their eyes concepts such as Citizens’ Income might they could flourish and attract customers will glaze over with images of savings just take us in the right direction. from commercial banks. Credit Unions books, mortgage statements and piggy Delivering Individualised, which are often community based could banks. For my part, ISAs – Individual Sufficient, Accessible personal finance have their deposit limits and lending Savings Accounts – are what springs to clearly demands action across a range rules revised. mind. of areas – including a labour market For major projects, direct lending But, recasting that acronym perhaps which provides decent work that pays or investment through publicly owned offers some insight into the principles enough. We need appropriate financial banks is both cheaper and more effective. which could guide a shift in the way instruments that help people plan and For political reasons in the UK this is people navigate the world of personal smooth their incomes over time. State discouraged. The Green Investment Bank finance. mechanisms are crucial in providing will not compete with or undercut other What if we looked again at the support in difficult times – to which we sources of commercial finance. Some ‘ISA’?: are all vulnerable. other public banks can lend at lower ‘I’ comes to mean Individual Ultimately, we need greater equality, rates but have low lending limits. Few of control and autonomy. The lesson preventing problems at their root causes, these organisations have local community here is that people need to be able to tackling poverty at its sources rather links and there is confusion over which manage their finances according to their than simply treating the symptoms with organisation to apply to for support. own circumstances: they should be in increasingly threadbare sticking plasters. In Germany 42.9% of the banking charge. The way financial support is And if we are really serious about sector are publicly owned local banks. offered to people, if required, should this – about creating healthier societies, Each council in Scotland could establish reflect this. For example, where possible, supportive labour markets and cohesive, at least one such bank. Public enterprise people should be offered cash rather strong communities – we need longer companies e.g. local energy companies than vouchers; best practice from our term time frames in all our decision or housing associations, could receive international development work suggests making. That means the decision making funding for essential projects to meet income rather than hand outs boosts of businesses; of government departments national or local plans. local economies, and empowers people and politicians; and even civil society Local bank lending for public to make their own choices. Yet, in the organisations.. investment should be coordinated by UK the recent dramatic rise of foodbanks Rather than just encompassing a national investment bank with long suggests we are heading in the opposite savings books, mortgage statements and term loans at around 3.5% e.g. public direction as people’s income through piggy banks, rethinking Personal Finance loan board rates. All profits would be work and benefits is proving insufficient can help us reclaim the economy so it retained by the public purse and goals and instead they are turning to (life serves people’s needs, rather than the such as meeting renewable targets and saving) food parcels. other way around. supporting local industry would be ‘S’ is for Sufficiency. The Oxfam achieved at a much lower cost. Humankind Index for Scotland – a measure of Scotland’s performance across a range of issues derived from public

13 to this is the lack of work opportunities and offering all of us the chance to Time for Life for those un(der)employed and associated reclaim some Time for Life. welfare costs. £461million is spent Gillian Wales, co-author on Jobseekers Allowance in Scotland, £670 million on income support and of recent Reid Foundation £1.7 billion on housing benefit. Shorter report on working time, working hours is of course not the only way to tackle these issues but it could Sculpting our looks at the report and be part of the solution. By re-defining how it could transform full-time work as 30-hours per week, we own footprint work/life balance in can allocate hours for all those seeking work, whilst also managing the problem Dr John McDonald, Scotland. of overwork. A key question is how will those Director of the Scottish n a ‘Time for Life’, a report recently currently in work be able to afford Global Forum, looks at working fewer hours? These proposals Ipublished by The Reid Foundation, the defence and security we argue the case for a 4-day, 30- must not make low earners worse off. hour working week in Scotland. We The report includes numerical evidence challenges that would of how a living wage, enhanced by a demonstrate how our current work/life face an independent apportionment is highly imbalanced, citizen’s wage, would deliver the same creating stressors and how our fast financial remuneration for 30 hours as Scotland paced, consumption-led lifestyles are over 47 hours at the current minimum not making us happy. ‘Work to earn to wage rate. A high pay economy with consume’ is a seriously flawed mantra increased industrial democracy is a core ndependence would give Scotland by which to live our lives. The report issue within the paper. Ithe opportunity to press ‘reset’ on advocates a complete rethink in how Case studies and evidence from its engagement with the world. In we value and distribute our time. By Europe prove that a shorter working defending itself, and in reaching out to redistributing labour and creating a high week does not equate to lower levels of the international community, the scope pay economy, a more equitable, inclusive productivity, an understandable concern for change is considerable. society is possible. A ten year transition for employers. The comprehensive Scottish taxpayers contribute plan accounts for the needs of workers, transition strategy details incentives for sizeably to UK defence, over £3 billion employers and government alike, employers, such as alternative National per year. Scotland is poorly defended demonstrating a cohesive and realistic Insurance policies and additional for this outlay; a great many Scots also approach. The proposal is not a panacea, lifelong learning training to reduce skills resent how this money is spent. An we emphasise the need to combine it gaps. independent Scotland could develop a with wider measures to strengthen the Gender imbalances are also more modest and effective defence model economy and tackle inequality. examined. Women account for over 48% which gives primacy to patrolling and Challenging the dominant narrative of the Scottish labour force. However, defending Scotland’s sizeable coastline, of work, that many people are ‘work 42% work part-time compared to 13% sea and airspace, and to protecting shy’, the report highlights our time- of men. Additionally, 26% of men work Scotland’s people and national resources. imbalanced labour market. Many people over 45 hours per week compared to As well as defending itself better are working excessive hours whilst others 8.5% of women. A shorter working for less, Scots would also notice cannot find enough, or indeed any, week will create more gender equality significant benefits from having a defence work. No one would have intentionally in raising children, managing domestic infrastructure based in Scotland. Firstly, designed a system like this. We highlight labour and caring as already occurs in the a Scottish Defence Force would be the far reaching consequences associated Netherlands. The paper emphasises the peopled by salaried personnel (military with overwork. The report argues that importance of employee-led flexibility and civilian) who are overwhelmingly time-stressed households tend to drive and floats the idea of school hours resident – and spending – in Scotland. faster, eat out more, and generally engage contracts to encourage women back into Secondly, developing new infrastructure in more carbon intensive activity. The the workforce and improve status. and refurbishing old would generate effects of low pay, zero hours contracts Freeing up more time for family and considerable cross-sector employment. and unpaid overtime all negatively friends, cultural and leisure pursuits and Given the emphasis there would likely impact upon workers’ quality of life. civic participation will benefit society as be on developing Scotland’s maritime Absenteeism is strongly linked to a whole. A 4-day, 30-hour week provides capabilities, Scottish shipbuilding overwork, costing the Scottish economy the opportunity for a more equal society, would probably be given a major boost. £630million (2011/2012). The flip-side helping to create a healthier economy Scotland would inherit some vessels

14 from the UK but not all that it would constitutional, secession or proliferation fundamental question from which need; the fleet shortfall would be built in issues. policy choices can emerge than a narrow Scotland. Independence could see Scotland debate about military hardware based Making these observations does not sculpting its own distinctive international on the ‘you never know what will represent some nefarious genuflection footprint, with a defence model more happen’ assertion which is the last refuge towards the military-industrial-complex; appropriate to Scotland’s actual needs of people who have lost the rational it reflects instead a rational acceptance and a foreign policy stance which argument. We need to put investment that independent Scottish governments emphasises peace, knowledge exchange in traditional defence projects up against would allocate substantial annual defence and constructive international dialogue. investment in renewable energy to budgets, and that – unlike the current protect against climate change and energy situation – a sizeable proportion of that shortage, investment in serious organised expenditure would remain in Scotland crime units and violence reduction units, How would an independent investment in cleaner public transport to Scotland engage with the world? Engaging not reduce urban air pollution, investment in Scotland could show itself to be a agriculture to increase food security. responsible international actor by threatening One of the most important enshrining appropriate dedicated articles contributions to our security is not to be in its written constitution. Aside from Isobel Lindsay argues a threat to others and to be appreciated those suggested in the White Paper, other as making a positive contribution to appropriate articles might include: that we need to change peace-making. We are not short of An article deeming the defence discourse models of countries, mainly small ‘unconstitutional’ any acts undertaken by ones, who have developed a positive, the Scottish state with intent to disturb he military-industrial complex peaceful engagement with the rest of the the peaceful relations between nations, always wants to place discussions world. The have provided a home for especially through military aggression. T on defence in the context of images of a variety of international organisations Deeming it ‘unconstitutional’ for territorial integrity under attack from as Switzerland and Austria have the Scottish state to export weapons (thus some projected foreign enemy. It has done. They have supported peace and precluding the development of a Scottish become increasingly difficult for them disarmament research like the Swedish arms industry) to conjure up an actual invading state International Peace Research Institute. Following independence, Scotland which might take up residence but the They have encouraged conflict resolution could place its experience of peaceful prospect of missile attack from (non- initiatives like Norway, Finland, Ireland, democratic transition at the centre of its credible) locations like North Korea or Switzerland. They have strongly opposed international outreach. If successful in Iran has continued to be pedalled. In nuclear weapons like New Zealand and evicting Trident, it could also credibly fact the UK Government’s most recent Mexico. They have actively promoted posit itself as a key player in rejuvenating risk assessment, the Strategic Defence environmental sustainability like Costa the international non-proliferation and Security Review 2011, cited cyber Rica. It was a Finnish initiative that agenda. These experiences could form a attack and terrorism as ‘tier-one’ risks, contributed to the end of the Cold War cornerstone of Scotland’s international not missile attacks by foreign states. Yet with the Helsinki confidence building engagement. The vehicle for facilitating the response to cyber attack requires and human rights process. It was this would be a Scottish Institute for essentially civilian expertise and terrorism Ireland and Norway who took forward Peace and Disarmament (SIPD). requires policing not armed forces. But the Cluster Bomb Treaty. Austria has SIPD would be a centre of research there are major economic and status a constitutional clause prohibiting and international exchange whose interests in big hardware projects and, of nuclear weapons and Scotland could knowledge-base and authority would course, in a continued nuclear strategy. certainly follow. Given that we are a be based upon Scotland’s experience This distortion of any realistic major nuclear weapons base, this would of peaceful constitutional change, assessment of risk makes it important give us substantial goodwill among the nuclear disarmament and military for us to change the discourse of the great majority of UN members. Many transition. As well as emerging as a defence debate to the broader concept of the countries who are most highly leading research institute, SIPD could of ‘human security’. Traditional military regarded internationally are small; also host international conferences objectives need to be placed beside the they don’t owe their status to military and summits aimed at encouraging public risks which we know confront strength but to a focus on human rights, greater dialogue, cooperation and our communities. Unemployment, conflict resolution and economic and practical progress on these issues. SIPD crime, climate change, pollution and environmental justice – a Common Weal could also send ‘working groups’ on environmental health risks, food and approach. educational and advisory visits to states energy security. The question of what and regions experiencing tensions from will make more people secure is a more

15 Real answers are Labour answers

f the debate over Scotland’s future Labour governments have nothing hold it back. Today the dismal failure of Iconstitutional future has achieved at all to offer. neoliberalism, the economic crisis that anything it is in the production of ideas Undoubtedly and inevitably during began in 2008, the bank bailout using and the increased debate and engagement 13 years of power at Westminster and our money and the subsequent austerity over the type of country we would all like eight at Holyrood mistakes were made. agenda – resulting in appalling levels to see. This debate has not excluded the Refreshingly and unusually for a front of unemployment, public spending Labour Party and the wider trade union line politician Andy Burnham has put cuts, food banks, increasing poverty movement; on the contrary the Labour his hands up and acknowledged an error and growing inequality - have burst Party, some of its Trade Union affiliates, in relation to the private sector incursion the neoliberal bubble and with it many the likes of the Campaign For Socialism, into the NHS in England. However, I of the assumptions that there was no the Red Paper Collective, alternative to the market. the Fabian Society and This is also true also of other bodies like the arguments within Labour STUC and many, many ASLEF CALLS FOR AN Party where we can see others have actively that many of the policy discussed and debated INTEGRATED, PUBLICLY proposals currently the constitutional being put forward by question. Importantly, OWNED, ACCOUNTABLE Labour at Westminster most have considered the and Holyrood, challenge question from a default RAILWAY FOR SCOTLAND head on the argument position over what any that suggest Labour is change means for the no longer a vehicle for material conditions of progressive change in ordinary working people Scotland and the UK. and if there is to be any (which used to be the SNP’s At a UK level a kind of constitutional commitment to repeal change it must be change position – before they the Health and Social that provides powers for Care Act and to abolish a purpose. became the government!) the marketised and The Labour Party’s competition agenda in devolution commission the NHS provides clear and subsequent ‘Red red lines between the Paper’ Together We Tory/Liberal agenda and Can sought to do just the Labour objective to that. However, before protect the NHS from discussing the detail of the private healthcare that I want to address sharks currently circling some of the arguments around our most promoted by sections cherished institution. of the Yes camp head Pledges to raise the top on. It seems to me that rate of tax and have some of the support for a 10p rate for lowest independence amongst earners, a commitment both the activist base to abolish the bedroom Mick Whelan Alan Donnelly Kevin Lindsay of the left and amongst General Secretary President Scottish O cer tax, address zero-hours some voters is based, contracts, curb the to a large extent, on ASLEF the train drivers union- www.aslef.org.uk dubious practices of disenchantment with some private landlords Westminster politics and a commitment to (incidentally it has been freeze energy prices all a deliberate tactic of some to replace the do not intend to apologise for the past constitute a progressive step in a leftwards words Tory or Coalition Government mistakes of others – I will leave that direction. Of course more needs to be with what they see as the catch all to them. But of course politics often done and more must be done but where disparaging term ‘Westminster’). And comes in cycles; perhaps many in Labour else, who else, will implement progressive in making this case they further seek and across social-democratic parties polices other than Labour. Historically, to rewrite history by claiming the last the world over felt that the neoliberal it has been the Labour and Trade Union Labour governments at Holyrood and globalised wave was too strong and that movement who have fought for and Westminster achieved nothing and that we had to ride the wave rather than achieved change; change that improved

16 Neil Findlay MSP argues that what is needed for Scotland is the additional devolution proposals offered by Labour along with a set of policies designed to improve the life of workers the living and working conditions of all are and have been raising have come support any other transfer of power, our people. How can anyone argue that into sharp focus. The Together We Can should it be required, to ensure this role cannot be fulfilled again? document is very clearly influenced by that women are fairly represented Only this week in the Scottish the work of the Red Paper Collective on Scotland’s public boards and in Parliament we debated the Procurement and has put ‘clear red water’ between the other public appointments. Bill where Labour in its traditional role neoliberal, low taxed, red tape cutting • Widen access to jobs through of fighting for ordinary working people vision proposed by the SNP’s White targeted use of gender quotas for lodged amendments that would have Paper and Labour’s ‘Red Paper’. For Modern Apprenticeship STEM meant no public contracts being given example, It commits Scottish Labour to: subjects. to companies employing workers on zero • Build on the excellent work done hours contracts, no contracts to those • Deliver legislation that gives the at Westminster and Holyrood who paid less than the living wage, no families of victims a genuine supporting trade unions campaigns contracts to blacklisters and none to possibility of justice through against blacklisting to outlaw this tax avoiders and increased community prosecutions ensuring that the abhorrent practice, ensuring those benefits from contractor. But, the law serves as a deterrent to corner companies involved apologise, own ‘progressive’ SNP Scottish Government cutting and risky practices from up and pay up. instructed its flock of MSPs to vote employers. • Incentivise businesses to employ against each and every one of these • Support Patricia Ferguson MSPs young people – there was £16m amendments – so much for becoming members’ bill to reform the available in consequentials from a “progressive beacon”! Nicola Sturgeon outdated Fatal Accident Inquiry recent UK budget to fund youth had the power to act; she did not need system to ensure we have a system employment which could have been any new powers, but she failed to do so. that responds quicker to help bring used to assist businesses with the Labour’s vision justice to families and friends of start-up costs of taking on young Enhanced devolution is what workers involved in fatal accidents people. Labour will deliver; new powers and strengthens enforcement. for Holyrood, our councils and Delivering a system where • Other amendments to the communities. The role of the Scottish recommendations from Sheriffs are Procurement Bill would have parliament and local government will binding to prevent future injury or ensured government contracts were be strengthened; there will be new deaths from occurring. being prioritised to those businesses powers over income tax, housing benefit who took on apprentices. • Establish a Scottish Health and and the Work Programme, the Crown Safety Executive to set enforcement • Commit to holding an independent Estate, elections, the railways and powers priorities, goals and objectives in inquiry into the convictions of recognising the unique role of our island Scotland and tackle the scandal miners from the 1984/85 Miners’ communities. Alongside the new powers that workers are more likely to die Strike. Scottish Labour believes devolved under the recent Scotland at work in Scotland than anywhere that many of the convictions are Act (which emerged from the Labour- else in the UK. unsafe and are the result of state instigated Calman Commission - like forces being used for political goals • Devolve the operation of the Constitutional convention boycotted following revelations included in employment tribunals to Scotland by the SNP), this will deliver increased Cabinet Papers released under the in order to promote access to autonomy for the Scottish Parliament. 30 year rule. It will allow Scotland greater ability to justice. Both in Scotland and across implement policies tailored to Scotland’s the United Kingdom Labour will These are all serious proposals and needs but which still retains our links give workers access to tribunals represent a real and substantive package with our brothers and sisters down where and when needed without of practical measures that the whole of South. How all this works and develops fees. the Labour movement can and should in future is I believe worthy of some • Commit to an expansion of the get behind. Whatever the outcome of the kind of future UK wide constitutional Living Wage. Our amendments referendum I look forward to working convention. However, that is another to the SNP Government’s with comrades across the Labour and discussion for another day. Procurement Bill would have trade union movement to deliver real Labour’s workplace agenda delivered this expansion. change for working people based on One dominant theme in Labour’s • Close the low pay loophole which these, and future, progressive Labour programme is the delivery of a workplace allows for the contracting out of policies. agenda. Working alongside our trade jobs which public sector bodies unions we have been developing a range employ directly, meaning they can of policies based on the rights and the pay people less than the living wage. interests of working people. Indeed, as Neil Findlay MSP is Scottish Labour’s • Devolve the enforcement of Scotland moves towards the September Shadow Health Spokesperson equalities legislation. We also referendum the issues trade unions

17 It’s all about unions

ccording to John Duffy (SLR Issue employers to by-pass and weaken trade of limitations, including confidentiality A81) and his co-authors of the Jimmy union involvement”. clauses ( i.e. non-communication with Reid Foundation report on Industrial The relevance of Grahame Smith’s the workforce on specific issues). Democracy entitled Working Together, a warning is borne out by the fact that one The report does acknowledge major plank of the future of industrial of the companies which have established that in the so-called ‘European relations in Scotland should be based a Works Council is Ineos, the same models’, ‘employee involvement’ does on the adoption of European ‘models’ organisation which is engaged in unfairly not necessarily mean ‘trade union involving employee forums, Works dismissing the trade union convenor, the involvement’. Worryingly, however, the Councils and employee seats on company non-recognition of democratically elected authors do not appear to regard this as a boards. It is a proposition that appears shop stewards and the withdrawal of problem, going on to suggest that trade to have resonated with the Scottish ‘check off’ facilities for the collection of union involvement on boards should Government, who include support for trade union dues. It is also evidenced by be limited to one union representative, increased employee involvement in their examples, including some in the finance sitting alongside potentially two non- Scotland’s Future White Paper. sector, where the existence of works union reps elected via a Works Council On the face of it, such suggestions councils or employee forums is presented or by the workforce as a whole. If, as may look attractive, especially as they as a substitute (or more accurately, a the report correctly suggests, “unionised contrast sharply with the Con-Dem barrier) to full trade union collective labour is more productive than non- attack on employment rights and the bargaining rights. unionised”, “trade unions are legitimate establishment of the Carr Review to There are many other, albeit much representatives of the workforce” and consider another raft of anti-union more subtle, examples of employee workers should have “some semblance legislation. involvement schemes being used to of control over their everyday lives”, However, as Grahame Smith (also undermine trade union organisation. As why does it not suggest (as presented writing in SLR Issue 81) points out, a young shop stewards convenor in the by advocates of industrial democracy in there are “dangers if the focus is to be on chemical industry, I had to grapple daily the 1970s and 1980s when the theme employee representation rather than on with the employers attempt to weaken was previously dominant on the left) trade union representation” or “employee established union bargaining processes by that workforce board representatives, involvement schemes are used by some taking issues out of the bargaining arena as well as those on employee forums/ and floating them in a limited committees, should be elected by and consultative process, within from the trade union members at the which “stock market sensitive” workplace (with the right of recall by the Scottish Left Review information was denied to union members if their collective view is The Scottish Left Review is a non-profitr makingadical s cpublication.ottish writing us. They also initiated several not properly or effectively presented)? To Please subscribe or make a donation by going to www. attempts to by-pass trade do otherwise is to encourage non-union scottishleftreview.org where you can pay by credit card union reps completely through representation, ensure that real power or by filling in your details in the form below and returning so-called Quality Circles, and influence continues to rest with the to Scottish Left Review, 741 Shields Road, Pollokshields, team briefings, suggestion employer and potentially undermines Glasgow G41 4PL schemes and ‘continuous trade union organising strategies, based improvement’ work methods, on the goal of 100 per cent organisation Name whilst presenting these as and involving the empowerment of positive moves to ‘encourage’ shop stewards, accountability to and Address and ‘value’ the involvement of communication with the membership the workforce. and a preparedness to act on issues of Whilst the Working concern to the workforce when they Together report correctly demonstrate a willingness to do so. points to the wide collective The report also suggests that overall Tel: bargaining coverage in many workforce representation on boards should other European countries initially be limited to the “starting point” E-mail: (and suggests that the right of one-third representation. This, together to bargain, as well as to with the limitation on direct trade union Subscription/Donation withdraw labour and to picket representation, is a far cry from even should be enshrined in law the modest proposals of the ill-fated Bullock Report which suggested equality Date: here) it fails to acknowledge I79 that, in almost all of these of representation with equal numbers of countries, employees on trade union and employers representatives Subscriptions: £18 (waged), £14 (unwaged), £15 (local company boards are expected on boards. Given that Bullock was organisations), £30 (national organisations. to put company loyalty ahead opposed by some on the left who rejected Donations will be gratefully recieved. Cheques should be of a workers representative it as a formula for “class collaboration”, crossed and made payable to: Left Review Scotland Ltd. role and to accept a range echoing Willie Gallagher’s rejection of

18 Jackson Cullinane argues that the Reid Foundation report on industrial democracy will not address the problems of capitalism because it does not put trade unions centre stage in all workplace matters co-partnership schemes as “cunningly contributions and human needs are community right to buy in Land Reform designed by a plausible appeal to disregarded in the drive for intensification legislation in Scotland and the scope for individual cupidity to corrupt the workers of work for profit and, in the worst further improvements in this. After all, and seduce them from collective action”, cases, contributing to the tension, stress, if the benefits of democratic ownership what chance is there of the left broadly bullying and ill health that continues to of the land on which a community accepting a proposal to confer minority prevail in too many of our workplaces. relies is now, rightly, acknowledged in status on workforce board members? Industrial democracy and collective law – why not also recognise the benefits Furthermore, why does the report’s trade union organisation should not only of collective worker and community suggestions on the issues to be addressed be about genuine employee involvement ownership of the industries upon which by greater employee involvement not and participation, it should also be about those communities also rely? extend to the building workers The Working Together report does workforce Workforce board power, valuing submit that wider legal changes are having a right their experience required if industrial democracy is to be to participate representatives, and expertise, built on firm foundations – including in examination as well as those on giving them more the aforementioned case for the legal of business control, ensuring right to bargain and to withdraw labour. opportunities, employee forums, fulfilling work However, it makes no mention of the improved should be elected by and raising self- need for stronger legal protection against work routines, esteem. It should the dismissal of trade union activists. workplace lay-out and from the trade be about raising This is common place in many European and design, the union members at their aspirations countries, where such dismissals cannot purchase and and developing take place prior to the conclusion of operation of the workplace (with the confidence legal proceedings, within which the machinery and the right of recall by that they can burden of proof is on the employer to resources and the forge alternative justify the dismissal, in contrast to the general process the union members workplace situation with cases in the UK, such as of production or if their collective relationships that involving Ineos, where the company service delivery? and, ultimately, dismisses and the union is left to take Instead, the view is not properly an alternative to legal action after the event. report suggests or effectively capitalism itself, It is long overdue that the that “cooperation” through the left revisited the issue of industrial or “co- presented). To do realisation that democracy. In this respect, the Working determination” otherwise is to we cannot fully Together report serves a useful purpose. committees control what we However, we should not allow trade should consider encourage non-union do not own. On unionism and collective organisation to issues such representation that score, the be undermined by phoney partnerships as hours of case for industrial or charades of involvement utilised by work, holidays, grading, training and democracy is inseparable from the some employers to break collectivism, (ominously) workforce surveillance case for workers control and common making individual workers feel important (effectively taking such issues out of ownership. Therefore, in studying the whilst providing them with no real the collective bargaining arena) and it position of workers in other European influence and failing to address the need emphasises “collaboration” and “common countries, it may be worthwhile to look to redistribute power as well as wealth. interests”, seemingly denying that there at the experiences, good and bad, of the As Tony Benn put it in his is an inherent conflict of interest between Mondragon Corporation (a federation Arguments for Socialism: capital and labour. of workers co-operatives in the Basque “We must reject the idea that one Those of us on the left who have country where 82,000 workers work in worker on the board is industrial long advocated industrial democracy companies which they themselves own) democracy. We must reject phoney do so precisely because we recognise or the application of the Marcora Law works councils not rooted in that that conflict of interest exists. The in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, the strength and structure and use of the management prerogative and where workers have a legal right to bid traditions of the trade union their so-called “right to manage” (as for ownership of firms when faced with movement. All of these are window protected in some of the “Nordic models” redundancy. Looking at such examples, dressing designed to divert the of employee involvement) is about with all of their imperfections, could demand for democratic control maintaining and re-enforcing the power and should link to the consideration of into utterly harmless challenge. We structures of capitalism. It is the driving the case for industrial democracy. It may should be talking about the transfer force that prompts employers to regard also have the added advantage of linking of power within industry.” workers as subordinates, dehumanising to the issue of community ownership Jackson Cullinane is Political Officer and alienating them as their views, and empowerment triggered by the of Unite Scotland 19 Losses to the left

Tony Benn, 3rd April 1925 – Church, Westminster Abbey. I joined home in which politics was familiar, and 14th March 2014 in the applause, tears, and song, as Tony often spoke too of the influence first met Tony Benn in Manchester in time was taken to reflect on Tony’s his mother, who had grown up in I1980, when we were both addressing contribution to fighting for a better Paisley becoming an active member of a huge rally in the Manchester Free world. The Durham Miners banner the church, had in his life. He was a Trade Hall in support of the steelworkers took pride of place outside the Church, keen supporter of devolution, and the during their strike. I was somewhat and the crowds and mourners reflected campaign against the poll tax featured nervous, and Tony’s immediate the breadth of campaigns, struggles highly during the 1988 Leadership supportive ‘well done’ comment and progressive causes to which Tony campaign mass meetings in Scotland. after I had spoken, stayed with me in had contributed. The obituaries have Listening back to many of Tony’s the years to come. I moved back to recorded that Tony Benn served as speeches from that time, all met with Scotland in 1981, and worked with Secretary of State for Industry, then for standing ovations, I hear him reiterating Tony with comrades in the Campaign Energy, in Harold Wilson’s Cabinet; passionately the simple message ‘united Group in Scotland, and on the Labour and that Tony stood against Dennis we stand, divided we fall’ and, in Leadership campaign, co-ordinating Healey in a contest for Labour’s Deputy challenging the notion that there is some meetings, visiting picket lines and factory Leadership in 1981, achieving 49.457% common interest between those who occupations, and sharing platforms. We against Dennis Healey’s 50.426%. The produce the wealth and those who own became good friends, and I took great media vilification of Tony Benn during the wealth, to remind us all to ask the pleasure in his infectious enthusiasm the Deputy Leadership campaign in question ‘whose side are we on?’ for life, combined with a strong interest 1981, including harassment of his family, Tony always used to say that all he in Scottish politics, in the history of gives an indication of how seriously the wanted to be remembered for, was as women’s emancipation, in organising, establishment took that challenge from having encouraged others. I think there is and in encouraging others. We explored the left. rather more to it than that, but I can still the new Scottish Parliament building Tony’s contribution in supporting see the gentle smile, the twinkling eyes, and together during construction, and I know workers in struggle has been recorded the calm words of encouragement to that that Tony was thrilled to be able to give too, as with the UCS and shipbuilding young woman speaking in Manchester in the Time for Reflection contribution in on the Clyde; the Miners’ strike 1984 1980…..before he spoke himself to the the Scottish Parliament, on 19 March -85; Liverpool dockers; and then his steelworkers in the Free Trade Hall, leaving 2008. total commitment to the movement them, and me, in absolutely no doubt as to It is not only memories of Tony against nuclear weapons, supporting whose side he was on. with political meetings and campaigns, the Greenham Common women and but also of meeting my family, and of heading up many CND marches. Tony Ann Henderson is Assistant Secretary sharing each stage of my son Iain’s life, was at the forefront on international at the STUC now 19, as they enjoyed a mutual interest solidarity with the anti-apartheid in technology, gadgets, and making little struggle; speaking out against the films. invasion of Iraq in 2003; and consistently I watched how Tony made time speaking up for the Palestinian people. Bob Crow, 13 June 1961 – 11 for so many people, despite failing The memories from Scotland March 2014 health – responding to so many requests include not only the solidarity with he RMT membership was shocked to speak, travelling up and down the UCS, the NUM, Caterpillar, Lee Jeans, and deeply saddened by the sudden country. October 2011 saw us walking British Leyland at Bathgate, May Day T death of our General Secretary Bob through Glasgow on one of the wettest demonstrations – but also the huge Crow. Bob was my comrade and my days ever, on the STUC People First meetings that were held during the friend . We served on our executive demonstration. The weather was so bad Deputy Leadership campaign, the annual together, and I was proud when upon his that the STUC decision was taken to Campaign Group fringe meetings at election to GS he brought me in to form cancel all the speakers – except Tony – a Scottish Labour Party conferences that an Organisation Unit. Working for Bob decision that was very well received by all incorporated the Labour self-organisation and with him was always inspiring. concerned! of women and black members to the In 2002 our union was looking into There is so much to be shared and platforms too, and the thousands that the abyss, with deep financial problems, treasured, by all those who knew Tony attended the rallies during the 1988 continuing loss of membership, we were and all who were encouraged by his Labour Leadership campaign. Tony demoralised and inert. words and actions. Benn always spoke warmly of his own The wider picture was worse . Bob Bringing traffic to a standstill, family connection with Scotland, with had been politicised as a young man in crowds gathered in Parliament Square his great grandfather James Holmes being a different world, the people had owned on Thursday 27th March to join with a steeplejack from Irvine who went on gas, electricity, water, the railways were family, friends and comrades at Tony to become the MP for Govan. Tony’s in public hands. We sent our kids to Benn’s funeral, held in St Margaret’s father was MP for Leith, creating a university for free education , we actually

20 Recent months have seen the loss of four major figures in left politics and policy across Scotland and Britain. Here we collect four appreciations of the lives of Tony Benn, Bob Crow, Margo McDonald and Ailsa McKay paid them a grant for going! “she talked just like people around here”. its true value continues to be dwarfed The trade union movement That comes into the same category as by the failure of mainstream economics membership had reached 13 million . a comment from the early seventies – to reflect women’s roles, particularly the Bob wanted to fight to bring these assets “nobody’s going to buy our oil”. The unpaid work they do. She worked with of the nation back to the people. He was deferential Scot was still with us then; great wit, energy and enthusiasm to stop willing to make common cause with all hopefully much less so now. Margo was people being deceived by economists fighting for his unions demands. part of that transformation in the self- and argued for a more equal and just His immediate problem was confidence of non-elite Scots. society, supporting students, women rebuilding his own union. He put In the early years of Holyrood in communities and policy makers to organising for recruitment top of his list. the contribution was rather different. understand how economics could work He rolled his sleeves up and got stuck in The public welcomed having an much better for equality and be a force alongside his rank and file and they loved ‘unwhippable’ voice in the land of the for good. it. Thousands joined, people stopped bland and predictable. Because of her As a founding member of the leaving us. Under Bobs leadership we more difficult relationship with the SNP Scottish Women’s Budget Group, she became solvent, we owe not a bean to leadership, she lost some influence on argued against the gender blind decision anyone. He led us away from the insults the party’s direction but she contributed making that still dominates public and sneering buffoons of New Labour so instead to public support for the new policy and for gender aware policy and we could democratise our political fund. parliament by showing that budgetary decisions, in Scotland and Bob put education high up our order of there were independent voices and there internationally. She did more than activity. He encouraged the membership could be refreshingly open debate. Were anyone to push for the kind of gender and gradually brought back our militant people going to identify with the Scottish aware budget statement that the Scottish tradition that had lay dormant. Parliament or become just as cynical Government now produces, but she In short Bob achieved for the about it as they were about Westminster? always recognised that this was just a first membership of our union what he set Having MSPs, of whom Margo was small step – once budgetary decisions out to achieve. But RMT members knew outstandingly one, whom they could were truly gender responsive, it should be that Bob had come to appeal to a wider identify and with whom they could transformative and not just a statement constituency, he spoke for his social class identify was important in those years. of intent, however gracefully done. , stood up for them , understood us in a In her last years she certainly didn’t Ailsa was also a passionate advocate way only another working class man can. stop being a politician with strong views of another transformative and radical He was respected for his fighting spirit on mainstream issues but her courage idea, a citizen’s basic income, because both in and outside his union. and determination in continuing in such of its great potential to meet the needs We will all miss him. an active role despite a very debilitating of women more effectively than the illness. She didn’t just do the minimum existing social security system that does Alan Pottage is National Organising Co- required by the job; she did much more not recognise or value unpaid work or ordinator of the RMT despite great difficulty in basic mobility. the penalties that women face for bearing She took on a major legislative change children. which she knew would face intense Even when she became ill, Ailsa was Margo Macdonald, 19 April institutional opposition and would be pushing forward for a fairer society and 1943 – 4 April 2014 personally stressful. When it failed, she promoted to the Scottish Government ho you are and what you do took it forward again. Since we know the economic benefits of universal Wobviously overlap but some public that the great majority of the public childcare free at the point of delivery. She figures make a significant statement by support this carefully drafted assisted presented her ideas at a Scottish TUC their personality and character. That was suicide bill, it is reasonable to assume women’s weekend school just four days certainly true of Margo for reasons that that personally a majority of MSPs also before she died. varied in different periods. In the 1970s support it. Let us hope that this time Economists who do their work as if when she won the Govan by-election they have the courage to stand up to people really matter are rare, particularly and became a senior office-bearer in the the institutional pressures as Margo was those who recognise the value of the SNP, by being a politically successful always prepared to do and support it. contributions that women and men make young woman with strong opinions and in all their diversity. In the passing of confidence in her identity she put down Isobel Lindsay was a school friend of Ailsa McKay, Scotland lost one of her an important marker for women and Margo’s and a lifelong colleague best, truly a disruptive force for good. left nationalist politics. She personified Ailsa is survived by her husband Jim a more confident and assertive Scotland and children, Rory and Annie. for many ordinary people. But not Ailsa McKay, 7 June 1963 – 5 March 2014 all. I remember canvassing in the 1978 Morag Gillespie is an academic at Hamilton by-election and a woman in a ilsa McKay thought that economics Glasgow Caledonian University working-class area of Larkhall telling me has much to offer the world, but that she wouldn’t vote for Margo because A

21 Poverty and independence

n important ways, the Independence over 20% of their children live in ‘sharing the pain’ and ‘we are all in this Idebate is not simply about opposing poverty. together’ were among the most notable of constitutional futures but in different a plethora of terms deployed in an effort ways goes to the very heart of the kind That there was some reduction in to convince us all that everyone should of society we would wish Scotland poverty levels during the first decade suffer in largely equal measures. to become. Central to this are of the twenty-first century is to be However, it is important to take a arguments that revolve around issues welcomed. But the picture for the period much more critical view of ‘austerity’: it of disadvantage, poverty, inequality ahead shows that not only have modest was never going to be ‘equal’ or ‘fair’ in and equality. The term ‘social justice’ reductions been halted but there will its impact – nor was it intended to be. has frequently been deployed in these be an increase in the levels of poverty It was a political project, a class project debates by the opposing camps, but its in Scotland, as in other areas of the to redistribute wealth and income to the usage has hardly UK. By 2020 it already privileged; at its most basic it was helped us grasp Austerity is is estimated that a deliberate plan to reduce fiscal deficit what it actually presented almost an additional by slashing public spending, public means, beyond 100,000 children services, and, significantly, pensions and something that ‘of as a technical in Scotland will be other welfare benefits. These cuts impact course’ we should living in poverty. most adversely on those who are already all be ‘in favour term, devoid of among the most disadvantaged in society. of’. However, that any political basis, ‘Austerity’ as However, in some regards this is still the term is being a Political a somewhat superficial appreciation of used immediately seemingly neutral Project what austerity signifies. It is also about marks the political in that the main There are a an assault on the very social contract and policy- Westminster political number of that was held by successive generations making landscape related factors at of people in the UK to be a core part of Scotland as parties all saw work here that of UK citizenship. Cutting wages, in distinctive in ‘austerity’ cuts as account for this work and out of work benefits, pensions important regards deteriorating and the social wage more generally, that from other parts offering the only way situation. David is the range of public services, is also of the UK, and to economic growth Cameron’s claim about restoring conditions for profit and in particular from that a ‘new age wealth accumulation. This amounts to the Westminster and fiscal health. of austerity’ was little more than the transfer of wealth dominated required, meaning and power into ever fewer hands – the landscape in England. But before we large scale cuts in public expenditure, was consolidation and advancement of the get carried away and attach to this an accompanied by a new phase of what is economic and political interests of the importance it has yet to merit, the euphemistically termed ‘welfare reform’. already rich and affluent. picture of poverty and disadvantage in A total £22 billion of cuts to the annual Scotland today shows the extent to which value of UK benefits and tax credit Social Welfare and the our society is disfigured and scarred by support is being made by 2014/15. It is Scottish Independence the impact of the policy approaches of estimated that between £1.6bn (around Debate successive governments and rising levels £480 for every adult of working age) and Since devolution in 1999, the Scottish of inequality. £2bn will be cut from Scottish household Parliament has been a largely social Poverty in Scotland 2014: The incomes. The Scottish Government has policy making institution with many Independence Referendum and Beyond, calculated that the cumulative impact of of the ‘bread and butter’ areas such as shows in stark terms the ‘headline’ UK welfare reforms over the five years to housing, education and health under poverty statistics which demonstrate that: 2014-2015 could result in the welfare bill Scottish Government control. Other for Scotland being reduced by over £4.5 central policy areas such as most taxation, • 870,000 people in Scotland still live billion. social security, benefits and employment in poverty (17% of the population). The idea of ‘austerity’ has entered policy, remain under the control of the • 200,000 children in Scotland still political, popular and media discussion UK Government and it is the devolution live in poverty (20% of all children). across the country today. It is presented of these areas, or their incorporation in a Scottish welfare state in the context • Poverty in Scotland is significantly almost as a technical term, devoid of any political basis, seemingly neutral in that of an Independent Scotland which is higher than in many other becoming an increasing element of the European countries the main Westminster political parties all saw ‘austerity’ cuts as offering the debate around the creation of a more • Poverty exists across Scotland. only way to economic growth and fiscal ‘socially just’ Scotland. This also marks a Nearly all local authorities in health. Alongside the idea of austerity divergence from debates around welfare Scotland have council wards where other phrases came to be popularised: in England. There are different factors at

22 Gerry Mooney argues that the debate about poverty is at the heart of the constitutional question in Scotland - and while the SNP answers may not be convincing, for the first time in a generation real change seems possible work here. central, both to the Independence debate willing to seize on UK Government In 2011-12, total public sector and to the future of Scottish society. welfare reforms to advance the case that expenditure for Scotland was estimated only an Independent Scotland with to be £64.5 billion, this was equivalent The Scottish Government a distinctive Scottish welfare state is to 9.3% of comparable total UK public and UK ‘Welfare Reforms’ true to the foundations of the post-war sector expenditure in 2011-12, so a UK Government welfare reforms have UK welfare state, a welfare state that is higher proportion than Scotland’s share been criticised by the SNP Government being progressively eroded in England. of UK population at around 8.38% as out of step not only with the wishes of Therefore the future state of welfare at the time of the 2011 census. This is voters in Scotland but also as seriously at across the UK is likely to be characterised accounted for by Scotland having more odds with ‘Scottish values’. Much of this by even more divergence and complexity, people on low income, a larger share is related to other claims that Scottish but again this is also being driven by of pensioners and a larger number of voters and the wider public in Scotland developments in England as much as it is people with disabilities. Social protection is in some way less hostile to people in by proposals for further devolution – or was the largest Scottish expenditure receipt of benefit, that negative attitudes independence – to Scotland. programme and together with health to welfare are more diluted in Scotland. Social welfare issues are and have expenditure, it accounted for over half Throughout the past 2 years, leading been central to other perspectives in the of total public sector expenditure for Scottish Ministers have repeatedly Independence debate and around the Scotland and this equates to around half made forays into the welfare debate. idea of a ‘fairer Scotland’ more generally, of Scotland’s GDP. Welfare reforms and At the March 2012 SNP Conference ‘Fairness’ itself remains a key goal but as changes in the public sector are felt far in Glasgow the Deputy First Minister yet undefined with little clear indication and wide across Scotland and these also argued that: of what it might mean in a future in no small part contribute to the on- “Only independence can put Scotland. There are numerous questions going political controversies around the a stop to heartless Tory welfare thrown up about the future shape of role of social welfare in both the devolved reforms that will punish the welfare in Scotland. What would a and a potential Independent Scotland. vulnerable and the disabled. And Scottish tax regime look like? How could The political debate in Scotland only independence will give us the it generate more income for Scotland around social welfare is distinctive in tools we need to rid Scotland of on a more equitable basis? What sorts of important respects from other areas the poverty and deprivation that social provision could be developed with of the UK. In part this distinctiveness still scars our nation and create the a higher tax base? How could this be used also emerges not so much from jobs and opportunities that will get to tackle poverty and promote greater what is happening in Scotland – but people off benefits, not for Tory equality and fairness for Scotland as a developments taking place in England. reasons, but for the right reasons.” whole? There is, for example, no widespread In subsequent speeches SNP Ministers privatisation of the NHS in Scotland continued to push this line adding Towards a Scottish Welfare – a process that themes that spoke State: A New Vision for appears to be ‘Fairness’ itself of Scottish values Welfare in a New Scotland? developing apace and attitudes The debate around what kind of welfare across key areas remains a key goal underpinning state Scotland should have is of course of NHS provision but as yet undefined social policy and a debate around the kind of society we in England. equity, promising would wish to see Scotland become. That Differences in with little clear a Scottish welfare this is directly linked with the question other aspects indication of what system that would of Scotland’s constitutional future is all of social policy be driven by too evident. But it is not a debate that is making, in it might mean in social justice and limited by constitutional matters alone. education policy, a future Scotland. demonstrating That there is a debate around the future criminal justice a strong of Scotland’s welfare system brings into policy and across There are numerous commitment to sharp focus the question of poverty and a range of other questions thrown social democracy. of inequality – but also wider issues of issues means It was further the kind of economy and society that that the policy- up about the future claimed that UK would be necessary for the eradication making landscape shape of welfare. Government’s of poverty. That this is leading to new of Scotland and welfare reforms thinking around new forms of welfare England appear increasingly different – were not only ‘eroding the social fabric’ system is positive and to be encouraged as do the debates to which these policy of society but also marked a radical but at the same time the challenge is landscapes both reflect, and give rise. This departure from the foundations of the also to advance the issue of poverty is the context in which arguments around post-war British welfare state. in a way that is free of stigma and social welfare have become increasingly The SNP have been only too disrespect now. We cannot afford to wait

23 for Independence or any other future highlighting the vast inequalities in Gerry Mooney is Senior Lecturer in constitutional arrangement to be bedded wealth and income that are also a feature Social Policy at the Open University down before rethinking poverty and anti- of Scottish society. A major redistribution Scotland poverty policy. of income and wealth and an assault on In the Independence debate the vested interests and entrenched privilege Poverty in Scotland 2014: The notion of ‘Common Weal’ as the basis it is argued is central to an effective anti- Independence Referendum and of a distinctively Scottish welfare system poverty policy. Beyond, is published by the Child has risen to prominence. In a series of Scotland is, despite myths of Poverty Action Group and is available papers published by the Jimmy Reid collectiveness and a Scottish ‘national (together with a sample chapter) Foundation, proponents of the Common interest’, a society marked by class from: Weal have advocated a far reaching vision divisions and inequalities. Not only http://onlineservices.cpag.org.uk/ of Scotland as a fairer, progressive and does this manifest itself in the huge shop/PSP14. more sustainable society. Looking to and wider levels of poverty but in the some of the fairest economic and social huge advantages that Scotland’s rich The Open University has a range of policies in the Nordic countries, it places enjoy today and, in the SNP vision freely learning resources around an attack on entrenched inequality of an Independent but low tax and the Independence Debate and Social and wealth by a completely revamped competitive Scotland, would continue Welfare on its OpenLearn website at: taxation system that would enable better to enjoy. The Independence Referendum quality, well-funded public services. however throws-up the possibility of http://www.open.edu/openlearn/ Social goals would drive economic building a new Scotland, a socialist society/politics-policy-people/ development, not the pursuit of private Scotland in which the vested interests, politics/independence-social- profit. A new set of principles would privilege and advantages of the affluent welfare-and-fairer- underpin a Scottish welfare state, in will be seriously challenged. Only in the form of contract between people in this way will the scourge of poverty and Scotland delivered through the state. disadvantage in Scotland be removed The Radical Independence Campaign once and for all. has further drawn attention to the stark realities of a class divided Scotland,

In 2007 Is There a Scottish Road to Socialism? was published.

Seven years later, with a financial crash behind us and the referendum on independence ahead, 24 authors return to the question.

Is a better Scotland possible - and how do we get there?

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24 Reviews

Yes: The Radical Case for argument on the Tory side is that Britain of British capitalism. If we vote No, Scottish Independence is good for us and on the Labour side we all but guarantee more decades of that Britain can be made good for us, austerity, privatisation and warfare. James Foley and Pete taking on the Great British myth needs to We will miss our chance to contribute Ramand, Pluto Press be part of the campaign. They present an a working model of environmental incisive attack on the Britain of “financial sustainability.” ndependence must explain its speculation, public relations and the “Ipurpose” is the guiding aim of arms trade” and conclude that “we have this book and more specifically must linked the UK’s neo-imperial project – Isobel Lindsay explain its purpose for the left. As many as financial haven, arms manufacturer have noted, one of the big gains of the and leading American client - to neo- referendum campaign has been its role liberal morality, privatisation policy and Scotland the Brave? as a catalyst for new thinking and fresh social regression.” They also take on the talent on the left. The one thing we can lack of scrutiny of British nationalism Gregor Gall, Scottish Left be sure of is that things will not revert to which the Better Together members Review Press pre-2014 politics. But strongly promote equally it is not yet while attacking regor Gall’s new book Scotland clear what structures Scottish nationalism GThe Brave? pulls together several of political action as somehow deviant. strands of the left wing and socialist will emerge. It is, The ‘punching above arguments for yes. Gall, an ex-SSP however, rather clearer our weight’ military member, curiously has deviated from where the direction chauvinism, the one of his former parties cornerstones of of change is going enthusiastic royalist the independence argument. ‘Scotland in policy debates. street parties, the the Brave?’ is not written from the James Foley and Pete ‘best in the world’ viewpoint that Scotland has a right to Ramand are two of the sentiments around self-determination - an argument that bright young activists the Olympics reflect has been much of the premise for SSP who helped start the commonplace statements on Scotland’s independence Radical Independence attitudes over for many years. Rather, the book opens Campaign and generations and yet by asking the question which must be have gone on to we have Scottish the concern of socialists across Scotland contribute to the left Labour enthusing and beyond throughout this debate: independence case. At about Great Britain what outcome in 2014 will open up the this stage a situation of while attacking the greatest possibility for material social fluidity and openness much more modest change in Scotland? is where we want and progressive claims The chapters which proceed make to be to encourage for a political and clear that the only outcome that could dialogue and lower some of the sectarian cultural identity for Scotland. There is a create the circumstances for positive intellectual barriers. Although coming chapter on the experience of Holyrood radical reforms to improve working class from a strong left position, ‘The Radical politics, recognising some achievements people’s lives is a Yes vote. Gall’s book, Case for Scottish Independence’ takes a but attacking the marked drift to the overall, is most concerned, not with the broadly-based stance in its analysis. right under Jack McConnell and the national identity of the Scottish people, It is strongest in its critique of the continuation of this under the supposed nor a historic right to self-determination, UK political and economic settlement. left leadership candidate, Johann but rather with the ability of an The two chapters on future policy are Lamont. They accept that the SNP has independent Scotland to make reforms to lighter and that does tell us that the benefited from being more to the left better its citizens’ material circumstances. left has work to do (it is happening) in but with neo-liberal elements in their ‘Scotland the Brave?’ is also one of the order to put sustained in-depth analysis leadership. only books on independence which into the development of viable policy Since the mainstream Scottish pulls in the role of the trade unions on alternatives. Foley and Ramand are press have acted overwhelmingly Scotland’s future, and the role they play right to question the failure of the Yes as agents of British establishment in the current context of British politics. campaign to promote a sharper analysis opinion, this is why we need to turn Gall begins by taking the arguments of what is wrong with the UK economy to books like this and to social media from the centre-left no voters head and polity, apparently because they for alternative analysis and debate. on. He argues clearly and categorically don’t want to be seen as anti-English or They conclude; “What Scots can unite that there can be no radical social too negative. But since the central No upon is the unsustainable direction change under the current constitutional

25 arrangement. Westminster is so SNP began to outflank Scottish Labour left’s great challenge in ‘Scotland the dominated by the forces of conservatism to the left on issue after issue, and Brave?’ is to ensure it can project enough and neoliberalism that change in policy after policy. Gall rightly notes vision and paint a picture of what a the foreseeable future is at the very that Johann Lamont, despite being the radical independent Scotland could look least unlikely, if not impossible. The left wing candidate in the leadership like for ordinary citizens. rightward-pull of Westminster politics election, has still succumbed to the neo- Gall rightly points out that the key has meant that Labour shows no signs liberal policies of New Labour. Under to winning a Yes vote is to go beyond of making a significant and substantial Lamont’s leadership, Scottish Labour the SNP’s vote-yes-for-no-change break with neoliberalism, and with remain on the right of the SNP and have policies, and focus on the “ends” which statements that they will be “tougher maintained their tribal stance against independence can bring, rather than than the tories on welfare”, they are anything remotely progressive that the the means. For the SNP, in Gall’s eyes, clearly ideologically committed to SNP proposes: universal benefits, free independence itself is enough to radically continued austerity. school meals and so on. transform Scotland, to simply have Although Gall’s book was written Where Gall picks up this thread, ‘Scotland’s future in Scotland’s hands’. before the Collins review into the is to emphasise throughout that the However, this is not enough for the Left relationship between the trade unions SNP alone cannot win this referendum. - and instead socialists supporting a Yes and the Labour Party, the point he And herein lies the key argument of vote must win people to the notion that makes about trade-unions is informative. the book: there are three ways in which independence is a means by which we The unions, despite their left-wing the left must operate to win not just can better our lot. leaderships, have no substantive or the referendum - but to win significant This is the focus of ‘Scotland the serious strategy for pushing Labour social reforms for working class people Brave?’ overall - which has happily leftwards. The weakness of the unions in Scotland. Firstly, the left must make been matched by the way that the overall mean that the barriers to social and argument that independence simply independence campaign has worked on change at Westminster - its right-wing provides an opportunity for social the ground. The Radical Independence drift - cannot be pushed back. For the change - it opens up a gap in the political Campaign, for example, has strengthened trade unions, independence is a chance systems which have adhered to neoliberal the left-wing case for Yes. By explaining too. dogma for the last three decades. what independence is for (a more The narrative underlying the Secondly, the left must seriously equal society) it has answered both opening of the book is a familiar one: look towards a new form of political implicitly and explicitly what we want the SNP won not on the basis of their representation that can be formulated independence from (a society that commitment to a referendum on in the 2016 elections to the Scottish benefits only the already rich and the independence, but rather because the Parliament. Finally, there is a necessity already powerful). The pro-independence for extra-parliamentary left has also delivered on the material forces to exist outside of demands that Gall makes in this book. the new Scottish political the Left wing Yes groups all speak in establishment in order real and tangible ideas, about how to exert influence upon an independent Scotland can benefit it. In undertaking these ordinary citizens, socially, economically three activities, the pro- and politically. independence left must These ideas are being discussed at focus at all times on the meetings all across Scotland, night after material circumstances night in the lead up to the referendum. of the mass of citizens ‘Scotland the Brave?’ is a particularly in Scotland, making useful book for pro-independence concrete arguments that activists in the trade union movement- a Yes vote will open with a whole chapter - aptly named, up the possibility to Red Herrings - dedicated to busting the change the trajectory left wing unionist myths, and Gall also upon which their living tackles head on the problems with the standards, access to strategy of “reclaiming Labour” for 2015. employment, transport From the Highlands to the Borders networks, community and from east coast to west, many more cohesion and so on, have people are discovering that a vote for been declining. independence is not just about voting For Gall, for Scotland, but a vote that can open ultimately, people up the door to real radical social change. must be convinced This book’s central argument seems to be that independence will that independence equals an opportunity make them better off for this change to happen - and looking materially - as opposed to at the polls now, it is up to the left to be the traditional Scottish brave enough to grab it. nationalist territory of self-determination. The Cat Boyd VLADIMIR McTAVISH’S Kick Up The Tabloids Shock new evidence - UKIP are definitely horrible o, that’s the European elections over Number 6: The smoking ban should I do think many UK voters will find it Sfor another four years. I hope you all be reversed, and smoking should be difficult to make a clear choice between managed not to get too excited. However, allowed in doctors’ waiting rooms. Yes and No, as to whether they remain there is little doubt that the major talking Number 7: Electronic cigarettes in Europe. Perhaps they should be asked point of the campaign has been UKIP’s should to be made illegal. a more complex set of questions. How’s rise in the polls south of the border. It Number 8: Chewing gum should not this for starters? could, of course, be that UKIP’s voters be on sale to anyone under the age of 16. “Please place the following option’s are more likely to turn out in the Euro Number 9: Only people who drink for the UK’s future in order of personal elections. It’s a bit ironic that the only In pubs should be eligible to run for preference: people who are really enthusiastic about political offices. MPs’ surgeries should be A: Britain withdrawing from the voting for the European Parliament replaced by buying your MP a pint, and European Union. are people who want to get rid of the having a chat with him down the local. B: Britain remaining within the EU European Parliament. Number 10: Taxi drivers should be but on re-negotiated terms. While I’m not someone who would made to wear uniforms. C: England withdrawing from the normally spring to the defence of Nigel Number 11: There should be a EU, but Scotland, Wales and Northern Farage, I do think it is wrong that UKIP compulsory dress code for audiences Ireland remaining within Europe. should be dismissed as a ‘single issue going to the theatre. D: Withdrawing from the European party’. Because they are anything but. Number 12: In order to be totally Union but with Eddie Izzard, Nick Clegg UKIP had a wide range of policies inclusive, the BBC should be forced to and Ed Miliband remaining within the in their 2014 European Election commission comedy shows where the EU. manifesto, of which withdrawal from humour is derived from homophobia E: Remaining within the EU, but the EU is merely one of the more and casual racism, as there are many with Nigel Farrage being deported to a comparatively sane ideas. Indeed, many people who still enjoy this type of country that still has the death penalty. of their policies are utterly bonkers. entertainment. If they refuse, they should F: Remaining within the EU but Here’s a list of some such policies which be made to show endless re-runs of shows without all the silly regulations about have featured in their manifestos in such as It Ain’t Half Hot, Mum, and On the shape of bananas which I am always recent years, and some daft ideas which The Buses. reading about in the Daily Express. I’ve just thought up. See if you can spot Able to tell the real UKIP policies G: Withdrawing from the EU, but the difference. from the fake ones? If so, well done. with British ex-pats still being able to buy Number 1: UKIP are against Scottish When I re-read that list, I was a bit the Daily Mail in Spain. independence, for while it’s OK for the unsure myself. H: Withdrawing from the EU but United Kingdom to be independent, you Of course, the emergence of UKIP, with English stag-dos still being allowed have to draw the line somewhere when it and threat it poses to the Tories is the to urinate in the street of Prague and comes to this kind of madness. main reason behind David Cameron Amsterdam. Number 2: Europe should have agreeing to hold a referendum on EU I: Don’t know. to adopt a form of Esperanto, which is withdrawal in 2017. Having denounced J: To be honest, mate, I haven’t got essentially English being shouted loudly the party as “Fruitcakes and closet a clue. and slowly at foreigners, particularly racists”, Cameron then realised he could K: “Who do you think you are when ordering in restaurants and bars. have been describing a huge number of kidding, Mr Hitler, if you think old Number 3: All member nations of Tory voters, whom he obviously wants England’s done?” the EU should be made to apply to join back in the fold if he has to have any the British Commonwealth. hope of winning the 2015 Westminster Vladimir McTavish and Keir McAllister Number 4: We should scrap the election. will be performing in AYE RIGHT ? British Commonwealth, and replace it So, if Scotland is to vote “No” in HOW NO? The Comedy Countdown to with a different umbrella organisation our referendum in September, we will be The Referendum at The Constitution, run from London, to be known as the faced with another referendum in a few , Constitution St, Edinburgh on British Empire. years’ time. After a two-year campaign for Wednesday 18th June as part of 2014 Number 5: Membership of the the independence referendum, it could Leith Festival Stand Comedy Club, and Scouts should be compulsory for all be that many Scots will be suffering from The Stand Comedy Club, Glasgow on children up until the age of 18. sever referendum fatigue by 2017. Also, Monday 21st July. www,thestand.co.uk

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