The past week in Scottish politics has been all about fall outs. Who can speak at an independence rally? Which rally should take precedence? Will the Scottish Greens bail out of the Bute House Agreement over the abandonment of climate change targets and the Cass Review?
We ask if these disputes mask the dearth of ideas at government level over how to tackle the fundamental issue of climate change and cloud the necessity of cooperation and unity in the drive for Scottish independence?
The Cass Review has been the focus of much of the media and many politicians. Who is Hilary Cass and what does the review actually say?
Robin McAlpine of Common Weal thinks the news on climate targets is grim but not unexpected. He called for a move away from a free market approach and put forward ideas that he is convinced would work.
https://commonweal.scot/anger-at-dropped-targets-must-lead-to-change/Craig Dalzell also flagged up initiatives from five years ago that would have saved government the recent embarrassment of bad headlines over wood burning stoves.
https://commonweal.scot/shedding-light-on-rural-heat/Meanwhile at Westminster the Tories are battering away at getting their Rwanda Bill passed, despite opposition in the Lords, despite the legal implications, the cost, and despite the very real likelihood it wont "Stop the boats". Has it become a totemic Tory policy that they simply can't give up?
Labour have promised to stop the flights if they form the next government but have stuck to an opposition based on cost and its failure to protect "our borders".
Sticking with Labour, has Starmer scored an own goal with his statements on English patriotism which he cheerfully conflates with Britishness?
May the 11th and 12th sees a weekend celebration of all things Cunninghame Graham. Don Roberto and Scotland: international perspectives. There’s a day of talks at the Smith Stirling Museum on the Saturday, and a morning visit to Gartmore House, his childhood home , and the island of Inchmahome, place of his burial, on the Sunday.
https://donrobertoandme.com/2024/04/04/don-roberto-and-scotland-international-perspectives/And if you listen carefully you might just hear a wee mention or two of the world famous Dundee United winning the Scottish Championship.