State of the Polls: September 2015

It’s politics season again, as both Westminster and Holyrood return to their duties after summer breaks – and while the fallout from the General Election has largely settled, there are still some major battles going on in British politics in political and constitutional terms. Labour leadership contest The Labour leadership contest has been a rollercoaster ride, but one that only became exciting when a sudden rise from nowhere burst through the mediocrity.  Jeremy Corbyn’s transition from no-hoper to front-runner has been a revelation, and has — Read more →

The long & winding road to the White House

It’s perhaps the most important election there can be, choosing the leader of the free world: the President of the United States.  That’s why it’s not so unusual that the whole process of doing just that has begun in earnest fifteen months ahead of time. Next November Americans will go to the polls to elect their new leader, with President Obama unable to seek a third term.  Whoever gets in to power, Democrat or Republican, man or woman – it is almost certain that the — Read more →

The fox in the coop

The SNP contingent at Westminster has more than lived up to its billing of “stronger for Scotland”.  It has fought tooth and nail on every bill before Parliament thus far, always packing its corner for debates and motions and showing what representation should be. There’s of course been the rattling of the chains as well.  Things like nicking Dennis Skinner’s seat and clapping in the chamber are as much a sign of good humour and mocking old and defunct institutions as they are of disrespect. — Read more →

A bullying Budget

Chancellor George Osborne today delivered a budget that showed the striking cuts and welfare changes that the Conservative Government are to make over the next five years to trim the debt and deficit. But while the savings and the reports of continued economic growth might seem as though Britain is doing well once again, compared to our recent recession and the overbearing problems in Europe, this progress is coming at a great cost to many of the poorest and most vulnerable in the country. Unbound — Read more →

Greece’s bold step into the unknown

Greece did something remarkable yesterday; something that has either the potential to be a fundamental shift in the way that small countries are dealt with by the EU or something that proves to the killing blow for Greek aspiration within Europe.  What way the wind shall blow is anyone’s guess. The result of the bailout referendum was emphatic.  Polls released at the close of voting suggested No ahead within the margin of error, but the final result of 61-39 against the bailout showed that the — Read more →