OPINION

Musk vs. Farage, speed hating goes wrong

— Elon Musk’s criticism of Nigel Farage highlights the billionaire’s deepening involvement in British politics, promoting far-right agendas, stoking racial tensions, and undermining democracy, Wee Ginger Dug writes, adding that urgent reforms to political donations are essential.

OPINION

Looking down the storm drain of 2025

— Higher energy bills mark 2025, alongside discontent with Labour’s unfulfilled promises and Keir Starmer’s declining popularity. Rising far-right influence threatens Westminster, bolstering Scottish independence momentum amid political dissatisfaction.

OPINION

Starmer’s Waspi betrayal will come back and sting him

— Labour faces backlash for scrapping pensioner benefits and denying compensation to 1950s-born Waspi women, contradicting prior pledges and ombudsman recommendations, sparking criticism for alienating key voter groups.

OPINION

Farage and Musk are coming for Scotland

— Elon Musk’s potential funding of Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party highlights the influence of dark money in British politics, threatening democracy and raising concerns for Scotland’s 2026 elections and independence movement.

OPINION

The X-odus to BlueSky: A dug in a blue sky

— Wee Ginger Dug condemns Elon Musk’s X/Twitter for fostering hate speech and divisive content, highlighting BlueSky instead as a friendlier and more inclusive alternative for online interaction.

OPINION

The far-right could come to Scotland too

— Trump’s election victory has fuelled far-right nationalist gains, threatening minority and migrant rights in the US and intensifying right-wing populism in Scotland. Reform UK’s recent growth in Scotland now signals a potential rise in anti-immigration and climate-sceptic influence at Holyrood.

OPINION

Scotland’s severed tongues

— The Scottish Languages Bill aims to grant official status to Gaelic and Scots, enhance support for these languages in education, and address widespread ignorance about their historical and cultural significance in Scotland.

OPINION

Alex Salmond R.I.P.

— Alex Salmond, a towering figure in Scottish politics, has died unexpectedly in North Macedonia, leaving a profound legacy. His transformative leadership championed Scottish independence, reshaping Scotland’s political landscape indelibly.

OPINION

Andrew Marr, Gaelic and Scots

— Andrew Marr’s comments at the Labour Party conference dismissing Gaelic signage at Edinburgh’s Haymarket station highlight ongoing ignorance about Scotland’s linguistic history. Despite Marr’s apology, his remarks underscored cultural marginalisation, Wee Ginger Dug argues.

OPINION

English nationalism’s fascist problem

— The ongoing far-right violence in England, misrepresented as a British issue, underscores the nation’s struggle with English nationalism and identity. Media and political narratives often avoid this root cause, exacerbating tensions.

OPINION

Let Glasgow flourish against fascism

— British politics has seen alarming far-right normalisation, driven by figures like Nigel Farage and extremist groups. To counter their growing influence, anti-fascists and Scottish independence supporters must unite.

OPINION

The end of the Tory nightmare, a worse one on the horizon

— As the general election campaign concludes, polls suggest the end of 14 years of damaging Tory government. Food bank usage has soared, highlighting the severe social damage. Labour may win, but lacks plans to reverse austerity, paving the way for potential far-right resurgence.

OPINION

It’s all over for the Tories

— Rishi Sunak’s struggles in the general election campaign are highlighted by his embarrassing attempts to be relatable and his party’s failure to fulfil pledges. The Tories face disarray, with internal conflicts and a lack of campaign strategy.

OPINION

Nasty Tories in a panic

— The Tories’ reputation as the “Nasty Party” is highlighted by the Scottish Tory Leader’s behaviour in Scotland, while Rishi Sunak’s political missteps, such as leaving D-Day commemorations early, add to the party’s woes. The Tories face a bleak electoral future.

OPINION

How right-wing do you need to be not to be welcome in the Labour Party?

— Marking a continuation of notable Tory defections to Labour, Natalie Elphicke, a staunch right-wing Conservative MP, has defected to Labour this week, highlighting shifts in party ideologies and stirring questions about Labour’s embrace of centre-right values under Keir Starmer’s leadership.

OPINION

A Tory solution to a Tory-made problem

— The UK’s Criminal Justice Bill faces criticism for criminalising homelessness with new police powers, amidst housing crises and Conservative policies, sparking controversy and dissent even among some Tory MPs.