
![]() THIS is my favourite period in the labour movement calendar, albeit it kicks off with a sombre event, International Workers’ Memorial Day, when we remember those killed for corporate profit while trying to make a living, and rededicate ourselves to improve health and safety at work.
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The recent local elections demonstrate that these ‘socially conservative and economically leftist’ factions prioritise only the former, and legitimise the far-right instead of beating them.
![]() Scotland is facing a political, democratic and economic crisis likely to deepen as the far-right gains momentum. On the 50th anniversary of Gordon Brown’s Red Paper on Scotland, a new book seeks to address this crisis. Visit the Red Paper stall at the May Day Rally in Glasgow University Union, 32 University Avenue, Glasgow. This year marks half a century since Brown, then a PHD student at Edinburgh University edited a series of essays by politicians, commentators academics, artists and trade unionists which, in his words sought “to transcend that false and sterile antithesis which has been manufactured between the nationalism of the SNP and the anti-nationalism of the Unionist parties” and in doing so would address the social and economic woes facing the country. The book included contributions from amongst others, Robin Cook, Jim Sillars, Tom Nairn, Vince Cable and playwright John McGrath. To coincide with this anniversary a new book: “Keep Left, Red Paper on Scotland 2025” has been launched at the STUC congress. In a marked contrast to the original book which did not carry a single contribution by a woman, this edition is edited by Baroness Pauline Bryan and contains contributions from a wide range of figures on the left of Scottish politics including trade unionists, academics, activists and performing artists. The book addresses a number of current and recurring themes including; Scotland’s democratic crisis, over-centralisation, outsourcing, the loss of democratic control, the crises in our public services such as housing and social care, the damage caused to the education system, Scotland’s colonisation by big business, poverty and inequality, environmental degradation, cultural commodification and an increasingly fragmented society and wider world. Speaking at the launch Pauline Bryan said: “In 1975 the authors of the original Red Paper argued that ‘Scotland’s problems arise from the uneven and uncontrolled development of British capitalism and that the way forward lies in pursuing vigorous socialist policies’ tragically many of those problems that were written about then remain today - a lack of genuine democracy, the excessive power and influence of multinational corporations and the dominance of overseas capital all of which contribute to a society and economy that is failing the people. We are being let down by the UK state and the Scottish state. This book looks to set out a radical alternative to redress the balance so that power, wealth and opportunity are redistributed, unshackling workers and communities to build a society for the many not the privileged few.” ![]() Manifesto Press is proud to announce the launch of The Rebirth of the African Phoenix - A View from Babylon by Roger McKenzie on the 2nd of May 2025 at 6pm at the Scottish Trades Union Congress, 8 Landressy Street, Glasgow, G40 1BP. McKenzie will be joined by his Morning Star colleague Keith Stoddart and Elaine McFarland, Professor Emeritus of history at Glasgow Caledonian University. You can reserve a place at the launch event here The Rebirth of the African Phoenix is the first book in a new trilogy, arguing that Africa will be pivotal to the building of a new multilateral world. This book full of optimism sets out some of the fundamental challenges that Africa and Africans across the diaspora must tackle. It addresses critical questions for the working-class movement and progressives in the developed capitalist countries that go beyond expressions of sympathy or even acts of charitable giving. Roger’s deep knowledge and commitment to Africa and a lifetime of anti Racism and trade union solidarity makes him well placed to write this historical and future analysis. — Jeremy Corbyn MP for Islington North Roger McKenzie powerfully reminds us that Africa and its people are not just central to our past but essential to our collective future. This timely work challenges us to confront the legacies of colonialism, inequality, and division, and calls for a new multilateralism rooted in justice, solidarity, and self-determination. McKenzie’s vision is clear: a reborn Africa will be the heart of a fairer, freer world. A must-read for all who believe in true global liberation. — Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP for Clapham and Brixton Hill and chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Afrikan Reparations. You can pre-order a copy here. LAST Friday morning, Glasgow City Councillor Thomas Kerr took to social media to announce that, following a recent surge in recruitment, Reform UK now has more than 10,000 members in Scotland. If Kerr, a recent Tory defector, is correct, Nigel Farage’s party is now the country’s third-largest — and may yet surpass Scottish Labour.
![]() Since their election last July, Scottish Labour’s 37 MPs have struggled to distinguish themselves from their southern colleagues. With the notable exception of Brian Leishman — whose ongoing struggle to save the Grangemouth oil refinery has won plaudits from across the political spectrum — the group has fallen into line behind Keir Starmer. Consistent opinion polls predict that most will lose their seats at the next election. By any measure, they are floundering. |
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