Scotland

The SNP leadership’s phony independence campaign is entering its final stages after the Supreme Court decision. We need rigorous honesty about what went wrong and what comes next for Scotland, argues David Jamieson

Jonathon Shafi surveys the landscape as the Tories lose control

Chris Bambery welcomes Scotland After Britain, which argues for a radical version of an independent Scottish nation, rejecting the neoliberalism of the SNP

Probably not, if we leave it in the hands of Sturgeon and the UK Supreme Court, argues Vladimir Unkvoski-Korica

Glasgow rallies around the sacked P&O workers, as RMT and and other trade unionists take aim at scab labour recruiters, reports Mark Porciani

Counterfire’s weekly digest with the latest on strikes and workplace struggles

While world leaders fail to agree on meaningful change at COP26, the city of Glasgow has become a hub of protests and strikes, reports John McGrath 

Climate briefing for activists, more Tory Covid failure, Clarks strikers fight fire-and-rehire, Scotland's wider crisis, socialism explained and more in this month's Counterfire freesheet

Mark Porciani reports from Glasgow on striking workers, COP26 and the mood in the city

Cici Washburn speaks to socialist activist Jonathon Shafi about the upcoming Cop26 and the planned protests and strikes in Scotland

Come COP26 many of Glasgows essential workers will refuse to cross picket lines across the city, Mark Porciani reports

Activists taking to the streets of Edinburgh show an enduring williness to take action for independence, reports Sophie Johnson

As Orange Lodges prepare to march, we repost Chris Bambery's analysis of the roots of anti-Irish racism in Scotland's ruling institutions

Conter reports from the weekend's protests in solidarity with Palestine in Edinburgh and Glasgow

The community resistance to the Tories in Glasgow is the beginning of what could prove to be an explosive few years, argues David Jamieson

The mobilisation of the community in Pollokshields which successfully stopped the deportation of two asylum seekers is a lesson in class solidarity and anti-racism in action, reports Mark Porciani

Chris Bambery looks at the results of the Holyrood elections, the majority support for independence, and what this means for the movement

Lindsey German reflects on Thursday’s voting and its implications for Starmer and the union

The stage is set for referendum battle after the independence parties triumphed, reports Vladimir Unkovski-Korica

Scottish independence will be a major challenge for parties on both sides of the border, argues Vladimir Unkovski-Korica

On International Workers' Day, protesters around the country are preparing to take to the streets for a third nationwide day of action against the Police and Crime Bill, and in Scotland for independence

Chris Bambery explains how the new Alba party has caused a stir in the upcoming election, but why the independence movement needs a grassroots campaign

Dissatisfaction with the SNP’s lack of strategy and turn to neoliberalism is being expressed in the new pro-independence Alba party, argues Chris Bambery

Anas Sarwar is following Sir Keir Starmer’s footsteps in expunging every vestige of progressive thought in the Labour Party, reports Vladimir Unkovski-Korica

The promise of radical transformation in Scotland will not come from inside Scottish Labour, argues Vladimir Unkovski-Korica.

Scottish politics is at a turning point, argues Vladimir Unkovski-Korica

Chris Bambery analyses the Catalonia election which put pro-independence parties ahead of unionists, the crisis for Madrid and the challenges ahead for the left

With the growing division within the union, Vladimir Unkovski-Korica discusses how socialists should relate to national independence struggles

Chris Bambery looks at Labour's long-term decline in Scotland and why it's unlikely to turn around with Richard Leonard's departure

With growing support for Scottish independence, Kieran Isgin looks at the widening gulf on handling the pandemic and immigration between Scotland and Westminster

As support for Scottish independence continues to surge, supporters need to be honest about the weaknesses of the official argument and demand democratic control, argues Jonathon Shafi

The government’s woefully inadequate handling of the pandemic is expanding the wedge between the nations of the union, argues Dr Stuart Cartland

Blaming students is a cynical move to distract from the deeper causes of the recent outbreaks, argues Vladimir Unkovski-Korica

Two new histories of working-class radicalism in Scotland from the French Revolution to the crisis of 1820 show the relevance of these events to today, finds Chris Bambery

Polls in Scotland show a consistent lead in favour of independence as the Tory Covid failures are laid bare, argues Chris Bambery

In a repost of his column from Conter, David Jamieson assesses the class inequalities that are being exposed in Scotland’s schools

The outbreak at an NHS England Covid contact tracing call centre in Scotland exposes why workplaces aren’t actually safe, argues Sophie Johnson

In the context of polling showing historic levels of support for independence, Jonathon Shafi looks at the class politics driving the surge, and the consequences

Chris Bambery remembers a giant of the Scottish left

Despite torrential conditions, over 80,000 took to the streets to demand a Scottish independence referendum, reports Vladimir Unkovski-Korica

Over 200 people gathered at Buchanan Steps on Monday 6th January to say no to US imperialism, reports Vladimir Unkovski-Korica

The SNP's overwhelming victory in the election demonstrates the appeal for an independence referendum, but this will have to be won on the streets, argues Chris Bambery

Scots have again rejected Tory rule and have to be ready for Tory vengeance, argues Vladimir Unkovski-Korica

Labour's record on independence means we shouldn't expect a rush of Corbynista MPs from Scotland, argues Chris Bambery

Labour’s radical policies are visibly popular on the doorstep, reports Vladimir Unkovski-Korica

Jeremy Corbyn's Labour is offering hope in Scotland, reports Mark Porciani from the campaign trail in Glasgow North East

The SNP’s disappointing drift rightwards and Labour’s confusion on the national question make it harder for the left both during and after the general election, argues Vladimir Unkovski-Korica

Chris Bambery analyses the growing mass movement for Scottish independence and its prospects for success

The latest attack on democracy by Boris Johnson highlights that the UK is not a union of equals, it's time for Scottish independence, argues Chris Bambery

Strike action in Glasgow spreads, showing the power of solidarity of men and women workers, reports Vladimir Unkovski-Korica

8,000 women council workers are beginning the largest coordinated strike action in Glasgow since 2011, Mark Porciani reports

As Jeremy Corbyn meets with Gordon Brown, Chris Bambery looks at Brown's role in the 2014 Scottish independence referendum and the current state of Scottish Labour

William Gallacher’s account of the early-twentieth-century socialist movement in Glasgow shows how we can challenge our rulers today, argues Richard Allday

Sturgeon's rhetoric goes against the spirit of the Scottish independence movement. The left must unite against the state, argues David Jamieson

The fakery of Celtic myths are part of a long tradition of nation-building in these islands, argues Chris Bambery

Chris Bambery looks at the questions of sovereignty and self-determination

Richard Leonard's Scottish Labour must embrace Corbynism and take the fight to the Tories

The British state is enveloped in crisis more than at any point for 30 years. One more push could topple this government, argues Chris Bambery

We can't simply wait for the Tories to collapse - this weak Tory government has to feel even more heat than it does already argues Lindsey German

Class and the question of Scottish independence are inextricably linked, argues Chris Bambery

The resignation as leader of Scottish Labour is a recognition of Corbyn's strength

Class is back - for it to advance requires anti-capitalist politics, not the frontist politics of being to the left of whatever seems like a temporary solution to a fundamental dilemma, writes Kevin Ovenden

A look at the difference in this election on either side of the border, from Chris Bambery

The biggest problem with Scottish Labour is its desperate championing of the union, writes Chris Bambery

In a divided Scotland, it is only the SNP that can hold off the Tories in this election, argues Chris Bambery 

What's going on in Catalonia? Chris Bambery investigates

An analysis of what is going on across the border, from Chris Bambery

In the absence of an alternative to the left, will the SNP be seen as the best shield to protect the Scottish people?

With Scottish independence looking more likely, and murmurings in Northern Ireland too, Tom Griffiths looks at the prospects for Britain breaking up

The history of the Highlands is steeped in the suffering of capitalism's victims, writes Chris Bambery

Opposition to the establishment will be strengthened if people south of the border support Scottish independence

What now in the campaign for Scottish independence?

Once again a challenge to the union can provide space for proper oppositional forces to develop, argues Brian Heron 

Following Nicola Sturgeon's announcement, Vladimir Unkovski-Korica makes the case for a socialist, internationalist Scotland independent from Westminster and Brussels

Thousands braved the cold and rain in Edinburgh on Saturday 11 February to march against Donald Trump, reports Vladimir Unkovski-Korica

“The world kept moving forward - and we didnae”, Chris Bambery finds a lot to like in the recently released Trainspotting sequel CONTAINS SPOILERS

The final reckoning of the 2007/8 crash will be played out in the realm of politics not economics, argues Chris Bambery  

Tom Watson recently accused 'Trotskyist entryists' of 'twisting the arms' of young members of the Labour Party. A young left-wing activist responds

As the established order falls apart, Chris Bambery argues how the left should respond

A vote to leave the EU seems a distinct possibility, and anti-capitalists need to ready for what lies ahead, writes Chris Bambery

Jeremy Corbyn has defied his many critics - whether Labour's right wing, the Tories or the media. Alex Snowdon analyses the election results

The Westminster bubble was wrong about Corbyn’s candidacy, and it’s wrong about how the left might win the next general election writes James Meadway

Today's strikes in Athens and Glasgow are in opposition to the neoliberal policies of the European Union argues Reuben Bard-Rosenberg

David Jamieson looks at how mass disaffection with austerity led to the SNP's landslide and the prospect of a radical left electoral challenge

Labour's defeat has been followed by Blairite attacks on the union link and on Unite and Len McLuskey in particular. Richard Allday looks at how socialists should respond

The SNP landslide has shown a glimpse of what ordinary people can do when they realise their own power. Now, the social movement must hold them to account for their promises

The Tories don't have the support to carry through unpopular policies - we have to build a huge movement against them argues Lindsey German

All sectarianism is damaging to the working class interest. But Miliband's threats to Scottish voters are dangerous, potentially mortal writes Brian Heron

David Cameron and his friends are playing up the 'threat' from the SNP. This gamble may yet buy them a few seats - but at the expense of their own future writes James Meadway

Mark Perryman argues why on election night England’s Radical Left should be celebrating the SNP Landslide

The establishment's anti-SNP hysteria is aimed at the post election world - they want to nip in the bud any chance of real change

Counterfire is organising a series of meetings around the country to discuss the election, the implications of the new situation and to prepare for action after May

The consensus at the centre of British politics is being prised open - and with this comes an opportunity to build a mass, radical left across this island

The significance of this election will be greater than any since Margaret Thatcher came to power argues John Rees

Dan Hind's new book on the constitution of the British state makes the radical case for a republic. Socialists should take up the argument for democratisation, says James Doran

In central Athens the Syriza organising hub is packed with activists, campaigners and journalists. Jonathan Shafi spoke to some of the people who have been campaigning hard for a Syriza victory

The continued rise of the SNP has led to increased metropolitan suspicion and a growing backlash. What is the content of the SNP’s nationalism?

Lindsey German looks at twelve features of last year that will shape politics in the year ahead

He’s been elected by a big majority as the new Scottish Labour leader. Reviled by the Left, distrusted by Miliband…but how bad is Jim Murphy? Very bad argues David Jamieson

'On a different level to anything else organised by the left in Britain' - Alex Snowdon reports from the Radical Independence Campaign conference in Glasgow

Thousands attended today's Radical Independence Campaign conference and launched a 'People's Vow' for Scotland

The enthusiasm for Saturday’s Radical Independence Campaign event reflects the deep and profound political awakening that has taken place thanks to the referendum process says Jonathon Shafi

Johann Lamont's sudden departure as Scottish Labour leader has brought Labour's crisis in Scotland - and beyond - into sharp relief

Chris Bambery argues that, despite the No vote in the referendum last month, the British state remains mired in a deep crisis with no obvious way out

Mark Perryman reviews an exceptionally strong list of autumn political reading

Following Yes majorities in party heartlands Chris Bambery examines a Scottish Labour under threat of annihilation

David Jamieson provides a sober analysis of the hard truths and new opportunities following from a No vote in the independence referendum

David Jamieson looks at the hard truths and the new opportunities after a No vote in the independence referendum

Scottish independence campaigner Cat Boyd reflects on a movement that had the whole Westminster elite against it – yet still managed to run them close

James Doran, a socialist activist in north-east England, considers some repercussions of the Scottish referendum for the anti-austerity movement

Lindsey German's take on the changed political landscape in the wake of the Scottish referendum result

Brian Heron: The new 'powers' granted to Holyrood do nothing to reduce poverty, to reign in inequality, to remove Trident or to save the health service

Counterfire’s Alex Snowdon replies to two recent articles by Mark Perryman discussing the implications of the Scottish independence referendum for socialists in England

Guest contributor Mark Perryman offers a personal contribution to debates about the implications of the Scottish referendum

Chris Bambery: the British elite threw everything into stopping a Yes win, but the narrowness of the No vote adds to the crisis of the United Kingdom

Lindsey German looks at what impact the vote results will have on Britain and Scotland

The Scottish referendum has demonstrated the centrality of the demand for democracy to working-class struggle, writes Alastair Stephens. This is a democratic revolt against neoliberalism and despair

Counterfire meetings in London and Newcastle discuss the impact of the Scottish independence referendum in the wake of the vote

Whatever happens in Thursday’s referendum, the campaign has cast a grim spotlight on the venal and corrupt British state that so many Scots are eager to escape from

Can an independent Scotland survive the turbulent waters of the international economy? And will its disembarkation sink the mothership? Two leading economic commentators debate

Chris Bambery: whatever the final result it’s worth looking at what the Radical Independence Campaign has achieved and how it might be emulated elsewhere in the world

Alex Snowdon looks at 10 important things to consider, regardless of the outcome of this Thursday's referendum

Chris Bambery: the British elite see working class support for independence and hate and fear it at the same time

As the Orange Order takes to the streets of Edinburgh in defence of the Union, Chris Bambery looks at the roots of anti-Catholic sectarianism

Ahead of Scotland’s Referendum Mark Perryman has just put up his ‘Yes’ poster in deepest England

It is the UK’s parlous position, that is giving financial markets their ongoing jitters, not Scotland’s economic prospects argues James Meadway.Reading the media representation would make you think it’s the other way around.

London-based activist Matt Houlihan joined two canvasses of working class estates in Scotland to experience the infectious excitement of the radical campaign for Scottish independence

Lindsey German reviews 'Scottish Independence: A Feminist Response' by Cat Boyd and Jenny Morrison

As the Yes campaign edges ahead in the polls Chris Bambery looks at the crisis in the No campaign

Rising chances of a Yes vote in this month’s referendum on Scottish independence have rattled the financial markets. The UK’s unbalanced economy is at the heart of their concerns

Scottish independence would barely impact on election results, but would be a welcome blow to British nationalism writes Adam Ramsay

James Meadway: we have an opportunity to crack open our captured democracy, undermine Britain's imperial military power and break up the Westminster-City machine. We should seize it with both hands

In this final extract from A People’s History of Scotland, Chris Bambery reveals the range of protests during and opposition to the First World War that erupted in Scotland

In this second extract from A People’s History of Scotland, Chris Bambery discusses working-class movements of the early nineteenth century

In this first extract of three from A People’s History of Scotland, Chris Bambery describes the social conflict that accompanied the elite deal that was the Union of Scotland and England in 1707

The Scottish Parliament is defenceless against Westminster cuts - remaining in the UK would condemn Scots to low wages, falling living standards and humiliating welfare cuts argues Adam Frew

James Meadway looks at a new book that argues that the Scottish independence referendum has the potential to transform politics, both North and South of the border

Neil Faulkner welcomes a powerfully argued case for a yes vote in the coming Scottish independence referendum

Adam Frew analyses why the SNP have got themselves into a mess over same-sex marriage.