MAgazine
More outsourcing, more problems
School Bags for Seniors?
Bill Johnston asks what the Scottish Government could do to better support education for older people.
Marking my ten years at Common Weal
Craig reflects on the tenth anniversary of his first Common Weal policy paper and picks out a few of his favourite papers that he’s written since.
How the average person killed politics
The ‘moderate centre’ is where almost all politicians think elections are won, yet new research shows that no-one wants moderate parties. The gap between is exactly where democracy has been dying.
Yes, it could happen here
A personal reflection on growing up within the promises of American democracy – and the slow realisation that those promises are being hollowed out. This piece examines the gradual rise of oligarchic power in the U.S. and cautions against the perilous illusion that such corruption is confined to one country.
A rules-based Europe in a lawless world
No such thing as a free schoolbag
Hold on, wait for it...
Our third economic crisis in rapid succession and an unhinged USA mean the time is ripe for major change. But if it is going to be positive change, the left have some important lessons to learn.
We’re counting down again
How Scotland can play a role in working towards a peaceful world
To rebuild the rules-based peace across the world; we must enforce the rules-based peace in Scotland
Artemis II shows that we can choose hope
Humanity has chosen to go back to the Moon for the first time in half a century. Some will inevitably ask why, in a world of poverty, we do so. We must, because science and poverty are not a zero-sum trade.
Freedom and the good stuff
There are a series of dogmas about choice and freedom which implies that they are the ultimate goal of human affairs. Well I’ve got a pair of jeans which suggests otherwise…
War, aid and the movement of people
It's time to be serious – Scotland needs partners
It seems like self-sabotage to have the chance of a major industrial plant in Scotland and to throw that chance away. It is time we were more aware of the reality of our position as a manufacturing nation and recognised that to develop, we can’t start from scratch.
Care Reform needs more than rights that aren’t protected
The newly published National Care Service Charter of Rights will do little to nothing to improve conditions for carers and the cared for nor does it offer adequate resources, responsibilities or the relationships required to ensure that rights are upheld.
If energy powers get devolved - what then?
Calling for more powers over energy to be devolved is one thing, but what is the Scottish Government’s plan for using them if they get them?
Is there a better way to debate?
While many people see the final debate on Assisted Dying as a great success, I beg to differ. Theatre doesn’t make good policy - so what does?
The 35-hour week was never about productivity
May 2026: The Age-Friendly Election?
Bill Johnston lays out his hope that the upcoming Scottish election will be an age friendly one, and gives you the tools to help make it happen.
May this be the last oil war
The US-Israel war against Iran should be the wake up call the world needs to make sure that it is the last Oil War.