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Opposing but not Imposing
Cuthbert, J.R., Cuthbert, M.: Scottish Left Review, Issue 24: (September/October 2004).
Points to a number of failures in the political process in Scotland since
devolution, including failure to establish a proper Treasury function: failure
of the system of parliamentary committees to establish an independent voice:
problems in the interface with Whitehall: and failure of the opposition to
properly find its feet.
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The Wrong Sort of Rebate: the Need
to Reform the UK Budget Adjustment
Cuthbert, J.R., Cuthbert, M: Fraser of Allander Institute Quarterly Economic
Commentary, Vol 30, No.2 (2005). Also published as
working paper by Centre for
European Policy Studies, on CEPS website.
A general paper on the UK Budget Rebate, suggesting how the present rebate
involves perverse incentives which go a long way towards explaining the UK’s
semi-detached attitude to Europe. Suggests alternative approach, which has
additional benefit it could be applied at Scotland level.
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paper
See also accompanying charts.
Cuthbert, J.R.: Scottish Left Review, Issue 35: (July/August 2006).
Looks at some little known aspects of the struggle for Irish independence, and the negotiation of the peace treaty in 1921, particularly relating to the role of the intelligence services. These are of interest in their own right, but there are also lessons for the independence movement in Scotland.
Cuthbert, J.R., Cuthbert, M: (discussion of West Lothian question): Scots Independent, Issue no.929, July 1, 2006.
An examination of the West Lothian question: should Scottish Westminster MPs vote on issues like Health and Education which apparently do not affect Scotland. Shows that, because of the Barnett formula, such issues have financial consequences for Scotland: in fact, this is the only way Scotland can influence the finance coming to it. So Scottish MPs have not just a right, but a duty, to vote on such issues in Scotland's interests.
Cuthbert, J.R.: paper published as "The Will of the Establishment", Scottish Left Review, Issue no. 40, May/June 2007.
This paper is concerned with a confidential letter sent in 1923 from Colonel Carter, Deputy Assistant Commissioner in Scotland Yard, to the Director of Intelligence in the newly formed Irish Free State: the full text of this letter can be accessed here. The letter suggests techniques the Free State should employ, to influence attitudes towards the new state, and towards the British Empire. The paper brings out present day implications for Scotland, in particular in relation to the question of a right of return for the Scottish diaspora.
Child Poverty in the Midst of Plenty: the Failure
of Labour and the Union.
Cuthbert, M., Cuthbert, J.R.: Scots Independent: May 1st, 2007.
Paper which outlines shocking statistics on child poverty in Scotland.
Blair's Unspoken Legacy: The End of the Union
Cuthbert, J.R., Cuthbert, M.: Scots Independent, Issue 940, June 1st, 2007
The paper argues that a major aspect of Blair's legacy is to leave us with an unstable devolution settlement, with forces which will inevitably lead to the break-up of the present union. The next Westminster election represents a major opportunity for nationalists to push this process forward.
The Lottery: Time to Grasp a Big Opportunity
Cuthbert, M., Cuthbert, J.R.: Scots Independent, Issue 943, September 1st, 2007.
This article suggests that more could be done to ensure that lottery funded support for good causes in Scotland is targeted to meet Scottish priorities. It is pointed out that, under the Lottery Act 2006, the Scottish Government could make directions to define priorities for lottery fund distribution in Scotland.
Neo-Liberalism: Challenge and Opportunity for Scotland
Cuthbert, J.R., Cuthbert, M.: Scots Independent, Issue 946, December, 2007.
Explains what neo-liberalism is, and argues that New Labour's neo-liberal agenda poses a threat to Scotland's progress towards independence: but also that there is a real opportunity for Scotland to take the lead in developing acceptable alternatives to neo-liberalism.
Making it Happen on Child Poverty
Cuthbert, M., Cuthbert, J.R.: Scots Independent, Issue 947, January 2008.
Looks at the latest figures on child poverty in the UK and Scotland, and identifies some of the key barriers to making progress on this issue in Scotland.
Wendy's Threat to the Powers of Holyrood
Cuthbert, J.R., Cuthbert, M.: Scots Independent, Issue 951, May, 2008.
It is clear that a number of Labour MPs are keen to use the "Wendy commission" as an opportunity to claw powers back from Holyrood to Westminster. This article argues that this would be precisely the wrong thing to do, given Westminster's disastrous record of exercising the powers it has.
Cuthbert, J.R.: Scottish Left Review, Issue 46, May/June 2008.
This article looks at intriguing indications that Michael Collins was offered a clandestine deal by the British: and considers the sort of deal that might be offered to an emerging Scottish government today. The article refers to a secret report produced for Michael Collins by Thomas Markham, one of his agents in Dublin Castle: click here to access the text of the Markham report.
Time for Independence - for H. M. Treasury
Cuthbert, J.R., Cuthbert, M.: Scots Independent, Issue 953, July, 2008.
This article points out that the Treasury has failed to adapt to changes in the UK's constitution, and that this has had adverse effects both for Scotland and the UK as a whole. There is now a need to hive off certain key Treasury functions to an independent Treasury Board.
Glasgow Games on a Shoe String
Cuthbert, M., Cuthbert, J.R.: Scots Independent, Issue 954, August, 2008.
Argues that there is a disparity between the way that the finances for the London Olympics are being handled, compared with the Glasgow Commonwealth games. This will put Scotland at risk if the cost of the Commonwealth games escalates. This highlights a weakness in the present constitutional structure, with no mechanism in place to handle issues which are really federal in nature.
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Cuthbert, J.R., Cuthbert, M.: Scots Independent, Issue 955, September, 2008.
This was prompted by an article in the Guardian, following the Glasgow East by-election result. The Guardian article had argued that the Scots had a difficult obstacle course to surmount on the road to independence: and that the UK could, quietly, manipulate the height of the obstacles. Our article points out that the prospects for independence are by no means so black: provided we can motivate Westminster by making sure that there is a united block of pro-independence Scots MPs at Westminster.
New Forth Crossing Exposes Flaws in the Devolution Settlement
Cuthbert, J.R., Cuthbert, M.: Scots Independent, Issue 960, February, 2009.
Argues that the arrangements currently in place under devolution for financing large capital projects like the new Forth Crossing are seriously inadequate.
How the Universities see the Way Ahead
Cuthbert, J.R., Cuthbert, M.: Scots Independent, Issue 961, March, 2009.
A comment prompted by publication of the recent Universities Scotland report on the role universities should play in Scotland's economic future.
Great British Economic Myths: 1
Cuthbert, J.R., Cuthbert, M.: Scots Independent, Issue 963, May, 2009.
Discusses a number of economic myths, which have played an important part in causing the current economic crisis.
Great British Economic Myths: 2
Cuthbert, J.R., Cuthbert, M.: Scots Independent, Issue 964, June, 2009.
Sequel to last month's article in the Scots Independent, identifying the various contributory factors which led to the emergence of economic myths.
Review: After the Troubles: Republicanism, Socialism and Partition
Cuthbert, J.R.: Scottish Left Review, Issue 52, May 2009.
Review of pamphlet by Irish Socialist Network: the review draws parallels between Ireland and Scotland in respect of the problems facing a radical or revolutionary party, as it moves to exercising constitutional power within the structure it is pledged to disrupt.
How the Coming Universities' Funding Crisis Poses Tough Decisions for Scottish Government
Cuthbert, M., Cuthbert, J.R.: Scots Independent, Issue 965, July, 2009.
Outlines the nature of the tough decisions the Scottish government is about to face on higher education.