New year reflections from Stuart Fairweather, convenor of Democratic Left Scotland
We enter a new year with a lot to do. People of all ages and backgrounds will be questioning what the future brings, that is if they can lift their heads from the daily grind. In an individualised and commercialised society we are encouraged to think about its impact on ourselves and the ‘family', or a very constrained notion of it.
In spite of this many people spent the last year by responding to the contradictions that impact personal relationships, community, workplace and everyday life. Feeling distant from power, meaningful decision making, or mere influence is exhausting. Experiencing the ongoing impact of destructive capitalism on the the planet is demoralising. Although we have seen action in support of the Palestinians, on the picket line and in defence of the planet.
Not withstanding this people are understandably increasingly disillusioned, distanced from electoral politics and mainstream politicians who will not give a lead. In 2024 we will be forty years on from the miners strike. September will mark ten years of 'victory' for better together. We will be twenty five years on from the establishment of the Scottish Parliament.
The devolution settlement associated with our Parliament is being severely tested. The early months of 2024 will see councils set their budgets. In West Dunbartonshire and Dundee there have been decade long campaigns against cuts. In other council areas similar campaigns have become common place. Local government and the services they provide will be increasingly sacrificed unless urgent action is taken. Food larders that have become common place are likely to close.
This has been said before but in the absence of a consistent campaign to oppose Westminster's increasing constriction of Scottish governance it is difficult to see the prospects for change. This is a sad indictment on the ‘Scottish Left'. The SNP and Greens in government articulate the potential and limitations of mitigation. There is more they can do to test these limitations, like extending free bus travel to all, increasing further Scottish Child Payment and by meaningfully challenging employers on the Fair work agenda. This could foster and support opposition to Tory austerity and neoliberal thinking more generally. Action on taxation has been welcome but largely our government manages rather than leads.
Labour in Scotland, particularly in 2024, are likely to be overshadowed by the Starmer project. Doing as little as possible to get elected is not inspiring. Winning internal battles will do little to gain the interest of the wider public. The votes in specific constituencies may provide signals of what can be worked towards but there is no guarantee of a big turnout. With the odd Westminster electoral system we are left guessing if the poll will be in May, October or even 2025.
The coming UK election will take place in a difficult international context for the Left, in which far right discourse about migration and climate change denial has gained traction in several countries. UK political parties, including Starmer's Labour, are not immune to these influences. Here in Scotland, it will require a renewed and united focus by the Left against racism and for a just transition to a green economy. Tackling the gross inequality of wealth and power in Scotland and across the UK is essential.
The invitation to, and attendance of Humza Yousaf and Anas Sarwar at the last November's annual anti-racist demonstration was a positive development. Trade unionists, civil society and politicians were brought together to campaign. Our collective input on what happens with Grangemouth, in the North Sea, with renewables and adaptation will be essential. Employing a not dissimilar political imagination to the transition would be welcome. Brechin and Cupar are unlikely to be the last Scottish small towns on the climate's hit list.
Democratic Left Scotland is acutely aware that we are a modest endeavour. But increasingly, we are working with those across a range of party political backgrounds in the recognition that the Left has found a home in a number of locations and that party machines have no monopoly on good ideas. Leadership has emerged sporadically from trade union activity although there is confusion about the purpose and role of collective bargaining. Demands to keep wages in line with inflation aren’t automatic calls for the revolutionary transformation of society. April's STUC Congress will be an important event.
Change takes hard work. Meaningful change needs to be understood, articulated and participated in. People are unlikely to think about a different kind of world if they can not see a path towards it. The coming year will be about defending services, demanding greater democracy - in our lives, in the workplace, in Gaza, and at a Scottish level with the right to decide our future.
Action is also needed globally to deescalate and prevent conflict. The Ukrainian situation remains unresolved and the situation in the Red Sea is an increasing concern. A west that respects and supports the UN is an aspiration that must be worked for.
So the UK election, whenever it comes, like the European election in June (we wish our friends in the European Left well) and the US election in November will be important, not least because of the dangers posed by the populist right are very real. But what will be more important will be rebuilding a Left that responds to the political realities of our times.
This message was distributed to Democratic Left members on 1 January 2024.