Here’s something we don’t do very often: a direct appeal to you to join Democratic Left Scotland.
The UK general election’s delivered a new government at Westminster, which may prove to be an improvement (in some small ways) on what we’ve had over recent years – but may also lead to multiple disappointments, not to mention failures and frustrations, as Starmer seeks to legislate and lead in line with the many reactionary and unimaginative commitments he made during his campaign, from ‘clamping down’ on immigration to confirming ongoing spend on ‘our nuclear deterrent’ (aka weapons of mass destruction and indiscriminate murder operating out of Faslane).
New dynamics shape the Scottish political scene, with major gains for Labour; chastening losses for the SNP; and a failure by the Greens to win Scottish seats at Westminster (which reflects more on the undemocratic nature of First Past the Post than it does on the support the party could attract if every vote counted … the distortions of FPTP also exaggerate the SNP’s losses – the party’s share of the vote has not declined to the extent that its loss of seats would suggest).
In this context, there’s a need to strengthen the voice and impact of progressive social movements and the trade unions – and for campaigning, alliance building and connection-making based on honest appraisal of issues and the extended exploration of the challenges and opportunities facing the left, feminists, anti-racists and environmentalists.
Democratic Left Scotland has members and supporters in different political parties (the SNP, Labour and the Greens), all of whom work in line with the rules and disciplines of their organisations, but who also look to collaborate and find common ground with others ‘across party lines’ on particular issues. We’re also increasingly active in collaborative community initiatives and campaigns around the country.
As Starmer settles into Downing Street (now that King Charles III has graciously granted him permission to form a government), we believe that our ‘modest endeavour’ is needed more than ever – and so we invite you to follow our socials, keep visiting our website, and consider joining a network that sees that democracy is an ongoing project, at different levels (not something that just happens at election time), and to work with others who know that ‘there’s more to politics than parties’.
Published 5 July 2024.