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The failure of the 2014 referendum was the lack of a third choice
Only a federated Britain of equal partners would be able to address the vast economic inequality within our island, on terms that would strengthen the working class, says KEITH STODDART
DECISION TIME? A view of Edinburgh’s famous Princes Street

THIS year will be remembered in Scotland for Covid-19. In better circumstances it might have offered an opportunity for a full and searching national reflection on the 21st birthday of the Scottish Parliament and the question of where next for Scotland. This is what we need.

Our Parliament’s early days led to free bus travel for over-sixties, the ending of up-front fees for university, protections for further education, “free” personal care for the elderly, the ending of council house sales, feu (land tenure) duties and warrant sales. 

In both composition and legislative programmes, the Scottish Parliament is not unlike Westminster, albeit without the boorish boys’ club vibe.

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