VIJAY PRASHAD looks at the web of militias and drug-trafficking gangs that emerged in the Sweida region through the Syrian civil war, and how they relate to recent clashes and Israel’s intervention
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New Scottish MPs need to exert their collective strength
In a far cry from the days of James Maxton, the new MPs taking part in Westminster’s first political challenge – the two-child benefit cap – were an unedifying spectacle, says VINCE MILLS
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar (front left) pose for a photograph with the new intake of Scottish Labour MPs outside no 10 Downing Street, London, July 9, 2024
by Roger D Harris and John Perry
VINCE MILLS says Scottish Labour has adopted better positions than its Westminster counterpart — but unless it starts to fight for them that will count for nothing
Labour MSP CAROL MOCHAN calls for Britain to follow France’s lead and recognise the Palestinian state as part of efforts to end this war
IN NOVEMBER 1922 thousands gathered to cheer off the new group of Glasgow Labour MPs (they were all members of the ILP) as they took the train to London from St Enoch’s railway station.
James Maxton, the newly elected MP for Bridgeton, famously told the crowd that “they would see the atmosphere of the Clyde getting the better of the House of Commons.” He was referring to the culture of the Red Clydeside which emerged during the first world war. It had fostered industrial unrest, rent strikes and revolutionary figures like John Maclean.
There was no such expectation or excitement surrounding the departure of the 35 new and two returning Scottish Labour MPs heading to London this July. To begin with, only one had been identified — by The Times, no less — as a likely recruit for the Socialist Campaign Group of Labour MPs: Brian Leishman.
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