The question is not simply how much we spend on defence, but what we understand defence and security to mean, says SIMON BRIGNELL
THE SNP budget for 2018-19, which passed with the support of the Scottish Greens, draws a stark line between the mainstream conservative economic policies of the SNP and what is now offered by the Scottish Labour Party.
Even though he has only been in office for two months, Richard Leonard has transformed Labour’s approach to Scotland’s economy from a timid managerialism to one that challenges the fundamental tenets of neoliberalism.
The SNP is using its powers to make changes to the tax system in Scotland, but it is not prepared to offer fundamental redistribution of wealth.
Burnham urged to raise taxes on banks after Barclays reveals 30% rise in pre-tax profits
Behind the cute names of Scotland’s road gritters lies a workforce underpaid and overlooked – a fitting reflection of a Budget that protected profits, bungled its rollout and offered hardly a glimmer of hope, writes MATT KERR
DAVID MATTHEWS looks at what a collective future for welfare might have in store for us
On the release of her memoir that reveals everything except politics, Sturgeon’s endless media coverage has focused on her panic attacks, sexuality and personal tragedies while ignoring her government’s many failures, writes PAULINE BRYAN



