The greatest threat to democracy may no longer come from political parties but from unelected tech oligarchs like Peter Thiel and his powerful Silicon Valley network, argues JOHN GREEN
Latest editorial
The kids are alright, Nicola
Sturgeon's plans for testing primary school children are uniquely unpopular
Today’s interconnected conflicts are enriching the arms industry while pushing the entire world towards permanent militarisation, argues ROGER McKENZIE
by Nana Backland, Merseyside Morning Star Readers & Supporters Group
The government’s Pip review looks like a carefully managed exercise in legitimising future cuts to disability support, argues Dr DYLAN MURPHY
The Tories introduced the 50% strike ballot threshold to make industrial action harder. MATT WRACK argues that a Labour government has no justification for leaving it on the statute book
NICOLA STURGEON was accused of running out of ideas as she launched her Programme for Government this week. “Based on this programme, this government’s sell-by date is well passed,” Scottish Lib Dem leader Willie Rennie said.
Still, there’s at one idea she’s been offered on a plate that it seems she won’t touch with a bargepole. The Scottish government has instead doubled down in its defence of hugely unpopular tests for Primary 1 children.
The blueprint for standardised exams has managed to unite all opposition parties and teacher unions in the belief they will be completely useless. At First Minister’s Questions this week, Sturgeon refused to rule out pushing ahead with the tests even if MSPs vote against them.
It’s hard to believe this is the same politician who has made “listening” a key part of her rhetoric since taking office.
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