indyref2

A fragmented future awaits a United Kingdom

Britain is being humiliated internationally because of Brexit – and there might be worse to come. There is now a clear possibility that Britain as we know it will cease to exist….


Boris for PM offers succour north of the Border

Supporters of Scottish independence are increasingly optimistic as Indyref2 approaches. The reasons are not difficult to find, writes Murray Ritchie. Just as Brexit is paralysing British politics, so the prospect of a…


A (Dis)United Kingdom after Brexit?

The UK as we know it might soon be a memory, writes Murray Ritchie. As Brexit approaches we hear ever-louder warnings that the constitutional make-up of the United Kingdom of Great Britain…


Brexit’s law of unintended consequences

Could England become independent as Scotland quits the UK? Murray Ritchie says emboldened nationalists are now showing renewed optimism amid growing signs of impatience with their first minister’s caution. The SNP always…


A soft Brexit made in Scotland?

Add together the Scottish contingent in the Commons – 35 SNP, 13 Tories, seven Labour and four Liberal Democrats – and you find a formidable bloc for Britain either remaining in the…



Between the Rock and a hard Brexit

Murray Ritchie explains why Scottish nationalists are smiling. Scotland’s first minister Nicola Sturgeon could be forgiven if she let out a shout of delight when the Spanish let it be known they…


The SNP prepares to back off the EU – for now

Being seen to go cold on the European Union will annoy many in the SNP’s mainstream but Nicola Sturgeon’s personal standing and unchallenged authority should be enough to pacify critics, says Murray…


Can the North Sea’s good times roll again?

Oil operators seeking significant tax breaks to boost activity were disappointed this week when the chancellor instead bought time by setting up a committee, Murray Richie reports. Just as the UK’s offshore…