While the streets aren’t yet buzzing with excitement, we will surely see some significant outcomes from the next Holyrood election. Although the Scottish National Party are likely to be returned as the largest party, there’s the possibility of unforeseen coalitions and agreements. Might the Scottish Greens enter government again? Will the Scottish Liberal Democrats gain influence in a mathematically complex parliament? Could Labour lead a coalition of some description? Of course, if Reform UK succeed in their ambition to secure a significant number of MSPs, this will inevitably lead to disruption for the established parties.
The known unknowns
Crucially, will the existing broad consensus of what is normal in politics come under threat with the promotion of MAGA-style policies? Whichever parties gain influence, a new Scottish Government will produce ambitious new ministers hoping to make their mark. A large number of new MSPs will also be elected while several well-known figures stand down. As usual there will be a fresh Programme for Government, with broad opportunities for new policies and an analysis of what has previously succeeded and what has not.
Dysfunctional politics
However, regardless of these important changes, will the new session of parliament be fundamentally different to previous ones? It is becoming increasingly obvious, in Scotland, the UK and the rest of the Western world, that our political systems aren’t working for large numbers of people. As a result, we’re seeing the rise of extremism, populism and authoritarian leadership, with its tantalisingly simplistic solutions to complex problems.
Politics in the US and Europe is increasingly being influenced and funded by big business and media billionaires. Voting levels in many countries continue to flat-line, with worrying levels of disengagement and approval ratings of the political class at rock bottom. Simply passing better legislation, constrained by the same old political structures, isn’t the solution either. With a substantial policy implementation gap (where good legislation fails to trickle down and improve the lives of the population) it is clear we need new, practical solutions. At this critical crossroads, we should point to something that must be of concern to everyone – where are the voices of ordinary people?
Many practical solutions
It is obvious the climate emergency, soaring inequality, poverty, housing and the cost of living have led us to this breaking point. These difficult policy challenges need workable solutions but there is still reason for optimism and, in terms of what is already happening in Scotland, we’re not starting from scratch. A lot remains simple positive rhetoric. However, some progress has been made in improving participation in local communities with concrete reforms proposed by both government and civic society.
This may provide opportunities to democratise and increase funding for our under-appreciated Community Councils and, with the right reforms, there is much potential. Community ownership of land and buildings by local development trusts, cooperatives and similar enterprises, has gained ground and places more power, wealth and opportunity, directly into local hands. But we need far more growth and investment. There are also big opportunities with the new Community Wealth Building legislation. The Scottish Parliament has relatively good participation and outreach functions, including the recent use of democratic People’s Panels. However, these reforms alone are insufficient. Genuine, real-world, fundamental solutions are required. Local Citizens’ Assemblies such as the Dunfermline New City Assembly and its predecessor, the Citizens’ Assembly of Scotland, are a step in the right direction. The next level could be the creation of a full and permanent Citizens’ Assembly for the Scottish Parliament.
Imagine something better
These types of reforms shouldn’t be viewed as radical but instead, pragmatic – an urgent and necessary response to the current crises. Do we really want to leave our collective fate in the hands of politicians, officials and increasingly, unaccountable and distant corporations? Or should we demand to make more of the big decisions ourselves, in our local neighbourhoods? It is not an overstatement to say that people are crying out for change, as shown in the report of the Citizens’ Assembly of Scotland, published in January 2021, whose participants declared:
“The Scotland we want to see should lead with integrity, honesty, humility and transparency, in a self-sufficient and innovative way, and actively include the people of Scotland in decision making.”
It is a vision that demands all citizens should have their voices heard in a system that no longer works. Now is the right time to imagine something better and take action to make it happen.
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