Holyrood 533 / 2 Septemember 2024

SNP conference issue 2024
The long road ahead
Getting the Party back on track

5 Editor’s note
In going into government, the SNP had to accept and work within a system of power and governance that it had wanted to dismantle

6 Roundup
Pictures and numbers from the past two weeks

7 Talking Point
If we don’t take the arts seriously we’ll end up as a culture of empty bins

9 In Context
Ending the VAT exemption for private schools

10 Spotlight: Death by a thousand cuts
The SNP faces a bleak fiscal outlook as it attempts to build back momentum after a calamitious election campaign

13 SNP Conference: That sinking feeling
After a turbulent year, insiders reveal the SNP is a party in need of a lift

16 SNP Conference: Stephen Flynn
The SNP’s Westminster leader says his party needs to rebuild trust with the public

22 Feature: Life after politics
What does life look like after defeat at the ballot box?

28 Green Pages: What next on climate?
Labour plans to make the UK a clean energy superpower but it faces legacy issues

34 Green Pages: GB Energy
Aberdeen has paid a high price as Europe’s energy capital. Will Labour recognise that in its GB Energy HQ decision?

38 Interview: Matt Forde
The comedian on how the year he was diagnosed with cancer turned out to be the greatest year of his life

44 Getting to know...
Stephen Gethins MP on leveraging his Scottishness in the Caucuses

46 Comment
Joan McAlpine reflects on the death of Iain Lawson and a polarised society

47 Local Politics
Independent councillor James Anderson introduces us to Eyemouth

48 Diary
Have we given all of the entries an Oasis theme? Definitely maybe

49 Political Spin
Cllr Stephen McCabe on what catchy tunes get him on the dance floor

50 Last Word
Sketch: Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has a recipe for a big cake

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