Scottish Parliament
"The structures of the parliament are much better than Westminster"
Gordon Morgan for Socialist Outlook talked to Scottish Socialist Party MSP Tommy Sheridan about his assessment of the Scottish Parliament over the last year
SO: How well has the Scottish Parliament lived up to your expectations ?
TS: It has brought decision making in the areas within its powers, including matters affecting health, housing and education, under democratic scrutiny. This is a major advance.
People are more conscious of decisions being made in these areas, decision making is under the microscope and MSPs can be made accountable. Previously the Secretary of State for Scotland would take decisions by dictat and no one could influence them. This is a positive democratic advance.
As expected, in some areas, like Social Security, Tax and Finance, the Parliament does not have delegated powers. Although we knew that before the Parliament was set up, it restricts what can be done. We keep pushing this fact and make the case for more powers. The SSP is in favour of Independence and seeks additional powers for the Parliament.
SO: What are the obstacles to introducing progressive social measures?
TS: The biggest obstacle is the absence of powers over the economy, finance, social services, employment legislation. These are barriers which force us to fight over a slice of the cake rather than directly fight to expand the public sector.
The other obstacle is the centre ground consensus adopted by the main parties, that is all parties except Dennis Canavan, the Greens and the SSP. The leadership of the other parties accept in the main the existing social and economic conditions.
This is a major problem as it means progressive social measures must be introduced against the wishes of these party machines.
Warrant Sales was a clear example where the SNP had supported repeal and Labour conferences for many years had stood immovable in its opposition to continuing warrant sales. Yet in Parliament Labour and Liberals leaders and the Executive as a whole fought against repeal.
That position could have held had only the SNP opposed, however, because of the SSP's long struggle on this issue particularly around the Poll Tax, Labour backbenchers felt threatened in their heartlands.
Because parties like the SSP were able to campaign outside parliament individual MPs knew they were spotlighted. They could not hold the line without paying a price. This led to the PLP revolt and the vote to repeal Warrant Sales. This campaign shows how the political obstacles can be overcome.
SO: How does Parliamentary work interact with campaigns and political action?
TS: MSPs are much more publicly accountable. The structures of the parliament are much better than Westminster although they are still a restricted form of democracy.
Thus the Parliamentary committee structure takes representations direct from the public. Campaigning organisations can directly put their views to MSPs.
Thus on Warrant Sales three separate committees heard evidence. Some Labour MSPs serving on these committees were fairly ignorant of the reality of Warrant Sales.
Despite the official Labour conference opposition they were initially confused on the issue and willing to back the leadership.
In the course of the committee hearings they changed their opinion to firm opposition based on the first hand evidence they heard.
SO: Has having the Parliament assisted the Left in general and the SSP in particular?
TS: Yes. The PR system has enabled minority parties to make a breakthrough. The SSP has made advances and will be much stronger entering the elections the next time.
Despite the fact that Labour in Scotland is no different from Labour at Westminster, the context of political debate is different.
The centre of gravity is further left than at Westminster. In Westminster Labour is under attack from Hague to their right. Although the SNP has moved to the right, they still present themselves as to the left of New Labour.
Thus Labour in Hollyrood is under attack from the Left. This has forced them to adopt a more traditional left profile than New Labour in England.
Some Labour MSPs like John McAllion openly criticise the executive from the Left, not the Right.
This affects the mindset of each Labour MSP. It has opened doors more and created a climate for left politics to get a hearing.