Blog

‘Let’s Debate, Resist, Act - The Time Is Now!’ was the rallying slogan of the European Summer University for Social Movements that took place from 23 to 27 August in Toulouse, France. The conference, organised by the Attac Network, brought together thousands of alter-globalist, ecofeminist, anti-capitalist and pro-migrant activists from all over Europe and beyond.

Our friends at Another Europe is Possible have issued a new report today, which suggests that ditching EU free movement rules will be bad for British workers. We agree – and think the same arguments apply globally.

How do we show solidarity with people who have lost their homes and worse after extreme weather exacaberated by climate change this summer? And how do we stand up to Trump and his climate-denying administration? In Scotland, a strong climate bill that takes the Paris climate accord commitments seriously, is a small way in which we can begin to challenge the neo-liberal vision of the current US President.

Last week I had the pleasure of joining other Global Justice Now staff and members at the ATTAC Summer University for social movements. This four day event brought together more than 2,000 people from across Europe to learn, debate, discuss and plan how we can build our movements and alternatives to the current political context.

Here in Scotland, it’s vital that our politicians understand that areas devolved to the Scottish parliament, such as environment, food safety, health and workers rights could be threatened by the UK government’s new trade deals.