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The National
3 days ago
- Politics
- The National
Reclaiming everyday power matters more than starting a new party
We were talking, of course, about Labour, the deepening void in British politics, about a country where public services are crumbling, where opposition feels hollow, and where the political space once occupied by hope seems to have disappeared. It's not a cynical question. And it deserves more than a cynical answer. So I gave it some thought. And to be honest, I surprised myself. Because even though I agree with the premise – that Labour no longer offers a political home for many – I didn't feel excited. I didn't feel much at all. And that feeling stayed with me. Not because I'm disengaged from politics, but because I've been trying to make sense of what a new party could be for. What it could meaningfully offer in the current landscape, not ideologically, but structurally. READ MORE: 'Wake up, America!': Alan Cumming hits out at Donald Trump over trans attacks When the news broke of a new initiative involving Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana, my reaction wasn't negative. But it wasn't hopeful either. Oh. There's a new party in town. That's it. There's a contradiction here. It's possible to agree that a political alternative is needed and still not feel particularly moved when one arrives. And the more I think about that contradiction, the more it seems revealing, not of the new party's flaws, but of a deeper problem in political life. Because the real question may no longer be: Do we need a new party? It might be: What can people do? And more crucially: What do people feel they can do? At this point, any honest reckoning has to contend with a widespread sense of powerlessness. Not apathy. Not disinterest. But the quiet despair that comes from not knowing where to begin, or what could possibly make a difference. That's why Hilary Wainwright's recent piece in Red Pepper magazine felt so relieving to read. She writes about the left's 'fatal attraction to shortcuts' – the belief that if the right party, with the right leader and the right policies, comes along, transformation will follow. But as she reminds readers, this logic has a long track record of disappointment. From Arthur Scargill's Socialist Labour Party to Respect to Left Unity, new parties have emerged with high hopes, only to fade without leaving a lasting political infrastructure behind. Wainwright doesn't argue against new formations. But she insists that the work must begin elsewhere: in the slow, patient construction of popular democratic power. In local initiatives, people's assemblies, and independent councillors building relationships of accountability not with a party headquarters, but with their neighbours. That kind of politics isn't a shortcut. It's a long, sometimes frustrating path, but it might be the only one capable of lasting. That perspective helped clarify my own. A new party isn't irrelevant. But in a context where people no longer believe their actions matter, where politics has become something external, alien, remote … it can't be the first step. READ MORE: Here's why John Swinney should ask Keir Starmer for a Section 30 now I've started to realise there may be a thread running through much of what I've been writing in this newspaper over the past few years. Whether I've been looking at childcare, housing, or the slow degradation of the NHS, I keep circling the same question: How do people reclaim a sense of power over their lives – real, collective, material? What connects so many of these crises is the deep belief that nothing we do will change them. And that belief, I think, is one of neoliberalism's greatest successes. Neoliberalism has often been described as a decades-long experiment in outsourcing. Services, care, governance: all handed over to markets, contractors, consultants. But it also outsourced something deeper – the sense of shared political responsibility. The message was that someone else, an expert, an algorithm, a market force, would take care of it. And we citizens, would be seen, first and foremost, as consumers. And gradually, that logic seeped into our idea of politics itself. Politics, too, came to feel like something best left to professionals. Not a shared, daily practice of negotiation and solidarity, but a technical domain of experts and spokespeople. People didn't give up on politics. They were taught it wasn't theirs to do. And that teaching was reinforced everywhere; in the design of services, in political narratives, in the retreat of collective spaces. We learned to see politics as something external; something you observe or vote in (a choice to be made, a bit like a marketplace actually), not something you build or change. You can see this disempowerment very starkly in housing. Rents rise, quality falls, and entire developments go up that ordinary people will never live in. Homes become assets. What was once a public good becomes a private commodity. And the experience of trying to access housing, like trying to find childcare, or dental care, or mental health support, becomes a kind of battle: exhausting, bureaucratic, humiliating. That's disempowerment. Not as a vague feeling, but as a daily reality: paying more for worse, navigating systems that no longer serve, feeling that no matter how hard you try, it's always slipping further out of reach. And over time, that doesn't just impact housing or health, it shapes how people see the world. It hollows out belief. It makes politics feel like something that happens elsewhere, in a different language, for other people. READ MORE: Tall Ships celebration attracts more than 400,000 visitors as event comes to a close Some of the most meaningful political acts I've observed recently haven't taken place in formal spaces at all. They've unfolded in nurseries, where parents start questioning fee hikes and demand accountability. In blocks of flats, where neighbours create mutual aid systems. In conversations between mothers about birth trauma in overstretched NHS wards. These are not isolated complaints. This is the work of building collective understanding, and sometimes, action. This is where politics lives – not in manifestos, but in people's attempts to name what's happening to them, and to resist it, even in small, fragile ways. That's where power can start to grow again. And if a political party is to matter, it will have to come from that, not speak down to it, or try to replace it. Emancipation, autonomy, sovereignty; these are not abstract goals. They are needs, expressed through the daily grind of trying to live with dignity in a system that often treats people as expendable. A new political project must respond to that hunger, not with slogans or personalities, but with structures that allow people to act together and be heard. That is what Wainwright means, I think, when she says there are no shortcuts. And it's what I mean when I say: a party can't do it all. A political party can support. It can amplify. It can defend. But it cannot substitute for the deeper, harder, slower work of rebuilding the very idea that politics belongs to us. So when someone asks: 'Do we need a new party?' I no longer rush to answer. I want to ask: What's already happening? Who's organising? Where do people still feel they have a voice? Because maybe the real work is there – not in founding something new, but in noticing what already exists, and helping it grow.
Yahoo
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Top Scottish designer creates tartan for Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games
AWARD-winning fashion designer Siobhan Mackenzie has created a bespoke tartan for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Mackenzie, who has made outfits for the likes of Alan Cumming and Justin Bieber, has made an official tartan that features the vivid Glasgow 2026 blue, pink and purple tones against a steel grey base as a nod to Glasgow's rich industrial history. It will be made in Scotland, using local textiles and manufacturers, and its first appearance will be on the clothing of the Games mascot – whose identity will be revealed later this month. Mackenzie will also design a bespoke tartan for Team Scotland athletes and officials. There is just one year to go until more than 3000 athletes compete in a 10-sport programme across four of the city's iconic venues. READ MORE: Fans will be able to buy official Glasgow 2026 tartan merchandise, and it will be added to the Scottish Register of Tartans. Mackenzie said: 'I feel honoured to be designing a tartan for such a momentous occasion in my home country. 'When I graduated as a fashion design student in 2014, I took on a role as a tailoring technician for the technical officials of the Games. At that point, designing the official tartan for the Games seemed like a pipedream – so this is truly a full circle moment. 'I love weaving stories into tartan design and while many people might be expecting a blue or green base, I looked at Glasgow's rich history and felt inspired by the shipbuilding stories. (Image: Glasgow 2026) 'This led to a steel grey base with the Glasgow 2026 colours woven through in my signature style. 'It's incredibly important to me that every thread of this project is made in Scotland and I'll be working with local textiles and manufacturers to bring this design to life, and I can't wait to see it across next year's Games.' The grey base has a thread count of 74 to represent the nations and territories competing at Glasgow 2026 and the dark blue section has been increased to 26 in homage to the Games taking place from July 23 to August 2, 2026. More than 200 medals will be up for grabs at the Games, including in a record-breaking para sport programme with 47 events across six sports, the biggest track cycling, swimming and 3×3 basketball competitions seen at a Commonwealth Games, and the return of events like the Commonwealth mile in athletics. Phil Batty, chief executive of Glasgow 2026, said: 'Designing and creating tartan is a revered part of Scotland's heritage and we're honoured that Siobhan Mackenzie is weaving it into Glasgow 2026's story with a bespoke Games tartan, designed in Scotland. 'Siobhan is an expert in her field and has collaborated closely with us throughout the production process. 'This special tartan draws inspiration from Glasgow's Clyde-built history, and she has carefully selected the threads of wool to celebrate the Games with this one-off tartan. 'As Glasgow 2026 fast approaches with our one year to go milestone next week, this tartan is a sign of what's to come next summer and will be part of the fabric of Glasgow 2026 across the city.'
Yahoo
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Bespoke 2026 Commonwealth Games tartan unveiled with nod to Glasgow's industrial past
A bespoke tartan designed for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow has been unveiled. The tartan has been lodged with the Scottish Register of Tartans and is created by award-winning fashion designer Siobhan MacKenzie. It is the official tartan of the 2026 games and has a nod to Glasgow's industrial history with blue, pink and purple tones against a steel grey base. The grey base has a thread count of 74 to represent the nations and territories competing at the event. The newly designed tartan will be made in Scotland and its first appearance will be on the clothing of the new mascot, whose identity will be revealed later this month after it was confirmed Clyde the Thistle from 2014 would not be returning. Siobhan Mackenzie, famous for reinventing tartan classics into contemporary styles and whose designs have been worn by Justin Bieber and Alan Cumming, commented 'I feel honoured to be designing a tartan for such a momentous occasion in my home country. Read More No return for Clyde at Glasgow 2026 as new Commonwealth Games mascot to be revealed Sport is about self-belief, community and resilience - and Scotland needs all three Swinney speaks of 'huge benefits' from Commonwealth Games on milestone day 'When I graduated as a fashion design student in 2014, I took on a role as a tailoring technician for the technical officials of The Games. At that point, designing the official tartan for the Games seemed like a pipedream - so this is truly a full circle moment. 'I love weaving stories into tartan design and while many people might be expecting a blue or green base, I looked at Glasgow's rich history and felt inspired by the shipbuilding stories. This led to a steel grey base with the Glasgow 2026 colours woven through in my signature style. 'It's incredibly important to me that every thread of this project is made in Scotland and I'll be working with local textiles and manufacturers to bring this design to life, and I can't wait to see it across next year's Games.' Phil Batty OBE, Chief Executive of Glasgow 2026, added: 'Designing and creating tartan is a revered part of Scotland's heritage and we're honoured that Siobhan Mackenzie is weaving it into Glasgow 2026's story with a bespoke Games tartan, designed in Scotland. The tartan has been designed for next year's games (Image: Glasgow 2026) 'Siobhan is an expert in her field and has collaborated closely with us throughout the production process. This special tartan draws inspiration from Glasgow's Clyde-built history, and she has carefully selected the threads of wool to celebrate the Games with this one-off tartan. 'As Glasgow 2026 fast approaches with our one year to go milestone next week, this tartan is a sign of what's to come next summer and will be part of the fabric of Glasgow 2026 across the city.' Earlier this month, Team Scotland announced that Siobhan Mackenzie will also design a bespoke tartan for their athletes and team officials.
Tom's Guide
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
Waiting for 'The Traitors' season 4? Watch this reality competition show instead
"The Traitors" (U.S.) scored another Emmy nomination for Outstanding Reality Competition Program yesterday, but it's going to probably be 2026 before we get more episodes from Alan Cumming and co. The good news is that there are other entertaining reality competition shows out there — and one has just been added to one of the best streaming services available. I'm talking about "The Challenge: All Stars," and if you're a competition show or reality show junkie, that might be a familiar name. That's because "The Challenge" is a reality competition show staple at this point. In fact, stars of MTV's legendary competition have even won "The Traitors" in past seasons. But the flagship show is about to premiere its 41st season on July 30, so it's largely moved on from its original stars to newer contestants, so it can try and generate a new batch of fan favorites. Enter: "The Challenge All Stars." This spinoff show keeps the same challenges that make the flagship show so exciting, but it brings back familiar faces that know how to play the game, adding an extra level of drama. Yes, it's on Paramount Plus instead of Peacock, but trust me, if you want a new reality show to watch, this is it. Here's what you need to know about "The Challenge: All Stars" season 5 and why it's the perfect show to watch while you wait for "The Traitors" season 4. If you've never seen "The Challenge," here's the quick rundown. This MTV reality competition show pits dozens of competitors against each other in grueling tasks and brutal eliminations, more physical than what you'd get on "The Traitors." But like with Peacock's competition show, "The Challenge" shines because of the drama between competitors we see play out in the house once the day's events are over. However, the flagship show is more about athletic prowess than the social game, which is why I'd recommend "The Challenge: All Stars" if you've come to love the drama of "The Traitors." This spinoff features older stars from seasons past who know your social game matters as much as your physical strength, and it makes for a compelling watch. Especially because all the "All Stars" in the cast are veterans, so they also bring plenty of baggage when they come to compete. In season 5, these seasoned competitors are paired with one of their historic rivals, and you'll have to tune in to see who can stand to work with each other and who still holds a grudge. I loved "The Traitors" season 3. I thought it was the best season of Peacock's hit reality show so far. But I have just as much fun watching "The Challenge: All Stars," and season 5 was no exception. I watched the entire 12-episode run when it aired on MTV back in the winter, and I promise you, if you want all the conniving and drama of "The Traitors," then this show will definitely scratch your reality competition show itch. Sure, nobody is quite as talented an actor as Bob the Drag Queen; these All Stars are largely competitors first, rather than the Bravo reality stars you get on Peacock's show. But the drama is just as messy and just as enjoyable to watch. Paramount Plus is a great streaming service. There are hit original shows, the latest shows and movies from every brand in the Paramount umbrella, including CBS and Showtime (with Paramount Plus Premium), and more. If you're looking to get the most entertainment for your money, Paramount Plus is a great option. Stream "The Challenge: All Stars" season 5 on Paramount Plus Malcolm has been with Tom's Guide since 2022, and has been covering the latest in streaming shows and movies since 2023. He's not one to shy away from a hot take, including that "John Wick" is one of the four greatest films ever made. Here's what he's been watching lately:
Glasgow Times
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow woman could voice Lidl's new self-checkouts
Alan Cumming has teamed up with Lidl to help find their favourite Scottish voice in honour of the retailer's Scottish self-checkout roll-out. In May, Lidl put out a call to the nation to audition to be the voice of these new self-checkouts through a combination of a touring in-store phone booth and a dedicated WhatsApp audition line. (Image: Supplied) Read more: Soap stars to host live event celebrating show's 30th anniversary A total of 10 standout finalists from across Scotland have made the shortlist, and one Glasgow resident is in the running. Marco Ivone, regional director of Lidl GB in Scotland, said: "Over 5000 people from every corner of Scotland have stepped up to the mic, which just shows how much pride people take in their local dialects - and how game we are to have a bit of fun with it too. "We can't wait to give the winner their moment on our self-checkouts, adding further Scottish flavour to the Lidl shopping experience." Alan Cumming, known for his roles in popular films and TV programmes such as X-Men and The Good Wife, was given the job of revealing the Scottish finalists, including Glasgow resident Lauren, who were selected from thousands of auditionees. He said: "It's high time our self-checkouts had a bit more character and Scottish flair - and let's be honest, who doesn't want to be told that they've got an unexpected item in the bagging area by someone who sounds like their favourite cousin from Fife or sassy auntie from Glasgow? "I had an utterly delightful time listening to the 10 auditionees give it laldy; some were bold, some were bizarre, others would have me scanning in an instant! "It's a proper rollercoaster of accents, intonations, and glorious Scottishness." Glasgow and Lanarkshire groups win share of STV's £1m fund (Image: Supplied) Now, the Scottish public are invited to crown their favourite at with voting open until 5pm on Tuesday, July 29. Alan added: "Now the power is in your hands. "This isn't just about picking a winner - it's a celebration of who we are, how we speak, and our ability to have a bit of a laugh while we do it. "So don't dilly-dally and get voting."
