https://commentcentral.co.uken-ukCopyright 2023https://commentcentral.co.uk2026-04-24T09:43:58+01:00https://commentcentral.co.uk/first-past-the-post-is-to-blame-if-snp-win-unrepresentative-majorityhttps://commentcentral.co.uk/first-past-the-post-is-to-blame-if-snp-win-unrepresentative-majorityPoliticsRichard Wood]]> The SNP are on track to win an historic fifth term in government in next month's Scottish Parliament election. Thu, 23 Apr 2026 12:00:00 +0000https://commentcentral.co.uk/the-cost-of-taxing-educationhttps://commentcentral.co.uk/the-cost-of-taxing-educationLiz Smith MSP]]> This week, the latest BiGGAR report was published. Its remit was to examine the effects of the imposition of VAT on school fees in the Scottish independent sector. Wed, 22 Apr 2026 14:00:00 +0000https://commentcentral.co.uk/as-hormuz-rattles-global-markets-these-are-the-ai-startups-worth-watchinghttps://commentcentral.co.uk/as-hormuz-rattles-global-markets-these-are-the-ai-startups-worth-watchingBusiness & TechnologyTej Kohli]]> Market stress has a way of clarifying value. As geopolitical risks rise, the AI sector may be entering a more selective phase in which utility matters more than narrative, warns billionaire tech VC and philanthropist Tej Kohli Tue, 21 Apr 2026 16:00:00 +0000https://commentcentral.co.uk/the-world-banks-standards-are-failing-communitieshttps://commentcentral.co.uk/the-world-banks-standards-are-failing-communitiesForeign AffairsJulia Nobre]]> Investments in mining and other extractive industries have skyrocketed in recent years, as both developed and developing countries scramble to meet the growing energy and technological demands of their populations. Mon, 20 Apr 2026 14:00:00 +0000https://commentcentral.co.uk/the-graduate-success-tax-is-killing-aspirationhttps://commentcentral.co.uk/the-graduate-success-tax-is-killing-aspirationEducationSamiksha Bhattacharjee]]> Last year, I was offered a place on a degree apprenticeship at a top‑tier investment bank. That route would have given me a salary, a free degree, and four years of experience. But like many high‑achieving students, I was told by advisers university was the “proper” path. Tue, 14 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000https://commentcentral.co.uk/the-case-for-independence-of-the-royal-navys-fleet-air-armhttps://commentcentral.co.uk/the-case-for-independence-of-the-royal-navys-fleet-air-armDefenceMark Allatt]]> The Fleet Air Arm (FAA) has been integral to British maritime power since its origins as the Royal Naval Air Service in 1914. Fri, 10 Apr 2026 12:00:00 +0000https://commentcentral.co.uk/new-great-divergence-in-the-age-of-artificial-intelligence-risk-of-a-new-global-dividehttps://commentcentral.co.uk/new-great-divergence-in-the-age-of-artificial-intelligence-risk-of-a-new-global-dividePoliticsFeroz Ahmed]]> The impact of artificial intelligence is not uniform across all countries. Making the gap more uneven is exceptionally likely if the governments don't act urgently in a coordinated manner. Thu, 9 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0000https://commentcentral.co.uk/phonegate-the-quicksand-of-power-and-the-persistence-of-political-scandalhttps://commentcentral.co.uk/phonegate-the-quicksand-of-power-and-the-persistence-of-political-scandalPoliticsBrian Patrick Bolger]]> John Dean, the White House lawyer during Watergate, told the then President Nixon (March 21, 1973) that “There’s a cancer on the presidency.” Wed, 8 Apr 2026 12:00:00 +0000https://commentcentral.co.uk/why-edinburgh-and-east-lothian-need-an-independent-voicehttps://commentcentral.co.uk/why-edinburgh-and-east-lothian-need-an-independent-voicePoliticsJeremy Balfour MSP]]> Edinburgh and the Lothians are not just where I work; they are my home. I was born and raised here, and I have spent my entire life in these communities. Tue, 7 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://commentcentral.co.uk/wales-must-confront-its-animal-welfare-enforcement-problemhttps://commentcentral.co.uk/wales-must-confront-its-animal-welfare-enforcement-problemEnvironmentMike Hedges MS]]> Wales is often proud of its reputation as a nation that cares about animals. Our countryside, our farming heritage, and our communities are deeply connected to the animals that share our lands. Thu, 2 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +0000