There have been penalties for those who looked the other way when Epstein was convicted of child sex offences and decided to maintain relationships with the financier — but not for the British ambassador to Washington, reveals SOLOMON HUGHES

IT’S an honour to follow in the footsteps of Pat Rafferty as the new Scottish secretary of Unite.
Pat was a first-class leader from 2010. He leaves with Unite growing in Scotland, and not many people can leave the building saying that.
It has been days since I took up the post, and the in-tray of issues facing the union is long. There are many challenges to face, with rogue employers trying to undercut the terms and conditions of our members and one of the most hostile Westminster governments in living memory — though hopefully not for too much longer.

Derek Thomson pays tribute to the grassroots activist who had a rare skill in finding solutions to difficult union issues, whose Fife roots and unpretentious nature made him a popular unifying figure

Scotland’s rapidly growing support for Reform UK is the result of a profound crisis of trust in mainstream politics — one that progressives share, and must harness, writes DEREK THOMSON

