By Rab Bruce’s Spider

Jeremy Corbyn was elected as Labour leader on a left wing agenda which included, as a prominent feature, his opposition to the renewal of Trident. Good for him, some would say. He’s a man of principle.

Except that, over the weekend, we have learned from members of his Shadow Cabinet that, in fact, the Labour Party remains committed to the renewal of Trident. Newspaper reports suggest some members of the Shadow Cabinet only accepted the jobs after Corbyn had assured them he would support Trident renewal.

Politics is a tough business and it often requires compromise but that turnaround in opinion is a pretty major one after such a short time.

As for Scottish Labour, both Johann Lamont and Kezia Dugdale have now declared that they would support a free vote on Scottish independence. It’s a welcome change of attitude but it’s also an easy one to announce since there’s not likely to be another IndieRef any time soon. As for their motives, one can’t help thinking it’s got a lot more to do with attempting to resurrect Labour after the disastrous consequences of campaigning arm in arm with the Tories in order to preserve the Union than it does with considering what might be best for the people of Scotland. It’s also at odds with Jeremy Corbyn’s staunchly Unionist stance although, given his turnaround on Trident, he may yet come to see Scots as equal to Irish Republicans and Palestinians in their quests for self-determination.

Of course, it often takes courage to change one’s mind when faced with difficult decisions but Labour change their minds so often it’s difficult to believe they are genuine in anything they say.