Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman - A Scottish Life and UK Politics 1836-1908

Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman’s brief tenure as British Prime Minister between 1905 and 1908 represents an important transition in the history both of the country and of the Liberal Party, where he might be said to have bridged the gap between the party of Gladstone and that of Asquith and Lloyd George. As Liberal Leader from 1899 to 1908, he was widely credited with the restoration of the fortunes of his party, and his time in office includes one of the greatest landslide victories in British politics, when the Liberals won almost 400 seats in the election of 1906. 

Sir Henry’s distinguished political career included nearly forty years as the MP for the Scottish seat Stirling Burghs, Chief Secretary for Ireland, Secretary of State for War and, uniquely, ‘Father of the House’ (as the longest-serving MP in the House of Commons) at the same time that he was Prime Minister. 

This is the first major biography of Sir Henry for forty years. It is also the first to be written by a Scot since 1914; indeed, it has been written about one former pupil of the High School of Glasgow by another. 

‘Truly this is an intensively scholarly work which will do much to elevate Campbell-Bannerman’s reputation.’ – from the Foreword by David Steel (Lord Steel of Aikwood), Liberal Party leader, 1976-1988

Social Capitalism

Is Capitalism doomed; how long is its shelf-life? Can its promise of prosperity and the ‘good life’ be sustained? Have stories of its impending demise been exaggerated? If some soothsayers are to be believed it has been on a downward slippery slope at least since the financial crash over a decade ago, so that its days may well be numbered. This work analyses the place of the free market economy in modern society, distinguishes between neo-liberalism and traditional capitalism, and comes to quite different conclusions – as much for reasons of perception as for socio-economic realpolitik. But in the process some important conceptual myths need to be demolished: about the misunderstood role of the individual in modern society, about the absurdity of focusing on economic growth, about the unsustainability of current social inequalities and how they can be overcome, about the mirage of social mobility and the future of work. These issues can only be appreciated in their historical context – currently a yawning gap in any discussion of our current predicament. Suggestions are put forward as to how a reformed, ‘social’ capitalism would better serve the interests of the economy, the community and the individual – in a world where we must learn to consume less, travel less, and yes, work less – with the ultimate goal of greater dignity and justice for all.

Can We Do Better?

If you prefer to think outside the box, then this book is for you. It is an insightful, penetrating, and far-reaching call to decency, integrity, and accountability. The book is a clarion call to re-evaluate our man-made world of dogmas, ideologies, myths, and masculine institutions and industries. It is a strongly worded call to embrace facts and critical thinking; especially, in the face of religious, political, and conspiratorial distortions of key human and environmental issues. Can We Do Better? is a clear-headed invitation to informed, rational and values-based citizenship, custodianship, and leadership. Necessarily, therefore, this book is a robust call to integrity and accountability in governance.Every chapter invites us to be aware, factual, honest, sensitive, compassionate, and responsible. In contrast to the modern prominence of individualistic transactional leveraging, this book advocates values-based relationships, communities, and ecologies.We men are invited to confront some ‘inconvenient truths’, and to learn from and internalise Yin-based wisdom. To promote Yin-based wisdom, this book encourages women and First Peoples to step forward as role models, educators, stewards, and leaders. In conjunction with Yin-based wisdom, this book argues that a critical mass of us need to embrace holistic and homeostatic systems principles and priorities.‘Holistic systems wisdom’ is crucial in reducing longstanding fragmentation, harms, suffering and disasters. So… be curious and read this compelling and innovative book.Look out for the publication of a ‘Companion Workbook’ that is designed to enable you to explore and apply the values and principles in Can We Do Better?

The Flight of the Gaels

The people of Scotland and Northern Ireland voted in the 2016 referendum to remain in the European Union. It is generally assumed that, whilst the public in these two jurisdictions might not be happy with the Brexit outcome, they will get used to it and adapt to a life as former Europeans.

The Flight of the Gaels demonstrates that there could be a set of circumstances in which this assumption is proved to be wide of the mark. The story begins in the UK and Irish Permanent Representations in Brussels and winds its way via a political research project at Ulster University and political lobbying in the United States and Europe to the establishment of a new political grouping in Scotland and Ireland. A constitutional earthquake follows, with the potential to transform the politics of the British Isles.

When this potential is realised, the political landscape that emerges is one that few could have predicted when the Brexit saga began in 2016.

The Ignorance of Racism

Why are some people, organisations, and institutions racist and discriminatory? And why do they continue to repeat their racist acts over and over?

It is because ignorance has been promoted to a level where it is used as a justifiable mindset to perpetrate shameful and ignominious behaviour.

This book is written for everyone to use to inspire others or be inspired to stop racism.

Thoughts

Incisive views and comments on news of the day, couched in humour and unfailing compassion.

Rt Hon Baroness D’Souza CMG The Lord Speaker (2011-2016)

Lord (Indarjit) Singh’s talks on BBC Radio 4’s ‘Thought for the Day’ have inspired many including Royalty, Prime Ministers, Christian, Muslim and Jewish leaders.  

One of Indarjit’s talks in 1999 provided the impetus in setting up the Lambeth Group to celebrate the Millennium by setting up a Faith Zone at the Millennium Dome and to Indarjit hosting a National Service of Reflection and Reconciliation in the Queen’s Gallery of the House of Lords. Tony Blair, the then Prime Minister described it as the most moving celebration of the Millennium he had witnessed.

Rt. Hon. Clare Short MP

Secretary of State for International Development

Speaking on BBC Radio 4 Today Programme on December 2004, on who she would like to nominate in the Programme’s competition ‘Listener’s Lord’, the person listeners would most like to see in the House of Lords.

I would like to nominate Indarjit Singh. He contributes regularly on Radio 4’s ‘Thought for the Day’, and he gives impressive homilies drawing on the wisdom of Sikh teachings to help us think through the moral issues of the day.

Lord Singh came a close second to celebrated musician and human rights activist Bob Geldolf.