WITH recent political events, in particular the election of Boris Johnson as the UK Prime Minister, Scottish independence is back at the top of the political agenda in Scotland. It never left.
When this second independence vote should take place has pre-occupied our politicians, readers, journalists, pundits and the political rank and file.
The National has in recent articles provided them with the opportunity to give their views regarding whether it should be an independence referendum now or later. The article by Ruth Wishart (July 25) succinctly puts her case. She lays bare the issues and the opportunities which face us and clearly states that the best time is NOW.
In a previous letter I indicated an “imaginary doomsday scenario” with five predictions,which are now proceeding apace. Johnson is now PM! Leaving the EU with no deal! Johnson is going to shut down devolution! Johnson’s right-wing government will retain funding for Scotland at Westminster! And finally, Holyrood will wither and disappear!
Even after watching and listening to his actions and antics for a couple of days, it’s clear the writing is on the wall.
Let’s look at what’s going on: His Cabinet appointments are in the main Brexiteers. His challenge to the EU: “If we leave without a deal, it’s the EU’s fault! We will leave on October 31, deal or no deal!”
As for Scotland, “NO to a section 30 order – 2014 was a once-in-a-lifetime referendum”. Then there’s the creation of two hubs called “the UK Government in Scotland” in Edinburgh and Glasgow.
There’s talk of direct Westminster funding to agriculture and fishing.
Johnson is adding to himself the title “Minister for the Union”! I am sure the mantra “the fearsome foursome wrapped in the red, white and blue of the Union Jack” sent a shudder down the spine of many Scots. I am sure there is catalogue of mantras and quotes in the Library of Boris.
Finally, the appointment of Alister Jack as Scottish Secretary says it all. The MP for Dumfries and Galloway, a committed Brexiteer, farmer, aristocratic land owner and anti-independence, is the quintessential Tory grandee.
Do these latest Boris actions and quotes help in the decision to go for independence now or later? I believe it does – for NOW!
It is quite clear he and his Government are hell bent on closing the independence movement down with the support of the Tories in Scotland over the coming years.
Sadly, the so-called Liberal Democrats will support them. I am sure within the Labour Party there are independence supporters willing to support Yes. We must add to the mix the total volatility to be found in the Labour Party and in the Tory Party. The LibDems are also rans with a leader focussed on her career down south with no interest in Scotland. Labour are in chaos and shambles both north and south of the Border with their membership split and in meltdown.
The most interesting development has been in the Tory Party, particularly in Scotland . It’s quite clear that the “Ruth Davidson” party has gone, her loyal MPs and MSPs are in disarray! The old mantras are gone too – “Better Together” is toxic, and the shadow of Boris looms large ... ask Mundell!
The Tory Party in Scotland looks south now under Boris’s grip. As I have always said, there is no such thing as a Scottish Tory, only Tories in Scotland.
Crucially, with the Brexit Party threatening to run riot down south, the Tory party must be right wing or lose its supporters. As a consequence, as we know, 63% of them would be fine with sacrificing Scotland’s position in the Union to secure Brexit.
So, a question. Does the above political environment in the UK pose a real opportunity for independence now or later? Of course it does – for NOW!
The real issue is for a rather dithering SNP. The SNP hierarchy must take cognisance of the above political environment. It is unlikely that such an environment will stay like this for any length of time. They must ACT!
A Plan B to combat a rejected request for a Section 30 order must be tabled and discussed. The Yes movement must be included and the Greens. We cannot just let it run. The cut-off date is November and the SNP must have a clear agreed strategy in place.
Much depends on the next three months. Let’s act NOW or at least have the plan. We will not get a better chance/opportunity!
Dan Wood
Kirriemuir
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