ONE of the most consistently strong arguments for independence, in my opinion, has always been that the UK is just not a functioning democracy.
From the monarchy to the First Past The Post voting system, power has never felt particularly close to the hands of the Scottish people – not in a UK-wide context anyway.
Just one example of the UK's democratic deficit is that, since 1959, the people of Scotland have not voted for a Conservative government once, yet have suffered under the policies of them for almost half that time.
Did you know Scotland hasn't voted Tory in over half a century? And yet... #indyref2 pic.twitter.com/bQGEpbc4wJ
— The National (@ScotNational) March 2, 2020
This doesn't just concern whoever is sitting in Downing Street though, but extends to every facet of the United Kingdom.
Brexit, anyone?
As we approach the cliffedge of a Tory Brexit, the reality of this is as striking as ever. You only need to look at how Scotland's immigration needs have been ignored by a UK government hell-bent on making its world a little smaller, a little sadder and little less able to access enough trained doctors and nurses.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
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