WHAT’S that about waiting for a bus and then two come along? In all the huffing and puffing over the coronation of the new PM, due to be announced on July 23, the LibDems will announce their new leader on July 22.
The first is full of hot air and bluster, and by comparison the second is full of, well, nothing. That the LibDems could end up choosing Jo Swinson over Sir Ed Davy might mean something in the gender divide within some political parties, but beyond that, what would it mean for us here in Scotland?
READ MORE: Poll reveals almost nobody can recognise LibDem Jo Swinson
In her most recent interview that I could find, she appears to be promoting the idea of further “electoral pacts” in the event of either a second Brexit referendum or a General Election. This is based on the much-trumpeted pact currently in place that sees Plaid Cymru, the Green Party and Change UK (yes, they do exist) not contest the by-election due next month in Brecon. This leaves the field clear for the LibDems to take on the Tories.
If this is successful, I suspect that irrespective of who is their chosen leader we will see LibDems trying this out here in Scotland, on the basis of keeping the SNP out at all costs. In any questioning, Swinson and all the other pro-Unionists who favour a second referendum cannot square the circle of contradiction. Their mantra appears to be that a second referendum (power to the people) is the logical, democratic way to end the crisis inflicted on us by the Tories. But according to her and her ilk, indyref2 is neither wanted nor required despite a majority of pro-indy MPs, a pro-indy Scottish Parliament, the EU referendum outcome here (so what about the votes of the people here, Jo? ) and the most recent polls showing the ever-increasing figures supporting independence.
So, could LibDem HQ sink so low as to instruct their branch office here to enter into such electoral pacts? Or unofficially advocate tactical voting? I think they could and before the next elections – and depending on the Brecon outcomes – they’ll be sounding out Labour. Both parties and their out-of-touch leaderships and hierarchies are sitting in their Westminster bubble. It’s not them we need to see change their minds – it’s their voters living here.
They too are experiencing the uncertainty of Brexit, the apprehension around the outcomes of further delay and then a no-deal. They too see the heartache of families such as that of Lizanne Zietman, devastated and torn apart by draconian, hostile immigration policies. Sadly Lizanne won’t be the last, unless policy change is secured.
LibDem and Labour voters equally are well aware of Tory party disregard for Scotland, our people, and our very future. Let’s face it, the Scottish Office and our own parliament are both on shoogly pegs if the Tories get their continued way.
So whether the next vote is a referendum on a deal or no deal, or a General Election or indyref2, it’s essential we show up the demerits of continuing in this unequal partnership with a broken, self-destructing rUK. Highlighting those detrimental policies and their outcomes on Scotland is a must whilst positioning them against the opportunities that will come with independence. We can’t be taking time to counteract scare stories around finance, pensions, currency. After all we have seen and experienced those lies.
The years of devolution, of having our own parliament and the political engagement across society during and since indyref1, have all helped affirm the political and social aspirations that in turn are increasing the desire for independence. People change their minds and their votes when they see the benefits of change. That beneficial change is already happening, and no amount of seeking to establish electoral pacts or similar will stop it.
Selma Rahman
Edinburgh
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