Scottish independence

Photo: The Guardian

Source: The Guardian

Scottish independence

Letters

Tom Tracey thinks an independent Scotland could tackle inequality, while Michael Martin says Scots should not fear independence. Plus letters from Matt Ritchie and Polly Purvis

Wed 19 Apr 2023.

Simon Jenkins correctly highlights that “unionist joy is misplaced” and that Scottish independence is very much alive and well (Sturgeonism is dead but the independence cause is not. Westminster beware, 10 April 2023). Three factors drive it: the UK economy, the Conservative party and Scottish demographic voting intentions.

The UK economy used to work for most countries and regions: that was the basis of the union. Regional GDP data shows that it now works for two regions, London and the south-east. Levelling up is correctly regarded as a vacuous slogan. Unlike the English regions, Scotland does not need to accept this built-in inequality. An independent Scotland can shape the economy to meet its need or fail trying. A Conservative majority in Scotland was last seen in 1959. Most Scots do not support Conservative values and find this most recent batch of buffoons and millionaires particularly offensive. A short Labour interlude in Westminster will not change the basic fact that Scotland is socially and politically diverging from England. Brexit crystallises the difference, with a significant majority of Scots voting to remain. On the demographics, polling consistently shows that 16- to 35-year-olds are overwhelmingly in favour of independence, particularly young female voters. The SNP meltdown will help the cause of independence by creating a movement focused on the primary objective, rather than on marginal issues of limited importance to the Scottish population. SNP difficulties are a major issue for them, but just a bump in the road to Scottish independence.

Tom Tracey

Brodick, Isle of Arran

Simon Jenkins is right: the move towards Scottish independence is not going away because of the present troubles of the SNP. It is grounded on a growing belief that the society that Scots wish to be part of will not be realised in a country that continues to vote for right-wing governments. It is not based on anti-English sentiment. It is born of experience that what England votes for consistently is not what Scots want – be it unregulated markets, ill-considered privatisation or Brexit. Whether a society with a different set of priorities can be delivered under a new federalism or must necessarily lead to independence is an open question. That independence will bring economic challenges is certain, but when you look at the achievements of small European countries and consider the natural and intellectual assets of Scotland, Scots should not fear independence. The SNP is just a route to this end. In an independent Scotland, it would disappear and take a distinct position in a plural political settlement based, thankfully, on proportional representation. When people like me, who have lived happily and successfully in England for 50 years, doubt that the union in its present form is worth saving, then there is a seismic change taking place.

Michael Martin

Chester

Simon Jenkins observes that “a solid 45% of Scottish voters clearly do not like being governed from England and their case should be heard”. He then turns a cloth ear to our voice. Further devolution would only see Scotland still yoked to Westminster’s morally corrupt and elitist establishment. It’s time for real change.

Matt Ritchie

Inverness

Much of what Simon Jenkins writes is to the point, but the comment about “once lovely landscapes” being scarred by wind turbines is so out of date. Onshore wind turbines have made Scotland’s renewable power sector a real success and, rather than blighting the landscape, they are a reminder that climate change is a real and present threat, not something that can be airbrushed away.

Polly Purvis

Edinburgh

The letter from Michael Martin above was amended on 25 April 2023 to restore two sentences that were cut during the editing process.

The free press is under attack from multiple forces. Media outlets are closing their doors, victims of a broken business model. In much of the world, journalism is morphing into propaganda, as governments dictate what can and can’t be printed. In the last year alone, hundreds of reporters have been killed or imprisoned for doing their jobs. The UN reports that 85% of the world’s population experienced a decline in press freedom in their country in recent years.

This week marks the 30th annual World Press Freedom Day, a day for everyone to reflect on the importance of free expression as fundamental to all other rights. It is also an opportunity to pledge support for independent media – because without a robust and free press, a healthy democracy is impossible.