Polls saying the nationalist cause is no priority among voters are misleading. The aspiration to once again be a sovereign European state has only been strengthened by devolution
ike an arthritic old tree in autumn, the Scottish National party is shedding its voters. It does this almost seasonally, a shrivel followed years later by another spring. And yet the SNP’s soul and cause, independence, isn’t shedding its supporters. Backing for that stays roughly where it’s been for a decade, at just under half the poll samples. How does that make sense?
Over the past century, Liberal, Tory and then Labour power monopolies have vanished under Storeggan mind-changes by Scottish voters. Now the deluge is racing towards the SNP – but not towards believers thatshould be a sovereign European nation again. Pollsters always report that independence is “a low priority”, well down the list behind NHS reform, the cost of living, bad roads and dud ferries. But this is a misunderstanding.
Independence usually drops out of the sky, dropped by some external crisis: war, revolution or imperial exhaustion Former deputy first minister John Swinney speaks in Edinburgh, where he confirmed he is running to succeed Humza Yousaf as SNP leader and Scotland’s next first minister.Scotsman It’s very possible that the next Holyrood election will end the SNP’s 17-year hegemony. The Scottish parliament could have a narrow unionist majority. Even if Humza Yousaf’s successor survived in government, his or her prospects would be bleak. The SNP leaders still believe that the Scottish public wants them to play by the rules. So they will keep on demanding London’s permission for another referendum, while any foreseeable British government will keep on refusing that permission.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
SNP ends power-sharing deal with Scottish Greens over climate strategy rowFirst minister terminates Bute House agreement ‘with immediate effect’ after government abandons emissions target
Read more »
Humza Yousaf steps down as Scotland’s first ministerSNP leader was facing two confidence votes at Holyrood after axing of coalition with Scottish Greens
Read more »
Humza Yousaf quits as first minister of Scotland: what happens now?SNP and Scottish government goes through second leadership crisis in less than 18 months
Read more »
‘The SNP are in trouble’: Scottish voters on the drama at HolyroodAs John Swinney emerges as candidate for first minister, Guardian readers assess the parties’ records and promises
Read more »
Nicola Sturgeon says it is ‘incredibly difficult’ after husband Peter Murrell charged in SNP finance investigationFormer Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon addresses arrest of husband and former SNP chief executive outside Glasgow home
Read more »
Former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell charged in finance investigationHusband of Nicola Sturgeon was rearrested ‘in connection with the embezzlement of funds’ from party, say police
Read more »