Nationalists stood up for the people

THE SNP were left with no choice but to down tools and walk out of the Commons yesterday.

It was a stunt, but it was entirely justified – and its impact was felt immediately.

In the chamber of Westminster, the sight of empty SNP benches spoke volumes.

The Government were clearly not listening during the dreadful, long-winded Brexit votes – but they have to now.

It was a shrewd strategic move and the SNP’s argument that devolution is being ripped to pieces echoed loudly.

The Tories had clearly hoped the entire devo issue was so procedural and dry that no one would take notice.

But members of the public who had previously tuned out when the vital subject was raised will now find it inescapable.

The lesson is one the Tories should heed. If someone is treated like a stroppy teenager, that’s how they’ll respond.

By taking a stand and storming out, the SNP have succeeded where their opponents hoped they wouldn’t.

They have brought the future of devolution, and Scotland’s place in the shambles of Brexit, into sharp focus. For Labour, the signs are grim. The stage is set for endless months of constitutional trench warfare between the SNP and the Tories.

It remains to be seen whether Ian Blackford has the ability to carry the day for the Nationalists. He needs to show the SNP have the arguments to back up their complaints at Westminster.

They can’t just use this as a mechanism to inch closer towards their end goal of breaking up the UK.

The argument for independence is valid but it’s not the same as fighting the corner for devolution.