Stark choice

The Supreme Court has made a ruling that the Westminster government does not need to consult the devolved administrations of Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales on Brexit.

What are its effects on Scotland? Their judgement is on legal, not political grounds. The legal ruling was based on the Sewel Convention. In light of the 2016 Scotland Act, a new sub-section of this stated Westminster would not legislate on devolved issues .

But the UK Government inserted a weasel word in the act. That word was “normally”.

What arises from that word’s inclusion is that the Westminster government can now decide what is normal or not to consult with the Scottish Government in whatever it chooses.

When the European Communities Act is repealed, as it will be because of Brexit, the Westminster government can decide on devolved issues, which are currently protected by the act.

Those who think Scotland will receive greater powers over fishing, agriculture and other matters may have a big shock coming to them.

There are hurdles to cross in this Brexit period ahead and nothing is certain or predictable but there is one certainty created by Brexit: the status quo that lots of our people voted No for in our independence referendum will never be realised politically. That desire has been given the kiss of death.

What are now in clear focus are two options for our people.: firstly that we become a region of Britain, subject to Westminster decisions, or secondly choose to be an outward, inclusive, welcoming and peace-loving, independent nation that decides and builds its own future. Robert Brennan Machrie Road Castlemilk