Now is not the time to play political games

EarliEr this year, an ugly suggestion raised its head that Scotland should impose a blanket quarantine on people travelling from south of the Border.

When it was put to her, Nicola Sturgeon repeatedly refused to rule it out. Soon thereafter, we witnessed the grim spectacle of Nationalists assembled on the Border, waving Saltires and bellowing at motorists coming from England.

The First Minister’s latest proposal is to interdict travel from high-risk to lowrisk areas of Scotland, but she also wants to apply these rules to other parts of the UK. Given her track record, she can hardly be surprised if her motives are seen as suspect.

There is a legitimate case for restrictions such as these but they ought to be done at a UK level, both to prevent the playing of unsavoury political games and to make enforcement possible.

The Welsh Government brought similar measures into force on Friday evening – but the police are already questioning their feasibility.

Miss Sturgeon says she wants a fournation approach. That is the only way these protocols will work.

The Prime Minister is open to discussion on these matters but it is understood that Downing Street considers the guidance currently in place to be sufficient.

Mr Johnson also fears a legal and policing minefield and he is right to be wary of rushing into a policy that might well win headlines but could prove unworkable on the ground.

The Prime Minister has put Michael Gove in charge of finding a way forward. That is welcome news.

The Chancellor of the Duchy of lancaster is an innovator and if a way can be found, he will be sure to find it. He is also wellversed in Nationalist tactics and will treat the First Minister with courtesy – and an eye on the silverware.

What must be avoided at all costs is an unseemly constitutional row in the middle of a pandemic.