Now is not the time for political sparring

Debate rages over whether a vote on seeking a second independence referendum should have been suspended as the Westminster terror attack unfolded on London’s streets.

For some, it was the right thing to do – an act of common decency and solidarity with colleagues in the capital.

Others felt the disruption to everyday life was tantamount to “giving in” to terrorism.

Both positions are reasonable and understandable, although to debate splitting from the rest of the UK at the very moment the country is under attack seemed crass.

A minority of people however, have sought to make gains from the move with some, especially those who see everything through the prism of Scottish independence, claiming the debate was delayed because of its very nature – that terror was being used to thwart the nationalist cause.

Perthshire South MSP Roseanna Cunningham let herself down badly when her temper got the better of her and she delivered a stinging rebuke to opposition members when the Holyrood debate was halted on Wednesday.

She entrenched her position yesterday, causing questions to be asked of First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. They have not yet been satisfactorily answered.

At the moment, political point-scoring is as wrongheaded as it is indefensible, fostering division when the country should be uniting behind those involved in the horrific attack and guarding against future acts of terror.