Scotland deserves better than this

The latest episode in the SNP’s shambolic misgovernment of Scotland has left many observers wondering how much further the party has left to sink. Entering into a coalition agreement with the Scottish Greens arguably contributed to the downfall of former first minister Nicola Sturgeon; ending it could now claim the political scalp of her successor Humza Yousaf.

Mr Yousaf insisted yesterday that he will not resign and will fight attempts to oust him, but his opponents are increasing the pressure on his leadership. The Conservatives, Labour, Liberal Democrats and Scottish Greens are all set to vote against him in a confidence motion next week at Holyrood, and his survival now appears to rest in the hands of Alex Salmond’s Alba Party, and its sole MSP Ash Regan.

Ms Regan, who defected from the SNP last year after being defeated in the party’s leadership contest, has wasted no time in letting Mr Yousaf know the price for her support in any vote. First and foremost would be a Scotland-wide referendum on whether Holyrood should have the power to legislate and negotiate for independence. Second is protecting the rights of women and girls, in a clear reference to the controversial policies on gender that the SNP administration has supported. A weekend of unedifying political horse trading appears inevitable.

But where does that leave the Scottish public? The last Holyrood elections, in which the SNP did not win a majority, demonstrated that Scottish voters did not want to be governed by an unchecked Nationalist administration. But the SNP did not, as a consequence, moderate its agenda and compromise with its critics. Instead, it doubled down on an aggressive programme of “progressive” reform.

Now Scotland is likely to be treated to an extended period of political instability, in which the focus of its leaders is not improving the dire state of the Scottish NHS, or raising standards in schools, or addressing an unsustainable deficit, but on political ructions in Edinburgh. All the while, the Police Scotland probe into the SNP, Operation Branchform, grinds on.

Was devolution not meant to deliver better governance? Commentators have found some cause for hope in the SNP’s current misfortunes. For years, the Nationalists’ dominance of Scotland, and the cult-like power of the independence movement, enabled them to get away with appalling failures in government. Now the SNP’s errors are too enormous to be dismissed.

Scottish voters deserve better than this carnival.

Whatever the outcome of next week’s votes, let us hope that they can get it.

The King’s return

The announcement that the King is to resume public-facing duties next week will provide an undoubted boost to the mood of the nation. His Majesty has been undergoing treatment following a cancer diagnosis in February, and he is now in a position where he is able to undertake more external engagements.

The King and Queen will visit a cancer treatment centre on Tuesday, where they will meet with patients and medical staff. His Majesty has previously stated that it has been “heartening” to hear how his diagnosis has helped to promote public understanding of the disease, and to bring attention to the organisations supporting patients and their families.

That his first visit should be to such a centre is fitting, and speaks to his dedication in supporting those in a similar position. Medical experts have praised the King for making public his diagnosis, saying that it will undoubtedly have saved lives by encouraging others to consult their doctors about any worrying symptoms.

This will mark the first of a series of external engagements in the coming weeks, followed by hosting the Emperor and Empress of Japan for a state visit in June. Our two countries have struck a number of accords in recent years, stretching across defence and trade, and the relationship is an increasingly important one. The visit will be another reminder, if any were needed, of the vital role the King plays in furthering the welfare of the nation. His return to public engagements will be welcomed by all.

Wisteria time

Just as the wisteria was going to come out, we had a cold snap. Now buds on the grey vines could go off at any moment, like a gun on the wall in a Chekhov play. Indeed some have burst. University College, Oxford, for example, or St Botolph’s church, in the City of London, have proudly posted pictures of their fresh wisteria blossom. For a plant from Asia and the New World, it is strange how it brings out the Englishness of cottages or great houses. As with monkey puzzle trees in the gardens of Victorian villas, it is just an association of ideas. And as the temperature rises in the coming week, the idea is definitely spring.