Civic nationalism is about inclusion

IT WAS deeply disappointing to hear London mayor Sadiq Khan imply that the SNP and Scottish nationalists are racist and bigoted (Khan forced into humiliating U-turn over ‘indy voters are racist’ claim, News, February 26).

Wrap yourself in the Union flag, isolate yourself off, sing Rule Britannia, attack immigration and you are a patriot. Seek equality for Scotland in the world, welcome immigrants and seek an inclusive society and you are racist and bigoted, no different from the BNP.

Khan is a man I have respect for. But he clearly should know better than to describe those in Scotland who vote for the SNP, many being former Labour voters you would naturally expect he would be looking to win back, as racist.

There are of course two different types of nationalism. The British nationalism I have already highlighted, which is ethnic in nature, seeking to unite the indigenous population against the perceived threat of outsiders. For all of us in Europe, ethnic nationalism casts a long shadow.

Civic nationalism, that which is promoted by the SNP, seeks an inclusive society based on where you are, not where you are from.

People who back independence for Scotland don’t do so because of a hatred of others as Khan thinks. There are many reasons for doing this, a deep concern over increasing British xenophobia, the desire for a more equal and inclusive society, or concerns over the increasing isolation of the UK through Brexit.

Ultimately they seek equality for Scotland in the world, not saying that we as a nation are better than any others, but simply wanting to be the same, on an equal footing.

That sadly is something Khan is clearly unwilling or unable to understand.