Sturgeon’s longer game on indyref2

One can suggest Nicola Sturgeon was at her stateswoman-like best standing in Holyrood yesterday and declaring that many people were neither in favour nor against a further referendum on Scottish independence, but it’s clear that in deciding to delay another vote on the issue she may have staunched significant opposition either from those in favour or those against.

For supporters of independence, it’s a blow to their expectation that a vote was due within a year or so, but it keeps the dream alive.

To those who hate the break-up of the Union, this delay drags the interminable debate on but kicks it into the long grass for now.

In reality, it simply creates another period of uncertainty and obfuscation as to when, or even if, we will face another vote.

The first minister was absolutely right to suggest nothing could or should be decided until the outcome of discussions over the vexed and troubling issue of Brexit, because so much relies on those – likely – protracted talks. But does kicking further decisions on even the likelihood of indyref2 into next year help anyone?

Businesses will say they are already struggling with uncertainty surrounding Brexit, without adding further confusion around the future direction of our nation. The one thing businesses need is surety.

What it does is ensure her party’s membership keep the faith by saying there will be a vote; it’s just a matter of when.

For others it’s a depressing delay in an already bitter debate.

What is certain is that Ms Sturgeon has shown herself to be a better operator than her Number 10 counterpart on deciding how to keep all sides relatively compliant until she is certain she can push the vote button once again.

“What it does is ensure her party’s membership keep the faith by saying there will be a vote”