Glimmers of hope amid the post-election fog

Scotland may well have a stronger and more varied voice at Westminster, and one likely to be heeded by beleaguered No 10

Amid the Tory recriminations, confusion and near impenetrable fog that has descended at Westminster, it is hard to see positives in the wake of last week’s stunning election outcome. In Scotland, there have been calls for a change in SNP leadership policy. There are concerns that Scotland’s voice and influence at Westminster will have been diminished. And business leaders in Scotland have lost no time in calling for urgent clarity on the government’s Brexit agenda.

Yet amid the unholy mess, there are potential positives. There is little doubt that in Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson a formidable Scottish voice has emerged which Downing Street will be unable to ignore.

Few would query the competence of the now deposed Angus Robertson as SNP leader at Westminster. But it has to be asked how influential and effective that tally of 56 MPS proved when it was almost exclusively devoted to calling for a re-run of the independence referendum.

The broader range of Scottish representation at Westminster could now bring several benefits. First, it secures a powerful Scottish presence close to No 10, a voice to which a chastened Theresa May must listen if her minority administration is to have any chance of survival.

Second, it enhances the range and dynamic of Scottish opinion in the Commons. Scottish Labour, now with seven MPS, will also be able to speak with a louder voice.

Arguably most important of all will be an enhanced Scottish voice on those fraught and complex Brexit negotiations and the case for a more nuanced and flexible UK approach – clearly preferred by Ms Davidson. Not only did a majority of Scots vote Remain, but Scottish business is also deeply concerned that prolonged and bruising negotiations could result in irreparable damage to our trade and export prospects, preferring to remain within the broad European Economic Area Single Market.

Mrs May clearly failed to secure the strengthened hand she sought for her “hard Brexit” stance. This is now likely to open for other approaches, including an arrangement similar to that enjoyed by Norway within the European Free Trade Area. This would be much more in tune with Scottish preferences.

Thus amid all the hand-wringing and fear for the future, there are glimmers of hope for Scotland and our interests.