Queen’s Christmas message may be telling us to move towards independence

Your front page report (24 December) of the Queen’s Christmas message comments on the presence or otherwise of family photographs demonstrating hereditary succession. Other aspects of the speech can be interpreted differently.

The reference to 2019 as “quite bumpy” might evoke both Brexit and episodes that have shown the royals in a disobliging light. These include discourtesy to the Queen resulting from David Cameron’s indiscretions about Scotland. As Prime Minister he had claimed that Queen Elizabeth “purred” with pleasure at the defeat of the 45 per cent who supported independence, loose-tongued comments that did little to dissuade those arguing for independence. In 2019, Mr Cameron

further revealed that it was he who had prompted the Queen’s remark that the people of Scotland “should think very carefully about the future” just before the referendum.

The Queen’s recent considered and reflective speech may contain irony about “the reconciliation of sworn enemies” after 1945 and the likelihood of impending post-brexit discord between the UK and Europe. Her comments come too late to influence the EU vote in England and Wales but the Queen of Scotland and Northern Ireland is faced with nations in her United Kingdom contemplating another path. Their “long-held differences” are set in an historical framework not of three, or even 40, years but of centuries. The Queen’s proposition that

“small steps taken in faith and in hope can overcome deepseated divisions” takes on new meaning if the context is selfdetermination for nations.

The Queen’s five mentions of “small steps” suggest how “lasting change” can be brought about, a cautious mechanism that might allay the fears of those who voted No in 2014. Those fearful before can make a rational choice now to move towards Yes for Scotland’s right to choose and so deliver the lasting change the Queen is indicating. “Small steps” towards self-determination have to be better than the enforced, dangerous Brexit that Scotland rejected three times and prospect of another cliff edge in December 2020. GERALDINE PRINCE

Victoria Road North Berwick, East Lothian