Leave a light on for Scotland’
of Scotland. Nationalist ministers would actually rather the process was a disaster, if only it bought them a few more percentage points in the independence polls.
There can’t be many governments in the world, now and through history, that actively wanted their workers and businesses to suffer. But then that sums the SNP up – separation at all costs.
Nicola Sturgeon’s foolish manipulation of the Brexit vote was punished by voters – in subsequent Westminster and council elections, her party lost seats and votes. People saw right through her attempts to co-opt remain votes as pledges for independence.
After three-and-a-half years of wrangling, people are relieved that Brexit is finally taking place. And now that it is, even committed remain voters want to see government move on and make this process work for the people.
There is no end of opportunities for Scotland as we negotiate this new era.
More powers will come to Holyrood, we’ll have more control over a range of matters, and many of the clunky and inconvenient regulations so loved by Brussels will no longer be an obstacle.
Fishing – one of Scotland’s proudest and oldest traditions – will, of course, stand to benefit enormously. New trade deals could open up Scotland’s businesses to the world.
And perhaps universities will finally have some wriggle-room to get more income from EU students who, up until now, have been able to access educational institutions for free.
In farming, we also have a chance to reshape the way the agricultural sector gets financial support.
These are all things the SNP should have spent the past three years thinking about and planning for.
Constructive debates in Parliament involving all parties could have led to a healthy exchange of ideas and decent policy pathways.
Instead, we’ve had to endure childish stunts on flags, and repeated sanctimony from an SNP government that just isn’t serious about running the country.
● Adam Tomkins is the Scottish Conservative shadow constitution secretary.