Indy debate must not break Covid unity

Nationalist and unionist politicians must continue to work together to deal with the coronavirus outbreak

The debate over Scottish independence has generated at least as much heat as light for much of the last decade.

But, when coronavirus struck, politicians on both sides of this most divisive issue put aside their differences and sought to work together to deal with the threat posed by the sudden arrival of a highly infectious and deadly disease.

Now a new poll by Yougov, for the Scottish Fabians, found that 52 per cent feel independence “distracts” from other issues with only 36 per cent viewing it as “one of the most important issues facing the country”. “This clearly shows that most Scots don’t see this as a priority,” said Katherine Sangster of the think tank, which is affiliated to the Scottish Labour party.

However, it seems all but certain that the major issue at next year’s Scottish Parliament election will be the independence question once again.

Opposition parties will do their best to point out flaws in the SNP’S track record in government – including their handling of Covid-19 – but such criticisms are likely to be overshadowed unless our situation takes a dramatic turn for the worse.

Another significant factor will be the end of the Brexit transition period in December, when we will start to feel the true impact of leaving the European Union.

If, as appears increasingly likely, the UK Government fails to secure a trade deal, the economic damage could be severe and may well influence how people in Scotland vote.

Given such nationalistic rivalries, economic turmoil and the prospect of a second Covid wave over winter, there is a risk that passions could start to run dangerously high.

Therefore, all responsible politicians should do what they can to ensure that efforts to tackle the virus are not caught up in that debate and thereby undermined.

This could prove a tricky path for supporters of the union to navigate, given the trend of rising support for independence.

In seeking to reverse this, they must not stoke tensions – that would be wrong and they could be punished at the polls. But they do need to find a way of articulating an authentic Scottish voice or next year’s election will be a procession or massacre, depending on which side of the fence you are on.

Both sides need to be able to disagree over this most fundamental and important issue about the future of this country, while continuing to work together to protect the lives and livelihoods of its citizens.