Complex history

For far too long the people of Scotland have been inundated, whether they believe it or not, with the ongoing forlorn cries of the disciples of the SNP for, in their own words, “independence”.

Firstly, let us define this word which can only be described as being in a state of overuse in Scotland at present. The dictionary indicates that it means (1) a state of being independent; or (2) a country having full sovereignty over its territory. Relatively clear, one might think, but hold on, the status quoin what are often referred to as the British Isles is more complex than SNP members would have us believe.

It has to be acknowledged that from a leadership point of view it was a King of Scotland who became the first monarch of what became Great Britain. Then later, in 1707, it was mutually agreed by both the parliaments of England and Scotland that a joint Parliament at Westminster should be formed.

When in more recent times, under section 44 of the Scotland Act 1998, the Scottish Executive was formed in Edinburgh, it was with the full agreement of Westminster. Similar local assemblies were created in Wales and Northern Ireland in a move for more decentralisation.

In 2014 when the SNP raised the question of Scottish “independence”, discussions with Prime Minister David Cameron eventually led to what was described at the time as a “once in a generation” referendum being held on the subject of Scotland becoming in dependent of the UK. The SNP campaign was unsuccessful!

If the vote had gone the other way, would the SNP have agreed to a plea from the Unionists for a second referendum? I think not! Thus what we now have is an impasse which is appropriately referred to as “Neverendum”.

In my view the Scottish Nationalists should be relieved that they were unsuccessful in 2014, especially when one gives consideration to the state of Scotland's economy under their Administration. One has only to look at the last GERS figures for Scotland – a deficit of 8.6 per cent of GDP, amounting to £15.2 billion. And what, prithee, will the figures be like once the full effects of the coronavirus pandemic are ultimately felt within the Scottish economy.

ROB ER TI G SCOTT Northfield, Ceres, Fife