What crisis?

Events in India tell us what a public health crisis really looks like. Scotland’s opposition politicians may wish to be more careful, less reckless in their use of “crisis” to describe the situation here. The opportunism in use is clear from the repetitive linkage, at every opportunity of crisis, recovery and the supposed threat of an independence referendum. The reality is that another referendum will not be held until Covid is under control and measures are in place and underway to address its impact. Insofar as Covid has exposed deep-seated inequalities and weaknesses, these can only be addressed over the long-term and the choice between union and independence remains very relevant. If you want yet more years of Conservative cronyism and corruption at Westminster, that choice will be available. As to the final component of this new Project Fear – a referendum consumes all other endeavours – that is only the experience of those in the political bubble with no governing responsibilities. For the rest of us, teachers will still teach, doctors doctor, the trains and buses run, it will be possible to get a haircut, visit a pub, gym or restaurant – and if you tire of politicians during a campaign, change channels. But we should all remember that a democratic event is not a threat in a democracy and to so claim is irresponsible and dangerous.

ROBERT FARQUHARSON

Lee Crescent, Edinburgh