Build those bridges, don’t burn them... a post-Brexit mantra for the Tories

This was the Brexit Election. in every part of the United Kingdom, it was the defining issue. And that fact is central to explaining how the results panned out here in scotland.

But what next for scotland? More specifically, how will the Conservatives react?

Let’s take it as a given that the sNP will put all its focus on independence. The party told voters in scotland at every opportunity that scotland was being taken out of the EU against our will.

Except, of course, that when scotland rejected independence just a few short years ago, we did so in the knowledge that a Brexit vote was ahead.

it was common knowledge. it had been known for over a year before. Brexit was possible. The will of scotland was to make the EU a UK-wide issue, but the Nationalists successfully brushed that fact aside.

And thus the template has been set for the next 18 months. i think the next move by the First Minister will not be to ask for a section 30 order, but instead to demand the permanent devolution of powers to hold referendums.

The battle for holyrood 2021 is under way. And in truth there are only two serious contenders: the sNP and the scottish Conservatives. it will be the indyref election.

so now, how the scottish Conservatives conduct themselves at holyrood and at Westminster is crucial. First up is the not insignificant matter of electing a new scottish leader. But that is only first base.

The scots Tories’ presence on the green benches of the house of Commons has been halved, and the need for the Conservatives to truly be a One Nation party is compelling.

They now represent a wider spread of seats across the UK than before. They have fourand-a-half years in post ahead. But future successes will be won by two things: Brexit being done and dusted and by grabbing the centre ground, the common ground, where elections are normally won.

And by keeping the voters who backed them over Brexit and speaking their language on other issues and by demonstrating that they are the party for the many. That those in the North and Midlands of England who backed them while holding their noses can loosen their grip, breathe more easily, and stick with them.

so by desire and need, this is the only way the Prime Minister can go. it is also the right way. And that helps the cause north of the Border. A party that has moved beyond Brexit, is seen to be more in tune with the country. A One Nation party for all four nations.

On Brexit, they must be true to their promises. To deliver the right deal on fisheries that takes us out of the Common Fisheries Policy, but doesn’t trade away the same permanent majority access to EU boats to our fish. One that allows our fleet to have the first call on quota in our waters, but keeps trade flowing.

AFTEr all, countries such as France have many more people dependent on fish to process than they do employed catching it. They want our seafood, regardless of who catches it. There can be a fisheries and trade deal that works for catchers and processors.

And the UK Government needs to strengthen devolution and the bonds between Westminster, Cardiff, stormont and holyrood. i don’t mean the powers which each holds. i mean finding ways to embed refreshed attitudes throughout Whitehall that helps devolution to work even better, that can endure regardless of which party holds power in any of the parliaments or assemblies.

A way of working fit for a postBrexit world. One that values the devolved institutions, nurtures the relationships, and strives to find common cause rather than conflict. Taking co-operation to new limits, building on the highly successful City and region Deals with fresh thinking and innovation and building mutual respect.

These measures, taken together, can make a major difference. A UK Government seen to be in tune, to be One Nation, with a new permanent scottish leader, delivering on Brexit, moving beyond Brexit, and finding ways to build bridges in these islands rather than burning them.

A government that works to support and strengthen scotland’s great industries such as energy, and whisky, agriculture and fishing.

so be of good cheer. The next election is less than 17 months away.