Scottish Independence has never felt closer

Ahead of the final Holyrood results there are some certainties writ large. latest Bank of England forecasts predict not the Brexit sunny uplands but continuing economic decline. The UK’S “bounce-back” will return the economy to pre-covid’ levels which were only slightly ahead of the pre-2009-crash’ levels. Growth in 2023 is predicted at 1.25 per cent, a return to the turgid performance which has been typical for decades. Another emerging certainty is the reshaping of the UK through trade policy and negotiation, evading democratic accountability and scrutiny. The Internal Market legislation is the means to force the many unpalatable aspects of this on the devolved nations, particularly Scotland. Amongst many disastrous consequences, cheap food imports will wipe out much of Scottish farming. The Conservatives, in familiar ruthless fashion, will choose their moment to ditch Boris Johnson and rebrand under a different leader in time for another dominant UK election success. Scottish Labour supporters will have to face this reality sooner rather than later. Yet more effort will go to under mining devolution, much to the delight of the one in four Scots who vote Conservative. Much less certain is whether Labour and the Lib Dems will stand up for Holyrood and the majority. If not, their irrelevance can only increase. There will be Union flags, talk of tunnels, gunboat diplomacy, a new royal yacht, yet more episodes of the palace soap-opera and a heavy stench of corruption. In conclusion, independence has never felt closer.

ROBERT FARQUHARSON Lee Crescent, Edinburgh