QUEEN: MY FEARS FOR DIVIDED SCOTLAND
THE Queen yesterday signalled she is worried about the impact the increasingly bitter independence debate could have on Scottish society.
In a rare intervention, Her Majesty said she prays people ‘will work together for the social good of Scotland’ whatever the result of the ‘important’ referendum. Hinting at fears over the potential damage to society, she spoke of ‘healing divisions’ after the result is announced. The comments came in a letter from the Queen to the Church of Scotland’s General Assembly, which opened in Edinburgh yesterday.
Last night, constitutional experts said Her Majesty’s message was a ‘clear sign’ of the Queen’s concern about the damage the squabbling over the constitution is now
causing. Meanwhile, Alex Salmond said that he ‘heartily endorses’ the comments.
The letter was read out at the opening session of the Assembly yesterday, in the presence of Prince Edward and the First Minister. In it, the Queen said: ‘Throughout the history of Scotland, the Church of Scotland has played a key part in shaping the governance of Scotland and Scottish society.
‘We recognise that, contained within the articles declaratory of the Church of Scotland, church and state hold mutual duties towards one another. ‘So in this important year of referendum we pray that whatever the outcome, people of faith and people of goodwill will work together for the social good of Scotland. ‘We recognise, too, the important role that the church can play in holding the people of Scotland together, in healing divisions and in safeguarding the interests of the most vulnerable.’ Devolution expert Professor Alan Trench, an honorary fellow in Edinburgh University’s School of Social and Political Science, said: ‘Things could get very nasty as the referendum approaches and the Queen is obviously concerned. She makes that very clear in her letter.
‘The divisions run very deep and, while politicians and those higher up the chain try to conduct themselves with decorum, other supporters such as the cybernats are being increasingly divisive. ‘It is unusual for the Queen to make such a statement, but she will be aware of her ongoing role in relation to Scotland, whether it becomes independent or not. This is not merely an expression of a wish but an attempt to tackle the issue of division before it becomes very serious. ‘It is customary for the Queen to send a message to the General Assembly of the Kirk and this year she used it as a timely opportunity to issue a warning to both sides of the independence debate. I am sure she has been very clearly advised and knew exactly what she was doing.’
In her letter, Her Majesty also looked forward to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the commemoration of the 100-year anniversary of the start of the World War, calling on people to ‘commemorate the valour, courage and sacrifice of so many who gave their lives in the many battles that scarred Europe from 1914 to 1918’. It is extremely rare for the Queen to make any comment on political matters, especially the thorny subject of the independence referendum. But fears have been raised that the independence campaign is becoming particularly bitter, with members of both campaigns accused of using unacceptable language, especially online.
Earlier this month, Britain’s biggest lottery winners, Chris and Colin Weir – who won £161 million in the EuroMillions draw – called for an end to the ‘smears’ blighting the debate. Since giving millions to the separation cause, they said they had been subjected to ‘downright nasty’ personal attacks.
Senior church figures have previously warned that serious reconciliation will be required in Scotland after the independence referendum. Earlier this year, Church of Scotland Moderator John Chalmers said the church ‘has to be an instrument of healing and reconciliation in post-referendum Scotland’.
Last month, Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon called for an end to the personal abuse dished out against opponents by people on both sides of the debate, saying: ‘Let’s all of us try to rise above that.’
The Queen is careful not to make any public pronouncement on independence. She has also struck up a close friendship with Alex Salmond, with whom she shares a love of horse racing. In last year’s Queen’s Speech, she said: ‘My Government will continue to make the case for Scotland to remain part of the United Kingdom.’ She is expected to make a similar carefully worded reference to the referendum in this year’s Queen’s Speech next month.
But observers say she used to be more candid. In 1977, two years before the referendum on Scottish home rule, she said: ‘Perhaps this Jubilee is a time to remind ourselves of the benefits which Union has conferred, at home and in our international dealings, on the inhabitants of all parts of this United Kingdom.’
In response to the Queen’s letter, Alex Salmond said: ‘These are typically gracious and considered remarks from Her Majesty the Queen, in which she extends a warm welcome to people from around the world to come and enjoy the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
‘Her Majesty is also right to highlight the importance of everyone working together for the social good of Scotland, regardless of the outcome of the referendum, which is something I heartily endorse.’