Scotland is coming from the North - But it shouldn’t be a bad thing
The results this morning left me with distinctly mixed feelings. Jubilant over the success of the SNP, yet ultimately worried about the majority Conservative win.
The rhetoric throughout the coverage last night of predicted gains by the SNP, especially from Scottish Labour, was one that had been mirrored throughout the campaigning. While UKIP predictably blames immigrants for all the country’s woes, Scottish Labour turns to assign blame to SNP for ‘losing them the election’ and installing a Tory government – a failure that they only have themselves to blame for.
The idea can be repeated as much as they want, but it is deluded to hold the SNP responsible for a Conservative majority. Maybe if Labour had focused on winning votes through appealing to people through their policies and promises, rather than constantly pitting themselves against the SNP, they would have made greater progress.
Ultimately, the result was a democratic one, and the Scottish people have made their voices clear. They voted against leaving the EU, against austerity, against the wasteful and controversial £100 billion Trident investment, and against a growing wealth gap in Britain.
Leading up to the results on the night, I had the distinct feeling that the anti-SNP expression was in full swing. Statements like ‘the North is coming’ suspiciously resonated an ominous Game of Thrones image, as if Scotland’s voice arriving as a united force to Westminster would be the worst thing to happen since the Red Wedding. Truly Scottish Labour - it is you that knows nothing. As a party, you failed to appeal to the needs of the ‘ordinary’ people you claim to champion, and constant scaremongering against the SNP seems to have done more harm than good. Ultimately, leadership failed to project the true image that Scottish people want for fair representation in government, representation that is sorely needed.
Maybe now the rest of the UK will get the message clear and simple: do not forget Scotland. For those who seemed so concerned for us to remain united, it seems actions following the referendum have only widened the divide. They sure have a strange way of showing appreciation for the decision to remain part of the union, a union that gets weaker by the day.
But what next? Well, first the EU conundrum – Cameron, with his majority government, will be quick to push through an in-out referendum, sadly what will no doubt become a costly endeavour for the British people. I can only hope in the event of a referendum it will not pass, as isolation will only hurt the country more. Yet, regardless of its result, it could be the best thing to happen to Scotland, a country that has made itself clear that it wishes to remain part or the European Union. The EU referendum may be the catalyst that forces a second independence referendum, and this time I am more optimistic that it will be a resounding ‘yes’.
So it’s hard to know whom the real winners of this historical election is. Certainly the Labour Party and the Liberal Democrats have been the clear losers, as has the current electoral system, many pointing to this election as proof that first-past-the-post is far from fair. For Nigel Farage, it was 7th time not so lucky still failing to win a seat, and his party did not gain as many seats as predicted. He alongside leaders Clegg and Miliband, has resigned, a loss I’m not convinced many across the country will mourn.
SNP have been the undeniable victors in Scotland, making historical gains and winning far more seats than had been predicted, effectively splitting Britain politically at the border. Yet, with a Tory government, it looks like it is the ordinary people who will suffer, as austerity is unlikely to end, privatisation will continue, and measures to “strengthen” the economy, will do so to benefit the rich.
What is clear is that the people of Scotland have spoken out against such austerity, inequality, and the wealth gap. Will Westminster hear their voice? Only time will tell.
Photo Credits: Wiki, The Spectator
