Scotland is not listened to

Scotland is not listened to III ….and neither are ordinary voices across the UK 

(We need voices of Reform)

 

I have been told by some – ‘at least we live in a democracy’. But is it really I have to wonder? How is it? When Scotland’s voice and votes are ignored. Scotland has not voted Tory since the 1950s yet a Tory government has been imposed on us. Scotland has voted for an SNP mandate 8 times, who’s main purpose is our self-determination, which we are refused by Westminster. 

 

After Quebec (Quebec is a region and not an ancient nation like Scotland) also voted in a close fought referendum in 1995, on their independence, Canada offered Quebec self-government and guess what, they actually delivered on their promises! Quebec state runs their own immigration, broadcasting, trade, economy, taxes and more. As do US states. Scotland does not control its immigration, broadcasting, trade, economy and more....In fact Quebec can hold a Referendum when ever they choose, plus they have protections for their Quebec culture and language. Scotland has none of these things – so how is this union consensual?

 

By stark contrast, before Scotland’s 2014 referendum, there were many false promises - vows even – that Scotland would have full self-determination, more business and industries, and be an equal partner (well by Gordon Brown, how was he supposed to deliver this full federalism exactly?) More like lies. Because none of their promises have happened and its even worse than that - devolution has gone backwards and into reverse with powers being taken away since Brexit. Its unbelievable all these ‘better together’ folks now telling us that the British state is failing us!

 

Anglo Scot Tory MP Michael Gove, says the union is or should be the UK governments top priority – why? Because of course they need Scotland’s resources to exploit. (Also with Labour’s GB energy plans) to exploit (again) Scotland’s resources, what’s in this plan for Scotland’s benefit?

Part of the issue is that the Scots vote for a centre left social democracy – while many in England still hanker after and believe in the empire days, class superiority, central control and trickle-down economics etc. Part of these divides here in Britain is the class-driven part, and is religious even (with Orangemen on the streets). It is not often addressed that Scotland’s independence is a complex set of issues and class is definitely a factor. Many middle class Scots feel they have more in common with the middle classes across England than with their fellow Scots. Many continue to believe the UK is a major global player. 

 

However with regard to recent scandals, not only are Scots ignored, but ordinary folks across the British state are not listened to either. There have been so many scandals towards ordinary people trying to make a living here UK that have been totally ignored – Windrush, Grenfell, Sub Postmasters, Blood scandal, Waspi women. The truth of these stories of Broken Britain is also that people across these islands are not listened to. 

 

And its only been getting worse in our fake British pre-democracy - of a broken voting system, where the crown is used for unlimited powers to the PM and is about an unassailable hierarchy and an enforced so called ‘stability’. One where the public’s ‘real’ concerns are often ignored – over Gaza’s genocide, tax havens, land reform and our resources being unfairly exploited.  

 

Detoxify the political narratives – how do we do that? Who decides? So much flack and not enough truth and reality. 

It seems that part of the problem is that for most people here in Britain and Scotland, including the political system itself, they have only known this highly centralized governance, unless they have lived elsewhere in the world and are able to see that Britain is the outlier here. This centralising British state is not normal. Journalist Lesley Riddoch writes that the route of Scotland’s independence is through giving all local areas a say in their futures. I recommend her excellent new book Thrive. She is an advocate for de-centralising and ‘real’ local government.  We don’t need Holyrood to emulate Westminster!

 

The unionist’s negative media blitz on the SNP, have cast Scotland’s independence movement adrift and we must urgently take action. There has been enough dithering and delays. As some say this is a civil rights movement to protect our rights for economic justice, social justice, our rights to protect Scotland’s many resources, our right to democracy and self-determination. The Scottish people’s right to sovereignty. I’ve begun to wonder some, if not most, of the UK government’s belligerence towards Scotland is due to incompetence above all else. Britain’s media attempts to project a semblance of its ‘democracy.’ But the British state is a more subtle dictatorship: one where the power of the Crown in Parliament is abused, where there is little if any balance or opposition, an unworkable and undemocratic first past the post voting system, and one where anyone can be anointed to the second chamber (House of Lords). The voting system fails us all, where only a few marginal seats matter.

 

Top theorist Tom Nairn writes that broken Britain’s institutions are crucial to enforcing the myths of empire and crown stability – established with the all-powerful sovereignty of the 1690 British Constitution of the crown in parliament. I wonder after watching two TV dramas on the US Opiod scandal (Dopesick and Painkiller) when it took a photographer to fight for the Sackler name to be removed from major Art galleries – we are now living in a time of great exploitation by multi-national corporations and with corruption at high levels, Well done to Channel Four News for their scoop of Paula Vennell’s voice saying she knew about the Horizon failings way back in 2013. Globalization has many drawbacks.

 

A Sunday Times editorial April 21, 2024, was about the dreadful Contaminated Blood Scandal, much of it brought from US prisoners and drug addicts 70s and 80s. Medical records were falsified and children were knowingly given infected blood. Around 4,000 died with no compensation given. Tony Blair’s Freedom of Information act has led to cover ups with secrecy a sickness at the heart of Britain … “a culture of secrecy set the state against the individual. It makes it almost impossible for citizens to recover the truth and right wrongs. This contributes to apathy, spreads disillusions and encourages conspiracy theories. An official apology must be made. It’s a bloody disgrace.”

 

So how can this Broken Britain system be reformed? Labour are not a party of reform – in previous governments they have only tinkered at the edges and they view stability as the bedrock of the British system they support and are part of. Starmer’s ‘ordinary hopes’ and his aim to address the fallen myths of England are all wrapped in the union jack flag, really offers little. They’re part of the liberal elites.

We need to reach out to others across these islands who also believe in a modern progressive democracy. I saw this happening at the Break up of Britain conference. Voices across Britain are also being ignored and they recognise the need for reform and change – such as the academic Anthony Seldon who wrote recently in the Times about how Whitehall needs major reforms. 

 

In Wales they are calling for more powers – in fact Labour in Wales wrap themselves in the Welsh flag and Welsh language, unlike Labour in Scotland who reject the Saltire! Ireland did not only want independence “for its own sake” – their independence was about wanting their land and resources for the people and not an elite. To protect all their rights as a free people and nation. 

 

Independence isn’t given, it has to be taken. So we must act and act now. Labour set up fake devolution to stop indy and keep Scotland stuck. For the elections ahead the SNP need a positive message of hope for social justice, reform, education and for the empowerment of local voices. I agree with others, that we need a Constitutional Convention to galvanise the yes movement focus (why wait?) – in order to move the debates forward and to reach out to those crucial undecided. Also to find common ground. For many of us this is a fight for democratic rights. 

 

The only real route I can see is for Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland to take to lifeboats – sooner rather than later – there is a better way ahead. One where citizens at local level can secure their own futures and offer hope. The fight against the centralising control of the global elites is about smaller more adaptable nations. Being small is a benefit not a drawback, and Scotland’s is an average European state. Scotland has abundant natural resources and sits in an important strategic position. 

 

I often wonder why Scots have so little faith in themselves to run their own country – as we once did. The most ancient in Europe. Why do we have so little faith? When once we led the world with enlightened thought and innovations. This is not about division – its about ordinary people being heard. Scotland’s independence must be about Scotland’s voice and the rights of ordinary people. Imagine a Scotland that could control its own resources!!

 

Alex Salmond A Man for our Times

 

Alex Salmond 1954 - 2024

I met Alex Salmond once at the Edinburgh book festival and shook his hand out of respect. He seemed to thrive on the situation, when he chatted amicably with renowned Scots author Iain Banks. He was there for a photo shoot and to host a talk with Iain, as he did each year. He also attended Edinburgh festival each year, often giving a series of interviews. He was clearly a man of robust intellect, charisma and character. He thrived on good debate and was also greatly respected at Westminster.

Alex Salmond has been the towering figure of our times, both in Scotland and abroad and across the UK. He brought Scotland close to independence and led the Indyref 2014 campaign. He was Scotland's first minister from 2007 to 2014, as well as a MP at Westminster from 1987 to 2010. He took the SNP from the fringes to the centre of Scottish politics. He developed Scotland’s wind energy – today Scotland’s wind powers 100% of our electricity – at a time when England's Tories short-sightedly vetoed turbines. He was also an astute politician – with charisma and high intellect. He believed that if Scots knew their own history, many more would vote for an independent Scotland.

Iain Banks & Alex Salmond at Edinburgh

While he appreciated the significance of Scots history and culture, he believed it was the economic arguments that would sway those Scots yet to be persuaded, that our freedom was the best way forward – not a backward step but a progressive one, not about any ‘Braveheart' imagining, but about a modern state. Perhaps he realised he didn’t go far enough in 2014, basically advocating home rule for Scotland, with a shared currency rather than full independence. 

Even Labour recognises that the present UK system isn’t working. The UK needs to move to a modern state. One thing we can be sure of, there are bad actors, disrupters and spies causing chaos among our Scottish politics. I experienced this at the Indyref 2014, with shouting at voters as they walked into the Polling stations. I’ve heard that people were also intimated at work – with town hall meetings where employees where asked to raise their hands to show how they intended to vote! I assume all these acts of aggression are illegal and anti-democratic.

I always enjoyed when Salmond came on TV debate shows. He was eloquent and forceful with sound arguments. He thrived on debates, because he had an informed hinterland. Unlike so many of the fake, ill-informed present day politicians, who appear shallow. Perhaps it was his grounding at St Andrews university. 

Many advocate that Philosophy and History should be taught to all children throughout school and not only for a couple of years. Critical thought and analysis is essential for a future modern state. Education is the key for our future, as Salmond recognised and he was rightly very proud of Scotland’s free university tuition. Scotland boasts four leading and ancient universities. Sadly, a major weakness in Scotland is our lack of press, media and broadcasting. There’s the constant barrage in the mainstream British press of negativity to put Scotland down. 

But Salmond showed Scots how to stand tall and proud, on the world stage – as we once did before. Scotland gave the world innovations, scholarship, and enlightened thought. Salmond leaves a profound and deep legacy. Will we ever see his like again - “the dream will never die” Thank you Alex for raising us up again.    

Alex Salmond true Jacobin

He was a Jacobin reformer and he spoke truth amongst the lies. And he forged a path ahead where none existed before him and held his head high. Will we see his like again - for Scots freedom and all your bonnets so blue! The dream shall never die.....

 

Remembering IndyRef 2014

 

Its now ten years since indyref 2014 – and that glorious summer – that wonderful exhilaration of hope of building a better Scotland! One where our voices mattered, and where we could build a new constitution, real accountable and local democracy, and harness our potential. 

 

Today we might be celebrating….. Instead in the press its all ‘doom and gloom’ of broken Britain, of all the industrial closures here and business losses, the cost of living crisis and the scandals, that no lengthy enquiry will ever fix, except to pay lawyers vast amounts. Brexit means a 27% drop in exports and 32% drop in imports, more than a quarter of all trade. So many empty promises, never fulfilled. We were lied to. The vow, EU membership, Devo Max.

 

For me the indyref was all about Scotland having real local government as I’ve seen working abroad In both Europe and America. About freedom. About having a voice. Independence, where we could use all our great resources to protect the vulnerable, invest in children and offer opportunities. Instead we’re stuck. Independence – where the Scottish state or nation had its own media, immigration, energy policy, control of VAT: all the crucial levers to be a successful state or trading nation Independence and inter-dependence in Europe.

 

Instead Scotland is stuck and bitterly divided, with little hope, except for austerity mark 2 under Starmer’s Labour. It looks like Westminster is deliberately running Scotland down, with de-industrialization and closure of Grangemouth, while funding Stanlow refinery, north west England with 600 million for carbon capture and hydrogen. As well as millions for a petrochemical plant over in Antwerp.

 

All to keep Scotland dependent instead, as the last colony. Unionist believers may well ask, why would Westminster wish to do this, the most obvious answer is lack of interest, but also to use Scotland resources as it has done the past 100 years to prop up London. I don’t believe the Barnett formula, GERS figures or the BBC, which glosses over serious issues and finishes with some cute story to boost us up. The BBC is not serious, investigative journalism.

 

Many feel we needed analysis of 2014: for me by far the biggest issue was the independence side having no broadcasting, especially for older people not online. The UKs mainstream media puts out constant negativity slogans: SNP bad, SNP bad, Scotland bad/ failings, Nicola bad.  So that Scots have little faith or belief in themselves compared to Norwegians, Danish, Finnish or Irish. A constant stream of negativity. How do we reach Mail and BBC readers?

 

Lets not fool ourselves or believe the false rhetoric of the London press. Since Thatcher all the focus has been in protecting London\s banks and property, while the rest of the country works to protect this globalized future. And their failed economic model. And suffers for it. So that doesn’t fill me with much hope. I think of all the great writers, artists, scholars and poets, who’ve gone before – and wrote of Scotland the Brave, or Scots wa Hae, or the Drunk Man Looks at the Thistle….It all feels a pipe dream. (The Proclaimers, Letter from America, Dougie Maclean’s Caledonia, Hamish Henderson’s Freedom Come All Ye.)

  

Is it already too late? In the media I read of Ireland’s writers and successes on the world stage, but what of the great Scots writers and poets of today, who are hardly ever mentioned. We’re already too late for any Green Revolution – Denmark started decades ago. 

First we need the EU’s protection to thrive. Poll figures confirm that imagined future appeals to the broadest range of Scots. Look at Irelands success model to follow. In the EU nations are both sovereign and inter dependent. Scotland can have both. I’d like to see more mature, consensual debate in the Scottish parliament moving forward. I’d like to see Scotland as a integral part of a more modern Britain, where each nation and region has its own sovereign state legislature and governance, but with far, far more local say. Maybe we need to redefine what is meant by independence and inter-dependence. We don’t have to have central control!

 

I like to hope Scotland has a bright future for our young people. How do we move forward? We must focus more on the future, on education and younger voices. It took twenty years for the Scottish parliament (1979 to 1999). Many Scots simply need time to consider. Another big flaw 2014 was the questions over pensions.

 

This question has never been about identity – because all who live in Scotland are able to vote here. So over this past decade, what improvements have there been exactly under the UK union? Because I can’t think of any!   

 

Tom Nairn why Scotland missed the European national revival 1800s

 

 

Tom Nairn why Scotland missed the European national revival 1800s

 

Scotland’s greatest political theorist of the modern times. 

Tom Nairn’s brilliant Break Up of Britain (1977), is one of the best reads on how and why the archaic institutions of the British state and its pre-democracy are failing us. How Scotland lost its way and its literary voice over the 1800s and of the fake tartanry of Walters Scott’s novels, of a Scotland that’s lost and can never return - “the heart regrets, but never the head.” Of the destructive and false nature of the Labour party. 

 

He writes on why Scottish nationalism is different to the rest of Europe. 

“All I’m arguing for is nations, minus the dratted “ism”; democratic natural, independent, diverse, ordinary, even boring rather than the museum pieces, or dictatorship or hustlers like Blair of Berlusconi.” Tom Nairn, Free worlds End, opendemocracy, Dec 4^th 2004. 

 

Nairn writes of the misfit of the British state to the modern world and not from the express of romantic tartanry, which the author excoriates – and the centrality of the nation in political change. 

That the Scottish Enlightenment was very much a Tory project. While Scotland prospered during the 1800s with manufacturing, its literary voice became bereft. He sees Walter Scott’s work of a mythical Scotland and Scots heroes, as very much glorifying a past that was gone and to be forgotten. Scotland became north Britain. While Scott’s romantic and mythical novels were highly successful across the world. 

**Those Myths of Blood and spirit, such as Jacobites, Rob Roy, Robert the Bruce.

Nationalism, Nairn argues is always both good and bad. ’ And originated from that derived in – the impossibility of escape from the uneven development of capitalism.’ Nationalism is not a question of simple identity, but rather of something more – a catalyst. Nearly all modern nations have a myth – a key to their nationalism and regeneration. But not England… :with an astonishing resistance of a fossilised and incompetent political order.  

“England’s peculiar form of nationalism  hopelessly stultifying inheritance of the state.…The main character of English history since 1688 “of which English ideology most proud is, her conditional and parliamentary revolution. “

“the mobilising myth of nationalism is an idea of the people … an emotive notion anchored in popular experience of love” – the revolution, war of liberation.”

 

He writes, “What counts is later mass beliefs. These are amplified into an inheritance, broadcast in ballads, written into documentary history text-books, novelized, sermonised and institutionalized into street-names and statues. From the process there derives an always latent conviction of popular will and capacity. That the people could always do it again.” 

 

**By contrast in Europe 1800s, nationalism took hold with the demise of empires, and the rise of nation states. “Only one country “stepped over before the Europe of 1800s – Scotland politics and culture was decisively and permanently altered by the great awaking of nationalist consciousness – Scotland or north Britain …due to the uneven development of capitalism. “

 

“After the black the unspeakable 17^th century was 1688 which marked the real dawn of Scotland, after the dark bloodshed years of religious conflicts across Europe. – William Robertson, in his book History of Scotland. When the Scottish bourgeoisie exploited the results of the English revolution. Scotland progressed from fortified castles and witch burning, to Edinburgh new town and Adam Smith in only a generation:”

Highlander Adam Fergusson, saw this contrast around him. “The Highlands were under-developed and didn’t have pre-requisite for nationalist existence. The Highland life was destroyed after 1745. The Scottish Enlightenment ended early 1800s. The Scottish literary tradition paused 1825 – 1860. Instead there was the Industrial Scotland of Glasgow-Edinburgh- Dundee – engineering, shipbuilding and iron stone. 

Scotland reverted to being a province in the 1800s Victorian times, while prosperous and imperial.  Why – because of the absence of political nationalism and a literary voice. The Scottish bourgeoisies pre-possessed the country’s distinctive and proto-national features – they believed in a universal and enlightened civilization .Therefore Scotland remained stuck betwixt and between - too much a nation to be a mere province, yet it could not develop into a nation-state on the basis either via nationalism. 

Nationalism, Nairn argues is always both good and bad. ’ And originated from that derived in – the impossibility of escape from the uneven development of capitalism.’

There is a duty to progressive England to positively urge Scotland onto independence in Europe.

England-Britain where, perhaps because Westminster no longer has a genuine interior life that links to public self-belief, almost everything that is political is unauthentic.

 

”national-democratic character of the need our self-government to ensure meaning on self-belief.”

Nairns approach is both international and rooted in Scotland and he wrote for the new left review London. He explores the nature of nationalism. In UK more confused by the overlay of British-ness, a nationalism without a nation. His case of Scottish independence advocated becoming LIKE other countries. The self-abasement of the union.

A Future???   A British isles or federation, confederation or modernised multi-national states.’

**DONATE to the conference to celebrate the work of Tom Nairn, organised by Peter McColl (Scottish Greens) , Janice Maxwell (co-editor), Pat Kane, Joyce Macmillan, Anthony Barnett (English democracy activist)

 

His most famous BOOK Tom Nairn’s brilliant The Break up of Britain 1977, is well worth reading and one of the best reads on the archaic nature of the British states’ pre-democracy. https://www.thenational.scot/politics/23475146.impact-tom-nairn-great-let-slip-quietly-away/

The most influential book on British politics to be published in the last half century,”  writes Anthony Burnett

Scottish Nationalism for a Progressive modern state

It’s a strange thing, I’ve been reading Tom Nairn ‘s excellent book the Break up of Britain (1977) and he makes many profound insights into the archaic nature of the British state – one being that unionists view all the supposed benefits of the state of Britain, and that some view Scottish nationalism as a backward-looking project. I’ve been told too that I should move beyond the Battle of Bannockburn (1314).

He writes, ’Nationalism is not a question of simple identity, but rather of something more – a catalyst.

 

What’s strange really is in my view the British state is the total opposite of unionist’s world view. I see Scottish nationalism and Scottish independence as a progressive, modern project to bring a more authentic democracy for progressive socialism and fair opportunities alongside a healthy capitalism, that encourages and protects small businesses, we need both. 

 

And I have longed viewed the British state as archaic and as a pre-democracy – as does Nairn and many other commentators. The British state as established 1688, of the Crown in Parliament, well before universal suffrage, Nairn writes, is a political cul-de-sac, unable to reform itself under its two party system and its first past the post voting system. 

 

Because of this Britain “is stuck in the past and not a modern state. Crucially FPTP voting means Bills at Westminster don’t get proper scrutiny. (New book, How Westminster Works and How it Doesn’t by Ian Dunt  how Westminster is not effective at governing). 

 

Nairn writes, “Although not of course an absolutist state, the Anglo-British system remains a product of the general transition from an absolutism to modern constitutionalism: it led the way out of the former, but never genuinely arrived at the latter,…..it is basically an indefensible and inadaptable relic, not a modern state form.” 

 

Perhaps it’s now time we stop hiding behind nationalism, but view it as the positive, progressive project it is. Nairn views nationalism as both good and bad, and as a process that happened across Europe in the 1800s. Scotland is only now trying to catch up. 

 

He also writes Scotland became bereft of a literary voice due to the false romantic myths of Walter Scott – of a Scotland gone forever – and due to emigration and the Kailyard school. Nationalism is also viewed as anti-globalization.

 

Nationalism, Nairn argues is always both good and bad. ’ And originated from and derived in – the impossibility of escape from the uneven development of capitalism.

The reason is that when the nation states in Europe were transitioning in the 1800s, due according to Nairn, to the uneven nature of capitalism, Scotland was the only nation state to have previously jumped across during the enlightenment and the Edinburgh new town. 

 

But now today Scotland has been left behind, in the 20^th century, There has been no revolution, and the absence of change. 

By contrast in Europe 1800s, nationalism took hold with the demise of empires, and the rise of nation states.  As a nation Scotland jumped, ahead in the 1700s, with increased trade, the enlightened thought,  when Scotland moved very fast from a place of superstition and tribal warfare.

“Only one country stepped over before the Europe of 1800s – Scotland politics and culture was decisively and permanently altered by the great awaking of nationalist consciousness – Scotland or north Britain …due to the uneven development of capitalism. “

 “After the black the unspeakable 17^th century was 1688 which marked the real dawn of Scotland, after the dark bloodshed years of religious conflicts across Europe. – William Robertson, in his book History of Scotland. When the Scottish bourgeoisie exploited the results of the English revolution. Scotland progressed from fortified castles and witch burning, to Edinburgh new town and Adam Smith in only a generation:”

 

***Tom Nairn’s book The Break Up of Britain

“The most influential book on British politics to be published in the last half century,”  writes Anthony Burnett

 

 

Dependency Supporters

Choice between Scotland’s independent sovereignty and the politics of DEPENDENCY 

Language really matters. I agree with the Wee Ginger Dog we must stop calling those who “advocate dependency” - unionists, which implies a positive working together, when this is not happening  at all. Scotland is ignored, Scotland’s resources have been plundered, and her voice suppressed. Its crucial we stop using the false term “unionist” and instead call those who want to hold Scotland back – “dependency supporters.” This UK is very much not a partnership – the term unionist is fake and  misleading. A union refers to a partnership (or marriage) one in which each partner has an equal say - of compromise, collaboration, negotiations. 

 

Culture and language drive and are ahead of our politics. This is about Scotland’s voice.

The policy makers in London are using derogatory language against those who believe in Scots sovereignty. – they use terms such as ‘separatist’ and ‘nationalists’ to imply Scots are driven by ideological greed, ignorance, selfishness, divisiveness. While they know full well most Scots want to work in an indy nation in the EU trading block and be international, left of centre and outward looking. 

For centuries Scotland has been a seafaring international and trading nation with our great seaports (now mostly closed apart from apart from Aberdeen). Scotland does not need to trade via the bottleneck of Dover - we can trade direct to Europe as Ireland does.

 

Succession actor Brian Cox suggests the British isles can be a “Federation of sovereign states, one in which we can all b citizens and participate, and have an equal say and pull together for the common good of all.” At the moment this is not happening here UK, because this is not a partnership. Its about 3 smaller nations being dependent on all rules, policies and decisions set in London, for the benefit of the south of England, in a highly centralized monarchy/ parliamentary sovereignty/ power structure, where the Crown is used to assert power, for the benefit of the empire state not the people. And operates its dirty money London Laundromat. Much more centralized than a century ago.

(Please note – Labour and Conservatives are English political parties. After Scotland’s indy Scotland needs its own political parties, which would naturally evolve here, to cover differing views. Scotland’s indy is about more local and accountable government.) 

 

Some refer to England as the “parent state” and they believe they own Scotland. By contrast most Scots believe that back 300 years ago in 1707, Scotland, as one of the oldest nations in Europe, with its rich diverse history, and deep lasting connections to scholarly learning in Paris from the time of Reformation - as explorers, as mercenaries, and innovators. - that Scotland entered into a voluntary partnership with England for trading reasons. At that time Scotland had 1million people, England had 4 million. Historians tell us Scotland was never a colony – yet if surveys asked the English or Scots if they believed Scotland is a colony, they will surely say yes – as we do not have self government but are ruled from the capital of another nation. 

 

There’s been a general ignorance of Scots history and Scots culture is not celebrated by Dependence supporters. That’s if Scots know any of their history, after decades of being only taught English history in our schools. Scotland was not conquered in 1690, even though Cromwell tried and got as far as Dunnottar castle. In fact Charles II was crowned firstly at Scone on our Stone of Destiny. Culloden was the last pitched battle here UK – there were Scots on both sides, as well as French and Irish. These were religious battles. Crucially at Charles III ascension he pledged the freedom of Scotland’s church. 

The big question is, how efficiently does Devolution work – with civil servants in London making decisions? What does devolution mean, when Scotland is allowed to run only some of its affairs? 

 

It’s a confused, messy picture. Do dependency advocates think that devolution works well, because most Scots are totally confused - what is reserved, what’s run here? Does Scotland run its own energy policy (no, the UK runs energy but has had no energy policy), does Scotland run its economy and tax (no). After leaving the EU, the London government now interferes in many devolved matters. So its even more confusing. Tories appear intent on wrecking devolution settlements. 

 

Back before WW1 Scotland ran more of its own affairs. This isn’t about Edinburgh becoming another centralising London either but about greater local control. This isn’t about personalities – its about the wider yes and civic movement. A good plan is for a Citizens Assembly to grow our ideas for the way ahead, organically from the ground up. That’s the only way to grow support for our independence. It appears from studies that many Scots are very confused over what devolution means, what independence means in todays world of interconnections over trade (as in the EU). I believe it would be very helpful for all sides, ideas and views, to clarify what both these arrangements really will mean. 

 

It all depends on whether you see the UK as a free democracy or an empire state more concerned with the global empire – than the people who live here. The UK requires radical reforming on all levels and to put people first! This is a struggle between Westminster sovereignty and the sovereignty of the Scottish people. Since union 1707 Scotland has always been run separately with a Secretary of State. Of course the uK likes confusion and has no constitution. We need clearer and simpler details of what devolution and independence means for us. Most voters are confused and I am sure the UK encourages confusion just as there no clear constitution. 

 

 

Worlds Oldest Parliaments for democracy

1. Iceland - 930

2.  Spain – 1188

3.  Netherlands & Belgium – 1581

4.  England – 1688

 

**A democracy is a political system or a system of decision-making within an institution or organization or a country, in which all members have an equal share of power.

This ridiculous slogan of  “Mother of Parliaments” – 301 years old from 1721, Is simply a made up slogan. Because Westminster is not the oldest parliament.

The oldest national parliament of Iceland. It is one of the oldest surviving parliaments in the world.

"The mother of parliaments" is a phrase coined by the British politician and reformer John Bright in a speech at Birmingham on 18 January 1865. It was a reference to England. His actual words were: "England is the mother of parliaments".

 

1834 act which created our democracy.

I don’t see how #Torychaos can improve! Its this UKs failed pre-democracy of a First Past the Post electoral system that causes this 2 party confrontational system. On party with a huge majority, leads to shallow, rushed, ill-informed and reckless decision making -  which compares badly to more consensual and collaborative government which results form a PR voting system. 

Iceland. The first Parliaments date back to the Middle Ages. In 930, the first assembly of the Alþingi was convened at Þingvellir in Iceland, becoming the earliest version of a formalised parliamentary system. It was a combination of national assembly, court of justice and yearly cerebration, where the most powerful leaders, called goðar, met to decide on legislation and dispense justice, with the whole community in attendance. 

Spain. In 1188 Alfonso IX, King of Leon (in current day Spain) convened the three states in the Cortes of Leon and according to UNESCO it was the first sample of modern parliament in the history of Europe, with the presence of the common people through elected representatives. 

Netherlands. An early example of parliamentary government developed in today's Netherlands and Belgium. during the Dutch revolt (1581), when the sovereign, legislative and executive powers were taken over by the States General of the Netherlands from the then-monarch, king Philip II of Spain. 

The modern concept of parliamentary government was further developed in the Kingdom of England (1688) and the Parliament of Scotland – which had sat 500 years from 1200s to 1707.   

The Parliament of Scotland was the legislature. The parliament, like other such institutions, evolved Middle Ages from the king's council of Bishops and earls. Begun in 1235, during Alexander II with a political and judicial role. By 14th century, the attendance of knights and freeholders and in 1326 commissioners from the burghs. Consisting of the "three estates" of clergy, nobility and the burghs sitting in a single chamber, the parliament gave consent for taxation and played an important role in the administration of justice, foreign policy, war and other legislation. 

The Parliament of Scotland met for more than four centuries, until it was prorogued sine die by Acts of Union in 1707. Thereafter the Parliament of Great Britain operated for both England and Scotland after the creation of the Kingdom of Great Britain 1707. The union articles guaranteed the independence of the Scottish church, Scots law and education. 

 

A democracy is a political system or a system of decision-making within an institution or organization or a country, in which all members have an equal share of power.

Modern democracies are characterized by two capabilities that differentiate them fundamentally from earlier forms of government: the capacity to intervene in their own societies and the recognition of their sovereignty by an international legalistic framework of similarly sovereign states. Democratic government is commonly juxtaposed with oligarchic and monarchic systems, which are ruled by a minority and a sole monarch respectively. Democracy is generally associated^[ with the efforts of the ancient Greeks, whom 18th-century intellectuals considered the founders of Western civilization. 

This ridiculous slogan of  “Mother of Parliaments” – 301 years old from 1721, 

Is simply a made up slogan. Because Westminster is not the oldest parliament.

Scotland must move forward with new ideas

 

Scotland must move forward with new ideas from the tired, old arguments of the social left vs extreme right capitalism, all controlled from a centralised power. There must be a new way – more nuanced, inter-changeable, connected, more accountable and inclusive, greener and more local. To be forward thinking, to pursue coalitions and the collaborative. To have ingenuity and renewability. To listen to young voices and believe in the future, rather than clinging to past, out-dated processes.

There are social issues that require policy guidelines and laws. Its urgent with the climate crisis to establish a progressive energy security policy and encourage reform and research and more scientists in politics. I’ve lived abroad and in most other developed nations most states run their own economies, immigration and more. Scotland’s future must lie with an improved way to govern. What is wrong is constantly harking back to live in a past that is gone and being stuck as the Westminster Bubble is. Everything Westminster or the Tory government does feel wrong, undermining democracy and with no moral compass. And encouraging its 2 tier system. 

Why I believe that History matters. I’ve learned from reading history – that the Scots did not invade Ireland under James VI, the plantations of Ireland were begun under Henry VIII and his daughter Elizabeth; that Scotland boasts three ancient universities; that Scots scholars established American universities Columbia, and Princeton, and were part of the founding fathers (John Witherspoon (1723 – 1794) according to Professor Tom Devine;  and that religion really IS a force for good in the world but that its ambitious and ignorant politicians who thwart and encourage religious divisions for their own gain; That there were 'United Irishmen' late 1700s for reform, that included both Catholic and Presbyterians. Perhaps (?) improved local government and decentralization would assist with northern Ireland issues? Who knows.    

The Scottish enlightenment has been Scotland's biggest contribution to the world and there were two enlightenments, according to Alexander Broadie, Professor of Logic and Rhetoric at Glasgow university in his book, The Scottish Enlightenment. The first was Post Reformation with Scots scholars studying and teaching in Paris, and being leaders in Europe; This resulted from the collaborations between France and Scotland. Scotland had close trading links to Flanders and the rest of Europe, in those days when we had busy seafaring ports. Scotland before union 1707 was a trading and outward looking nation and a leader in Europe, not isolated or backward at all!

Broadie writes about the first Scottish Post Reformation enlightened scholars and that Enlightened thought began with the collaborations between France and Scots in the 16^th century. The professors at Scotland’s ancient universities studied and taught in Paris with famous figures in philosophy, law and theology. The auld alliance between France and Scotland lasted for over 400 years from 1290 to 1707, and continues to this day.

Scotland is very much a European country according to according to Broadie. He writes that Scotland was culturally as much part of Europe as France, with the shipping lanes to Flanders and France and Scots scholars studying in Europe. ‘The three pre-Reformation, Scottish universities – St Andrews, Aberdeen, Glasgow - have always been strongly oriented towards Europe” ..and that the teaching staff were foreign-educated Scots.”

 

Scotland’s European connections are centuries old, dating from 16^th centuriy and beyond – and not only about wars but about our scholars, language, ideas and innovations. Many Scots words are from Flanders and France.

 

Its important to understand the significance of the Reformation and of enlightened thought on democracy and education in Scotland and worldwide. According to historian Tom Devine, Scots enlightened thinkers took their philosophy over to America and founded universities there, notably John Witherspoon who founded Princeton– and Scots were some of the America’s founding fathers. Freedom from intellectual servitude is celebrated by Robert Burns in 1796 when he lauds the stance of the man o independent mind, in his poem A Mans a Man for a That.  The man o independent mind is aboon them all.

 

II  History matters and is good for us! Essentially history gives us a moral backbone and human understandings. So there should be an increase in History teaching in schools, right through secondary school. Information and truth is crucial to move forward. To know history as a solid foundation. This teaching should run alongside the teaching of philosophy, which encourages critical thought.

In recent times we have witnessed the breakdown of democratic principles both in Europe and the US. We hoped the internet would open opportunities, but sadly it also provides dark tunnels of entrenched negativity. Our best defence is education, open debate, open minds – the opposite of narrow and limited populism. Crucially this is done through the arts, history and philosophy – and let us look to enlightened thought and freedom of speech as the way forward.   #¥esScots

Reasons for Scotland’s Independence

Many write lengthy reasons for why they want to see Scotland’s independence, as I have too - and there are many reasons certainly. Many people don’t have the time for complex explanations. Here are my main reasons - Democracy, Economic, elites, Resources, Culture, History & Belief. 

 

Scottish Democracy.  Scotland does not get the government it votes for, for the past 75 years. This is mainly because of an out-dated first-past-the-post voting system.  On top of this the UK boasts the largest unelected second chamber (after China). The UK is a failed and superficial democracy. The first Parliament of Britain was set up as long ago as 1707, before universal suffrage or a constitution and crucially Westminster shows no sign of any desire to reform. The UK abuses the powers of the “Crown” with its highly centralised state.

Constitution. The UK operates with no constitution, so I want a new Scotland to set up a constitution to protect our human rights and protect democracy. 

 

Economic. One main reason is economic. The UK economy has been set up for decades to service the city of London – to increase its house prices and serve the finance centre. This holds back and sucks from the rUK, and means any manufacturing base is discouraged. Manufacturing business is the basis for a healthy economy. In order for Scotland to have economic control we require our own currency and central bank. 

Elites. Another reason is the unworthy elite, and the UKs proliferation of Boarding and Private schools. This 2-tier system holds back large numbers of children from future successes.

And leading on from this is Social Justice – so all children are given a fair chance in life. Otherwise our nation is held back .This is not about being equal, because clearly we’re all different, but about fair opportunities.

Resources. For Scotland to control our own resources and land. Our resources have been exploited and stolen for centuries.

 

Another is Cultural. 

To improve our knowledge of our past stories and our sense of place: to know our heritage in art, music, literature. Scotland suffered centuries of having our Scots language, culture and history suppressed. Scotland is one of the oldest nations in Europe and dates back to the 9^th century – so its very important to protect our stories, culture and history. 

 

History. The teaching of history urgently needs improved and to continue history teaching throughout primary and secondary schools and to move on from projects on the Roman empire, to broader and more recent topics of Europe, America, and Scotland. Scotland was at the centre of the Enlightenment, Post Reformation with many top scholars taught in Paris and key figures such as - John Mair (1467-1550), James Dalyrumple (1619-1695), Duns Scotus (1265 – 1308),  Francis Hutcheson, 1694 –1746), George Buchanan (1506 – 1582), David Hune (1711- 1776), Adam Smith (1723- 1790). Scotland was a much part of Europe as France!

 

Scots Media and Broadcasting. To set up Scotland’s very own media. When the British broadcasting corporation BBC, was set up 1933, its strange that Scotland, an ancient nation begun 9^th century, did not insist on its own media – when Scotland has always kept its church, law and education. Its been a cultural disaster for Scotland,

Security. To set up a proper defence system. 

Belief. In Scottish people and our ability to make our own decisions. 

 

What Scottish independence is NOT – it is not about nationality. Scotland is multi-national and international. Scotland welcomes all who want to make their home here. What Scotland independence is about, is making our own decisions for our ancient nation with a new de-centralised model and greater local government. Boris Johnson keeps calling those who want Scotland’s democracy “nationalists” – this is totally fake and WHY is he allowed to keep calling the SNP the ‘Nationalist party? He thinks this slow drip is very clever and the SNP must fight back with a SLOGAN – 

‘SNP for Scottish democracy” and make it much clearer what we are fighting for here. 

The National stands for the nations best interests. 

 

We might argue also in these times of turbulence Scotland needs the protection of independence more than ever before - to secure our energy policy, protect our resources and economy, protect our jobs, and futures and much more besides. We don’t need every detail decided ahead, only broad outlines, because the whole point of independence is to be flexible, innovative, creative and adaptable! 

 

There are no risk free options, rather we must consider what path is in our country’s best interests.  (OR a so-called union that holds Scotland back.) The Scottish independence movement must now make the Westminster supporters or the unionists defend their positions! Tory catastrophes – Windrush scandal, Grenfell, Brexit, Covid failure and deaths, bombs to Yemen, billions to PPI scandal. (Plus the Failures of the Labour opposition).

 

The UK portrays itself as a ‘benign democracy’ – when the reality is that the powers of the crown means a highly centralized government, that is often unaccountable, corrupt and elitist. I hope an independent Scotland gives us the chance to meet these challenges and to build a reformed and better Scotland.

 

Ultimately the Scottish Independence question becomes - is Scotland a nation with its own culture, history and stories distinctively and if so, how is Scotland best governed? The national interest is considered  a good thing around the world! The question returns to – is Scotland a distinct nation or simple part of Britain? It used to be Scotland was an integral part of the UK – but today the Scottish Parliament has less powers than a hundred years ago. The biggest issue driving a wedge into the UK right now is English nationalism.

 

Step back for the bigger picture with the crises of rising seas, loss of workers rights, drives to net zero and. It truly makes so much sense for Scotland to forge its own future in the 21^st century. Any arguments to hold onto the past mistakes only ring hallow and false. We shouldn’t hesitate to vote for the future and not the past. Enlightened thought matters as much today as it ever did.

 

I don’t know if these reasons are in order of importance, because culture seems central and all about how we see ourselves. It is the smaller nations that are more successful and adaptable. With only limited devolution powers it is not possible to achieve these goals. Only with full independence. #¥esScots

 

 

(**In 2022 we see the passion and drive of Ukrainians. Theirs is a fight is between democracy, their rights and freedom AND autocratic dictatorship, that rules through fear. )