WHEN we are independent, I should imagine we’ll look back at this particular time and wonder: how did we survive this maelstrom?
In a nutshell, to my limited view of the current democratic meltdown that is Westminster, Scotland voted for devolution and our parliament and this is now being openly eroded. Equally we voted to stay in the EU and are being dragged out. Democratic?
I recognise the numerical handicap we suffer in Westminster, but having taken their seats, it would devalue our participation and the democratic process to recall our duly elected representatives (Letters, June 19). If nothing else – and yes, this is overly base of me – our SNP MPs continue to demonstrate the futility of Westminster in relation to the governance and will of the people of Scotland, and its antiquated, unfit-for-purpose and plainly biased procedures.
But equally it is a good recruiting ground to the pro-indy movement and let’s face it, the international media is now more prepared to pay regard to Scotland.
Besides, do we really believe that the only voices to be heard in Westminster are those of the craven, roll-over-and-tickle-my-belly pro-Unionists? That these parties’ MSPs, with the exception the Tories, voted for Scotland in Holyrood, only for their MPs vote with the government or abstain, clearly demonstrates that the majority of Scottish voters need to have their views and aspirations seen and heard via their MPs.
Surely we have sufficient talent here to grow and continue the indy movement without recalling those sterling voices in Westminster?
And it is to that talent, passion and public participation that we have to look. May and the Tories will not willingly “allow” a second indyref, but can they really go against the mounting pressure we can exert? Can they continue to firefight on all fronts at once?
The Cabinet is openly tearing itself apart. The DUP apply their pressure at their peril. They appear to have assumed some blinkered belief that they will be sustained via some pseudo, secondhand, at-a-distance power position in Westminster.
The change rolling towards and within Northern Ireland is there for all to see, even before the latest Ashcroft poll results are taken into consideration (Leave voters would ditch Union for Brexit, June 20). Their day will come, just like the Tories here, and they will be held accountable by the electorate in relation to the demand for change whilst being unwilling to return to power-sharing in Northern Ireland.
In this maelstrom, then, I believe we have to have faith in our ability to produce the ideas, the debates for a positive indy outcome. We need to remind Scotland what we have achieved through the hard graft that has taken place since devolution. Not the party politics of change, but the everyday, it-matters-to-my-life politics: addressing period poverty, free school meals, banning fracking, votes for 16-17-year-olds: just some. Then wonder at what more can be achieved through uncoupling from rUK. If we don’t take the vision of what an indy Scotland can do and what we can do to help create that future, then who will?
That is the power we have: on the demos, at events, in debates, backing the pro-indy politicians and yes, even the Unionists in Holyrood when the occasion arises. Due to those crucial votes in Holyrood, we now can ask their constituents here – without sarcasm, without hectoring – how they feel about the open disregard and disrespect shown by Westminster and their relevant party HQs. That is the power to change minds and votes.
Selma Rahman
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