Scotland's Independence Struggle: A Lingering Faded Dream
In the post-referendum era, the question of Scottish independence has largely been put to rest. Despite several calls to revisit the topic, the current sentiment leans overwhelmingly against another attempt at secession. The ongoing issues within the Scottish National Party (SNP) and recent controversies have further cemented this stance.
Devolution and Public Sentiment
Following the 2014 referendum where Scotland voted against independence, there has been consistent support for remaining within the United Kingdom. Polls and public opinion consistently reflect a large majority in favor of staying and abiding by UK legislation. What people want is for the SNP and its leaders to prioritize the interests of the Scottish people over their political ambitions.
Current State of the SNP
The current situation within the SNP is disheartening. The party has been in a state of disarray, with the first two First Ministers now disgraced and under criminal investigations. The current incumbent lacks the authority and effectiveness to guide the country forward. This has led to a perception that the SNP is working more for its own interests than for the betterment of Scotland.
Recent Controversies and the SNP's Actions
The recent controversy, specifically the deleted WhatsApp messages incident, has garnered significant public backlash. The SNP was found to have deliberately destroyed evidence related to the government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The policy decisions on handling the pandemic were not made in the interest of public health but were rather aimed at causing conflict with Westminster, which could be used to initiate discussions about independence again.
Additionally, the SNP's actions in the pandemic have been perceived as harmful and misguided. The belief is that the government's approach prioritized political interests over public safety, leading to further public distrust and frustration. The attempt to use the pandemic as a political tool while simultaneously trying to cover up their actions via evidence destruction is seen as particularly egregious.
Public Reaction and Alternative Views
While some Scottish people continue to have an independence fetish, the public at large is not willing to overlook these recent revelations. Attempts to defend these actions are met with skepticism and disbelief. Many believe that the time for devolution experiments is over and that either the entire devolution process should be undone, with the Scottish government returning to Westminster, or Scotland should be unilaterally expelled from the UK.
It is argued that the lack of success in governing under devolution has led to its own set of problems. A succession of SNP-led governments has failed to run the country effectively, dragging down the rest of the United Kingdom. Some opinion leaders argue that it is time to take decisive action and give up on devolution, ensuring that the country is governed in a manner that prioritizes public interest over political ideology.