Amongst the many postponements and cancellations brought about by coronavirus, perhaps the least disappointing, at least for certain sections of Scottish society, was the SNP’s decision to suspend its demand for a 2020 independence referendum.
Of course, with the government having maintained its firm opposition to ‘Indyref 2’ from day one, it was highly unlikely that the SNP would have got their way in any case. In essence then, the only immediate consequence is that the SNP’s representatives will simply take some time out before amending the lyrics on the song sheet and striking up again. Expect a post-Holyrood election (2021) poll to be the new demand.
With lives and businesses at risk, it’s understandable that the ‘pause’, as the SNP’s cabinet secretary Michael Russell put it in his letter to Michael Gove, wasn’t given huge prominence in the media. But the significance could nonetheless be profound for the future of the union.
Despite recent embarrassments, the SNP are still all powerful north of the border, and support for independence has been recorded at over 50 per cent in several recent polls.
Britain’s best politics newsletters
You get two free articles each week when you sign up to The Spectator’s emails.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Comments
Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just $5 for 3 monthsAlready a subscriber? Log in