The Scottish Enigma

Quite understandably people are likely to be disquieted by Alex Salmond’s assertion that he would block the formation of a minority Conservative government. However, claims that he has no constitutional right to do this are misguided. We have to remember that the SNP is a left-of-centre party, further to left, even than Labour and quite radical on some issues, including Trident. Ask yourself this : Suppose it were not a Scottish left party and instead was just a general rival to Labour, to the left of that party. In such a case it would it not be astonishing if they opened the possibility of a ‘deal’ with the Tories? Of course it would. So Salmond is being perfectly reasonable in saying he would block a right wing government. The fact that the SNP represents only a section of the UK is not really relevant. After all, having pleaded with the Scots to stay a member of the UK family, we cannot then say they have no say in UK affairs. OK, so a lot of left thinking people are concentrated in Scotland. So what? A lot of right wing people live in East Essex and Suffolk (no offence). Should we deny them influence too? The real question is why did he state it so clearly? He didn’t need to. We could have guessed, couldn’t we? It must be that he wants to destroy the idea that a vote for the SNP is a vote for the Conservatives. It never was of course, but it may just have deterred a few potential SNP voters. Labour and the SNP together would form a left of centre group not a coalition) which is completely logical and coherent with a few exceptions such as policy on Trident. As to blackmailing a minority Labour government into granting excessive autonomy to Scotland, this is a more serious issue. That there is a strong desire for some form of self government in Scotland, probably short of independence. The 45% yes vote last year plus the huge progress of the SNP in real and opinion polls demonstrates that. This seems to legitimise such demands. In the end what might worry English voters is the fact that Salmond is a much cannier politician than anyone on the Labour front bench. It might be an unequal contest! The idea of the SNP holding a Conservative minority government to ransom looks illogical and Salmond knows this to be sure. On an optimistic note, I think the SNP is being more strident in the election campaign than it is likely to be in parliament after the election. You get nothing in politics by being a shrinking violet. Salmond and sturgeon know perfectly well that they will need to be more subtle in future negotiations. Whatever happens, those of us who are interested in politics it’s going to be an interesting ride!