What Nicola Sturgeon doesn't seem to be aware of is that British Labour is no more likely to accede to her demand for a Section 30 order than it is to revoke Article 50 or dismantle the British state's nuclear deterrent. All of these belong on the same list as Nigel Farage's image appearing on a commemorative €100 note - the list of things that just aren't going to happen.
Tag: Brexit
Johnson’s game
There is no way a fully worked-out trade deal can be completed in the time available. Not even if the UK administration was remotely competent. The evidence of Brexit tells us they are anything but that. Johnson is depending on the EU going along with his little ploy just for the sake of not stirring up a crisis.
Empty lines
What happens if somebody asks what message is being sent to Boris Johnson? Or why there might be any point in sending him any message at all?
All hypocrites together
Although she has yet to be formally crowned by the British media, Swinson is the de facto 'Queen of the BritNats' and, as such, she must be as fervently opposed to a new independence referendum as her lately de-pedestalled predecessor.
Realism and honesty
But why are we even talking about deals with British Labour when, if the polls are anything like accurate, Nicola Sturgeon will be facing a triumphant Boris Johnson on 13 December? What is her thinking about that scenario?
Forget Scotland!
Few things better symbolise Scotland's distinctive political culture than NHS Scotland. For that reason alone, it must be considered a prime target for seizure by the British state.
Being used
Nicola Sturgeon is being somewhat disingenuous when she speaks of the "SNP plan". Ian Blackford has been roped in by Jo Swinson; apparently without consulting his colleagues. The "plan" to which the First Minister refers is a Liberal Democrat plan. If it's their plan, then we have to assume that they intend it to work … Continue reading Being used
Damping the fire
Brexit was never going to fuel the drive to restore Scotland's independence. It simply doesn't burn hot enough in the lives of Scottish voters. Scotland being dragged out of the EU against its will may stand as a particularly egregious example of how the Union serves us ill, but it clearly is not the issue that might unleash the passion needed to take the independence project forward.
No miracles
Brexit can't be fixed. The notion that there might be a "route out of this mess for the UK" is naive and nonsensical. The clock cannot be turned back. That which has been fucked cannot be unfucked. And much has been monumentally fucked by the British political elite. What Nicola Sturgeon seems to be hoping … Continue reading No miracles
Do something!
As we would expect of such a respected academic, Gerry Hassan does a fine job of explaining how shifting ideas of the Union have helped bring the UK to its present predicament. Gone are the accommodations and compromises of old-style unionism which enabled the Union to survive in spite of its inherent defects and deficiencies. … Continue reading Do something!
Peter A Bell 