MAREE TODD: Court ruling may have given boost to indyref cause
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While the Supreme Court ruling determined that a referendum bill on Scottish independence would not be within the legislative powers of the Scottish Parliament, a ruling we fully accept and respect, it does raise difficult questions about the union.
Until now, it has been understood and accepted – by opponents of independence as well as supporters – that the UK is a voluntary partnership of nations.
However, despite the Scottish electorate returning a pro-independence majority to Holyrood in the last election, showing a clear desire for a second referendum, Westminster continues to stand in the way of the Scottish people and their democratic right to choose their future.
It’s not just the Tories that are in denial over the basic principles of democracy, Labour is too.
It appears that Labour only recognises a mandate for constitutional change if they are the ones to deliver it.
In the party’s latest recycled report, it states that a Labour government would reform the House of Lords – an issue the party would campaign on and follow through with if the electorate backed them.
While it’s perfectly reasonable for Labour to honour a manifesto commitment on the constitution, it highlights the hypocrisy of their position on Scotland’s mandate for an independence referendum.
We must and will find another democratic, lawful and constitutional means by which the Scottish people can express their will.
The Scottish Government is prepared to pursue the de facto referendum route, however imperfect it might be, to ensure the Scottish people have their say.
Though the Supreme Court ruling did not go our way, it’s encouraging to see the judgement has not dented momentum in the movement, as can be seen in a series of consecutive polls, including the latest Ipsos Mori poll which had support for independence at 56 per cent. This is significant and clearly demonstrates that the longer the Westminster establishment blocks Scotland’s right to choose, the more support for independence grows.
It’s been a busy month both in Holyrood and the constituency. I had a great catch-up with the Opportunity Cromarty Firth (OCF) team at the Scottish Parliamentary Maritime Reception earlier this month. OCF has submitted a thoroughly impressive and competitive bid for Green Free Port status which, if awarded, would bring transformative opportunities to my constituency and the wider Highlands. I’m hoping that we will hear news of the successful bids shortly.
I was pleased to meet with the Caithness Health Action Team (CHAT) a few weeks ago in Wick to discuss maternity services and local healthcare provision. I recognise the challenges facing my constituents in Caithness when it comes to accessing local healthcare, I also fully appreciate that current wintery conditions will be increasing anxieties for those required to travel. I am committed, as are my colleagues in the Scottish Government, to identifying solutions which enable us to deliver sustainable, flexible, and innovative services, centred around our unique geographical needs. I hope to be able to report on progress soon.
I would like to take the opportunity to wish all my constituents a very merry Christmas and a happy new year when it comes. I know this has been an incredibly tough year for many households and businesses in my constituency, and while we hope for better times in 2023, we also brace ourselves for a difficult period due to the worsening cost-of-living crisis. As always, my office is on hand to offer support to any constituents who may be struggling, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Stay strong folks.
