The nature of victory and the way forward Now that things are settling down, a new reality is emerging. Most of us are no longer in “campaign mode”. Now comes the hard and careful effort to protect the gains and capitalize on the opportunities which are presenting themselves as a result of the referendum. It is human nature to keep acting the way you have for roughly the last two years but this new phase requires something considerably different. It should be clear to all that the results of the referendum has changed the UK forever. The status quo is not just under attack, it is crumbling. The Labour party, which relied on Scotland as a power base, is now facing the possibility of losing that power base and, by that result, facing a very steep climb to ever form a government in Westminster. The spirit and intensity of participation in the referendum process has established an entirely new paradigm. It will be very difficult for Westminster to avoid the evolution of a truly federal system. This change, and the opportunities it brings, is mostly due to the people of Scotland and their passion for self-governance and self-determination. Independence was backed by a range of political parties. One of the major results of the vote is the decision of members of other political parties to join the SNP until independence is achieved; and, most importantly, that includes members of the Labour Party. The incredible growth of membership of the SNP is a clear statement of a coming together for a common purpose. The panic that spread through Westminster in August and September led the leaders of the major political parties to shift the nature of the referendum. Although Alex Salmond offered a third option for the referendum, David Cameron was so confident that independence would go down to a stunning defeat that he insisted that the vote be up or down on independence. But things changed when it looks like the Yes campaign had a chance of prevailing. In the end, the referendum became a decision between independence and increased devolution; an option that the Prime Minister initially refused to have on the ballot and directly opposed for most of the campaign. The reaction of the major parties presented a win-win opportunity for the residents of Scotland. They could either vote for independence or for a strengthened Scottish Parliament. If they chose the latter, the residents of Scotland would experience even more self-governance and a subsequent referendum on independence would be supported by that experience. If Westminster reneged on their commitments, a new group of voters would walk over to the independent side. It should be clear to all that although the Yes vote did not prevail a victory has been won, change is in the wind and Alex Salmond, the SNP and the people of Scotland have the upper hand and the high ground. The way forward Now begins the process of harvesting the opportunities that lie before us. The first, and most important, centers around the negotiations for further devolution of powers to the Scottish Parliament. Every new power that that body acquires is one less issue in the next referendum. The roadmap for negotiations can be found in the ammunition used by the No campaign. Analyzing the reasons that voters decided on the “No” leads us to a list of areas where further devolution to the Scottish Parliament and subsequent management by local government will defuse that issue. In other words, we need to look at what frightened Scottish voters the most and take those areas under control of the Scottish Parliament. It is important in these negotiations that the majority party in the Scottish Parliament has the strongest hand possible. The swelling membership of the SNP is the best way to strengthen that hand. The massive increase in membership is sending a message that the people of Scotland are even more united behind the cause of self-governance and independence. It sends a clear message that they are willing to put aside their differences in order to achieve the right of self-governance. It also sends another message that they are tired of being controlled by political parties whose principal allegiance is to Westminster and not the Scottish people. The people of Scotland want a genuine Labour Party; one they will never get as long as the national party centered in Westminster decides on candidates and policies north of the border. They want a diversified range of parties that represent the various groups and political philosophies within Scotland. In other words, they want the right to choose amongst parties and candidates that represent the interest of the people of Scotland. Joining the SNP regardless of political persuasion, is a show of faith that, after independence, the people of Scotland will be represented by the parties of their own choosing and by parties that are Scotland-centric. One of the major shifts that always occurs in a transition from campaign mode is the nature of discourse and the kind of language that will be effective. In Scotland’s case, the heat of the referendum may be over but the passion is still there and seems to be growing. But that passion can no longer focus on convincing people to vote “Yes”. Now, it must find a new purpose and focus. It must turn to the future rather than dwelling on the past. It must be seen to be a productive force for positive change rather than a residual carping over past results. This can be a difficult change for some but it is necessary for the success of efforts in the months to come. The language of revolution must be replaced with the language of governance. To the extent that the people of Scotland see our efforts as improving their lot, we will be seen in a positive light. To the extent that “No” voters begin to see us as actually delivering benefits and improving conditions in Scotland, they will see a contrast between our efforts and those originating out of Westminster to either completely renege on or substantially delay delivery on commitments made. The next year is going to be about the ability of the supporters of the “Yes” campaign to demonstrate that the passions which drove the referendum can evolve into steadfast and enduring support for increased self-governance and self-determination. The referendum in the 90s, which created the Scottish Parliament, gave the residents of Scotland an opportunity to experience a modest degree of self-governance. That body has proven that it is much more relevant and much more responsive to the needs of the people of Scotland. We need to make sure that the people of Scotland have a similar experience in the aftermath of the referendum. We need to make sure that the people who will be negotiating the devolution of further powers to the Scottish Parliament have are clear and strong support. The way forward is clear, just as it was when the people of Scotland obtain the right of partial self-governance in the 90s. Turning “partial self-governance” into “almost total self-governance” advances the cause of the Scottish people and moves the country a major step forward towards independence.
Posted on: Sat, 27 Sep 2014 15:29:18 +0000
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