Where Next?
Posted on April 26th, 2024
by Rab Bruce’s Spider
Mastodon: @RabBrucesSpider1@Mastodon.Scot
X / Twitter: @RabBrucesSpider
Inevitably, The Tories and Labour are calling for votes of No Confidence in Humza Yousaf personally and in the Scottish Government. Given the precarious arithmetic of the make-up of the Scottish Parliament, there is every chance that the votes may go against the Scottish Government which could result in its collapse and a new election being called.
I will readily admit that I am frustrated at the lack of progress towards Scotland becoming a normal, self-governing country under the SNP, but I’d still prefer an SNP Government to a Unionist one. The SNP may have bungled several things in recent years, and the scandal of having their former Chief Executive arrested and charged has not helped, but I think many people in Scotland don’t fully appreciate how much better off we are than our neighbours in England. Our trains and hospitals have not been severely affected by strikes, our university tuition and prescriptions remain free and we pay less overall tax than other parts of the UK.
Things are certainly not perfect, but they could become a lot worse if a Unionist coalition gains power.
I don’t think Humza Yousaf had much choice in cancelling the Bute House agreement. He’d have looked ridiculously weak if he’d clung on waiting for the greens to decide his fate. At least he’s had the bravery to bring things to a head. If he stays on as First Minister he must know that, if it comes to an election, he’s going to need new friends. Given the hostility the SNP have displayed towards other pro-Indy parties, he’s going to need to build a lot of bridges. Or he may decide to brazen it out and try to form another minority Government since the polling for Parties like Alba & ISP suggests they won’t make much impression. The only think that might change that is if SNP supporters give their list vote to Alba. I doubt that many will, especially if the SNP sticks to the proven failure of pushing the "SNP 1&2" mantra.
Of course, that assumes that Humza Yousaf survives as leader if his Party is forced out of Government. And if he is replaced, who will pick up the poisoned chalice, and will they alter the course the SNP has been following for the past decade? We need someone who is prepared to push the cause of independence, but I’m not overly confident that is what we will get.
The way things are going, this article will probably be out of date by the time you read it. Events are moving quickly and, as always, the biggest threat to Scotland is the media. Just watch the gloating if either of the No Confidence votes succeed.