Scottish Nationalists Invade London

Last Monday I attended the Constitution Unit seminar on the affect of Scotland on the British Constitution. To be fair the Constitution unit based at UCL's School of public policy is politically independent and has done plenty of research into an effective referendum on the Scottish question. However to my surprise it wasn't a room filled with SNP supporters and their Scottish counterparts but an international crowd of Irish, Dutch, Russians, Quebecans ( I know that isn't the right term), English, Scots and probably a few others. All of them with their own constitutional problems at hand and seemed fairly interested in what the Scottish National Party could add to the debate on curtailing or legitimizing succession.

The guest speaker was Michael Russell MSP and External Affairs minister in the current Scottish Parliament. Presumably he sees this role transforming into the first foreign minister of a sovereign Scotland.

One thing is clear. The SNP have redefined the question of Scottish independence not as a question of occupation and unfair treatment at the hands of our southern cousins but as a tool to deepen democracy. Russel started of a ramification of the last 800 years of Scottish history in a 10 minute spiel that only the most rehearsed of zealots could deliver under the watchful eye of dissenters. Conveniently skipping over the traditional swapping of allegiances between Scottish nobles and the English bail out of Scotland after our failed attempts at colonialism in Panama and South Carolina. Akin to the bail out that Westminster gave to the Bank of Scotland and the Royal Bank of Scotland last year, again conveniently ignored.

Next up was how devolution was a step forward for democracy in Scotland, taking over the reigns of largely undemocratic unaccountable Scottish office hidden away in the back offices somewhere in Edinburgh. Replacing it with a proportional elected parliament with sovereignty in all areas except those reserved by Westminster. A nonetheless eloquent talk about how we have deepened democracy. If this is not enough to prove the merits of independence then at least a question should be put forward for the Scottish people to decide. In the height of democratic ideals and a commitment to accept a peaceful rejection or a promise of civil succession.

The Constitution unit is no SNP conference however, nor a 'National Conversation' for that matter. In the heart of London, full of world ranking authorities on matters of constitution and democracy, what questions could he expect to answer articulately enough to please the listeners.

Well one thing's for sure. The SNP have a surprisingly a big London branch. I never even guessed that one existed. After the obvious planted questions by 'SNP London Branch member A, B, and C..' Such as; what can Scotland learn form the peaceful breakup of Czechoslovakia? Lots. Will Scotland remain part of the EU? Yes. The audience loosened up and thrust forward like the bayonets at Cullodan. The suits at the front prodded about what question would be on the

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