How Dominic Cummings affair shows SNP must change tactics over Scottish independence – Kenny MacAskill

The elitist attitudes displayed by Dominic Cummings during the lockdown are a sign of how much the Conservative party has changed. The SNP needs to spell out how things would be different in an independent Scotland, writes Kenny MacAskill.

Dominic Cummings' attitudes are far removed from the Conservative party of old, says Kenny MacAskill (Picture: Jonathan Brady/PA Wire)

As the US is run by a kleptocracy enriching itself whatever way it can, from boosting their golfing resorts to promoting whacky elixirs, the UK’s led by a self-serving elite. Not for them normal rules, for they’re above common folk, seeking their vote but holding them in contempt. Power isn’t for the people but to be indulged as they see fit.

The Cummings affair has shown that starkly. It would never have been countenanced by the Tory Party of old. They were an elite but there was a sense of decency, as well an understanding of the wants of others.

But not this lot under the charlatan-in-chief, Boris Johnson. As their response to the outcry showed, they’re both shameful and shameless. Other right-of-centre leaders across Europe have shown leadership, with the Dutch Premier Mark Rutte missing his mother’s passing due to lockdown requirements. Even some Tory MPs in this country have found a spine. But, for the oligarchy in charge of the UK, rules are for lesser people and, like Trump in the USA, all that matters is their self-interest.

The emails that I and other MPs are receiving are unprecedented and not from the usual suspects. This has triggered an animus from a long-suffering yet normally reticent section of society who adhere to the rules and respect authority. After being exposed, Johnson and his sidekick – though you wonder if it could be the other way around – have been seeking to brazen it out. But the bonhomie and buffoonery aren’t working. Having missed out on moments of comfort and joy, people are rightly incandescent.

Cummings could well have to fall on his sword given the level of public opprobrium. Johnson would be weakened and, bereft of his Svengali, he too could be vulnerable. Ill-health did for Anthony Eden and a coronavirus justification now exists for this PM’s departure. But who would replace him?

Labour have been strangely silent under Keir Starmer and in any event it’s perfectly likely that a ruthless Tory coup would see them retain support in key areas. Labour’s lurch to the centre hasn’t exactly seen them radicalise their former heartlands or win back vital support. Eviscerating Johnson at the Dispatch Box is one thing, leading a revival quite another.

Instead, another member of the self-serving Tory elite would step in but with clean hands all the same. They may disdain the old establishment, but it would most certainly be a case of the “King is Dead, Long Live the King”. The blame for mishandling the crisis would fall on the old regime whilst the new guard would claim any credit.

In new Tory parlance, Rishi Sunak’s had a good war and could effectively step into the breach. Scotland would be left under the control of that slightly altered oligarchy – but still hurtling towards a no-deal Brexit with the disaster that’s the US trade deal and the delusion of the UK as ‘Singapore-on-Thames’.

So, what is to be done? That was once pondered by Lenin as he pursued a change in strategy and a change in tactics is likewise needed by the SNP. There’s not going to be a post-coronavirus indyref, so a new direction needs pursued. It’s been given added vigour by the recent chicanery. There can be no simple return to the old way of doing things. The world has changed in substance and in attitudes and that applies to policies as well as tactics.

A return to Westminster there must be. But the foolish attempt to be the real opposition there must end. This new elite has no real loyalty other than to themselves, but they epitomise and have unleashed English nationalism. They don’t care about the Union and that was shown by the contempt heaped upon Douglas Ross by a Downing Street source following his resignation. He was “a nobody”, as Scotland collectively is nothing to them. It’s a view that transcends parties as Starmer’s equal lack of interest shows.

But it’s no more the role of the SNP to administer the British state, than it was of the Indian National Congress to run the British Raj. It is, for sure, the job of MPs to challenge and hold to account but less respect must be given, as it sure isn’t reciprocated. In Holyrood, tackling the coronavirus has been the priority but with an election looming preparation must begin. A radical agenda’s required as some will be suffering from the virus fallout and others seeking a better world. Policies that divide the party should be dropped and radical challenges accepted, not rejected.

This Tory elite has shown its contempt for Scotland. It’s time to confront them, rejecting the diktat of an oligarchy with no mandate in Scotland and laying out the possibilities only available through independence.

Kenny MacAskill is the SNP MP for East Lothian

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