Leaders: Cameron just patronising

‘More devolution is not contingent on a second question. The two issues can be decoupled’

Since the Prime Minister’s comments, there have been calls from the Nationalists for the UK government to give more clues as to what kind of extra powers could be put “on the table”, as the Tory leader described it. The silence has been deafening, leading some to question whether he was being serious and sincere. There have even been suggestions he was simply talking about the powers already slated to be handed to Holyrood in the Scotland Bill. It is, therefore, welcome that Nick Clegg, the Deputy Prime Minister, has today used an interview with this newspaper to say categorically that, yes, the UK government is indeed open to the possibility of more devolution, and that the financial powers this would entail are in addition to those already under consideration.

This is well and good. But there is, of course, a problem, and it is one of timing. To argue, as Cameron and Clegg are, that decisions on more devolution cannot happen until Scots vote No in an independence referendum, is unacceptable. Responding positively to the will of the Scottish people on their favoured constitutional future cannot be contingent on first doing the coalition government a favour. This is patronising in the extreme; treating Scots like children. Discussion on more powers for Holyrood needs to begin now.

There is a similar problem with Cameron’s insistence – supported by Clegg, it has to be said – that the forthcoming referendum be a single question, a simple Yes or No on independence. The Prime Minister has set his face against two questions, and it is being presented as one of his red lines. Again, he is being patronising, treating Scots as if they are incapable of walking and chewing gum at the same time. The question of whether or not two questions would be too confusing to the electorate is an issue for the Electoral Commission, and should be left to it. But this newspaper cannot see a problem with Scots being asked to choose between a number of option on our country’s future, including the one backed by the majority in poll after poll: stronger devolution. Of course, more powers could be delivered now, with the UK government agreeing to some of the SNP demands for changes to the existing Scotland Bill. More devolution is not contingent on a second question. The two issues can be decoupled.

The SNP is arguing that Scots should reject devolution of all kinds and instead opt for independence (the marmalade option), but First Minister Alex Salmond has shown commendable willingness to accommodate those who want more autonomy within the Union. Cameron should show similar flexibility and drop his dogmatic opposition to a second question. In the meantime, there should be agreement on all sides that whether it is jam today or jam tomorrow, one question or two questions, the issue of more devolution is one that cannot be allowed to fall off the table in the debate on Scotland’s future.

Gym’ll fix it

SO, AN exercise regime you can fit into the ad breaks while watching Coronation Street could be the answer to the country’s obesity problems. Or so we are led to believe by scientists, who will be arguing in a BBC documentary this week that 30-second bursts of strenuous exercise are more beneficial than longer, more traditional workouts at a steadier pace.

This newspaper is not in the business of questioning the work of Scottish scientists, but forgive us if we sound a questioning note about this conclusion. Could it be that in the struggle to persuade Scots to do exercise – any exercise at all, other than the long walk from the settee to the fridge, via the cupboard where the crisps are kept – health experts are reduced to presenting the public with the least arduous option it is possible to conceive? Could it possibly be the case that they are pandering to the widespread desire for outcomes that require minimum effort, and a reluctance to engage in any project that requires the input of hard work and mental discipline?

Perhaps we are being cynical. Perhaps this research is the magic bullet for fitness and weight control. Perhaps we can rip up the gym membership cards and sell the cross-trainer for scrap. We should remember that any exercise is better than no exercise.