Nicola Sturgeon should drop the playground insults about 'sneering, arrogant condescension' and be more diplomatic in dealings with Westminster – Scotsman comment

Politics can be a brutal game. In the most heated debates, no metaphorical quarter is given or expected.
Nicola Sturgeon and Boris Johnson are political opponents, but they need to work together for the good of the country (Picture: Duncan McGlynn/Getty Images)Nicola Sturgeon and Boris Johnson are political opponents, but they need to work together for the good of the country (Picture: Duncan McGlynn/Getty Images)
Nicola Sturgeon and Boris Johnson are political opponents, but they need to work together for the good of the country (Picture: Duncan McGlynn/Getty Images)

However, the language of diplomacy is markedly polite, with any snubs subtle and easily missed, and for good reason – maintaining friendly relations between countries is important for the sake of everything from trade to the prevention of conflict.

Scotland’s position as a nation within a nation means its First Minister is both a domestic UK politician caught up in the fractious nature of cross-party feuding and a national leader who must recognise the importance of ‘intra-national’ co-operation with the rest of the UK.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Given the pressing need for both governments to work together on the Covid recovery, it was, therefore, disappointing to hear Nicola Sturgeon accuse UK Cabinet minister Michael Gove of “sneering, arrogant condescension” after he suggested Boris Johnson would not allow a second independence referendum.

Asked if Johnson might change his position during this Westminster parliament, Gove replied mildly: “I don’t think so… I can’t see it.”

Read More
'Sneering, arrogant' remarks from Michael Gove strengthening Scottish independen...

Sturgeon's over-the-top response was decidedly undiplomatic for a politician who aspires to be the leader of an independent state, particularly given its interests would be best served by close and friendly relations with the UK. And while her remarks may fire up the SNP’s base, they are unlikely to go down well with floating voters alarmed by displays of hostility towards the UK and its politicians.

The First Minister was right when she said that denying a referendum will fuel support for independence, but by descending to needlessly unpleasant playground insults, she overplayed her hand.

Regrettably, Sturgeon was not the only politician saying silly things this week, with UK Education Secretary Gavin Williamson encouraging school children to sing the “One Britain, One Nation” song, which includes the lyrics, “We are Britain and we have one dream, To unite all people in one great team”, “United forever, never apart” and, repeatedly, “Strong Britain, great nation”.

It was not long before comparisons with North Korea were being drawn and Williamson’s suggestion will do little to reassure those worried that Brexit Britain is becoming overly nationalistic to hide its failings behind flags and bunting.

The “best small country in the world” would surely work hard to disagree agreeably. And a truly great nation doesn’t need to sing about it.

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this article. We're more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by coronavirus impacts our advertisers.

If you haven't already, please consider supporting our trusted, fact-checked journalism by taking out a digital subscription.

Comments

 0 comments

Want to join the conversation? Please or to comment on this article.