We need an understanding of the benefits as a result of Scotland’s place in the union
Scottish politics over the last few years has been overshadowed by one topic, the independence movement. I, like every other Scottish Conservative, have my own opinions on that. However, the most important thing to me is the Union, and keeping it connected, together and whole. Especially throughout the Covid-19 crisis, I’ve never been prouder to say just how much I value this United Kingdom.
It’s been interesting listening to Scottish Nationalists question what exactly the UK Government has done for us. The responses are easy, if you were put on the Job Retention Scheme (also known as furlough) by your employer to help save your job, that was the UK Governments idea. Eat Out to Help Out? Funded by the UK Government! If finances are more your thing, I could mention the fact that Scotland was given over £15 billion in additional funding, and that is on top of the taxes we pay. Would an independent Scotland manage to get that kind of money? Doubt it…
Moving forward, it has never been more important that we understand and highlight the benefits of Scotland’s place in the union. We need to end the unnecessary division across the nation and begin focusing on the issues that truly matter. Things, for example, like education, as in what would have been the 2020 exam diet, we saw the different approaches in how to handle the grading process. Now, I’m not saying it was handled 100% correctly on each front, however, the option to allow students to sit exams later in the year or appeal teacher estimates is a bit more than what their counterparts studying under the Scottish system got.
We need a union that values everyone, not following the echo of a minority of SNP elected members, who decided they would only support constituents if they supported Scottish Independence. At least the union values democracy, and everything it stands for. It’s time for a country where all our voices matter, can be respected, valued and most importantly, heard. A United Kingdom can give us that, no matter who we are or what our plans are in life, we’re all welcome in the most amazing union in the world. And for us Scots, to ensure this, to ensure our voices can be heard amongst the minority of those SNP members- we need to get out the vote during the 2021 Holyrood elections, united behind Douglas Ross, and strengthen that voice for unionism in Scotland.
Rachael Hatfield
Union Secretary
"Saltire and Union Jack waving together" by Fading Dusk Photography is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0