Yesterday, PM Boris Johnson visited Scotland for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic struck, the focus of his visit being an attempt to discourage the Scots from seeking independence. Johnson’s claim that the pandemic has highlighted “the sheer might of [the] Union” comes against the backdrop of polls suggesting the Scottish independence campaign has a lead of 10 per cent.
The Scottish National Party (SNP) is set to win a majority at the next Scottish Parliament election, suggesting an increase in calls for independence. According to the SNP’s deputy leader, Keith Brown, the sole reason for Johnson’s visit is that he is in “full-blown panic mode amid rising support for independence,” referring to the PM’s emphasis on the inherent unity between Scotland and the rest of the UK. Johnson’s claim that the coronavirus response “shows what we can achieve when we stand together, as one United Kingdom” is undermined by the protests that accompanied yesterday’s visit, with masked protesters waving signs that said “Our Scotland, our future” and “Hands off Scotland”.
Moreover, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon accused the PM of “championing and celebrating a pandemic that has taken thousands of lives” in his attempt to further a political stance, showing how Scotland may not be behind the Union as Johnson wishes.
Written by Sufia
Artwork by Zara Masood
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