The SNP's True Stance on Brexit: Beyond Nationalism

The debate over the Scottish National Party (SNP) and their stance on Brexit has long been a subject of discussion. Many argue that the SNP did oppose Brexit, but their opposition was not as strong as it appears. This article delves into the reasons behind the SNP's actions and the complexity of their motivations.

SNP's Half-hearted Opposition to Brexit

The SNP's campaign spend on opposing Brexit was minimal - less than that of a by-election on a remote Scottish island. This suggests that their opposition to Brexit was not genuinely fueled by a passionate belief, but rather a performative and opportunistic stance. The SNP’s actions were driven by their primary goal: furthering Scottish nationalism.

The SNP's Ambiguous Goals and Motivations

During the 2016 referendum, the SNP had mixed motivations. Their primary goal was to weaken Britain's standing within the EU so that Scotland could potentially leave the UK and achieve independence, or to remain part of a larger union while being governed by the EU. This dual approach highlighted the ambiguity of their goals and the lack of a clear political philosophy beyond nationalism.

While some may argue that Scotland's interest in the referendum was to achieve greater freedoms and independence, the reality was more complex. The SNP's actions were reactive, possibly driven by a desire to align with a broader national narrative, rather than concrete, long-term political goals.

The Importance of Context and Referendum Scope

Many Point to the Sewell Convention and the Scottish Parliament's vote against Brexit. It is true that the Scottish Parliament voted against Brexit. However, the Sewell Convention's role in this context is significant. The convention stipulates that the UK Parliament should not normally legislate on devolved matters without the consent of the devolved legislatures. When the EU Withdrawal Act 2018 was considered, the Scottish Parliament voted to withhold consent, indicating opposition to Brexit.

Despite this, it is essential to recognize that the Brexit referendum was a national one, encompassing all UK citizens including the Scots. Hence, any Scottish vote should be seen in the broader national context, not isolated as a separate result.

Devolution and Independence

The idea that Scotland is an "English Colony" with a "Scottish Democratic Parliament" that could vote on any law that suits them is a common misnomer. Although Scotland is part of the UK and the Scottish Parliament has devolved powers, it is still part of a larger political union. The Sewell Convention is only applicable when the UK Parliament legislates on devolved matters.

The fact that the Scottish Parliament's consent was withheld but the UK Parliament still legislated on the issue underscores the delicate balance between devolved powers and national sovereignty. The actions of the Scottish Parliament, while significant, do not negate the broader implications of the Brexit referendum for all UK citizens.

Moreover, it is important to consider the complex interplay between Scottish independence, EU membership, and the Sewell Convention. The SNP's actions during the Brexit referendum reflect a complex set of motivations, primarily focused on nationalist dynamics rather than a unified political strategy.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the SNP's stance on Brexit was multifaceted and driven by nationalistic impulses. Their campaign to oppose Brexit was performative and opportunistic, reflecting a strategy geared towards Scottish independence rather than a steadfast political position. As the broader context of the Brexit referendum reveals, the SNP's actions were reflective of the complex political climate rather than a unified political stance.