View from Whitehall - February 2023

20 February 2023

Normally things are quiet during Parliamentary Recess but last week was one of those where as one political commentator put it, “when decades happen”.

Brexit and Scottish independence have been two of the political constants of recent years and where one issue might be edging towards a peaceful ending, the other looks like it has taken a step back.

Rishi Sunak’s attempts to broker a deal on the Northern Ireland Protocol may yet fail, but he has demonstrated a willingness to listen and engage with Brussels in contrast to the more forceful approach adopted by his predecessors. Perhaps it’s a recognition that with a General Election likely at some point next year, if he doesn’t resolve the issue, a Labour-led Government might push through a less advantageous solution for true believers in Brexit.

Meanwhile, Nicola Sturgeon has called time on her premiership North of the Border, with a successor to be elected at the end of March. The head of the nationalist movement has for the last two decades been characterised by charismatic leaders who took the campaign for independence to a place where the dream was within reach – though the 2014 referendum result put paid to that. It is difficult to see how a less well-known SNP leader will succeed where others failed.

Rishi Sunak is seen as a technocrat (rather like Sir Keir Starmer who may follow him into 10 Downing Street) which may well heal the divisive wounds caused by Brexit. A new SNP leader sharing similar traits may just be what those advocating Scottish independence don’t want right now.

Published 20 Feb 2023