Scottish politics can at times feel like a bitter game played out in two trenches.
Pro-UK parties compete for Unionist voters without seriously considering how to broaden their appeal to independence supporters. And the pro-indy side seems content to focus on the 50 per cent of the electorate that already agrees with them. There is very little understanding of each other’s motivations, hopes, dreams and aspirations.
Labour leader Keir Starmer’s speech yesterday was a welcome thawing of hostilities. He explicitly reached out to Yes voters by saying he understood why they backed independence in 2014. He made the same point about Brexit supporters, despite him being a staunch Remainer during the EU referendum.
His reasoning is that everyone wants better public services and opportunities for the next generation, but some believe in a different route map to get there. Starmer has not gone soft on independence, or IndyRef2, but he is trying to find common ground with voters who have been lost to Labour.
He was looking at politics from the perspective of people who take a different position on constitutional issues and reaching out a hand out to them. Labour is developing a new package of powers for Holyrood and we will reserve judgment until the fine details are released.
But we need more of what Starmer delivered in his speech from all sides of the political divide. Empathy and respect should be the watchwords of our politics, not tribal bitterness.
Inaction costs
Climate change is happening and it’s happening now – and the proof is here in Scotland after our hottest year on record.
It might not sound that high but an average Scottish temperature for 2022 of 8.5C – and more than 10C for the UK as a whole – have both set new records. With the country’s 10 hottest years all occurring since 2003, it’s just the latest sign, if any was needed, that our climate is changing rapidly.
Also very worrying is the latest scientific research suggesting around half of the world’s glaciers are doomed to melt by the end of the century. That rises to 80 per cent in the worst case if we fail to get a grip on emissions – with all the terrifying consequences that would have for our sea levels.
The evidence is clear. We’re on the wrong track, and hurtling down it at growing speed. It’s time to get serious about saving our planet – before it’s too late.
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here.
