Scottish independence

A republic would be too drastic a step to happen overnight (would risk hugely alienating anyone of a unionist persuasion). Even Ireland took 30 years to become one and that was with a tiny unionist population.

Yes to all of the above, but you would imagine that Scotland becoming a republic and ditching the monarchy on the first day of independence would be a step too far for most Scottish unionists (especially given the British royal family's strong links with Scotland). It would make sense to do it more slowly and to retain the monarchy initially.

Well, pretty much by definition independence itself will be a "step too far" for Scottish unionists. If independence does happen, by definition unionists will be on the back foot, unable to influence the course of events. So, however much they might dislike a republic, they won't be in a position to impede it if its what the majority want.

(I'd add, be careful of assuming that Scottish unionists are in all respects similar to unionists in NI. They all won't necessarily have a sentimental attachment to the monarchy. Indeed, some of them might reckon that the weaknesses of the UK's monarchical constitution, which delivers extraordinary and largely unaccountable power to the executive at the expense of Parliament and of voters, is one of the factors that has fuelled the independence movement.)

Another leader needed for the SNP. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2024/04/29/rishi-sunak-latest-news-humza-yousaf-snp-scotland/

I guess Scottish people are finding out nationalist parties are not the cure for their ills.

That Sky News/Yougov poll from yesterday has the SNP losing over half its seats in the GE. That will bury the cause of Scottish independence for quite some time IMO if it comes to pass.

But the yes side getting 40-50% in polling won't bring Indyref2 any nearer. No Westminster government will grant the Scots another chance at this based on those figures. They'll need to get an 8 to 10 point lead for at least a year for London to think again about it IMO. If Brexit hasn't tipped the argument in favour of the yes side, I don't know what will tbh.

I think the poin is that Westminster doesn't care about the Indy movement or the opinion polls. Without a Scottish government to push for independence Westminster will do nothing. And a Scottish Labour government won't really want to drive this project forward.

If support for independence doesn't translate into political action for independence, then the independence movement is going nowhere.

Then Lb needs to look after Scotland.

Did you not see the poll on independence that was released yesterday? BTW, the current SNP leadership have more or less abandoned independence

Support for independence and an Indy Ref 2 has been skimming along in the 50%s for years now.

Even with Brexit and a crack pot government in London support has not managed to gain any real momentum.

People here have been saying for a long time, "just wait until x, y or z and support will take off".

But it never does.

The only poll that mattered happened in 2014 and there was no majority for independence.

Since then opinion polls have failed to show regular support above 60% , the kind of numbers you would need to see an independence vote carried.

So the government in London, regardless of who they are are can justifiably ignore the independence movement until it gains a bit more traction.