I have an opinion column in The National newspaper in Scotland this morning. My subject is George Osborne's recent column in The Evening Standard, on which I had previously commented here. Callum Baird asked me to elaborate on my opinion, so I did.
I am not going to reproduce the column here, but Callum did, I note choose to pull out one comment for his headline. I said this:
[Osborne's] suggestion is to simply ignore the will of the people of Scotland. The message could not be clearer: they are but a thing to be possessed without a right to an opinion of their own. That is not just colonial; that is the attitude of the slaver.
That, I think to be true. Have already culturally appropriated all that is Scottish and Scotland's for the benefit of the English within his article, the willingness of Osborne to simply ignore the human rights of the people of Scotland to determine their own future is nothing less than a suggestion that the deliberate enslavement of a country for the benefit of another should take place, facilitated by the denial of the expression of free will to the people of Scotland.
In that context to describe the attitude as colonial was not enough. That would imply economic exploitation might continue, but Osborne has, I think, gone further. In his article he made clear that he knows a referendum would almost certainly be lost now. So his argument was that Westminster should simply refuse one, ensuring as a consequence that the people of Scotland will be held against their will, and with their rights ignored. What else is that but the attitude of a slaver?
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I agree with your opinion of George Osborne. A slaver also has another meaning in the Scots language: One who drools saliva from the mouth or talks nonsense.
I fear you are absolutely correct. Sadly it an attitude which is quite commonplace across the media and the political class, just not usually so blatant.
Well said Richard. Your plain speaking is refreshing. Osbourne’s attitude will. hopefully, bring more people in Scotland round to the idea that independence is a perfectly natural solution.
Indeed. The witless Osborne should be given the mike more often as whenever he speaks he acts as a recruiting sergeant for Scotland’s Leavers.
Osborne managed to be booed at the Olympics in 2012
True Bill. Given that he acted as a great recruiting sergeant for the Leave EU campaign by fronting the Remain campaign having pissed off millions with his austerity policies, I should imagine the SNP love it whenever he comes out with this kind of nonsense.
Ditto for Johnson when he ventures north of the border.
Yes – your comparison to a slaver is valid.
But Osbourne is one of the most twisted political operators in this country. I can’t help thinking that he’s either trying to wind people up or (even worse) preparing to come back into politics or both.
And why would he wind the Scottish up? So that they vote for the worst possible form of independence perhaps? One that has been agreed upon secretly between the Crown and the ‘in crowd’ in the So Not Progressive party?
We know how this country works.
I am afraid that I do not agree. Scotland is tied to the Union by its own perception of the Union, its long history in the Union, not merely passively being in it; but creating it – writing the history, and the mythology of Union. Scotland is pursuing shadows of itself.
Of course Unionists exploit the advantages that this gives them in setting the narrative, and the Unionists have all the resources of the Union State, and that makes Unionism a dangerous opponent; but the issue remains entirely in the hands and minds of Scots: where it has always been. The most belligerent, bullying, intolerant and increasingly desperate Unionists are Scots Conservatives, and even Labour Unionists; this is not an accident. Scotland is in the process of disentangling itself from the myths of Union, and from the prevailing narrative of Unionism, which the Scots did more than anyone to write. Scotland is now going through the difficult emotional process of deconstructing its own myth. The critical fact is that Scots have discovered, through Brexit and Covid-19 that their “Union” is just what they created all along: a myth.
The important point is not to pursue a myth of colonialism, but to recognise the real nature of the act of deconstruction, the process and to support that; and that is entirely in the hands of Scots.
For once we have to disagree
I am not even sure that there is even a coherent argument in what you say – and that is very rare
It seems we cannot find common ground here. Nevertheless, I do not feel the need to rephrase my case; I think you are approaching the problem from the perspective of a critic of Osborne, but erring in using his lens to comprehend the nature of the problem. I consider this misleading. Observation affects the phenomenon being observed. I am expressing a different proposition that requires the observer to adopt a quite different perspective view, using different lens.
OK
Accepted
But I am not sure I accept the perspective that lens offers
All I think is happening here is a concern over how independence is achieved and what sort of independence will be the result?
Because these things are important.
I concede that something like Scottish independence will draw those of us with idealistic tendencies – although look at the state of UK politics now – idealism these days is just the wanting of some thing new and better to emerge.
OK – ‘the new’ might not be perfect, but what is the impact of those imperfections?
And if Osbourne’s attitude is redolent of the ruling elite’s – danger abounds.
American state craft looks crude. But that is because English statecraft is much more subtle, more sly, more underhand. It’s so ‘vulgar’ when one makes ones intentions so plain.
As an Englishman, I would not trust us at all (because the English elite treat their lower class citizens increasingly like those it used to rule over around the world).
Football may never have come home, but Imperialism has. Whether English or Scot, or Welsh or N. Irish, we all need to remember that.
“But I am not sure I accept the perspective that lens offers”.
I shall make one last, brief attempt to explain what I mean. Over the last three hundred years and more there has been a distinct and determined Unionist theme in Scottish thought, even before the Union (for example both James VI and I, and the very influential thinker and scholar John Mair (1467-1550) were Unionists). Over the last three hundred years the Scottish intellectual and political elite, and increasingly over time the population – especially the prevailing Presbyterians – were Unionist; this became a prevailing idea throughout the Enlightenment and beyond. The literati wrote the script for a new economic and social age; the Scots were architects of early modern and modern Unionism.
There were of course recalcitrant voices in Scotland, but their influence should not be exaggerated. Initially they were principally tied closely with Jacobitism and therefore always presented problematic issues for Scots, and Jacobitism did not survive the 18th century. From the French Revolution, and in spite of Muir and other martyrs, the Jacobin Terror effectively consolidated Unionism; thereafter the desire for independence represented a minority voice, and a voice of declining significance.
In the late 19th century, and into the 20th century, on the political left, it is too easily forgotten that Keir Hardie began as a Gladstonian Liberal, and Labour from the beginning advocated Home Rule rather than independence; and then quietly abandoned both, until in the 1970s it adopted ‘devolution’ reluctantly, calculatedly to fix a political problem that didn’t fix anything. Those further left than Labour (or even ILP) generally rejected independence, for an exclusively ‘class’ interpretation of politics.
The right was increasingly Unionist, and by the 20th century, intolerant; in Scotland to the point that it was Scots Tories who gave Churchill his more serious problems (his own constituency Chairman in the 1930s tried to have Churchill expelled from the Party; failed, resigned and was promptly awarded a Conservative seat back home in Scotland). The Conservative and Unionist Party of the 1930s in Scotland was belligerently pro-Chamberlain.
It was the end of Empire that changed everything, and the shattering efect of two world wars. Reality intervened forcefully in Scotland in ways that could not be ignored.
John
I apologise
I now get the framing and I accept that this issue is real. This lens is one that distorts, but is nonetheless still very present, I am aware. It is one that is also now used to diminish status, deliberately or otherwise, fostering a dependency syndrome that may be inappropriate but is nonetheless very present, and again to be addressed.
Sorry for being slow
Richard
I do not think Mr Warren’s argument should be marginalised, as you seem to be doing. (I am in agreement with much of your main article – to set a context.)
A significant proportion of people who live in Scotland, including many who were born and brought up in Scotland, by Scottish born parents. Many of them consider themselves, sincerely, to be proud Scots and sing ‘Flower of Scotland’ with gusto at Murrayfield or ‘God Save the Queen”and Northern Irish unionist songs at Ibrox Stadium, glorifying in being ‘up to their knees in Fenian blood’.
They are British loyalists, they subscribe to the myths of Britain and are proud to do so.They are proud of the role many Scots played in the building of the Empire and of the role of Scottish regiments. I have known many throughout my life and I am friendly with several now, even though my support for independence is no secret. Sadly, some of them also exhibit what is sometimes called the ‘Scottish cringe’ – where they subscribe to the view that we Scots are just not very good. The former leader of the Labour Party in Scotland, Ms Johan Lamont, during the 2014 referendum campaign, said during a debate with Ms Nicola Sturgeon that, “Scots are not genetically programmed to run their own affairs.” The Scottish media, with the exception of ‘The National’ have published a steady stream of ‘Scotland is the worst…’ stories for decades.
So, what Mr Warren has argued, is significant. Many Scots have to rid themselves of the paradigm of Britishness. An even greater proportion of English people have to do so, too, because many do not have a concept of ‘England’ which is not largely synonymous with the UK. A Guardian headline today in a report about flooding in England is headlined,”Floods in the north of the UK.” The north of the UK is Shetland.
See my comment to John’s latest post, and thanks for yours
Richard,
It is the ebb and flow of discussion and open debate you offer here – as it should be. Confusions, muddles and misunderstandings are the norm; be glad you offer the time and space to work through them. There are few sites on social media that have it, although it is what every social media website proclaims. You should just be glad that you provide both your blogs and an electronic Pnyx to discuss the issues.
Thanks John
When Osborne was in government he endorsed a referendum on Scottish independence. He may have had the attitude of a slaver then but it didn’t show.
No he’s trying to sell newspapers, and himself to some extent as some kind of informal adviser to the government, and he is expressing the attitude you mention. There does seem to be a clutch of writers who are trying to make a living informally advising governments who have some nasty views.
You’ve been on an interesting journey regarding Scotland.
I’m glad you made it.
According to my DNA analysis I have 7% Scottish DNA in me but grew up in England knowing little about Scottish culture but reading about the Stuart king Charles The Second’s propensity to have lots of mistresses and children with them made me start thinking about clans and whether he was trying to build one instinctively or consciously:-
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clan
This article and the one on Amanda Gorman’s poem then made me wonder how easy is it to mentally enslave people who identify with the idea of clans especially those who’ve also linked the concept of clans to that of the necessity for parliamentary democracy. Wasn’t Amanda’s poem a call for a “Rainbow Clan” in America? Is such a thing possible though obviously necessary if the human race is to get wiser? Are we actually as a species in the long process of breeding as well as culturally willing a Rainbow Clan? From Amanda’s poem:-
“Somehow we’ve weathered and witnessed a nation that isn’t broken but simply unfinished.”
https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/20/politics/amanda-gorman-inaugural-poem-transcript/index.html
So if Osborne is the slaver is Sturgeon the slave? Self determination is a right to be exercised by the Scots people according to the UN. It cannot be limited by another nations laws. Nothing to do with seeking masters permission in the shape of a referendum granted by Johnson and supported by the UK parliament. Those prepared to bow to the whip will need to decide for themselves who is the slaver, the slave and the freeman.
2021, as well as being the 50th anniversary of the dreadful Ibrox stadium disaster, is also the 50th anniversary of the Upper Clyde Shipbuilding Work to Rule , where for a short time the working men of the Clyde set aside their cultural and religious differences. The ‘Blue’ and the ‘Green’ united and, for a short time, instilled panic into the Heath Government.
For me, and it’s open to debate – in fact not enough debate has gone into this – Jimmy Reid and the other shop stewards decided on a ‘work to rule’ as opposed to outright strike action to ensure that those of ‘the Protestant Work Ethic’ were kept onboard (pun intended).
Jimmy Reid, whose political journey took him from Communist Party to Labour Party then to SNP, while rector of Glasgow University delivered the speech that the New York Times described as the greatest since Lincoln’s Gettysburg address also appeared in this little gem:-
https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=kenneth+williams+and+jimmy+reid+on+parkinson&&view=detail&mid=C6C52F39A52C95DD734BC6C52F39A52C95DD734B&&FORM=VRDGAR&ru=%2Fvideos%2Fsearch%3Fq%3Dkenneth%2Bwilliams%2Band%2Bjimmy%2Breid%2Bon%2Bparkinson%26%26FORM%3DVDVVXX
I’m not au fait with the rules re allowing clips so apologies in advance but, if you can afford nearly an hour, it demonstrates how far this country has regressed in the intervening 50 years.
If Brexit campaigners, including Westminster government, fought tooth and nail through lying to the electorates to get their so called independence from the EU, they should not be denying and making obstacles to Scottish independence. They wanted everyone to respect democracy and the will of the people, so they should equally have a respect for democracy and the will of the Scottish people and their self determination.
Our Scots history, future, thoughs and hopes are summarised nicely by this poem/song written by Hamish Henderson. Translations are available on Google if required.
https://www.scotslanguage.com/articles/node/id/442
https://youtu.be/3nLGKFTH5sw
PS and OT…I’ve just tried to make my periodical donation to Tartan Army Childrens Charity (TACC) to find, instead of Paypal, all donations are now being processed by Virgin Money and they are looking for a 2.5 % administration charge to process same
Administration Charge to make a charitable donation? Is there no end to the greed perpetrated by those vultures? How far down is this country going to be dragged by the hyenas?
The break up of the Union will not diminish Britain’s influence in the world.
The break up of the Union will diminish those Old Etonian’s influence in the world.
That is what George Osbourne is really worried about.
Maybe then, our politicians will focus more on the plight of the citizens of these islands, rather than grandstanding on the world stage.
I’m not sure that being a politician will be as “sexy” to those Etonians in that event and they might decide to find something other to do with their time.
Let’s hope 🙂
For the record, Osborne was not an Etonian, but the point remains wholly relevant
He was the Bullingdon Club
Ah. Yes.
Your right, he wasn’t.
Osborne went to St Pauls, so he’s still a product of the British public school system, one which arrests development in many by removing them from parental care at a critical time and stopping the development of any normal empathy. They then become Gentlemen, and if metaphor’s your thing you can do no better than to watch the episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, itself one long series of metaphors, called Hush. That nails them, and it’s worth keeping in mind when reading of attempts to silence any criticism by increasing censorship.
Those more inclined to reading might like to investigate several books written about the problems public school kids are likely to develop, including Wounded Leaders: British Elitism and the Entitlement Illusion – A Psychohistory Paperback — 10 May 2014 by Nick Duffell (Author), Mark Duffell (Illustrator),
The Making of Them: The British Attitude to Children and the Boarding School System Paperback — 1 April 2000 by Nick Duffell (Author), Robert Bland (Editor),
and Boarding School Syndrome: The psychological trauma of the ‘privileged’ child Paperback — Illustrated, 9 Jun. 2015 by Joy Schaverien (Author).
That’s bad enoughin itself, but in the UK we have a system which propels these damaged unfortunates into authority and privilege where they immediately set about arranging more of the same for themselves and their cronies. Attlee and Corbyn both wanted to break up the piublic school system, as do I, and I was too late to be able to vote for Attlee, but I was able and did vote for Corbyn pretty much on that basis alone.
Bill Kruse.
George Monbiot has written about his experiences of public schooling. He concures with what you have said above.
https://www.monbiot.com/2019/11/11/the-unlearning/