It will take more than some strong words on the Union for Scots to take an interest in a Kemi Badenoch speech. The Conservative leader became the latest in a long line of Tory politicians to portray themselves as the only true believer in the continuation of the UK.
We’ve heard similar rhetoric from all of Badenoch’s numerous predecessors over the last decade. It’s a safe space for the Tories to occupy, an issue they feel comfortable about. Unfortunately for them, Scots voters have long memories.
Familiar Right-Wing Talk
Badenoch’s familiar right-wing talk – tax cuts for the rich, slashing welfare spending, bashing the poor – could have been lifted from a Liz Truss rally. They were repeated endlessly during the Tories’ dismal 14 years in power at Westminster.
And now we learn some senior Tories are pushing for a review of devolution which, if the Conservatives ever win an election again, could see powers pulled back from Holyrood. It’s a typical high-handed demand that sums up the arrogance of a party that has still never come to terms with its 2024 electoral annihilation.
Race to the Extremes
It’s just as well the Tories remain so far from office that this wheeze is never likely to be worked up into a semi-serious policy. The reality is Badenoch is locked in a race to the extremes of the right wing with Nigel Farage. The lives of ordinary families mean little to either.
These leaders are more interested in tax cuts for the wealthy than giving a helping hand to others.
Trust and Clarity on Pensions
Trust is in short supply in politics, whether it’s MPs pontificating in London or MSPs waffling in Edinburgh. There are occasions when our party leaders think they can say anything and get away with it as so few people are paying attention.
John Swinney might regret his choice of words when he told MSPs that Scots could “lose their pensions” as a result of Andy Burnham’s mooted plans to adjust the triple lock. The PM could not have been clearer during his conference speech: pensions will continue to rise each year regardless of any changes.
There is a debate to be had about how social care reform in England will impact on the existing system in Scotland. Generally speaking, if Westminster increases spending on a devolved matter, such as the NHS or social care, money will flow north. But in our polarised age, nuance is ignored. On a subject like pensions, clarity is required – not political point-scoring.
