*David Moon is a lecturer in politics at University of Bath. This piece fi rst appeared in ‘The Conversation’
is threatening it’s not the SNP
Conservatives are therefore placing more and more emphasis on questioning the legitimacy of the most likely alternative – a Labour government working in co- operation with the SNP.
To do this, the Conservatives are fi rst playing up Nicola Sturgeons’ debating abilities to undermine Labour’s vote in Scotland. While the party is willing SNP victories it is at the same time portraying Scot ish Nationalist politicians as illegitimate.
Conservative propaganda shows Alex Salmond as a sinister fi gure travelling to Westminster to make Ed Miliband dance to his tune, while Nicola Sturgeon plays puppeteer. Ed Miliband is seen sit ing in SNP pockets.
It’s a grubby but eff ective technique. Almost inevitably, newspapers are suggesting that a minority Labour government that relies on the SNP votes would essentially be squat ing in Downing Street – even if, constitutionally, that argument is highly questionable.
The Conservative message is plainly aimed at English voters and meant to undermine Labour south of the border. But it also sends a clear message to Scot ish voters. Should they elect the SNP as their democratic representative, the message goes, they will be excluded from the British political system, having made an
unacceptable choice.
Bashing the SNP as a political party with a secessionist ideology is one thing. The problem is that this Conservative rhetoric has in such ways grown to encompass the Scot ish people – and their devolved government – as a whole.
Now, the Carlisle principle not only raises questions about the philosophical basis of devolution as a whole (that diff erent nations carry out diff erent policies in recognition of their diff ering electorate’s wishes) it also formally seeks to change the relationship between the nations into one based on competition.
While to claim “the end is nigh” would be overblown, this electoral campaign may prove dangerous for the union. The Conservative Party is willing to gamble on the union for a few more English seats.
May 2015 13
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