Scottish devolution debate shows the stark tensions in the Union
UK politics expert Dr Simon Usherwood says the row between the Prime Minister and SNP politicians over supposed interference in Scotland hides a deeper malaise.
Dr Usherwood said: "On the one hand, the SNP has fiercely tried to resist being bounced into a straight yes/no vote that it fears it would lose, by arguing that ‘London’ is interfering in matters of Scottish self-determination. On the other, the British coalition government is looking to regain the initiative from a very canny Alex Salmond and ensure that it doesn’t end up on the wrong side of what would be a protracted and awkward divorce. At best, Scotland’s status in the UK is a sideshow to the government’s focus on safeguarding and rebuilding the economy, at worst it will fatally compromise their plans."
