It was interested to see the main focus of the Scottish referendum was no to independence, hence a victory for the “Better Together Campaign” being 55 % to 45% for the YES Campaign.
However, I my view the real result was a demand for change from the people of Scotland. If one takes into consideration that this referendum captured the imagined of many including young people to such an extent that voter registration in Scotland increased to such an extent whereby 97% of the eligible population were registered. In addition to this a unimaginable turnout of some 85% of the electorate although some may say that that 15% stay at home voters were significant number, the fact still remains that follow the panic campaigning and at times negative publicity surrounding the referendum the demand for change was to most loud voice that still unifies the people of Scotland.
In this case, it is a breathe of fresh air that the Government and indeed Political Parties have recognised this, with the proposed new powers to Scotland, however, not just that also the consideration of devolution within England and indeed the debate that English MPs only vote on English issues. However, this does create an issue politically for the Labour Party as during any English only vote it would effect them the most as they currently have 40 out of the 59 Scottish MPs.
This has also fuelled the argument of regional control of power within England, however, one must remember that there was significant proposed devolution with the rejected elected Mayor for Birmingham, which there is a school of thought now for a regional assembly for Greater Birmingham instead, which one could argue is a re-establishment of West Midlands County Council, which was abolished by the Tories in the early 1980s.
Indeed no matter the result one can see the essential role that the public has to play in the electoral process, however, clearly there has to be a more modern approach to politics in the UK in order to not only engage the majority of the public that make up those who are disaffected but more importantly maintaining that engagement.
The main message from Scotland has been the people have spoken, they have indicated the fact that they change and the Political Powers have not only noted this, but, one could speculate been forced to act upon it.
Let’s see how this develops especially in the year of a General Election.
Desmond Jaddoo
www.desjaddoo.org.uk
[email protected]
However, I my view the real result was a demand for change from the people of Scotland. If one takes into consideration that this referendum captured the imagined of many including young people to such an extent that voter registration in Scotland increased to such an extent whereby 97% of the eligible population were registered. In addition to this a unimaginable turnout of some 85% of the electorate although some may say that that 15% stay at home voters were significant number, the fact still remains that follow the panic campaigning and at times negative publicity surrounding the referendum the demand for change was to most loud voice that still unifies the people of Scotland.
In this case, it is a breathe of fresh air that the Government and indeed Political Parties have recognised this, with the proposed new powers to Scotland, however, not just that also the consideration of devolution within England and indeed the debate that English MPs only vote on English issues. However, this does create an issue politically for the Labour Party as during any English only vote it would effect them the most as they currently have 40 out of the 59 Scottish MPs.
This has also fuelled the argument of regional control of power within England, however, one must remember that there was significant proposed devolution with the rejected elected Mayor for Birmingham, which there is a school of thought now for a regional assembly for Greater Birmingham instead, which one could argue is a re-establishment of West Midlands County Council, which was abolished by the Tories in the early 1980s.
Indeed no matter the result one can see the essential role that the public has to play in the electoral process, however, clearly there has to be a more modern approach to politics in the UK in order to not only engage the majority of the public that make up those who are disaffected but more importantly maintaining that engagement.
The main message from Scotland has been the people have spoken, they have indicated the fact that they change and the Political Powers have not only noted this, but, one could speculate been forced to act upon it.
Let’s see how this develops especially in the year of a General Election.
Desmond Jaddoo
www.desjaddoo.org.uk
[email protected]