Welsh first minister’s opinion on independence shows Scottish Labour is out of touch

On 24 April, Channel 4 News interviewed Welsh Labour leader Mark Drakeford. The interviewer put the scenario of Scottish independence to Drakeford. He then asked what effect, if any, Scottish independence could have on Wales:
What happens if Scotland breaks away, and there’s a Conservative government not willing to concede any more powers to Wales? Would Welsh Labour be adopting a more pro-independence agenda in that scenario?
Drakeford said there:
are a lot of ‘ifs’ in that question… but if they were all true… then it would fundamentally alter the context of the debate for Wales
But when Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar announced Labour’s manifesto on 22 April for the Holyrood elections, he took an all together different approach. Because Sarwar’s manifesto takes a hardline position against Scottish independence. And this seems to be out of step with key players in the Scottish Labour movement. A point that wasn’t lost on #IndyRef2 supporters:
The death of British Labour in Scotland holds maybe some lessons for its Welsh branch office. When reality sets in change happens.
Read on...
Support us and go ad-free— Mr MacGavin 🏴 💙 🇪🇺 (@Gavin89540292) April 24, 2021
This article is part of The Canary’s #Independence2021 series.
Drakeford explains
While Drakeford said:
the Labour Party in Wales is focused on securing a successful future for Wales in a successful United Kingdom
He also admitted the UK is:
more in peril than at any time in my political lifetime.
He added that the current Westminster government is effectively fuelling the drive for independence as it ‘fails’ to see:
the fundamental need for reform. They believe that just by flying more Union Jacks around the place will somehow reassert the authority of a Westminster dominant government.
Furthermore, Drakeford has made it clear that there should be a referendum on Welsh independence if Plaid Cymru wins a majority in Wales.
But Sarwar isn’t seizing on this opportunity for a second referendum in Scotland. Instead, he’s backing the status quo. And as statistics are against him in the wider Labour movement, it shows he’s really at odds with the grassroots:
The STUC [representing 540,000 trade unionists, 39 trade unions and 20 Trades Union Councils in Scotland] versus Anas Sarwar of Scottish Labour [16,000 members] #ScottishIndependence #SP21 pic.twitter.com/Ia6E7dAecW
— Phantom Power (@PhantomPower14) April 23, 2021
And it’s especially difficult to understand when so many in the Labour party itself support independence:
"51% of MPs believe Scottish independence is now more likely as a result of Brexit, while 37% disagree. Results by party are more stark- a massive 83% of Lab MPs feel independence is more likely after Brexit, while just 29% of their Tory colleagues agree."https://t.co/QMVuVbfEDw
— Argyllander🏴🇪🇺 (@argyllander) April 16, 2021
Sarwar under pressure to drop indyref2 opposition after candidates back it | The National https://t.co/IRxXcvzASk
— @Camz99 (@Camz99) April 25, 2021
IndyRef2
While the SNP will wait until the pandemic crisis is over before calling for another referendum, it’s still calling one. And it’s doing so regardless of Boris Johnson’s opposition.
Rather than acknowledging reality – like Drakeford – Sarwar’s burying his head in the sand. But strangely, in taking that position, he’s actually not alone. Because Labour Party leader Keir Starmer is doing likewise. This won’t end well for either of them.
Featured image via – Wikimedia – Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions & YouTube – ITV News
We need your help to keep speaking the truth
Every story that you have come to us with; each injustice you have asked us to investigate; every campaign we have fought; each of your unheard voices we amplified; we do this for you. We are making a difference on your behalf.
Our fight is your fight. You’ve supported our collective struggle every time you gave us a like; and every time you shared our work across social media. Now we need you to support us with a monthly donation.
We have published nearly 2,000 articles and over 50 films in 2021. And we want to do this and more in 2022 but we don’t have enough money to go on at this pace. So, if you value our work and want us to continue then please join us and be part of The Canary family.
In return, you get:
* Advert free reading experience
* Quarterly group video call with the Editor-in-Chief
* Behind the scenes monthly e-newsletter
* 20% discount in our shop
Almost all of our spending goes to the people who make The Canary’s content. So your contribution directly supports our writers and enables us to continue to do what we do: speaking truth, powered by you. We have weathered many attempts to shut us down and silence our vital opposition to an increasingly fascist government and right-wing mainstream media.
With your help we can continue:
* Holding political and state power to account
* Advocating for the people the system marginalises
* Being a media outlet that upholds the highest standards
* Campaigning on the issues others won’t
* Putting your lives central to everything we do
We are a drop of truth in an ocean of deceit. But we can’t do this without your support. So please, can you help us continue the fight?
-
Show Comments
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to leave a comment.Join the conversationPlease read our comment moderation policy here.
I find it interesting that Sarwar in his discussion about Independence has no idea as to the reasons why one would ever want it. Its upsets Labour about Scotland/Wales for increased autonomy after Brexit making one wonder just what they mean.
Unity it isn’t, as they refuse to listen/discuss complaints to open up an agreed upon future.
What is the Tory/Labour plan but fly more flags and increase the miltiary to achieve it?
A hologram of Churchill to lead the way?