Sunshine on Leith: Scottish Independence and a revitalised left.

As we approach the referendum on Scottish independence in September 2014, many have argued the practicalities of an independent Scotland, with the major parties in Westminster claiming that they would deny Scotland the pound in an attempt to scare off voters worried about Scotland's economic stability were they to 'go it alone'. These practicalities have been defended and argued by Scottish politicians, calling Westminster's bluff on whether it would devalue the pound by ejecting Scotland in such a manner, but it is not the practicality of freedom Scotland should worry about.

The wealth of benefits Scotland would take from independence are varied and important. Becoming a non-nuclear state, joining the majority of the rest of the world and in realist terms, decreasing the risk to itself from outside powers as it steps back from international politics to focus on development at home is one, it's ability to cultivate Scottish resources for the benefit of Scots and to develop its own relationships with the rest of Europe are others. Most importantly however, the electoral makeup of the Scottish Parliament sees 55% of MSPs coming from the 'left' of the m
ain parties in Westminster (SNP and the Green Party). With only 15 members from the far right conservatives. Whilst the SNP and Labour wouldn't be described as 'real' lefty parties, they promote a far more social democratic ideology than the Westminster leadership, and Scottish Labour electorally see much of their support coming from traditional, pre-Blair labourites as opposed to new, neoliberal labour in the south. The dominance of more social democratic parties in Scotland offers hope not only for an independent Scotland, but for the whole of Britain. 

The abandonment of Clause 4 and the socialist principles of the labour party by Blair in order to make the party appeal to the middle ground in England is something which has damaged the left in Westminster, this doesn't look to be changing anytime soon - Miliband today still subscribes to privatisation of major public services and a largely neoliberal economic strategy. This abandonment of socialist priniciples by the traditional left leadership in Britain, coupled with the difficulties posed by the first past the post electoral system in allowing for small party growth to affect real change has meant the UK parliament is virtually devoid of any strong left wing voice in voting terms. Aside from relics of old labour who still occupy back benches such as Dennis Skinner, who has recently been voted off labour's party council, and single activists such as George Galloway, the House of Commons is almost devoid of any lefty voices. But this could all change should Scotland gain independence.

The development projects which the SNP have promoted as the benefits of an independent Scotland will, if enacted, provide stark contrast to the austerity being imposed on England and Wales. Social development in Scotland and a growing state, contrasted with rising costs in higher education, and social budgets being slashed south of the border could create a shop window effect which has the potential to revitalise the weak left in Westminster. It may get worse before it gets better, but sunshine on leith could provide a new dawn for the rest of Britain.

What do you think? Leave your comments below.