The Prime Minister and First Minister have an honest disagreement on IndyRef2. John Swinney believes he has a mandate for a second independence referendum which should be respected.
Andy Burnham disagrees and has said now is not the time for a new independence referendum. Regardless of who you think is right, it looks like IndyRef2 is simply not going to happen any time soon.
Our response is not to call for the SNP government to stop believing in independence nor another referendum. It’s the main reason why the SNP exists – and why John Swinney got into politics.But it is incumbent on him to level with voters that Downing Street won’t budge.
One way forward is for both governments to engage in a war of attrition fuelled by bitterness. Such an outcome would be a disservice to the people of Scotland.
A much better way to proceed would be for Swinney and Burnham to park their differences on independence and work on areas of mutual agreement.
Large swathes of Scotland are still struggling with Thatcher’s harsh programme of deindustrialisation. Both leaders could commit to working together on regenerating struggling areas and getting some much-needed economic growth moving.
They should also cooperate to ensure green jobs become a reality while oil and gas jobs in the North Sea are protected. Joint working on the cost-of-living crisis is another no-brainer that will require co-operation.
With IndyRef2 put to one side, the SNP and Labour should realise they are both centre-left parties with much in common. They support a mixed economy and a strong public sector.
Burnham and Swinney also share a fervent dislike for Reform UK. Their first meeting yesterday can be the start of a new era of co-operation – or a descent into the politics of grievance and point-scoring.
With the Commonwealth Games kicking off in style last night, we hope Scottish athletes can be inspired by the opening ceremony speech by hero Sir Chris Hoy.
Scotland’s hopefuls should also read our interview today with Scottish boxing hopeful Niamh Mitchell if they need to learn about fighting spirit. Niamh is sick of being targeted by daft lads who tell her women can’t fight.
So when one loud mouth said he could easily take a punch from her she obliged – and put him on his hind quarters. We’re sure the 20-year-old Fifer will come out swinging in the 60kg category.
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And we hope all of Team Scotland will show similar grit and determination as they do our nation proud.
Let the Games begin …