First Minister response to UKGov confusion

Boris Johnston's address on TV at the weekend, which despite the effortless pretence at universality, was solely an English matter in every respect apart from the solitary issue of border control (and rather full of meaningless waffle besides), so it may have left at least some viewers in Scotland rather confused or outright misled. (Not everyone may be following the Scottish Government's excellent lunchtime briefings, or have read the rather variable quality of the ensuing press reports.)

The First Minister should therefore insist on having a "right-of-reply" opportunity to address the population of the UK on peak time TV in order to make the current position in Scotland abundantly clear - as she is eminently capable of doing - in order to remove any current lack of clarity on either side of the border. This should include the public in England, since otherwise any ignorance or misunderstanding they may have about their so-called "Magic Monday" may potentially lead to travel behaviour into Scotland of an entirely inappropriate and unwelcome nature.

Why the contribution is important

Full clarity about government motive, intention and policy within its jurisdiction is essential for effective public behaviour, not least while such behaviour is our only defence against the virus.

by Arete on May 11, 2020 at 06:01AM

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Comments

  • Posted by Pamela55 May 11, 2020 at 21:47

    The title is worthy of 5 stars. Never before have I watched the Scottish and UK Governments in action simultaneously , with such admiration and disbelief respectively.

    I believe the point is valid though I am not sure the First Minister could have excelled in her post any further. The issue of UKGov handling I think is a bigger fish to fry and a matter for another time.

    The ability to implement control of messaging is a moving tide when the press and social media are such great players in the public contextualising of information, and there are errors in every area, deliberate or otherwise.

    Today is Monday, the day has passed with English people traumatised by confusion, and it is very serious. I believe, now, most Scots will be grateful for the delay in lifting lockdown, and I would beg though I believe it to be unnecessary, that Nicola Sturgeon does not lead us into the minefield that the south are suffering.

    It is my view, given a variety of recent events, that the Scottish Government deserve more respect from English counterparts, who in the name of a United Kingdom, bring shame on all who wish to respect Government. I believe solutions are possible, and look forward to witnessing transformation where it is desperately needed, and to the degree that it produces lasting results.

    I am grateful to the Scottish Government for providing this forum, as amongst the absurdity and tragedy of current times, a visibly supportive, rational and responsive government is a beacon of hope for us all, and gives me cause to have faith in the future of our country.
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