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Boris Johnson Faces New Political Danger in Scotland as COVID-19 Threat Eases

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

As the United Kingdom embarks on the third stage of lifting lockdown restrictions in England, Boris Johnson is set to announce a major reopening of the economy on May 17. However, the Prime Minister's plans will be put to the test in Scotland, where Nicola Sturgeon has reemerged as First Minister with a renewed mandate for a second independence referendum. Sturgeon has warned Johnson that once the COVID-19 pandemic is under control, she will push for another vote on Scottish independence, possibly as soon as 2022. Johnson has consistently resisted the idea of another referendum, citing the ongoing pandemic as a reason to delay discussions on the issue.

Key Takeaways:

  • Boris Johnson will announce a major reopening of the economy in England on May 17, as the UK government eases lockdown restrictions.
  • The Prime Minister will allow most businesses to reopen, including indoor serving in pubs and restaurants, and some larger performances and sporting events will be able to reopen to spectators with restrictions.
  • Nicola Sturgeon has reemerged as Scotland's First Minister with a renewed mandate for a second independence referendum, potentially as soon as 2022.
  • Johnson and Sturgeon spoke yesterday to discuss a joint approach to the pandemic, with the First Minister warning the Prime Minister that independence is "now a matter of when, not if".
  • Michael Gove has stated that the UK government will not go to the Supreme Court to block a second referendum, and Johnson's allies believe he is determined to resist another vote.
  • The Scotland Act of 1998 reserves constitutional matters for the UK parliament, but Sturgeon's SNP has a renewed parliamentary majority for a second referendum with the support of the Greens.

Statistics:

  • 64: The number of seats secured by Nicola Sturgeon's SNP in the 129-seat Holyrood parliament, just one short of an absolute majority.
  • 2022: The potential date for a second Scottish independence referendum, as suggested by Nicola Sturgeon.
  • 1998: The year the Scotland Act was passed, reserving constitutional matters for the UK parliament.
  • 129: The number of seats in the Holyrood parliament.
  • 1: The number of seats by which Sturgeon's SNP fell short of an absolute majority.
  • 8: The number of seats secured by the Greens, who have pledged to support Sturgeon in calling for a second referendum.

Sources:

  • The Times
  • The Sunday Times
  • BBC News
  • The Andrew Marr Show
  • The Scotland Act of 1998
  • Nicola Sturgeon, Scottish National Party
  • Michael Gove, Cabinet Office Minister
  • Boris Johnson, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom

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