Well Done Scotland

Well that's the votes counted. I found, as I expected, that my opposite numbers standing at the polling places were, like me heartened by the engagement of Scotland's citizens in the great debate. I remain on good terms with them and, I believe, they with me.

Scotland can stand proud about the manner in which we spent our moments in the world's eye. A few eggs thrown, in both directions, could not detract from the absolute civility with which we all conducted ourselves.

The School of Athens by Raphael
from Wikipedia

But fundamentally, we have all been reminded that democracy is the property of the people not of politicians. Correctly as the word's origin is from dēmos 'the people' and kratia 'power'.

Where does it leave us all? Highest ever turnout – good. An absolute vote for change – “No” ultimately won on the back of a promise of radical new powers for Scotland. And both sides obtaining a bigger share of the vote than any political party at any recent general election. And both sides gained many, many more votes than any party.

The test for democracy is how we treat our minorities. And as a Yes campaigner I am part of a very big minority -1.6 million. More than all the voters in the European elections earlier this year.

Whoever had won the vote, there was always going to be hard work for the winners in delivering on their promises. All Scotland will be watching and testing delivery against campaign rhetoric.

I noticed a note of envy from commentators south of the border about the positive energy walking our streets and glens. For it has raised questions about the disconnect between Westminster and communities across England as well as in Scotland.

The UK has become both highly centralised and at best faux democratic as its parliamentary institutions have stumbled into a kind of self-centred, self-seeking oligarchy.

Successive generations of UK governments have appointed increasing numbers of lords to rebalance the second chamber in their favour. It must be time to look, at the very least, at fixed term rather than life-time memberships of the House of Lords.

And with about 1,470 members in the UK's Parliament, the centralising tendencies of that place have grown. I sense stirrings of a desire to debate democracy for England after our great debate.

For my part, campaigning is always invigorating. It's now back to delivery and like any true democrat, I shall be working with others to benefit our folk, our communities.

Well done Scotland.