Britain | Populism, Scottish-style

The SNP response to the blocking of its transgender act is illiberal

Why the British government’s policy is not an attack on devolution

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - DECEMBER 20: First Minister Nicola Sturgeon during the time tabling debate for the Stage 3 Proceedings of the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill on December 20, 2022 in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Andrew Cowan - Pool/Getty Images)
Image: Getty Images

The Scottish National Party’s plan for their new nation reflects a classically liberal ideal of limited government. It would feature a written constitution, which would entrench fundamental rights and “bind the institutions of the state”, all overseen by a Scottish Supreme Court. For many Scots this is an attractive alternative to Britain, where a swaggering government seems to do as it wants so long as it controls Parliament.

This article appeared in the Britain section of the print edition under the headline “Populism, Scottish-style ”

From the January 21st 2023 edition

Discover stories from this section and more in the list of contents

Explore the edition

More from Britain

Blue lights flashing on an ambulance

Many Britons are waiting 12 hours at A&E

The crisis in emergency care has deep roots

Members of the public look at a floral tribute in Southport in memory of three children killed at a dance studio in the city in July 2024

Is British justice too secretive?

Controversy rages over what happened both before and after a horrendous mass stabbing



The rise of the Net-Zero Dad

Middle-aged men care less about the problem. But they love the solution 

Backing Heathrow expansion suggests Labour is serious about boosting growth

It is the surest sign yet that the government is up for the fight