Thought for the Week: Different but not divided
Robin Waterston reflects on the result of the historic Scottish referendum
By now, the result of the historic referendum will be known. It has been an intoxicating period in Scotland, with an intense debate across the country about what kind of vision of the future those living here want. This has proved to be more expansive, more inclusive and more egalitarian than anything on offer from what used to be called the mainstream parties.
Though the route from here to there is shrouded with difficulties, this – coupled with real anger at so many Westminster policies over three decades or so – is what has driven so many to vote Yes to independence. And these feelings are substantially shared by many No voters. The discussions have engaged the entire country to an extent that has no precedent.
It is important to say that I have detected no anti-English sentiment in any of this. The argument is with the political establishment. It is not in any way ethnic. It is nationalistic, of course, but not narrowly so. The spirit is forward-looking, not nostalgic.
Friends in Scotland have views as diverse on this topic as the population as a whole. There are passionate advocates of both Yes and No, and there are many who have been torn between the competing arguments. We have reflected together in General Meeting for Scotland and in Local Meetings across the country. Throughout, we have differed without being divided.
If the result is No to separation, there will be an urgent need for profound reflection across the whole of the UK on a new deal for a genuinely federal relationship among the constituent nations. We cannot stay as we are.
If the result is Yes, there will be shock waves throughout our islands. A very difficult period of intense negotiations will follow. There will also be deep feelings of sadness and loss by many.
Either way, there will be a place for British Quakers to engage actively with the process and try to bring to bear our experience of working creatively in situations of conflict and high tension.
I should add that there is no separatist feeling among Friends in Scotland regarding Britain Yearly Meeting, which is already not defined by national borders, so a Yes vote would not impact on our structures.
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