Support for Scottish government.
On May 21 First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced a four-step plan for easing Scotland’s COVID-19 lockdown restrictions, with Phase 1 beginning today. Sturgeon’s handling of the crisis so far has been widely praised, bolstering public trust in her government. Meanwhile, a string of perceived UK government failings has compounded existing Scottish anger over honesty, transparency and fairness that will only deepen when issues such as Brexit return to the fore.
A second infection wave in England would further rally Scots behind Sturgeon’s strategy.
Any more moves by the UK government that complicate Scottish quarantine measures will further harm its reputation.
The increasing normalisation of political difference between Scotland and England will facilitate pro-independence arguments.
Economic damage as a result of the COVID-19 and Brexit crises may compound fears of more upheaval in the event of Scottish independence.
