Boris Johnson's problem is not the SNP, it's the Scottish people – Helen Martin

The debates and arguments over Scotland’s devolution and possible independence have been fascinating.

Between Boris Johnson, Scottish Tories and former Labour PM Gordon Brown, there is no agreement and no joint aim. Scotland just has to sit back and try to fathom these conflicting theories, and weigh them up against the option of independence – if that can be achieved.

Boris and co, having introduced and voted for the Internal Market Bill, are en route to reduce devolution. And with his desire to “take back control” of Scotland, that would wipe devolution out altogether.

He also believes the worst disaster of devolution, created by Labour, led to the SNP’s bid to break up the UK.

Douglas Ross, who leads the Conservatives in Scotland, says devolution is not a disaster and should be maintained, but the SNP’s obsession with another indy referendum is indeed a disaster.

Then there’s Gordon Brown, who wants a “four-pillar” plan working between the UK government and the devolved nations with all being listened to and respected with a Senate of Nations, and perhaps regions too.

Well, that’s amusing. An equal four-pillar plan would mean England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. But if the UK government still existed, what would be the difference between the current UK government still over-ruling devolved nations?

Boris Johnson and Nicola Sturgeon during the Prime Minister's visit to Bute House last year (Picture: Duncan McGlynn/pool photo via AP, File )

Gordon Brown certainly misled to Scottish people before the last referendum, vowing we would stay in the EU and have more respect from Westminster. It’s unlikely he could be believed now, but to be fair, perhaps he didn’t realise Boris Johnson and an extremist right-wing Cabinet would take over.

The problem with all of this devolution hoo-ha is that Boris, most of the Westminster Tory, Labour and Lib Dem MPs, and Scottish politicians who work for them, don’t realise or don’t want to admit that Scotland really is a different country, as is Wales and Northern Ireland.

England has a completely different take on life, priorities and politics. It’s number one goal is to promote wealth and the economy, have international and individual status, and build up strong weapons and military power.

All us other nations have a more sympathetic, socialist, attitude. We all want a decent and fair economy, a good market for our produce and the ability to import good quality products. We want international friendship, no nuclear status, and no wars.

When it comes to wealth, we want our poor sectors to increase their income, something far more important than producing billionaires and letting them off on tax. We want diversity and want to reject and condemn racism.

The SNP hasn’t done anything to “damage” devolution. But with our own devolved parliament, the majority of Scottish people have elected who they want (the SNP for 13 years). They have to deliver what we approve, which clearly is not what the UK is after.

The SNP isn’t the problem for Boris. His problem is Scottish people, a different country, which he doesn’t understand and doesn’t want to serve.

Pretty well proven when every time he makes a statement about Scotland, he boosts independence.

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