The English language and Scottish politics.

I am fascinated by the politics in (and of) Scotland and have read in detailed Alex Salmond's key speech on the independence referendum that he made this week. He is undoubtedly a brilliant communicator, and maybe the figure to lead the Scots to independence. He is one of those rare politicians that everyone seems to like - he is as comfortable on the 'One Show' as on the benches of the Scottish Parliament. If, like me, you regret the possible break-up of the union then Salmond is a formidable figure bringing about undesirable change.

Let me quote from his speech this week:
A country that speaks with its own voice, stands taller in the world, and takes responsibility for its own future. Independence is about Scotland rejoining the family of nations in our own right. We can be both independent and inter-dependent: we can stand on our own two feet, while working closely with other nations, our friends and neighbours.

Salmond is a political romantic; he makes the language of separation and independence sound like embarking upon a Sunday afternoon jaunt. Just read this passage of his speech with a more critical eye and the romantic language becomes apparent: 'stands taller in the world', 'family of nations', 'independent and inter-dependent', and ''friends and neighbours'. Of course real-world governance will bring few of these things, and the opponents of independence will have to challenge Salmond far more effectively than they are doing so far. They may wish to suggest that a country on it own does not stand taller, or alone can it guarantee a better future (far from it), independence will not allow Scotland to join a 'family of nations' (whatever that means), and it is not possible to be independent and inter-dependent at the same time, and finally, no nation today can stand on its own two feet.

It is rather sad that the word 'union' is discredited. I am old-fashioned in still believing in a 'union' of peoples, whether that be the United Kingdom, the European Union, or indeed the United Nations. Each of these in different ways has brought peace and prosperity by working together in union. Not perfect, but still a union. We may live to regret the language of independence.

Nevertheless it is for the people of Scotland to decide; that in itself reflects the strength of the United Kingdom. In the debate that will precede the referendum I trust that the opponents of independence in Scotland will not underestimate the political guile of Alex Salmond.