Scotland’s COVID-19 crisis will boost Sturgeon support

Subject

Support for Scottish government.

Significance

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.

Impacts

• 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.