Brown should embrace the fight over the Union

Labour appears split over whether or not it wants a referendum on Scottish independence, Wendy Alexander is in favour but Gordon appears to be against. But I actually think Gordon should want such a referendum as it provides him with an opportunity, albeit a risky one, to get back on track.

Here’s my thinking:

1). The pro-Union forces would win: The latest poll shows that only one in four voters support independence and being associated with a winning side would be good for Brown right now.

Most popular

Simon Cook

Pensioners have never had it so good

2). It would allow Brown to show his passion: A large part of Brown’s problem at the moment is that he appears to stand for nothing. But as Matt has long argued, Brown has thought more about the meaning of Britishness than any other contemporary politician. Being the impassioned defender of the Union would give Brown a role again and might even enable him to look like a statesman.