We must believe the SNP when it says it wants independence

What is the most patronising response to Scottish nationalism? Received wisdom among the political, media and academic establishments north and south of the border says it is Unionism. Or rather, the sort of Unionism that says the constitution is reserved, Westminster should keep refusing another referendum, and perhaps should even legislate to inhibit or prohibit secession.

I disagree. That sort of Unionism is the only one that respects nationalism. It listens to what the SNP has to say, takes its articles of faith at face value and, being of the opposite point of view, works to defeat the nationalists’ objectives. It is honourable intellectual combat.

No, the most condescending response to the SNP comes from a particular kind of devolutionism. This strain of devolutionism, which originates in Labour but has been partially absorbed by the Conservatives, answers every call for independence with a fresh proposal for constitutional reform. In the corridors of Whitehall and among the London commentariat and wonkocracy, devolution is still thought of as a means of staving off independence.