Has the SNP really turned its back on identity politics?

The term ‘progressive’ has been much abused in the past decade. Originally a term denoting enlightenment and social universalism, it became synonymous with the tribalism of identity politics and unenlightened transgender ideology. But perhaps this new ‘woke’ variant of progressivism has had its day. At any rate, change is in the air in Scotland. 

The chaotic disintegration of the Green-SNP alliance has left the bien pensant radicals in Scotland in poor shape. That ‘progressive coalition’ has been replaced with a small ‘c’ conservative alliance between John Swinney, a middle-aged white male if ever there was one, and Kate Forbes, his new deputy – who is unapologetic about her faith-based views on key LGBT issues like gay marriage. 

Forbes is a member of the ultra-conservative Free Church of Scotland, often called the ‘Wee Frees’ by its critics. Last year, she famously declared that she would not have voted for same sex marriage had she been an MSP when the bill was passed by Holyrood, nor did she approve of having children out of wedlock.