What a strange turn of the screw in the story of nationalism. A Conservative government, Unionist in its title and nature, is taking England on a separate route out of the coronavirus crisis.
And succeeding in making an almighty mess of it.
The differences between England and the rest of the UK announced by Boris Johnson last night are not huge.
But the core messaging, changing from “stay at home” to “stay alert”, can only be read as a signal to people locked in their homes for the last two months to open the front door.
Particularly as it comes on the heels of the Government trying out policies by drip-feeding them to accommodating media outlets – only to backtrack.
Confused? You will be with this bunch of second-rate politicians.
Devolution means Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland can go their own way on health and the devolved leaders – not least Nicola Sturgeon – have been united in their consistent, cautious approach.
Unity, you would think, dictates consensus on the biggest threat to public health in our lifetimes.
But it is Johnson’s Government that has decided to throw out what has been a massively successful public health message, only to replace it with a vague and clumsy attempt to prepare people to go back to work.
It is a recipe for confusion to encourage people back to work but ask them not to use public transport, to sunbathe and play football and travel for leisure but to face increased fines for breaking social distancing measures. It creates a quagmire of messaging across the UK.
Were it in any other policy area that was not a direct threat to life, the differences would be quite cheering both for nationalists and unionists.
Johnson’s address to the nation will have left viewers open palmed and asking the television screen: “Which nation do you mean?”
Let us be clear. The First Minister’s “stay home” message is a responsible approach. Johnson’s new slogan, by contrast, will confuse, lead to more people leaving their homes and is, arguably, dangerous.
Now is the time to strengthen our resolve, not send us down a path that could lead to a disastrous second spike in cases.
Our local heroes
The nurses, doctors and police might be the everyday heroes in our war against coronavirus but behind them are local groups with names such as old codgers and men’s shed.
They’re going out of their way to help their communities through this crisis. Small and large acts of kindness will make all the difference in these strange times.
It’s important work – and Scotland applauds you too.
