SNP’s latest challenge – as usual flatly turned down by Westminster – is part of a wider strategy
It is a constitutional two-step that is wearyingly familiar: the Scottish government puts forward a proposal it presents as an innovative solution to a pressing problem, if only Westminster would allow some flexibility and grant it the necessary powers … and the UK government responds immediately in the negative.
The tune may vary – be it a deposit return scheme, gender recognition reform, or indeed the opportunity to hold a second referendum on Scottish independence – but the steps are the same every time.
