Scotland Deserves a Say – We Can't Be Dragged Into Another War

The UK Must Let Scotland Decide 

The war in Ukraine has gone on far too long. Both sides are suffering - people are dying, economies are struggling, and there’s no clear end in sight.

At this point, it’s hard to see why a ceasefire and proper peace talks haven’t happened already. It’s in everyone’s best interests - Ukraine, Russia, and the rest of the world - to find a way out of this mess.  

But here’s the problem:

Russia won’t back down because doing so would be politically embarrassing for Putin. His entire image relies on strength and admitting failure isn’t an option.

Ukraine, on the other hand, is stuck fighting for its survival.

And instead of the world’s most powerful country pushing for peace, some are using the war as an opportunity to play games and boost their own egos - none more so than Donald Trump.

Trump, Putin, and the Games They Play

Let’s not kid ourselves - Trump’s interference in the Ukraine conflict isn’t about helping anyone but himself. It’s hard not to see Putin’s fingerprints all over it. Trump has a long history of being suspiciously cosy with Russia, and his recent actions only add fuel to the fire.  

By dragging his feet on military aid and stirring up chaos, Trump is doing exactly what Putin wants - weakening Ukraine and dividing the West. And while he loves to brag about how much the US is doing for Ukraine, the truth is European countries have provided far more financial support. But that’s typical Trump - loud claims, little substance.

Even worse, Trump seems to view the devastation in Ukraine as some kind of business opportunity. There have already admitted that his administration wants to carve up Ukraine’s rich mineral reserves as a "reward" for US support.

It’s exploitation, plain and simple - disguised as generosity. He’s treating a brutal war like it’s a real estate deal, and innocent people are paying the price.

 

Humiliating Allies and Embarrassing the UK

The recent fiasco at the White House only made things worse.

Just a day after the UK Prime Minister made a fool of himself alongside Trump in their cringeworthy public meeting, Trump took things further by publicly humiliating Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Imagine standing side by side with the man who’s fighting to save his country, only to belittle and undermine him on live TV.  

And to top it off? The UK joined in the embarrassment by handing Trump a letter from King Charles, inviting him to an unprecedented second state visit. What message does that send? While other countries are working to support Ukraine and maintain dignity, the UK is bending over backwards to please a man who openly mocks our allies.

It’s not just embarrassing - it’s dangerous. And it’s dragging Scotland along for the ride. 

 

Scotland Should Have a Say

Let’s be clear: Scotland is being pulled into a diplomatic disaster. Decisions made by reckless, power-hungry politicians in Westminster and Washington could have real consequences for people here.

Some experts even say World War III has already begun, just not in the way we expected. If things escalate further, it could mean Scottish citizens being drafted into a conflict we had no real say in starting.  

And why? Because of bad politics, corruption, and the egos of self-obsessed leaders.

  

Scotland shouldn’t be forced to stand by while others decide whether our young people are sent to fight and die abroad. Holyrood should have a say - at the very least - about whether Scottish citizens are drafted into military action. Defence may be reserved, but our people are not pawns, and it’s time Westminster recognised that.  

The UK Must Let Scotland Decide 

This is bigger than party politics. It’s about whether Scotland can be forced into another war without our consent. We’ve seen it happen before - whether it was Iraq, Afghanistan, or now Ukraine, Scotland has had no real power to stop it.  

If Westminster starts talking about conscription, Scotland will have the right to refuse to participate. Our young people shouldn’t pay the price for decisions made by out-of-touch elites who will never see a battlefield themselves.

  

If the UK were to impose conscription with criminal penalties for refusing to enlist, it would create a legal and constitutional conflict in Scotland due to the division of powers between Westminster and Holyrood.

1. Defence Is Reserved, But Criminal Justice Is Devolved

Conscription falls under defence, which is a reserved matter. Westminster could legislate to require eligible individuals across the UK - including Scotland - to enlist.  

However, criminal law, courts, and prisons are devolved to the Scottish Parliament. This means that while Westminster could create the offence, enforcement, prosecution, and punishment would rely on Scottish institutions.

2. Can Holyrood Block the Punishment?

Yes, the Scottish Parliament could potentially block or hinder enforcement in several ways:

Refusing to criminalise refusal. Even if Westminster created the offence, the Scottish Parliament could decline to incorporate the new law into Scottish criminal procedure, making it impossible for Scottish courts to prosecute.

 

Instructing public bodies: The Lord Advocate, Scotland’s top law officer, is accountable to the Scottish Government. They could direct prosecutors (via the Crown Office) not to pursue cases related to conscription refusal.

 

Blocking prison sentences: Scottish ministers control the prison system and could refuse to detain those convicted under conscription laws.  

Passing counter-legislation: Holyrood could pass laws protecting conscientious objectors or explicitly decriminalising non-enlistment in Scotland.

3. Could Westminster Override Holyrood?

Technically, yes, through the Section 28(7) power of the Scotland Act 1998, which asserts Westminster’s ability to legislate on any matter, including devolved ones.  

However:

- Using this power to directly interfere with Scottish criminal justice would provoke a constitutional crisis.  

- Enforcement would still require Scottish institutions, and if they refused to cooperate, Westminster would have limited practical means to impose its will.

4. Historical Precedent

- During World War I and World War II, conscription applied in Scotland, but this was before devolution.  

- In the modern era, the political fallout from trying to enforce conscription against the will of Holyrood would be significant - especially given Scotland’s distinct political landscape and opposition to unpopular UK policies like the Iraq War.

5.  Political Ramifications

If Westminster tried to enforce conscription in Scotland without Holyrood’s consent, it could:

- Increase support for independence, as it would be seen as overriding Scottish democracy.  

- Lead to a constitutional standoff, where Scottish authorities refuse to implement the law.

In short, while Westminster could legislate for conscription, enforcement in Scotland would be severely limited if Holyrood refused to cooperate.

It’s time for Scotland to demand a voice - not just in war, but in every decision that affects our future. Because if we don’t, we’ll keep getting dragged into messes we didn’t create, paying for the mistakes of leaders we didn’t choose.

And that’s not just unfair - it’s unacceptable.