In fairness to the SNP they increased their number of votes. It's a quirk of the voting system that their seat share decreased.
If there is a second vote I imagine the tone will be a lot less positive. Last time it was all about being a small, wealthy nation with the desire to stand up and make its own name in the world. This time, the previously small but poisonous anti-English voices in the campaign will be emboldened. It will be a vote to leave in panic rather than in confidence.
Overall as a staunch supporter of Scottish independence this is nowhere close to what I want to see.
I have the same fear. The previous campaign were very clear and consistent with a sort of "separate but best friends" view on how they'd like to see the Scotland/UK relationship. I suspect it'll be a little more hostile this time round
The First Minister did make sure to point out today that they can still be friends with England, Wales and Northern Ireland if the indyref2 succeeds and Scotland exits the UK, though. So the SNP isn't being openly hostile yet, even if they are obviously confrontational.
If there is a second vote I imagine the tone will be a lot less positive. Last time it was all about being a small, wealthy nation with the desire to stand up and make its own name in the world. This time, the previously small but poisonous anti-English voices in the campaign will be emboldened. It will be a vote to leave in panic rather than in confidence.
Overall as a staunch supporter of Scottish independence this is nowhere close to what I want to see.