Scottish independence: Don't be surprised if Boris Johnson tries to bribe or punish Scotland – Helen Martin

Those who win more constituencies, gain fewer list seats, so it is logical and advantageous for the SNP, given their vast constituency triumph, to secure a formal “co-operation agreement” with the Scottish Greens so that there is a clear majority, especially with everything they have to do over the next five years.

Nicola Sturgeon has also had discussions with Labour leader Anas Sarwar to try to encourage all parties to work together on some common aims and policies.

She welcomes all to have meetings with her. It seems the four Lib Dems aren’t enthusiastic, but least keen of all are the Conservatives (who are mostly list MSPs) whose main aim throughout the election, and their primary focus now, is to fight against Independence, and block the Indyref.

What they don’t declare so loudly to the public is that their anti-independence attitude means accept Brexit, never attempt to re-join the EU, maintain Trident, reject immigrants and asylum seekers, maintain tax havens, prevent Scotland from making its own decisions, remain under the rule of Westminster and accept its harshly reduced benefits for the poor.

Even though most SNP voters wanted the referendum sooner, rather than later, Nicola Sturgeon is still putting Covid first, aiming for a referendum in 2023.

Having a majority with the SNP and Greens makes the Conservatives a clear minority. We shouldn’t be surprised if Boris Johnson reacts by trying to bribe, punish or thwart Scotland.

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