The problems may have just begun for Britain despite David Cameron leading the Conservative Party to a smashing triumph with a majority of their own defying predictions. The win comes against the background of a huge surge in Scottish nationalism, which potentially threatens the “United” in the United Kingdom. The Tory leader had also promised, in the course of a largely anodyne campaign in an election thought to be too close to call, that his party was committed to an “In-Out” referendum within two years on the UK staying in the European Union. The very stable UK political system will, however, not be endangered now by the disruptive ways of any “coalition dharma” so much as by its political geography facing the risk of being redefined in Scotland and in the EU.
The remarkable gains of the Scottish National Party, which decimated the Tories, the Labour Party and the Liberal Democrats, reducing them to one seat each in Scotland as opposed to its 56, puts last year’s referendum, in which the country chose to stay in the UK, in a different light. The strong Tory performance in other parts of Britain, especially in London, at the expense of Labour — whose rout may have come about as its leader Ed Miliband was seen as not radical enough for the Left and not impressive enough by the rest — promises the stability that British economists believe it needs. Labour’s policy of higher taxes and potentially huge borrowings were useful campaign scoring points for the Tories in an election that was a lot more about the economy and immigration than Scotland and the EU.
The Indian diaspora, as well as the Asian, may have tilted the scales. Generations ago, as poor immigrants, they may have been a captive Labour vote bank. After opportunities changed their lives, coupled with their hard work of course, the majority may have become Tory supporters. As Prime Minister, Cameron had done much in winning over the Asian population. In terms of continuity, India should be happy enough at the outcome although those harping on traditional Labour ties may wish to suggest otherwise. But, given the changed dispensation in India, it is likely the governments will get along even better.
Given the potentially divisive note on which he re-enters 10 Downing Street, Mr Cameron has already bowed to the Scottish mood in saying he wants to reclaim the “mantle of one nation”. Besides digging in for the long fight, Britain’s PM may have to tend to the National Health Service and other essentials as Ed Miliband of Labour, Nick Clegg of the Liberal Democrats and Nigel Farage of the Ukip have resigned as party leaders of their parties.
