Anthony Barnett (London, OK): Let's say goodbye to "The Scottish Executive". As you can see the Saltire will replace the Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom on the Scottish government's official documents this week, and it has just been officially announced, the "Scottish Executive" will be renamed as The Scottish Government.
For a mere £100,00 this seems likely to prove a popular and cost-effective move in Scotland if not in Westminster. Rather than have a report on it from Scotland I think it should be welcomed from London, where the parochial media will mostly ignore it.
According to a BBC report Politicians from the Lib Dems and Labour have already begun to use the term Scottish government in recent months, while Labour leader-elect Wendy Alexander said:
"I am open-minded on the name change and recognise the possible advantages. However, it is inconsistent with a professed desire for consensus, conversation and co-operation to act unilaterally and without consultation. It is another sign that the trappings of office risk getting a higher priority than improving the lives of Scots."
But the Scottish executive, whoops!, government took account of public opinion and even had a citizens jury (Gordon Brown please note). Both apparently show that most Scots did not know what "Executive" meant. Now they know, it means they have a government. Were there any other alternatives?
PS: The Devil's Kitchen calls the initiative "treason not rebranding". Where I agree with the Devil is that it is lamentable that the first thing those opposed to it talk about is the cost.
