In mourning, we may appear to be one United Kingdom – but don’t fall for the tale of togetherness | Martin Kettle

Collective grief for the Queen has shown us what the nation could look like. If only Westminster politicians cared

As the Queen’s coffin proceeded solemnly up the Royal Mile to St Giles’s Cathedral from Holyroodhouse on Monday amid packed crowds, I texted a colleague out on the sunlit streets of Edinburgh. These were extraordinary scenes, we both agreed, but would they have lasting consequences in and for Scotland? My friend’s reply was quick and emphatic. “I’ve got no doubt about it. All this unity!”

Thousands are gathering this week to mark the death of the Queen, not just in Scotland. The crowds will grow even larger as Monday’s state funeral draws nearer. The need to be part of the shared story, and to attempt to process the personal loss, is strong and widespread. In spite of the occasional protest, which it is crass to penalise, we are living through an immense collective event. It is silly to deny it – but equally vital not to misinterpret it.

Martin Kettle is a Guardian columnist

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