Glasgow Law Professor running for Holyrood

Professor Adam Tomkins is one of the Law School’s heavyweights: he co-wrote an actually enjoyable textbook, worked on devolution in the Smith Commission, and was a legal advisor in the House of Lords. Now, the father-of-four is running for the Scottish Parliament in Anniesland and heads the Conservatives’ Glasgow list. The Tab decided to pick his brain for a few minutes.

You are a vocal opponent of Scottish independence. You feel so strongly about this that you’ve decided to try your hand at politics. Where does the passion come from?

Because Independence would be such a retrograde move, both for Scotland and for the rest of the UK. Britain is one of the truly great countries in the world. It would diminish us all to see it broken up.

How has the campaign treated you?

I’ve enjoyed it immensely. If teaching is the best part of being an academic, meeting and talking with voters is definitely the best part of being a politician.

You’re a respected constitutional scholar, yet you took flak for wanting to keep going on as an educator if elected. Why all the hate?

I don’t think it’s hate. I think there is a legitimate interest in knowing what people who are seeking to represent the public in Parliament intend to do with their time.

Recently, you’ve said that university is a privilege and not a right. That made Strathclyde rather unhappy. Nicola Sturgeon then responded that if “you’ve got the grades… then access to university absolutely should be a right”. What’s the difference between a privilege and a right?

Wherever there’s a right, there’s a corresponding duty on someone else. The State and families have a duty to educate children. No one has a duty to accept an applicant student into university, even if they have the grades. 

Remain or leave the EU?

Remain. The more I hear from ”Vote Leave”, the weaker their case becomes.

Many students see the Conservative Party as a party for rich white guys. Why should anyone outside that box consider the Tories?

You should ask Annie Wells, the No. 2 on the Glasgow list. She’s working class, gay, and a woman. And she’s going to make a brilliant Tory MSP!

Who’s more fun: Ruth Davidson or Boris Johnson?

I’ve not met Boris but can vouch for the fact that Ruth is enormous fun. I did debate prep with her in 2014 and have done so again in this campaign. I’ve never laughed so hard.

What’s the best Tom Waits song?

Heart of Saturday Night. I love drop-d tuning on the guitar!