In less than nine weeks the Scottish people will elect their new parliament and their local councils. The current global situation will have an effect on how they vote, as it has brought into sharp focus their lack of a voice - with sovereignty they could become a full-blooded member of the European Union. What is the feeling in Scotland about independence? Even if there is overwhelming approval, how will your neighbor to the south react? :m: Peace.
I think most people are very nationalistic, but at the same time mostly indifferent to independence. Those who actively want independence are a minority, from what I can tell, although if a referendum was held, I think quite a bit more people would vote for independence.
Looking at recent developments, I think Scotland might be moving towards a state which is self governed but the British sovereign is still head of state e.g. Canada or Australia. If Scotland had its independence, what would the loss of the generally leftish Scottish members of the British parliament do to the hopes of the labor party? Would their departure open up an opportunity for the Tories to claw their way back to power, or would it help the liberal democrats more? Generally, I think the combination of a smaller democracy in Scotland and participation in a larger supranational entity like the EU seems a good combination, but what are the larger effects? Would Great Britain have to remove the cross of St. Andrew from the union jack? :bugeye: :m: Peace.
odin - I thought North Sea oil money went into Scottish coffers -- wouldn't they be financially BETTER off separated from the English?
what are you doing now? catnip? -------------------------------------------------------------- after 290 years, the scottish nation stands proudly once more, visible to all! rise up my welsh brethren! rise up and throw off the yoke of the hated english! .... it shall come to pass when thou shalt break loose, that thou shalt shake his yoke from off thy neck. actual biblical prediction!
We wish! I believe in independence for England; and for Wales, NI and Scotland. However I'd still like us to remain within the EU - there are some things (defence, big science, etc) that small countries can't do by themselves. Cheers (or should I say 'slainte') Ron (in Glasgow)
odin - I thought North Sea oil money went into Scottish coffers -- wouldn't they be financially BETTER off separated from the English? ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Mayor,Ken Livingstone,stated on TV the other week that more money from London is spent on Scotland than is spent on London itself. Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image!
Goofyfish I haven't read the responses, but somehow, I don't think England and Ireland, among other folks/countries, would take too kindly to their "brother" breaking away from "Great Britain"
Well, he would, wouldn't he! The truth is that the rest of the UK (Scot, NI, Wales and even the rest of England) subsidises London. Why, for example, should you get extra salary (as they do) for working in London and not, for example, for living in Edinburgh (the second most expensive place to live in the UK). I'd be happy to take my chances on independence (within the EU) - we have 5 million people and a huge land area. We couldn't fail. Cheers, Ron.
for living in Edinburgh (the second most expensive place to live in the UK). ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- So which is the most expensive? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ within the EU) - we have 5 million people and a huge land area. We couldn't fail. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Good luck!It is a fact that the south carries scotland,it would be broke without the south! Mind you we would be down 70% in the SAS if it happened!
Well, London of course. Well, it's not a fact - but it is a point for discussion. Why would my friends in Liverpool exhort me not to vote Scot Nat? Because it would leave them to the hegemony of the South. But don't get me wrong - many of my friends are from the South, inc London. It's just that, if there is a subsidy junkie in the UK, it's London.
