Scottish Independence

[afleitch]

I look forward to the argument, debate and vote. I want to see the raw figures behind any seperation deal; if it looks good I'll vote for it.

Same with any severance package

[afleitch]

How well is Scotland able to support itself economically?

Depends on who you ask

"Scotland has an estimated potential of 36.5 GW of wind and 7.5 GW of tidal power, 25% of the estimated total capacity for the European Union and up to 14 GW of wave power potential, 10% of EU capacity"

If that potential is harnessed...guess who gets the money

[afleitch]

"Joined" the EU? They're in already.

Does the territory of a EU member automatically become a EU member state itself when seceding from its original home country??

Under a strict interpretation yes. Even if Scotland has to apply for membership, membership would probably be immediate.

And the rest of Britain's fear is of course...this


£££££££££

[afleitch]

"In Scotland 29% of people support Independence, 58% of people were opposed"
"Compare this with England and Wales. English and Welsh respondents are pretty evenly split on Scottish independence – 41% would support Scotland becoming independent, 40% would oppose it"

LOL

http://ukpollingreport.co.uk/blog/archives/3570

The thing is, from much of the press (except in their Scottish editions of course ) I, as cool headed as I think I am, am starting to feel we are not wanted in the union by some. Even the irony of someone from the North East of England griping about 'subsidising' the Scots has started to become more of an irritation.

There are economic reasons for Scottish independence; it is also increasingly looking like the only way (barring complete fiscal autonomy) conservatism can thrive in Scotland too.

[afleitch]

Some recent developments.

Earlier this week, the Scottish Secretary Michael Moore indicated that Scotland would, in what is quite possibly a world first need two referendums. One on independence itself and a second on whether to accept a negotiated seperation settlement. This was rejected by the UK Cabinet who insisted that one referendum would be required. The Scottish Government has given it's clearest indication of what will be asked. Mr Salmond has confirmed that they may not be 'restricted' by a one question referendum offering the Scottish people the option of independence, 'devolution max' or the status quo.

[afleitch]

All of the Americans will vote 'yes' because they mistakenly believe that Scotland is a land of Romance. Most of the British posters will vote 'no' because they mistakenly believe that Scotland is a land of bleakness and Irn Bru.

What is you're Australian and vote no because you like the idea of the English having to put up with the Scots determining their government?

That means you're a masochist