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Why the world should care about Scottish independence

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increasing doubts about its future in Europe

With Brussels placing pointless bans on "high power" electrical goods, swinging the axe on pensions, and the countless other restrictions it's forcing upon Britain, it looks more like the EU is forcing Britain out passive-aggressively. The doubts we have aren't really linked to Scottish independence at all. The EU seems to be taking care of that themselves. When it was announced that Brussels was seeking to give a pay rise to MEPs, there was huge outrage in Britain. We have yet to see anything worthwhile come from these MEPs, least of all anything that warrants them getting paid more, when millions of Brits struggle to live on measly wages that they slave away for. Frankly I'm amazed we haven't already given the finger to the EU.

Wales would almost inevitably demand more powers of its own

Wales seems to already be doing that. Not only that, but some regions in Wales are showing strong signs of seeking independence from Britain as Scotland is. There's quite a strong Anti-English sentiment in the region where I currently live. Violence against English people has been increasing in recent years as the region experiences a surge of nationalism. Those who aren't violent are very passive-aggressive against the English. If Scotland votes for independence, it's quite likely that Wales will follow suit. If that happens, I'm heading back to England even if I have to walk.

-5 ( +1 / -6 )

As a Brit, I can only see Scottish independence as a good thing.

The average rainfall for Britain will fall, the average life expectancy will rise dramatically....

What's not to like? ; )

6 ( +8 / -2 )

I'm British and I believe in the union, so I care.

1 ( +5 / -4 )

People like to root for the underdog.

If visit British isle, "Scotland" plus "England" visa stamps would be cooler than just "United Kingdom".

Scottish people probably happier and more cheerful if in charge of their own destiny, making Scotland a nicer place to visit.

Gives hope to people in various subunits with secessionist populations. Texas, HK, California, etc.

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

I love Britain but despise the UK.

For me Britain means local accents, great people, and interesting landscapes. The UK is queens, dukes, knighthoods, a seat in the House of Lords, lost colonies, changing the guard, public schoolboys, arts degrees from Oxford, the officers mess, judges with wigs, a permanent seat in the UN security council, sending chaps to Iraq, received pronunciation, the British Council, and women named Fraser-Pryce and Campbell-Brown running in the Olympics 100m final.

In 1967, a Scottish politician named Winnie Ewing was elected to parliament. Her most famous line was, "Stop the world, Scotland wants to get on." The idea still makes sense to me.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

The British people are fantastic. It's the politicians that are the problem and they are the ones pushing and controlling this referendum a most disgraceful way. It's politicians that will kill the union. The polls are now putting the vote at pretty much a 50-50 split. If it's Yes or No, Scotland will take generations to heal the anger, distrust and hate this referendum has caused.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

@turbostat Not so cool when you have mortal enemies. And make no mistake, the US/UK have mortal enemies.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

People like to root for the underdog. If visit British isle, "Scotland" plus "England" visa stamps would be cooler than just "United Kingdom". Scottish people probably happier and more cheerful if in charge of their own destiny, making Scotland a nicer place to visit.

I agree.

Gives hope to people in various subunits with secessionist populations. Texas, HK, California, etc.

funniest post I've ever read. Too funny. I'm from California, I don't think that's such a bad idea actually. California operates practically like a country, maybe one day.... :-)

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

There’s at least one benefit from Scotland leaving. Which is that sterling still retains some of the attributes of a reserve currency. That means that the exchange rate is higher than it would be without that status. A reasonable estimate is that, on a properly trade weighted basis, the pound is some 20% over valued. Some to most of that is simply a result of that reserve status. The status goes and so would the over valuation.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

The basic, and slightly worrying problem with this story, particularly as that it is from a UK news agency, is that even if the UK will (could) lose Scotland, Britain couldn't — unless there were an unbelievable earthquake or tsunami.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

There is all evidence to suggest UK will soon become DK (divided kingdom)! The Catche-22 question - what is the future of British Monarchy?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I bet Liz will be pissed to lose Hollyrood and nearly 10% of her subjets. Will she be rattling her jewels at the ballot counters?

0 ( +1 / -1 )

@timtak. Don't be silly, she is still the Queen of Scots whether Scotland is independent or stays in the union. The thrones of Scotland and England were joined in 1603, when James VI of Scotland also became James 1 of England, more than 100 years before political union. 10% of 'her subjects'? The population of Scotland is less than 10% of the UK population. There are 8 million in London alone. Just another example of commentators having no idea what they are talking about.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

scipantheist : @turbostat Not so cool when you have mortal enemies. And make no mistake, the US/UK have mortal enemies.

Not getting your point. Even Japanese guy has to worry if he goes to visit ISIS at home.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

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