We’re living through an interesting and potentially groundbreaking peroid of history at the moment with “The Arab Spring”, the very first African-American President of the United States taking and retaining office, the economic balance of power shifting eastwards, and seeing the biggest challenge to Capitalism since the Bolshevik Revolution and “The Great Depression” of the 1930’s.
However, if you live in the United Kingdom there is another potentially historic development arriving in 2014: Scottish Independence. If you’ve not been following the news or do not live in the UK I’ll give a rundown of what I’m about to address. All of the nations which currently make up “The United Kingdom” were not always part of it; Ireland, Wales, England and Scotland to be exact. Scotland has been part of the UK for just over three centuries, since the 1st of May 1707 to be precise when the Acts of Union merged the Scottish Parliament with the Westminster British Parliament. With it’s foundations secured Britain went forth and forged the greatest empire known to man, an empire which stretched the width of the globe and brought many nations under it’s influence… “The sun never sets on the British Empire” was a term which was not too far from reality when it was coined.
Despite being immensely prosperous for the British Empire the imperial model was an unsustainable system, financially and socially, and sure enough nation after nation began either demanding autonomy or outright independence from the British Crown. Although the American War of Independence (1775 – 1783) had shaken the foundations of the British Empire the real killer blows came with the Boer Wars (1880 – 1881 & 1899 – 1902), World War One (1914 – 1918), and World War Two (1939 – 1945). In addition to almost bankrupting Britain these wars had also proven that Britain could no longer guarantee the safety of it’s colonies, the Japanese bombing of Darwin being a good example, and in the aftermath of World War Two many of these colonies began seeking new partnerships such as the ANZUS (Australia, New Zealand, United States Security Treaty) Treaty of 1951. Despite it’s worldwide empire fast falling to pieces Britain could be safe in the knowledge that it still had Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland (Republic of Ireland was recognized in 1922) to maintain the title of “United Kingdom”.
Now even that appears to be in question as the Scottish Parliament has recently taken the extraordinary step of deciding to hold a referendum on whether or not Scotland should remain part of the UK. If the vote in favor of ‘Devolution’* passes in November 2014 that would mean with immediate effect that Scotland will become it’s own state completely independent from British politics. That would only leave England with Northern Ireland, which is experiencing ongoing tensions with it’s republican neighbor, and Wales, who’s future in the UK also seems in question.
* Devolution essentially means the transfer of powers from the UK parliament in London to assemblies in Cardiff and Belfast, and the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh.
What this essentially means is that “The United Kingdom” would lose it’s second biggest member leaving England, Wales, and Northern Ireland as the remainder of what was once a global empire. The world has seen the death of the British Empire (if you’re one of those patriotic zealots who believes Britain still has an empire you’re delusional) and I genuinely think we’re about to see the death of the United Kingdom. If Scotland leaves the UK what does that mean for Wales? Even more so what does that mean for Northern Ireland, will it join it’s republican neighbor?
Sceptics have said that without support from England Scotland would fail to keep itself afloat, pointing to the recent Euro bailout of The Republic of Ireland as a fear-inducing example. However, consider this… Scotland is not part of the Euro currency and has shown little inclination of ever joining it. It has a considerable advantage that many sceptics overlook when addressing this issue, the size of it’s population. As of 2012 England has a staggering population of roughly 60,000,000 people whilst Scotland has a mere 5,000,000. Nay-sayers will eagerly point out the potential costs Scotland will face without support from Westminster but the fact remains that Scotland has a tiny population to care for compared to England and that any public services bill would be minute compared to the ever-rising English bill. Scotland has the means to care for itself outside of finance, something that England is now learning the hard way (thanks for that Maggie Thatcher…). It is already rearing it’s own livestock, cultivating it’s own land, and has access to North Sea oil which can help sustain it’s economy for the time being.
English critics of the 2014 referendum generally sound like parents who are desperately clinging onto their children and who don’t want them leaving the nest. I think that a more suitable analogy is that of overly-protective grandparents taking care of their grandchildren in a similar manner, except they are stuck in a time warp and cannot get over the fact that the British Empire is dead-and-buried.
Can Scotland stand by itself come 2014?
Who knows.
We won’t know until we let them try though, it’s time to let Scotland decide it’s own future.
Talekeeper 
My good friend Darren, who’s out of Aberdeen has been sick for the past 6 months. I’m more than positive that it’s the first symptom of an independent Scotland.
He’s obnoxiously broke btw. I think you answered my question of what he’s sick from…
Great post~
Wow, I just got a crash course! Very well written. Thanks, and congratulations on being Freshly Pressed.
Everything’s impermanent, especially in human affairs. It’s wonderful to embrace change and diversity. Hope it all happens peacefully!
I have visited England and Scotland several times and there has been talk of devolution in the past. Do you think the movement is different this time around?
I think it’s gathering steam at an incredible rate. I’m not sure why though, perhaps it has something to do with then tenuous position of the European economy.
Surely our plate-faced Prime Minister is letting Scotland go as he still has one eye on the Falkland Islands cause, you know, we apparently need those.
Good article!
All that needs to happen to resolve the Falkland Islands problem is to have the inhabitants partake in a referendum to determine whether they are “British” or “Argentine”.
The result of that will settle the matter for good, it’s no good politicians saying “They’re with us” or “No! They’re with us!”, we need it in plain writing from the people themselves.
I fully agree.
However, I fear the armed forces will be preparing for another extended island break at the expense of democracy, again. There’s just too much oil involved.
I like your optimism, but I’m not sure I agree! Didn’t the Falkland Islanders have a referendum before? The result of which showed they overwhelmingly wanted to remain British?
Didn’t realize that, concerning Scotland. It will be interesting to watch and see how this transpires.
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Awesome
Very interesting post, thanks for sharing and congrats on being Freshly Pressed!
I hope so much that Scotland stays a part of the UK… But it’s looking less and less likely. When the referendum was first announced, it seemed so unlikely, but now more and more people are looking at independence favourably, especially with the Conservative government in power in the UK while they only have one seat in Scotland. I think we’re stronger together, and England and Scotland will both lose out if we go independent (though England will lose out more, because us Scots rock).
Good post!
I care nought about Scotland, Wales, or any part of Ireland. I would like to see England declare independance. The Scots, Welsh, and Irish, aka the leftover United Kingdom, would then have to decide what to do. It would be really good fun for them.
As long as nobody starts shooting at each other, they’ll be fine.
I don’t get why they can’t simply meet on somewhat equal grounds as part of one country, like the individual states do in the US. The more populous or economically powerful states have a greater influence, but they’re not officially in charge of the rest.
I don’t understand why it has to be “England’s basically in charge” or “we all go our separate ways.” There’s a middle ground, where each nation (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland) has its own separate government, and you all come together in another federal government, all of which have taxation powers. All of those countries with the exception of Northern Ireland share an island together. It seems natural for them to come together and make one nation, but as a union of equals.
The American state system is an interesting idea, not sure how it would work out here but it’d be worth a shot.
Federalism would be the ideal; however we have to consider the history and the pride with which the Scots hold themselves to being separate and standing “on their own two feet” on the one hand, and on the other, you have the ultra-conservative types who like the status quo. No one has examined the middle ground; though with the Welsh and Northern Irish assemblies and the Scottish “parliament” we have come some way already towards a federal nation. But Westminster, and Number 10, and all the imagery that goes with it, still sits centrally, and power hungry.
Have you ever heard the last verse of the English national anthem?
“Lord, grant that Marshal Wade
May by thy mighty aid
Victory bring.
May he sedition hush and like a torrent rush,
Rebellious Scots to crush.
God save the King.”
The British no longer sing that verse. Maybe, after 2014, it’ll be added again…
I agree that Scotland should be independent. My question: Will an independent Scotland keep the pound, or use the euro?
As it stands joining the Euro is about as safe as sitting on a bear trap so I highly doubt Scotland will want to join it.
They will most likely keep their current currency so facilitate any potential change.
Just to point out that Scotland do have their own currecy, and as a general rule the further south in England you travel the less likely Scottish Pounds will be accepted. I’m from Northern England, and used to be a shop girl; I was surprised at the amount of peope wanting to spend what they had left of the ‘funny money’ before they travelled too far for them to be accepted (my town isn’t too far from the old A1, one off the two main roads to Scotland). The Scottish Pound is legal tender in England, but there are a lot of shops who refuse to take it.
I agree that if independance is what they want, they should be allowed to have it.
1707—Union of England and Scotland, Union Amendment Act—once the divine right of kings was out of the way (Bill of Rights), there was nothing superior to an act of Parliament, in theory any statute can be repealed or amended by any subsequent statute
1708—Diplomatic Immunity Act—Peter the Great was arrested from his coach, and detained for several hours…
1714—Death of Anne, accession of George I
1715—Jacobite Rebellion fails
1715—Riot Act—any persons to the number of twelve or more, to disperse themselves within one hour, GOD SAVE THE KING…(Martial Law)
1715—Pacification of Scotland
1718—Transportation Act—provided for removal out of the kingdom offenders who—because of youth, nature of offence, or first-time offence—were not deserving of the death penalty, but more than a whipping and release
1720—South Sea Bubble, many investors ruined after speculation in the South Sea Company
Hello Dale, I enjoyed this piece, most of the things I have read show a clear leaning in one direction or the other but this is quite even handed. Do you have an opinion as to which way is better? Like you, I believe that the Scots need to find their own path. Television and Radio are full of individuals protesting loudly that Scotland needs independence and this seems to rile some people. I know a few Scots who are not keen on independence and I have come to realise that people are less likely to be vocal on an issue if they support the status quo. They must have their vote and the opportunity to determine their own path, just as in England we should have the right to determine if we want to belong to Europe or not. It is a cornerstone of democracy that you have the right to choose your leaders and until we address this issue we are all ultimately living under an illusion of democracy. Our state figureheads may change, but the un-elected and anonymous keepers of the law remain beyond our sphere of influence. Keep writing!
I completely support Scotland’s choice to push for full independence.
To this day “The United Kingdom” serves as one of the few reminders of Britain’s imperial past, “The Commonwealth of Nations” being the other, and the sooner it is laid to rest the sooner England can start working towards the future.
I’m glad you brought up the European Union issue as well, that’s a highly contentious problem which really deserves it’s own post for me to delve into! Watch this space and you might see it in a few weeks time!
Cheers for the comment,
Dale
Reblogged this on ARZcreation.com.
Outer world definitions will not change the inner world politics. If anything, I find news like this only serves to keep people from looking deeper into the meaning of the words behind the law.
Since all the old are bankrupted and criminally chargeable, It is time to unite earth. There is nothing left in money or ability to go back to anywhere in the old. Promise then deliver nothing has rendered all the old meaningless. The country’s will be allowed to show off their culture on their own with the same ‘The First Question of Law is Always Democracy” for all country’s without prejudice. It’s called all the government employees in the middle paying themselves get fired and the money all paid directly to the citizen. With no taxes.
Wow – a typical American, I was not aware that this was happening. So historic! You make a good case for Scotland. After all, we still seem to be afloat over here across the Atlantic, even if it seems hit and miss at times! Good luck to you all – my Mom’s roots are English and my Dad’s are Welsh – I have a soft spot for the UK. Scotland is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited!
Oh! And congrats on the Freshly Pressed!
It remains to be seen whether the referendum will pass in 2014. I believe the Northern Irish parliament have the option to also vote to leave the United Kingdom and join the Republic of Ireland. They have yet to do so, so perhaps Scotland will vote to remain a part of Britain for the time being.
Wow! I wonder how much of the tourism industry would help sustain Scotland as well?
England has other things to worry about besides their states seeking full autonomy. Many inside England seem hell-bent on transforming it into something not seen since the days of William the Conqueror if it had been Saladin instead… Many might say that such a minority will never manage to succeed, but with notions of assuaging, political correctness and continual back-pedaling, these immigrants are forcing changes on the culture, populace and government of England like nothing the English did on their own following WWII.
England has been in a very long, slow decline and retraction. It will continue to do so and I wonder what fate the crown? I suspect that it will pass too though England strains to hold on to tradition while it falls over itself for its immigrants seeking to emasculate what England is forever more.
England needs to take a long, hard, and brutally honest look at itself in the coming years.
Sadly many Englishmen still live under the illusion that England is a major player on the world stage… when it’s not, those days are long gone. It is a fascinating experience studying a history degree at an English University (Exeter) because there is a LOT of history to discover here.
However… history is just that… “history”; great to use as guidance for the future but terrible to use as a social crutch.
I’d say let Scotland go their own way and if the likes of Northern Ireland and Wales wish to follow suit all the best to them, England has a lot of problems it needs to address before it can concern itself with those of others.
I think the main benefit for Scotland, in leaving Britain completely (we are already Devolved in a parliamentary sense and upcoming vote is for complete independence) is that people may begin to feel a part of something.
One of the major problems facing the vote is the fact that those iin positions of wealth and power generally have gained these things through business association with Britain (England) this of course has been gained at the expense of Scotland as a nation as Scotland has always bled a large part of its wealth and income to Britain (England) with proportionally very little coming back. Of course those who have invested in Engish business have gained but have also contributed to the destruction of Scottish business over the long-term. An example would be the influx of English supermarket chains which in turn destroyed local small chains.
Apart from this there is also the old bigotry – Catholic and Protestant (all linked to historical events in Northern Ireland). Here a large number protestants see themselves as loyal to the queen of England and that the notion of an independant Scotland has some bizarre link to Catholic Ireland. There are also those who have become brainwashed into becoming English in their thinking and look with nostalgia and longing at the traditions of England rather that looking at what is around them – a wee example of this was in a Highland shop during Queen’s Jubillee celebrations – a wee funny man came in and with a broad Highland accent asked “do you have a Union jack tie and a boater by any chance” (boater is a hat worn by english toffs at boating races on the thames).
Alas I fear that there are many problems and attitudes to overcome before independence could be achieved – As Robert Burns put it – Such a parcel of rogues in a nation!
I have my concerns as well especially if the than rest of the UK will leave the EU .I recon it will become very dark for the UK and grime. There is a lot of topics that have to attend to until there is a solution which will serve all members of the UK.
I am a citizen of the Republic of Ireland, and can;t help wondering how Scottish independence will affect how Unionists in Ulster see themselves. Who knows?
The departure of Scotland from the United Kingdom would be the beginning of the end for the United Kingdom as we know it.
It probably won’t happen right away but I can see Unionists changing their tune remarkably fast if Scotland manages to stand tall after leaving the Union.
I am currently reading a book called After the Victorians, and could not help but wonder at how the world changed in the 20th century. As we approach the centennial of the First World War, I wonder what it will look like in 2100.
Reblogged this on solusimasalahq.
Can’t say about Wales. But if Scotland breaks away. I can most definitely see Northern Ireland following suit! Whether she’d go with Ireland, Scotland, or by herself. Would be hard to say. My understanding is that when Ireland was so desperately trying to break away. The English were so afraid of other countries around the globe following suit. Sure enough in the next few decades after WW 2 they did just that! Who knows maybe the same thing will happen if Scotland leaves!
If the result of the 2014 referendum means that Scotland breaks away from England then I can seriously see Northern Ireland following suit. It won’t happen right afterwards, there’s too much history between Northern and Southern Ireland for that to happen as a knee-jerk reaction, but the pieces will be put in motion for sure.
well written and really interesting. thank you
If David Cameron gets his way, Scotland will not be leaving the fold anytime soon Lyncath.
But, given how he and his Conservative cronies are mismanaging the rest of the UK in favour of one percent of the population (the filthy rich) at the expense of the majority, I don’t blame the Scots in the least for wanting to divorce the Union.
Cameron is many things, most of them bad.
However, he has proven that he holds true to his promises on referendums… sort of.
Whilst I hope the Conservatives do not survive the next election I daresay that Labour is in no position to challenge them yet.
I wonder how this will affect our position within the EU, the subsidies that we receive and indeed our donations. Will we suddenly see the building of new roads and infrastructure as our position in the global and European markets is demoted and we become a struggling nation?
My personal view is that they (Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland) should split, devolution of power creates fairness and inspires new thinking, something that seems to be lacking in the United Kingdom.
True, very true.
Devolution would put an end to “The West Loathian Question” which irritates MP’s in Westminster to no end and would appease ‘Englishmen’ who are irritated at their taxpayer money going to Scotland.
Such a great analogy regarding the English begin as parents/grandparents clinging to a full-grown child. Thank you for giving us such a clear perspective. ~SN
I’m not really very aware about British politics but thanks to your article, I now have a good idea of how Scotland and the whole “Devolution” concept is making its way to old empires today.
Wow .. It would be historic if it did happen.
I wonder how many “British” still claim to be “British” when asked? I am “English” and state it so and yet, somehow, that seems more blurred now. Identity crisis for the English post “United Kingdom or have we always been so diverse?
Reminds me of how people treat Andy Murray. Whenever he is competing in a competition he is “British”, when he isn’t he is “Scottish”.
The problem with the whole independence idea is that the SNP have given very little in a coherent ‘exit strategy’ if you will. Over the last few years since they’ve really begun to have a voice, they have come up with solutions to solving the problems of succeeding from the United Kingdom, including joining the Euro (2008) to claiming the North Sea oil refineries. The problem though, is that most of the ideas they have come up with appear to be, shall we say, thought up on the back of a napkin. Joining the Euro is no longer a credible option, so now they want to keep the pound, in a different version….somehow.
Also, where does the desire for independence stem from? Unlike the majority of the Empire, Scotland was not forced into the union, in fact 100 years earlier a Scottish King ruled both England and Scotland through the agreement between Queen Elizabeth I and James IV. Its hardly a break away from servitude and tyranny? It all just seems that there is a nationalist party that wants more power for itself to rule a country, but doesn’t really have much idea on how to solve the massive problems of de-integrating a country that has been integrated for over 300 years! And what of the social problems? Whatever negative effects happen on either side of the boarder, both sides will blame each other for.
Northern Island is, yes, another country that may break away, under pressure from RoI, as for Wales, its unlikely, a recent pole suggested they are happy with being part of the UK.
Personally I doubt it will pass. I hope not anyway.
PS. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I don’t think the passing of the referendum in November 204 automatically means Scotland becomes independent, it just means there is a mandate for it (which obviously will have to be fulfilled….eventually!)
Alex Salmond was forced to tone down aspirations of having an independent Scotland join the Euro currency, especially after The Republic of Ireland was bailed out by the IMF. I think that Scotland will keep the Pound Sterling as it’s national currency, maybe slightly altered in name though (Australia and New Zealand despite being very close to each other geographically use different variations of the Dollar: Australian Dollar & New Zealand Dollar).
I think that part of the reason Scotland wants to separate itself from England now more than ever is because England has dragged it’s name through the mud and Scotland doesn’t want to be guilty by association. I think that they also feel embarrassed to be “looked after” by a ‘mother nation’ when so many nations in today’s world stand tall on their own, it is possibly a matter of national pride.
You’re right, I cannot see Wales wanting to leave the Union either, Northern Ireland however… that might be a different story and would be truly ground-breaking if it united with The Republic of Ireland.
You’re also right that the 2014 referendum would give Scotland the mandate to demand independence, but since they’d have already won the vote the SNP would be absolutely mad to not go all the way.
The big thing with Wales I think — or at least that I’d like to see — is simply for the Senedd to have the right to tax. Wales has a ton of resources, which is why it’s transportation system is completely set up to get things that are IN Wales, OUT of Wales. If that stuff can be taxed upon exiting Wales and the money plowed back into the country, that would be a reasonable way to remain part of the UK and still have Wales benefit from its own natural resources instead of being basically a refrigerator that England rummages through every now and then and otherwise pays no mind to.
That’s a very good point, the focus is very much on Scotland at the moment but it’d be silly to discount the Welsh from this picture.
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Makes for an interesting read, though being half Scottish via my mother, and speaking to my many Aunts, Uncles and Cousins from across the boarder, they seem to feel that an independent Scotland would not survive for too long on it’s own without joining the Euro and becoming a more integrated partner of the EU, which could be detrimental for England as a whole. I personally think that Scotland should, and will, remain part of the Union, but that is the sentimentalist romantic in me…
Very interesting piece, put somethings into perspective! We’ll see what is decided …
I am a Canadian who lived in the UK (south of London) for two years. My grandparents were from East London and Scotland. After much touring and a crash course in the history, I can see why Scotland is ready to reassert itself. The Scottish part of me did not like the British very much (historically!) We have a similar situation here in Canada – Quebec talks independence too and if they feel strongly enough about it, then it is best they leave, I suppose.
I’ve been meaning to study more Canadian history and would love the chance to go there in person in the near future.
Thanks! I’ve got more of a reason to do so now 😉
Canada’s prime minister and cabinet take an oath to “protect the queen, her family and their assets.” I wonder if Canada will ever ‘devolve’?
Thank you for educating me today. I think it would be great if Scotland would gain their independence from England. They fought for their independence for centuries, just as many other colonies have and yet like you say, they, wales and northern Ireland still remain apart of the UK.
I was fortunate enough to study abroad in Ireland in 2005 when the economy was alive and well there and we learned about the battle Ireland had with England, even just in the 1900’s to gain their freedom.
Their are never any guarantees in life. Scotland may need financial help, but really, which country doesn’t? Besides I say give them the chance they deserve. I hope it works out.
Thank you for a well written and informative post about your affairs across the pond. Being an American, I am forced to hear nothing in the news of worth about the UK, other than the exploits of the Royal Family. I am one of a dying breed of young American that actually cares about world affairs.
Also Congrats on Freshly Pressed.
It is very interesting reading some of the comments here – especially from those who say they are Scottish themselves. Scotland at present has what is referred to as a devolved parliament – “Devolve – Transfer or delegate (power) to a lower level, esp. from central government to local or regional administration.”
The question now is for complete independance beyond mere devolution.
THe devlution of the Scottish parlaiment was brought about by the Labour party – purely to take away the thunder from the independance debate. Scotland as a nation has alway voted labour and never for Conservative and it was assumed by the Labour party that they would then always run the devolved Scottish Parliament therefore essentially nothing would change.
However to their surprise, the populace elected SNP and now they run the devolved Parlaiment. People have generally seen a differnt kind of politics since the SNP came to power; where they are doing things to directly benefit the people of Scotland rather than just drag along behind the English line – like other parties do.
They abolished all road tolls immediately, made all medical prescriptions free for all, provide free bus travel to pensioners anywhere in Scotland and others – this is a basis for trust and it is these things that are making people sit up and pay attention.
As for Northern Ireland – Britain basically invaded Ireland long ago and ran it as a colony. The majority of the Irish people fought againtst this from the start. In the northern counties, Britain made a stronghold by offering land etc to poor protestant English folk and also to the protestant Border clans of Scotland (who were generally warring thieves and rogues) – the purpose of this was to create the said loyal strong hold which could then grow over the whole of Ireland. This never happened and the vast majority of people in the Northern counties of Ireland are now descended from the English and Scottish folk who were planted there.
Ireland wants the North Counties back and they will never be at complete peace until they do, the North counties (Northern Ireland) wishes to stay with protestant Britain – Loyalists. Even the thought of the North breaking from Britain is laughable when you look at the history and current attitudes.
The problem in Scotland is that the rich and those in search of power have become Anglified and generally just use the Scottish thing as a badge – big fatty’s squeezing into silly outfits to eat a bag of hot guts in some wierd praise ritual of a poet who hated them and all they stood for.
And do excuse the rants..I have become unemployed and am a bit bored!
This was like a “What’s going on with Scotland and UK” workshop. I was actually not aware of the details. I got a good laugh too, because of the cartoons.
Congratulations on being Freshly Pressed.
Reblogged this on Freshly Pressed.
Excellent post–really enjoyed your information and definitely will be a daily visitor. I live in the United States but my family finds its roots in England, Scotland and Ireland so I try to stay close to what’s happening in the Crown. Again, excellent post.
Thanks for your post – enjoyed a lot. I certainly hope for an independent Scotland, and see Scotland having no choice but to use the Euro, as that will be the stipulated condition made by the EU as with all other new joining countries. And they really should join, even if the EU are behaving disgracefully about it – they’ll have Catalonia to contend with next, then a break up of Belgium possibly. Their problem. But SNP needs to get it right. Scotland needs independence and one parliament.
Tony Blair when he was in ‘power’ I say this very loosely as his anus is still very wide after Bush had his hand shoved up there to control Blairs opinions on WMD. Blair saw this devolution question coming and In 1999 Westminster moved Scotland’s Marine Boundaries from Berwick-upon-Tweed to Carnoustie. Illegally making 6000 miles of Scotland’s waters English.
Scottish MSP’s who belong to the parties who allowed this order must be ashamed of this order or worried of the affect it will have at the Holyrood election. Should enough Scots be made aware of this dreadful decision.
The shocking thing about this secret order is that it was not openly discussed in the Commons, passed by the house of Lords and then passed by a very select Labour and Liberal committee in the Scottish Office.
One wonders if, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the First of Scotland, knew how undemocratic this order was before she signed it ?
This unjust act secretly passed, without the consent of the Scottish People took approximately 15% of oil and gas revenues out of the Scottish sector of the North Sea taking £2.2 Billion out of the Scottish economy. This lost revenue is more than the proposed £35 Billion Scottish budget cuts for the next 15 years (£2.16 Billion per year)
This order was passed on the grounds of Scottish and English fishing rights.
Why then did Hamish Morrison, the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation chief executive, say that although the boundaries became law a month ago, the federation had not been informed about the decision and there had been no effort made by the government to consult with the organisation on the matter.
England stole Scotland through murder and tyranny now they are doing it through secrecy and lies.
Does Scotland want independence from the rest of the UK – only if Westminster pack up their belongings, put away the Westminster spys and gave back our waters so the theft of Scotland oils and fishing rights will stop.
But of course Scotland won’t get its independence as there are far to many English landowners who do not wish to pay the tax directly to Scotland as they have to many favours from Westminster. Also Alex Salmond looks like your fat perverted uncle you only see at Christmas and leeches after the women after a few drinks.
We have seen this before. During the English Civil War (which is wrongly named as Scots, Welsh and Irish also fought in it ) a rich landowner who had two or more sons would send some to fight for the Royalist and the the rest to fight for Cromwell, so who ever won they would keep their lands.
It Just is not cricket old boy – what?
Independence and sovereignty are a wonderful thing that evolved from past necessary “changes” and will continue to do so as the alternative keeps proving itself to be disastrous.
NOTHING is new under the sun. History simply repeats itself.
GO SCOTLAND!
Reblogged this on Oyia Brown.
I think we in England should also be voting in this referendum. We will be seriously compromised if we lose Scotland and should have our voice heard too. 🙂