I'm not sure they really do. I think Mr Salmonds real plan is to get more power while still getting the English to subsidise them. Drive towards independence, then put a third middle ground on the ballet that what you really want.
Given how much the Scottish economy relies on the Public sector, I can't see how'd they'd sustain it if they lost the money from Westminster.

My question would be whether we still have Scottish ministers in Westminster voting on English laws and plans? If so, the first step would surely be to send them all back over the border? If they want independence (if they do) then they can start by keeping their nose out of English law. I don't really object to them being their own country, I presume we'll start needing our passports to enter Scotland? But they'd better be prepared to fund it themselves and stay out of our business?!

Salmond's playing games at the moment anyway, it's currently illegal for any referendum to be held according to UK law, be it consulational or a decision making referendum, without the approval of the other nations of the UK.

I'd happily see the referendum be allowed if it was a simple yes/no question. Salmond prefers the devo-max option that he believes he could win, how that would be implemented I don't know. Better for Scotland but not Wales, England or N. Ireland? I don't think so.

Either go for full independence and stop pussying about or not at all.

Some Scottish people want independance as they see them selves as a seperate country and do not want to ruled as they see it from Westminster.
They want full control over themselves in all areas, currently only certain powers are devolved to the Scottish assembly.
Why now? There have always been sections of the Scottish population that have never wanted the union with England as they think that they have become just another part of the UK and their issues and concerns have never properly addressed.
As for Wales there has been a nationalist feelings but not to the same as Scotland plus they would so truly f*cked by becoming independant most just want a bit more automny.
As for NI dont go there.. just dont go there!!!!

The main problem with Scotland is that it is full of Scots

NI's on a 'managed devolution' (localised power) while still remaining part of the UK until a majority say otherwise. Not that the Republic wants us either

Long story short, thousands died pretty much just to maintain the status quo; even Sinn Fein only pays lip service to a united Ireland at this point

Well, if Scotland was made a truly independent nation again, that would legally mean there would there would be no scottish constituencies in the (what's left of the)UK parliament for those MPs to represent, so they would be out of a job. You can't really expect a Tory prime minister to worry about that though, given none of them are Tories.


Technically they already do - Scotland has a different legal system to England & Wales. The laws enacted in Westminster apply to the whole of the UK apart from in some specific instances. It just so happens that 'English Law' is always the same as 'UK Law'. As it stands, Scottish MPs have a right to be at Westminster and participate. The West Lothian question is a quirk of UK law which we all have to deal with, but IMO it doesn't really affect things to any great degree.


Depends if they get apply for and get accepted into the EU. If they do, then according to the treaty of Lisbon EU citizens would have free movement across their borders. However the Treaty of Lisbon also requires all new entrants (which Scotland would be) to join the Euro. Wonder if Salmon will mention that at any point ?


I'm sure the feeling is mutual for a fair number of people on both sides of Hadrian's wall...

Jon

I resemble that remark.......

Al

Here's hoping for a 'yes' vote.

Goodbye Barnett formula, ta-ra son!

PS. Plaid Cymru are a walking joke.

If devo-max or whatever it's called is an option, then I believe The whole of the uk should have a referendum on that. If they want out, fair enough, that's up to them, but if they want partly out, we should all have a say.

I for one am passionate about a United Kingdom. Feck knows why I feel so strongly about it but I am against dissolution of the kingdom.

My own personal opinion would be to give the Scots independence but make them pay for it:
- build something akin to Hadrian's wall
- kick out the Scots
- cut off all infrastructure or charge heavily for them eg toll roads.
- kick them out of Parliament and let them rule their own land.

Hopefully, things would crumble, or we could wage war. If they surrender, punish them severely so it doesn't happen again. Make sure Wales and "Cornwall" understand the implications.

I don't actually believe that ANY of the home nations can survive on their own and that includes England.

I don't think it's going to happen.
We'll probably end up with a half arsed halfway house.



How do you tell? Are their eyes too close together? Ginger hair and a fondness for oats?

As I grew up in Scotland, and spent years in the education system, I believe I qualify to represent Scotland in certain international sporting events (apart from the necessary skill base of course).
So, given that, do I count as Scottish? Despite being born in Aylesbury?
Historically, my parents are from England, but my mother's side are Williams' from the valleys, and my father's are Small's from Scotland. So can if it came down to it can I just claim Welsh heritage?

Really? I spent my education there. Have no reason to go back and hope I never do.

On the same note I was born in Cheltenham but would never consider my self to be a Cheltonian.

I'm an Ulster-Scot, I demand half a say in this!