[joeysteele]

For crying out loud, a campaign starting now for a vote in 2014, I would guess most people will be sick of hearing about the issue by then.

I am now more convinced than ever that the Scots will not vote for independence.I really hope they don't, I have Scottish ancestry on my Dad's side, with family living in Scotland and not a single one of them will be supporting independence.

[MTVN]

I don't think most Scots will want to leave, they get a pretty good deal from being in the Union really; quite a lot is spent on them, devolution has given them quite a lot of independent power as it is while still having a lot of influence in Westminster. Plus there'd be loads of questions to solve like what percentage of the debt they'd get, agreements would have to be come to over oil etc.

[arista]

Originally Posted by joeysteele

For crying out loud, a campaign starting now for a vote in 2014, I would guess most people will be sick of hearing about the issue by then.

I am now more convinced than ever that the Scots will not vote for independence.I really hope they don't, I have Scottish ancestry on my Dad's side, with family living in Scotland and not a single one of them will be supporting independence.

Nothing Wrong with it.


At least it gives time to think about the Future
of a Free Scotland

[joeysteele]

Originally Posted by arista

Nothing Wrong with it.


At least it gives time to think about the Future
of a Free Scotland

I absolutely love politics and political issues but even I would be fed up of an over 2 year campaign going on about one issue.

As it is though, you have a valid point as ever as to a long campaign and making people think. Going on for so long will more likely lose support for independence rather than gain support in my view though.

A long or short campaign in my view and also my hopes, won't make any difference and I predict here and now a 62% to 38% vote saying 'no' to full independence from the rest of the UK by the Scots once they do finally vote.

David Cameron and Ed Miliband will be showing a rare strength of unity on this issue as firstly, David Cameron and the Conservatives will not want to be the party in power that saw a vote succeed for full independence under their watch.
Secondly,they also will in no way want to be the party in Govt that has to allow independence for Scotland,thereby splitting the UK up and by the same token neither will Ed Miliband and Labour want that to be the case should they win power in 2015 too.

[Z]

Almost everyone I've spoken to about it is opposed to it. There's no benefit to us becoming a separate country, not in black and white terms. It costs, we have no money or way to earn more of it, case closed.

[arista]

Originally Posted by Zee

Almost everyone I've spoken to about it is opposed to it. There's no benefit to us becoming a separate country, not in black and white terms. It costs, we have no money or way to earn more of it, case closed.

Alex does not see it that way

On the Vote Day
we will see.

[lostalex]

Will the republic of Scotland be using the Euro like the republic of Ireland? or will they stick with the British Pound?

Joining the Euro doesn't seem like the brightest idea these days.

[arista]

Originally Posted by lostalex

Will the republic of Scotland be using the Euro like the republic of Ireland? or will they stick with the British Pound?

Joining the Euro doesn't seem like the brightest idea these days.

No they confirmed they Keep the Pound

[joeysteele]

Originally Posted by arista

No they confirmed they Keep the Pound

Then they will likely still have to have their interest rates set by the Bank of England in that case.

[arista]

Good News for Scotland

[Nedusa]

If Scotland were to gain its full independence from the UK it would have serious consequences for England, the United Kingdom would be fatally wounded and in all probability would not survive as NI would actively seek reunification with the Republic of Ireland . Wales would then insist on full independence also as it would not want to be in a lopsided union of two with England.

With the demise of the UK our place on the world stage would be severely diminished, we would lose our place on the UN Security Council and our voting power across all UN committee's would be lessened. Our ability to trade would be affected as our economy would be smaller, our natural resources would also be reduced ie North Sea Oil would be now Scottish Oil etc.. Our borrowing costs from World Bank/IMF may increase as our economy shrinks. And our role in NATO and the EU would also diminish.

So I personally think TPTB will use all their guile and cunning to ensure an independence vote in 2015 is narrowly defeated thus keeping the Union safe. I think the pro union propaganda will be to paint such a bleak picture of Scotland if it left the UK, that it will frighten huge numbers of Scottish voters to vote to remain in UK.

[Cherie]

Originally Posted by joeysteele

I personally would be very sad indeed if Scotland was fully independent,I love the Country and the people.My hope is that more in the devolution process can keep Scotland as part of the UK. I also still doubt the Scots would vote for full independence though.

Scotland,as has Wales and England too been badly served by Govts. of both major parties and now as they were turning a fair bit more to the Lib Dems, they have let them down badly too.

Alex Salmond is a really great leader for Scotland and has his finger far more on the pulse than near all Westminster politicians.

I am of Scottish ancestry on my Dad's side and Independent or not I will always look on the Scots as good people and a great Country. I just hope we all stay together though.

I can see you are going to be a great politician.

[the truth]

Originally Posted by Livia

The thing that makes me smile about this that most English people I speak to can't wait for Scotland to be independent, most of us would positively enourage it. And yet, when an English person says, good, can't wait for it to happen, Scottish people don't see happy with that and would prefer us to be upset at the prospect.

Alex Salmond also said that they will "decided later whether or not Scotland will join the EU". Which will be quite a dilemma for all those Scottish people living and working in England who will suddenly need a visa to be able to visit England, let alone live and work here, as do other nationalities who's countries are not EU members.

There isn't the hatred from ordinary English people toward the Scottish that a lot of Scottish people harbour toward the English, mainly I think because the English are not still grimly hanging on to old slights inflicted on them by people hundreds of years dead, and for which the vast majority of English people were a) not responsible for and, b) did not profit from.

It's terrible a shame, our two countries have a long history where we've stood together many times. But I don't think there is anything that can be done to heal the rift now.

what a load of complete and utter tripe

[the truth]

Originally Posted by Zee

Almost everyone I've spoken to about it is opposed to it. There's no benefit to us becoming a separate country, not in black and white terms. It costs, we have no money or way to earn more of it, case closed.

The scots have north sea oil, they also have vats areas of untapped land and resources, they have a thriving technology marketplace and the best education system in the world. If you look at their gdp figures theyve grown at a far faster rate than those in much of the rest of the UK since scotland had its parliament...the figures in north of england, northern ireland and wales have not been so encouraging, not sure why.

salmold and a fair number of scots are behind this independence. the idiots who think its just an anti english argument miss the whole point as always. although the disbanding of ancient scottish regiments on w whim at the expense of the queens regiments, is an argument salmond will use. this is about what these people think is best for scotland. as in several even smaller nations who have successfully broken away, many have benefitted hugely as a result. the scots have print their own money, have several worldwide brands, throw in the education, their own tax raising powers, world class education and training and hey presto you have a hugely respected nation able to compete. The scots who back independence, think the wya cameron handled europe was embarassing and 30 years out of date, they feel the long term project is with the eurozone.

I am not scottish at all, but theyre a great nation,with a magnificent proud history. I have always enjoyed doing business with scots and take their word over most other nationalities. The vats majority Ive dealt with (and Ive dealt with thousands in my various companies) are simple straightforward, smart, educated honest people. Everyone feels the same about scotland, beautiful country with a rich heritage and great people, thats the type of nation that will find invesotrs easier to come by.

[arista]

Originally Posted by arista

Good News for Scotland

Yes it s Good News

[Sam:)]

Originally Posted by arista

Yes it s Good News

Are you having a conversation with yourself?
Anyway when/if Scotland splits it will leave to the breakdown of UK. NI will want an option to join ROI (which could go either way tbh)

[arista]

No its not predicted
that N.Ireland
people want this.
Many over there want to Stay
British.

[Firewire]

it won't happen. majority of people will vote no. case closed, simple as that.

[arista]

Maybe not everyone will vote
and all the 16 year olds may want a Free Scotland.

[Firewire]

i'm 17, and no one i know who is my age want to be independent.

[Firewire]

if scotland becomes independent, i'm moving to england.

[arista]

Thats OK
many will swap.

As Business Deals can change

[joeysteele]

I cannnot see at all the Scots voting to separate from the UK, I still go with at best whenever the referendum is held that around 62% minimum will vote 'no' to independence.

The thing I am really looking forward to as to this,is to see Conservative,Labour and Lib Dems all for once united in a common cause 'together' to fight to keep Scotland as part of the UK.

[arista]

Joey
many thought Labour would stay in power
in England
but they did not.


I of course , predicted a year before
Conservative - Lib Dem Power

2014-2015
so much can change by then.

[the truth]

Originally Posted by LeatherTrumpet

we will raise the price of your shortbread and reduce the price in scotland

who is that gorgeous muscle woman in your avator?