The long awaited Scottish independence referendum is now in full swing. Ballot boxes are open, votes are cast, everyone is nervously (or not so nervously) awaiting the count, and of course the result. There is a fair bit of nail biting going on, both in London and Edinburgh – the possible self-removal of Scotland from the United Kingdom can spell out some serious issues for both national and union economies and society as a general.
Many Scottish people who have followed this, as well as similar issues over the last thirty or so years – like for example the Australian independence referendum, which mind you resulted in Australia remaining (if only nominally) a subject nation of the crown, might view the current situation as the next dose of political rubbish coming from London. Instigated referendums (and others such) as well as political alteration of reality are strong tools of persuasion to which London has resorted to more than once before. The NO camp sees no point in severing three hundred year old relations on a monarchic level, in favour of somewhat elusive independence concepts, which though are sure to bring a decent amount of uncertainty (staying away from stronger terms like instability).
Those opposed to independence, see political leaders in London as due for removal, because they work closely with likeminded politicians in Scotland in order to facilitate the country’s exit from the UK. Supporters of the stay-together idea, appreciate the fact that Scotland will have to rearrange a lot of stuff in its backyard in order to be truly independent from the UK – something which is not easily achievable, let alone achievable quickly. The currency issue is also looming upon the nation – will the UK allow Scotland to retain the Pound, or will the country have to switch to the Euro? Will Scotland be automatically accepted in the EU as a nation in its own right, or will the country have to reapply for membership?
One the same note, defences and oil supply – North Sea crude oil supply is there, but for how long? What happens if the black stuff is drained prematurely? What about defences? If the UK recalls and relocates its nuclear Trident submarine fleet, Scotland will have to enter NATO quick smart or ensure adequate national defences in another way.
A potential split up will also lay waste to the great sporting achievements of these two countries as part of the United Kingdom. Exceptional athletes of both Scotland and England compete side by side in many different sports (at world class level mind you) in order to bring glory and fame to both their nations and the Kingdom as a whole.
Of course there are two sides to every story – the YES camp, do have strong and valid arguments to seek independence from the UK. There was an old saying that money is like love – it’s really important if you don’t have it, hopefully Scotland’s independence won’t turn out to be much wanted but not really needed.