if the scots go, do you care?
Feb 19th 2014 | 1:16 pm
#421
Born again atheist
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 30,259
From: Europe (to be specified).
Re: if the scots go, do you care?
http://ca.reuters.com/article/topNew...A1J01220140220
LONDON (Reuters) - Just under one-third (29 percent) of Scots plan to vote for independence in this year's referendum, according to a poll on Thursday that also found 42 percent intended to vote against.
But the TNS poll also found another 29 percent were still undecided ahead of the September 18 vote to decide whether Scotland, which has a population of just over 5 million and is a source of North Sea oil, should end its 307-year-old union with England and leave the UK.
LONDON (Reuters) - Just under one-third (29 percent) of Scots plan to vote for independence in this year's referendum, according to a poll on Thursday that also found 42 percent intended to vote against.
But the TNS poll also found another 29 percent were still undecided ahead of the September 18 vote to decide whether Scotland, which has a population of just over 5 million and is a source of North Sea oil, should end its 307-year-old union with England and leave the UK.
How come Scotland (part of the UK then and I hope for along time) is suddenly a source of oil?
Feb 19th 2014 | 9:24 pm
#422
Realist
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 24,667
From: UK
Re: if the scots go, do you care?
So much of the true economic argument hinges on North Sea oil. There is a presumption by the SNP that with sovereignty the oil rights will accede to Scotland owing to geography. A contentious issue to say the least. It's surprising that it hasn't been debated in any detail yet.
Feb 20th 2014 | 3:19 am
#424
Forum Regular
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 91
From: Calgary Alberta Canada.
Re: if the scots go, do you care?
Tic tock Tick toc.. http://www.scotsman.com/news/politic...vote-1-3313112
Feb 20th 2014 | 3:21 am
#425
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Posts: 1,050
From: Merida Mexico and Calgary Canada
Re: if the scots go, do you care?
On the Orwellian propensities of Mr Salmond...
http://www.theguardian.com/commentis...poilt-children
But in each of the three cases – George Osborne's ruling out of a currency union, José Manuel Barroso's warnings that Scotland's place in the EU is not automatic and, most recently, Gordon Brown's return to the fray to caution about the future of Scottish pensions – the SNP response has been the same. First, the problem raised by the critic is airily dismissed and denied; second, an untested solution is confidently asserted; finally, the nationalist attack machine clatters the man not the ball.
http://www.theguardian.com/commentis...poilt-children
But in each of the three cases – George Osborne's ruling out of a currency union, José Manuel Barroso's warnings that Scotland's place in the EU is not automatic and, most recently, Gordon Brown's return to the fray to caution about the future of Scottish pensions – the SNP response has been the same. First, the problem raised by the critic is airily dismissed and denied; second, an untested solution is confidently asserted; finally, the nationalist attack machine clatters the man not the ball.
http://www.theguardian.com/commentis...icrous-remarks
Interesting last paragraph from the same newspaper you posted about Salmond.
"The EU is currently waging a desperate struggle in Ukraine and elsewhere with Moscow to demonstrate the superiority of its democratic values. The idea that the Scottish people could be ejected or indefinitely suspended from the EU for opting for national independence is laughable."
Barroso's (who is portugese) term of presidency ends on ,wait for it, Sep. 2014 .
As for Osbourne ,Mark Carney has already said the shared currency is workable although Scotland would hand over control of interest rates and borrowing powers and it would have to be voted by both parliaments.Will the tories still be in power after 2015? Who knows?
Gordon Brown,cant see many people taking advise from a man who raided the pension fund of 100bn pounds and raised pensions by a whopping 75p.If the YES vote wins he will lose his highly paid job ,of course he doesnt want independence.
Feb 20th 2014 | 3:22 am
#426
Forum Regular
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 91
From: Calgary Alberta Canada.
Re: if the scots go, do you care?
Ultimately Scotland will have to decide with its head or it's heart. The economic arguments seem to be against independence, and even the international politics (EU accession) are not that favourable. Nevertheless there is something to be said for the independence of any people. Ironically Britain will be going through a very similar soul search when the EU referendum is held (2017). Neither Scotland or Britain will collapse if it chooses independence, it will simply be a different path.
Feb 20th 2014 | 3:31 am
#427
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,050
From: Merida Mexico and Calgary Canada
Re: if the scots go, do you care?
The experts (not the UK gov.) reckon there are still 40 to 50yrs of oil in the North Sea.The oil companies wanted to drill for oil off the west coast of Scotland in the 80s but the MOD blocked it because of the nuclear subs at Faslane.
Feb 20th 2014 | 4:40 am
#428
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 815
From: The 'Wack
Re: if the scots go, do you care?
Using the same arguments that pro-independence people have been using.. Surely London is entitled to a portion of future oil income if Scotland becomes independent due to the investment it has put into developing North Sea oil during the Union no?
Feb 20th 2014 | 4:59 am
#429
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Posts: 1,050
From: Merida Mexico and Calgary Canada
Re: if the scots go, do you care?
Feb 20th 2014 | 5:39 am
#430
Realist
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 24,667
From: UK
Re: if the scots go, do you care?
Good articles from the Guardian and Scotsman. I don't doubt that an independent Scotland would become an EU member (at some point). It's more a case of taking issue with Salmond when he constantly implies that membership will be automatic. He would have far more credibility if he spoke honestly rather than making unfounded claims.
Feb 20th 2014 | 6:47 am
#431
Up Your Kilt
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,621
From: 1313 Mockingbird Lane, Mockingbird Heights
Re: if the scots go, do you care?
Good articles from the Guardian and Scotsman. I don't doubt that an independent Scotland would become an EU member (at some point). It's more a case of taking issue with Salmond when he constantly implies that membership will be automatic. He would have far more credibility if he spoke honestly rather than making unfounded claims.
Last edited by Hawk13; Feb 20th 2014 at 6:48 am. Reason: damn quotes
Feb 20th 2014 | 7:45 am
#432
Forum Regular
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 52
From: Alberta
Re: if the scots go, do you care?
So they won't have the revenue either, then watch them come crawling back.
Feb 20th 2014 | 10:00 am
#433
Forum Regular
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Posts: 91
From: Calgary Alberta Canada.
Re: if the scots go, do you care?
Feb 21st 2014 | 3:12 am
#434
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From: Merida Mexico and Calgary Canada
Re: if the scots go, do you care?
Feb 21st 2014 | 3:23 am
#435
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Posts: 815
From: The 'Wack
Re: if the scots go, do you care?
I dont think Shetland would be able to claim all the oilfields maybe 3 but if they became independent as you say,what currency would they use ,how would they afford all the costs of running the DHS,NHS,DVLA,what banking system would they use,would their pensions be safe,they are too small,they cannae dae it!
