Originally Posted by Boiler (Post 11178499)

As this is an Immigration site I am wondering how the open borders mentioned will work,

Originally Posted by nicola s (Post 11178465)

Dunroving, im not doubting the intelligence of your colleague nor do I blame Maggie Thatcher or England for all that is wrong with Scotland, However do you know that during the Thatcher Government the changes made to the benefits system in order to improve the grants given by the EU? this had catastrophic effects on whole communities. The combination of the loss of industry the changes to benefits the encouragement of Incapacity benefit the massive increase in housing benefit that then left people in a catch 22 of not being able to afford to work as the availability of work was limited and would mean many of those put on to the scrap heap had very little hope which then left the next generation with very little hope. You cannot ignore the damage done to areas of Scotland by the Thatcher years in fact I think the introduction of the Barnett formula was tied in with the hope of independence then. Call me cynical but giving Scotland a certain amount per head at the same time as changing benefits, changing the rules regarding voting and keeping the wealth of the North sea as compensation for that gift doesn't look so good really. I lived and worked in an area of Glasgow that was on its knees because of this and when I became a youth worker in Easterhouse it was very sad to see that areas of Glasgow had the same life expectancy as someone in the poorest parts of Africa despite the wealth the nation was producing. We cant blame Maggie Thatcher for everything, many of her own party failed Scotland too. The reality of Independence means we get to have a government that works for the people of Scotland because as it stands our voice as a minority in Westminster will never be heard and the ministers of the big parties voted in by their local constituents toe the party line when push comes to shove so I don't see a change even with greater devolution. Don't know if this answers your questions. this is a massive debate that can engage and enrage many, and I could never do it justice on a forum.

Originally Posted by Nutek (Post 11178502)

I was wondering the same thing actually. hard to get into long debates here at work but that part, in particular, stood out to me.

Originally Posted by Boiler (Post 11178499)

As this is an Immigration site I am wondering how the open borders mentioned will work,

Originally Posted by Boiler (Post 11178528)

The comment referred to borders, not just the one to the south,

Originally Posted by dunroving (Post 11178546)

Which other country does Scotland have a border with? :confused:

Originally Posted by dunroving (Post 11178546)

Which other country does Scotland have a border with? :confused:

Originally Posted by Boiler (Post 11178563)

it has Airports?

Originally Posted by dunroving (Post 11178599)

So has someone suggested open access to Scotland at its airports?

I don't recall that being part of the Independence manifesto ...

Originally Posted by Nutek (Post 11178606)

I think it's all the assumptions that get me. "Oh we will have open borders". That's nice.. What if the people on the other side of it tell you to naff off?

Originally Posted by nicola s (Post 11178595)

Dunroving, my apologies I am not so great on the computer and not so great at short answers.

I believe the reason Maggie Thatcher is mentioned so often is because she was the driving force behind the disasters in my living memory I am no fan of New labour either, but don't believe they made those decisions and actually tried to right some wrongs in their time in power.

The economy failing I believe was a global thing and something that should remind further generations the pitfalls of chasing wealth on a promise.

A question for those who wish to remain as part of the union,

How comfortable would you be with your neighbour even if they were your friend being in charge of the income and expenditure of your household ? Would you allow them the deciding factor of who can cross your threshold?

As I have said previously i have never met an English person i don't like, and love many things about England, but i do not believe the current system works.