Scottish Independence

[pinkerton]

If Scotland does split from the UK, will Scots born residents in the remaining UK have to apply for residency? Also, will members of the Westminster parliament only be elected from people born and domiciled in the remaining UK? These are just two of the many questions that have entered my head on this matter. What other contentious questions have other AB members thought of?

[mushroom25]

since north sea oil has already passed peak production, are the scots really keen to say it's "our oil" when a very expensive decommissioning and clean up operation will be required in less than 30 years?

[sandyRoe]

I wonder why the Tories are campaigning against independence. With no MPs from Scotland at Westminster the Labour Party would be unlikely to ever form another government.

[pinkerton]

Very good point, mush. I hadn't thought about that.

[jomifl]

Of course an independant Scotland won't send MPs to westminster. How people will qualify for Scottish or UK citizenship is a can of worms. Will English born residents in Scotland lose their EU citizenship (given that Scotland will not be able to join the EU) Will Scottish Expats in europe lose their EU rights or will they all have to have dual nationality. I don't think any of this has been considered in an irrational attempt by the Scot Nats to cut of their nose.

[New Judge]

That’s something I cannot quite grasp, either, Sandy.

It is clear that the Scots generally absolutely despise the Tories and I would think that the Tories would be well rid of them. I am also not convinced of the argument that the UK would be weakened without Scotland. Leaving aside the specific problems of shipyards, docks and air bases (which can be easily addressed) Although I have not done the sums I would imagine the GDP per head would be considerably increased if the UK ended at Hadrian’s Wall.

[jomifl]

NJ, agreed, I think the tories ar just putting up token resistance whilst laughing all the way to a tory future.

[New Judge]

Yes and jomifl is quite correct.

Every day seems to throw up a new fundamental question about the proposed independence to which the SNP either has no answer, or simply dismisses as a non-issue. Currency and EU membership are probably the two most important and all Mr Salmond and Ms Sturgeon do when confronted y them is simply to dismiss what others have suggested will probably happen as nonsense.

It is clear that the ramifications of their proposal for independence have not been considered in the slightest and the Scottish people are being asked to vote whilst blindfolded.

[jomifl]

Some scots like to have a moan about westminster deciding Scottish issues yet conveniently forget that Scottish MPs decide English issues that don't affect Scotland.

[tonyav]

Cameron is taking the cabinet to Scotland tomorrow !.
http://news.uk.msn.com/uk/cameron-to-hold-cabinet-in-scotland-1

[EDDIE51]

The citizenship one has had me thinking as well.
Surely Scots must be given the choice to remain in Scotland and become non EU citizens or to retain UK nationality and be part of the EU?
What about people of Scots decent who live outside Scotland but in the rest of the UK, will they have to move back to Scotland?
Even if an independent Scotland does keep the £ and stays in the EU, surely they will have to issue their own passports? What about National Insurance and pensions how could an independent Scotland keep that? Again surely they will have to start their own system?
If they do go fully independent without the £ and outside the EU then they will they need passports and visas to enter the remaining UK? I can't see how it can be otherwise. They would be in the same category as Australians or Canadians.

[pinkerton]

I'm glad I posted this question. It seems to have instigated some interested discussion, and serious, too. I expected some jingoism, but this has not been the case so far. Thanks all.

[Baldric]

I'm wondering what I will spend the £420+ per year that Scottish subsidies cost each English household on!

[jeffa]

"What about people of Scots decent who live outside Scotland but in the rest of the UK, will they have to move back to Scotland?"

For heaven's sake!!!

[Psybbo]

Last September talked to lots of Scots and they were solidly against independence but the Tory government may have changed their minds

[anneasquith]

fear not,,,,,,,,,,,,,no one need return to Scotland. but you can visit family !

[jeffa]

Will visiting family be compulsory, Anne?

Also, I've got some figurines of West Highland Terriers that I got when my granny died. What on earth will become of them?

And what about my Deacon Blue single? I bet Salmond hasn't thought about that!

[rockyracoon]

Oi, leave Deacon Blue alone, I'm a Real Gone Kid me :)

[THECORBYLOON]

JOMIFL, SNP Constitutional Affairs Spokesperson Pete Wishart MP said:

"I'm delighted the hard work of our 6 MPs at Westminster is recognised.

I welcomed the establishment of a Commission, and provided oral evidence last year to look at the 'West Lothian question'. The perceived democratic deficit caused by Scottish MPs voting on matters that only affect English constituencies is something the SNP has sympathy with.

The SNP offers an elegant answer to the constitutional confusion - independence for Scotland. Governments at Westminster and Holyrood should make all their own decisions, working together in a modern partnership of equals.

In the meantime, our MPs at Westminster address the West Lothian question by applying a self-denying ordinance. We only vote on issues which impact on Scotland...'

[jeffa]

Better than being Queen of the New Year, mate!

[anneasquith]

no salmond has not!!!!!!!!!!!!!! but I have, all Scottish themed items ie, shortbread tins. stags heads. st Andrews flags/towels MUST be handed in at the checkpoint.