Scotland

[Jordyboy9]

Nickolas sturgeon states Scotland to be independent within 5 years,how many of the Scots on here agree with me she is howling to the moon?-;)

[ToraToraTora]

cassa: "Retro op, the EU will welcome Scotland with open arms. It will be a constant reminder to the rest of the UK that the EU are in charge. " - you mean they'd have an answer to the border issue if it suited them? who'd have thought it!

[Quizmonster]

I do hope she's right; after all, wanting to be separated from a much larger entity (England in Scotland's case) which controls much of your life is precisely what motivated so many people to say, "Yes!" to Brexit, isn't it?

[naomi24]

It is indeed. I sincerely hope the Scots make the most of their freedom before they tie themselves to another much - much - larger entity. Au revoir - and good luck.

[douglas9401]

Boorish trolls alert.

[anneasquith]

Thank you jordy xx

[retrocop]

Go independent at your peril. The secret's out.
The Scots are highly dependent on Eastern European workers and Vets to manage their abbatoirs.
Too squeamish to extract the lungs/lights and other awful from the freshly slaughtered haggis they rely on workers from Latvia to provide their National dish. Deep fried neeps in batter on the menu when we Brexit.
https://news.yahoo.com/haggis-scots-fear-brexit-means-going-veggie-160609302.html;_ylt=AwrLIglw8mNcDH8A0DVLBQx.;_ylu=X3oDMTBycDZicmtuBGNvbG8DaXIyBHBvcwM2BHZ0aWQDBHNlYwNzcg--

[maggiebee]

I hope and pray that Scotland will once again be an independent nation in my lifetime. I know I don't speak for all Scots, but quite a few feel the same way as I do.

[maggiebee]

I do hope you mean "offal" and not "awful" retrocop??

[naomi24]

maggiebee, but it intends to join the EU. How does that make Scotland independent?

[retrocop]

maggiebee
same difference (TIC)

[sunny-dave]

Independence would be a (financial) disaster.

Scotland has been heavily subsidised by the rest of the UK for the last 20 years at least - £15 billion in 2015/2016 :

https://fullfact.org/economy/tax-and-spending-scotland/

I love Scotland, and I like (by and large) the Scots. I have no wish to change the current fiscal balance - it's manageable and worthwhile whilst Scotland is in the UK.

I also recognise that Scotland is fully entitled to decide to leave the UK - although I'd rather it didn't - but if it does go, then all bets are off on subsidy and I'm afraid my (not very funny) jibe of "Greece without the Sunshine" will be all too true.

[murraymints]

wont happen Dave...the tide has truly turned regarding SNP and especially Nichola... agree it would be fiscal suicide..pity the "bravehearts" can't see it !

[Quizmonster]

The problem with Scotland’s ‘larger entity’ is the fact that the English element of the UK electorate has a tendency to vote for Tory governments which obviously then control all of the UK. And we know from recent Brexit experience just how competent they are! Amidst a multitude of other examples, awarding ferrying contracts to companies which neither own nor ‘control’ any boats springs to mind. (That Failing Grayling decision is virtually Goon Show material!)
A future independent link with the EU will NOT influence the then Scottish government-choice, so the actual size of the entity will be irrelevant. That will be Scotland and only Scotland’s decision.

[naomi24]

So Scotland will get a government of its choice governed by one it has no part in choosing. That makes sense …. :o/

[Jordyboy9]

So can we simplify this for the people like me who are not very bright ,
We get independence
We join the eu and ruled by them
Cmon Nicola you’re supposed to be an intelligent woman.-;)

[Quizmonster]

The point that you appear not to be grasping, Naomi, is that the government I am describing will very probably not be a Tory one! And that is my devout wish, which is certainly as valid as yours to be free of the EU.
And, just as the current UK government is perfectly free to create legislation which applies solely to the UK, so will a Scottish government be perfectly free to create legislation which applies solely to an independent Scotland.

Most governments are subject to 'rules' created by international bodies of one sort or another...on arms, trade, security and so forth. Consequently, if Scotland became a part of the EU, why would it be a problem for Scots to accept EU rules, just as the UK has been doing for four decades? Or are you under the impression that - once free of the EU - Britain will be as free as a bird to ignore any of these it does not like?

[naomi24]

Quizmonster, //The point that you appear not to be grasping, Naomi, is that the government I am describing will very probably not be a Tory one! //

Oh I'm grasping that completely, Quizmonster. That's what it's all about. As I said, I wish you luck.

[Quizmonster]

Thanks for your good wishes, ma'am!

[naomi24]

Short-sighted you may be, but they're meant sincerely.