I don't think the gap will be that wide. I would suggest perhaps 10-12%. Therefore a comfortable win for NO
Scotland us as big as Ireland so I refuse to believe it cannot go on it's own. I feel it will vite no by 55/45
So what? There are many African states bigger than both Scotland and Ireland combined that cannot make it as viable economic states! It's not just a question of land mass.
Scotland could always become a tax haven like little Luxembourg if times get hard financially if the yes vote wins. http://www.forbes.com/sites/bethgreenfield/2012/02/22/the-worlds-richest-countries/
Scotland had only been under English rule for under a year during Wallace's rebellion but in the show talks about them tasting "freedom" for the first time in their lives. The whole, English Knights could sleep with Scottish women first was from a completely different era in history and had nothing to do with Scotland. Basically the whole of Braveheart is made up- except for the fact there was a rebellion in Scotland by someone called Wallace.
Scotland could go on their own. They'd just be less prosperous than as part of the UK. England would suffer too from the split. I think Ireland would have been better off in the UK too for that matter in today's society. (obviously there were other issues back then that made them rightfully resent us). Except for weird cases of "tax havens" (where it's usually foreigners that boost up the GDP) or oil rich nations (Scotland doesn't really qualify for that) the vast majority of wealthy nations or nations with a larger wealthy populace are larger countries. It's simply easier to do business the larger your common home market. England and Scotland will both suffer if the union is split.
We don't know if Scotland could be a viable state on it's own, as the terms upon which it leaves the UK are yet to be agreed - despite what salmond would have everybody think. Therefore, the consequences (let alone the unforeseen consequences) cannot yet be calculated.
can i just ask a question, sorry if it might seem stupid, but if a country is deciding on whether to go independent or not in a yes or no vote, wouldn't it have made sense to know all the pros and cons before any decision is made, or will it be like the dragons den where they can still change mind afterwards before anything is signed type thing?
Course it would!!!! 1. Oil, gas and other resource 2. Tourism 3. Whiskey In short the eu despite what it says will fall over itself to admit Scotland and they will get a net influx of development cash All they need is enough tax to pay the bills and I'm sure they can manage it Milk I do think re Ireland you need to visit the north of England, Scotland and Wales to wonder if some places have not suffered more by being in the union with the old rules In fact the outcome of this should actually be a more favourable situation for scots and maybe even wales
Some of the pro's and cons won't become apparent until they actually go through with it though, that's the point. They'll be taking a massive leap into the unknown if they vote Yes. As some of the consequences and outcomes can only be guessed at, there's no definitive answers to some of the key issues they'd face. As for changing their mind post the vote, No, once it's done, it's done.
They're running with a massive deficit even including their share of the Oil cash (and it won't all be theirs btw) Unless they dramatically increase their revenues via taxation, the net effect is that they'll have less cash per capita than they do now. And that's before you factor in the removal from Scotland of many British businesses, as they head South.
I was going for 52/48 no, but now that turd Farage has gone up there I think it'll be too close to call. Sure the Tories have secretly asked him to go up there.
well they have 5.5millino which is more than ireland and they will start debt free in theory so they can borrow.. and wow there's always someone to lend to them.. what are they half the population of belgium? all those scot/americans in the us to be appealed to for investment. I am fully sure they can go independant and in 10 years be buggering the north of england by having low rates of corporatino tax and jobs will flow over the border. the truth is the north of england has a lot to lose and the scots have a lot to gain. I am hoping that powers flowing north = a irrefutable case for similar powers in north of england too
A massive leap if they vote no too, in that if the Tories get back in and are held to ransom by UKIP, have a euro referendum and the good people of the Home Counties vote to leave the EU, then they'll be in a worse position than now. I assume we'd offer them another independence vote if that happened.
jeremy Vine has just mooted a regional north assembly in.... Salford. **** the hell off - I'd rather be ruled by Lord Snooty himself based in Snooty Towers somewhere in Soft Southern Land than have then ****ing Clog-Sparkers rule us. Growing up with Granada reports and Look Northwest was ****ing bad enough. Not giving them more regional powers to build chimneys and pay the welfare for Shameless City.
That would be completely unjust if they do. They're what, about 10% of the UK. They've helped ring up about 10% of our debt (probably more, because as I understand it they make up more than 10% of spending)... they should get 10% of the UK debt put on them.
Oh... and I'm less optimistic than you lot... I reckon Yes will win. 50.1% to 49.9%. I still believe Yes voters are more likely to show up than No voters... it's human nature. The small majority may not want independence but Nationalists are more fervent.
Why will they start debt free on theory? They have to take a portion of the national debt, which is a big old chunk of debt to start with. They can't walk away form the debt as it would cripple them as a nation with high lending rates and a really pissed of uk as there closest country.
