On one side, I'm glad to have Scotland still with us - they are a left wing nation, progressive nation. However, I do feel for the SNP and Alex Salmond. People can dismiss him for whatever reason, although personal insults don't do anyone any credit(not referring to anyone on here, don't worry guys). Let's not forget, 45% of the near 90% turnout, voted YES. That, although obviously not a majority, is a huge proportion of the electorate. Unfortunately, there was no third choice on the ballot box - a choice which wanted a clear change, and increased control over Scotland for Scots. In the end, Gordon Brown gave that choice, and in my view really saved the day for the Unionists here. People can dismiss him as a failed PM, but his influence in Scotland shouldn't be underestimated, as well as the fact he can certainly make a speech on point, as seen over the last few days. He chose to encourage a NO vote to be the catalyst for substantial change, rather than scaremongering the Scottish people, which was a poor part of Darling's Better Together campaign. There was too much emphasis on the 'negatives' of independence, rather than the positives of staying together in the Union. However, a NO vote now means change also, and that is a good thing. Good campaign though, and i'm glad a whole nation (near enough) was engaged in this debate.
Spot on there mate. This was probably the best possible outcome, the union stays together and the scots will (apparently) get a greater level of control and influence over their own country.
I am still aghast that we have had a vote that could have brought about major changes with a ridiculously close split in the voting numbers. It would have been so wrong, IMO, if a gigantic change had happened on the basis of 1% or 2% more of people wanting something more than those that didn't. Couple this with the fact there was even a vote on something this big, without full knowledge/decision made on some of the key issues that needed to be decided upon prior to a vote, I find kind of disturbing. I would not have known which way to vote, as there was so much undecided and up in the air. I wonder how many people voted based on one piece of this big jig-saw? For example, one member of my family voted solely on one factor as they were unsure about all the other parts. Dangerous.
It was weird, even though its been in the works for like 2 years its as if everyone was caught completely unawares by it. So many important questions were only barely addressed and scenarios for the future only vaguely pondered...strange.
The most telling thing was that only 3 areas voted yes...a clear mandate if the usual system of election by areas was followed. Independence would be a huge upheaval and possibly disastrous...you shouldn't embark on that without a huge majority wanting it.
Indeed, but also allowing the South of England to vote in elections is bad enough. Too right-wing for my liking
One was probably Judy Murray. Andy voted yes and Jamie voted no so she put both to appease both sons.
Some may have been deliberate, but it could be done by some who were confused. Putting a 'X' in one box and a Tick in the other, would spoil the paper.
