I too look forward to an informed debate, which is exactly why there should not be a snap referendum. It is clearly a very important decision for a lot of people. At least by holding it in 2014 it leaves plenty of time for all the important issues to be addressed. Meanwhile we are hearing from supporters of the union the uncertainly is damaging Scotland, albeit no evidence is forthcoming. That’s fine for the written press to report as they are not prevented from having political allegiances but the BBC etc. really should be taken to task over their obviously biased reporting considering the laws in place to prevent such.
I believe there is a television debate tomorrow night, althoghh I'm not sure exactly what the format or agenda is or who is taking part.
Watching Newsnight last night, John Redwood, who despite stating his support of the union seemed almost resigned to the inevitability of Scottish independence, made the point that presumably the unionist parties want an early referendum as it gives them a better chance of winning it, with the same being true of the SNP’s reason for holding it in the second half of the parliamentary term. Aside from the fact this was the SNP’s intention prior to winning a majority in May 2011, something which no unionists seemed to have a problem with at the time, surely we can all agree that it is better to allow time to be in possession of all the facts before making such an important decision?
Is it not then the case the unionists are fearful of the electorate becoming so well informed that independence is an obvious choice?
I’ve yet to hear one credible argument for Scotland remaining part of the UK. You have to ask, if we are such a burden to the rest of the UK, then why would politicians from London do everything in their power to keep Scotland as part of it? I would be genuinely interested to hear someone put forward a decent case to retain the present set up and say hand on heart that they believe our interests are better served by London than they would be from an independent Scottish Government in Edinburgh, which has no interest other than doing what is best for Scotland.
Can anyone really say the political system in the UK works to Scotland’s advantage considering we returned a single Tory MP in 2010?
The Insider wrote:I have lived in England for almost thirty years and people here are sick to the back teeth of Eurocrats telling them what they can and cannot do in their own country and I fully agree with them.
The Insider wrote:
I for one DO NOT want to see us split from the rest of the UK, it's unthinkable nonsene....
You don't get irony do you? Do you fancy elaborating on why you do not want us to become independent?
Martin, I don't think you understand devolution. If Scotland wants to offer free prescriptions, it can. Its a devolved matter. The fact it is a headline grabber has been very good tactics by the SNP. There will be money spent on things in England that we don't get here, its just that they are likely less appealing to the public or perhaps its just being wasted?