Why does the UK need Scotland?

[Bluecube]

I've been following with interest the beginnings of the debate on Scottish independence. Once thing I don't quite understand is why the UK government is so determined that Scotland should remain part of the Union. What is it about Scotland that it's so important that the UK retains control over it? The nuclear submarine base? Oil (resources in general for that matter)? Grouse shooting moors?

And does anyone other than the political class actually care anyway?

[IronWarrior]

I value this question and the whole debate as nothing but selfish, petty and idiotic, total waste of time.

It's as bad as Argentina whining to the world that they want our Falkland Islands.

Nations should be coming together and breaking up, that's just going backwards.

[melon]

I've been following with interest the beginnings of the debate on Scottish independence. Once thing I don't quite understand is why the UK government is so determined that Scotland should remain part of the Union. What is it about Scotland that it's so important that the UK retains control over it? The nuclear submarine base? Oil (resources in general for that matter)? Grouse shooting moors?

And does anyone other than the political class actually care anyway?

Now youve dont it

Im a Scot , and its seen as pretty big deal here for lots of reasons - and yes I would like to see Scotland independent , Westminster has their Unionist planted everywhere ( esp in Scottish media like papers ) with pseudo arguments about why its bad with misleading surveys.

Nothing against UK or England but change is a coming whether people like it or not.

Norway BTW was voted as having the highest standard of living not so long ago and is this model Salmond is trying to base Scotland on .



m

[Bluecube]

I'm Scottish too and will probably vote for independence as well but still the question remains - why is Westminster so keen to keep a hold on Scotland? What's so important about it?

(As an aside, I've noticed the bias in The Times especially. Truly shocking and an embarrassment to what is usually a good, factual newspaper)

[dave87]

Oil & Gas


North Sea has lots of the stuff, and a lot of the platforms are off the Scottish coast....

[melon]

I'm Scottish too and will probably vote for independence as well but still the question remains - why is Westminster so keen to keep a hold on Scotland? What's so important about it?

(As an aside, I've noticed the bias in The Times especially. Truly shocking and an embarrassment to what is usually a good, factual newspaper)

Im not entirely sure myself but as oil is our best resource Im guessing thats a big part of it .

yeah the spin doctoring is sickening , i dont think Scots ( even the Neds who prob hate England any way ) will fall for that.

m

[abaxas]

We need Scotland as the infrastructure is UK based. Hence it is easier to keep what we have.

[melon]

We need Scotland as the infrastructure is UK based. Hence it is easier to keep what we have.

We need a healthy respect for each other which cant exist with Westminster corrupt mps calling the shots to suit themselves -

No true Scot alive enjoys toiling under an English lead regime - its point of continual bad blood that never heals , giving us our land back and fresh start to make our own way would be good start .

You respect us and we'll respect you , but right now i suspect our resources and £££££££ mean far more than that.

m

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

Scotch Whiskey??

Shortbread??

Moose??

[melon]

Scotch Whiskey??

Shortbread??

Moose??

No moose last time i checked , maybe you could lend us some ?

m

[abaxas]

We need a healthy respect for each other which cant exist with Westminster corrupt mps calling the shots to suit themselves -

No true Scot alive enjoys toiling under an English lead regime - its point of continual bad blood that never heals , giving us our land back and fresh start to make our own way would be good start .

You respect us and we'll respect you , but right now i suspect our resources and £££££££ mean far more than that.

m

You forget that Independence will mean you can no longer borrow at English rates.

Are you looking forward to sub Croatian standards of living?

[Hoonigan]

Good luck keeping up your free universities if you leave, that's all I've got to say.

It's the only thing about Scotland that annoys me...

Especially living so close to the border, and seeing some people paying £2-3000 a year, yet some can cross back over the border and get it for absolutely nowt.

[melon]

You forget that Independence will mean you can no longer borrow at English rates.

Are you looking forward to sub Croatian standards of living?

Are you when all that oil goes ?

It will be interesting to see if all those old wifes tales your mps have been scaring are actually true, do you think that could be why poor ol Cameron is pleaing his case to us right now ?

I somehow doubt its out the goodness of his heart - if he has one.. ( high fives Bluecube )

m

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

No moose last time i checked , maybe you could lend us some ?

m

Too late,the Moose is already loose in the land of Scotch and Haggis:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/7346733.stm

[melon]

Good luck keeping up your free universities if you leave, that's all I've got to say.

It's the only thing about Scotland that annoys me...

Especially living so close to the border, and seeing some people paying £2-3000 a year, yet some can cross back over the border and get it for absolutely nowt.

Did it myself for a while

m

[abaxas]

Are you when all that oil goes ?

It will be interesting to see if all those old wifes tales your mps have been scaring are actually true, do you think that could be why poor ol Cameron is pleaing his case to us right now ?

I somehow doubt its out the goodness of his heart - if he has one.. ( high fives Bluecube )

m

Good luck, if you want to see what it is like, go over to Ireland.

Where people come across the border to NI, so they can afford food. Not sure the people in Arran can do that.