Who needs vote?
Scotland could follow the Irish route to independence, according to SNP MSP Joanna Cherry QC, who says a referendum is not the only way to leave the Union. The idea is that if a massive majority of SNP candidates are returned, Scotland could gain “freedom” via a negotiated treaty.
What’s not mentioned is the Civil War that followed the adoption of the Treaty. Would we adopt that too?
Douglas W Scott Without agreements or even negotiations over Currency, Oil, Defence etc it would be a waste of time. Formal and Agreed Referendum is the only way.
David Morrison Interesting tactical proposal, take the result of the Holyrood election as a mandate from the Scottish people to negotiate leaving the union. Let Westminster beg us for a referendum to give them a chance to convince us to stay.
Ian Di Sotto Go for it. As an antiNationalist, I'd love it. You'd be breaching the rule of law and therefore forfeit the ability to join the EU, let alone make enemies in EU countries with other separatist groups. It would be a spectacular own goal.
Paddy Tully We wouldn't meet EU entry conditions for at least a decade anyway, if ever. This is how fraudulent their argument is. Nationalism is divisive and poisonous, which most of Europe is well aware of – another reason the untrustworthy SNP will ensure that Scotland will be unwelcome in the EU ( apart from having no central bank, currency and the worst fiscal deficit in the developed world, that is).
David Gray The majority know already we’re staying in the Union. We’re still waiting on SNP coming forth with their plan on how they propose to afford the set- up and running of an independent Scotland.
Susan Freemantle If the SNP are thinking of this route they should be very clear in their manifesto for the next election that a vote for them is a vote for UDI. This will clear up their policy position and allow voters to vote knowing the outcome of their vote.
Colin Lamond The woman is deluded. The reality of independence isn't at all milk and honey. It's not even Brigadoon and Braveheart. "It's the economy, stupid." From Scottish Government figures, Scotland has an annual fiscal balance deficit of £ 15 billion. An independent Scotland would have to double income tax for everyone to raise £ 12bn extra each year, and cut free prescriptions, care for the elderly and tuition fees to cover the deficit. That doesn't even meet the over £ 10bn Covid money from the UK Treasury. Then, for a new Scottish currency a central bank has to be set up with more than £ 20bn foreign currency reserves to be viable. An independent Scotland promises decades of self inflicted mega- austerity. However we will have a booming industry in saltire flags and... emigration.
Jim Quinn The Catalan seditionists received prison sentences of between 9 and 13 years. That should focus Ms Cherry's mind when declaring UDI for Scotland.
Caroline Currie So you say! Are you a QC? Small difference is that Scotland is a sovereign country, unlike Catalonia which is a part of Spain, not a sovereign country in a treaty with Spain, like Scotland is with England. Do you think a top Scottish QC would not have the law on her side before taking any action.
Douglas Currie Scotland is heading towards Independence, the figures show it. When I can’t say, but it is going to happen.
Ray Wallace Right now things are beginning to look a bit chaotic Brexitwise. This would be as nothing compared to separating from
England after 300 years. Be careful what you wish for.
Lillian Wells Brexit and Independence are two different processes . Brexit was about leaving a trading bloc, no one had done so before so there was nothing to look back on for guidance. Independence concerns a nation gaining its sovereignty, many dozens of nations have done so, therefore there are rules enshrined in International law to govern the process.
Joe Rockss Well, I hope we get to vote on it again.
Vikki Cavanagh Whatever it takes to get our country back from Westminster control will be done.
Mary Valerio Maggie Thatcher said that it would just take a majority of Scottish MPS to be SNP for Scotland to gain independence.