Essay On Scottish Independence

Arguments In Favor Of Scottish Independence

Those who are for Independence for Scotland say that they could be one of the richest countries because of their oil industry, not have to bear the problems the rest of the UK is going through, and not have to worry about their population since their immigration rate is increasing. On the other hand, those who are not in favor of Scottish independence say that they should not depend on oil since it may run out sometime later, it's debt would only increase, and that Scotland's population has a negative growth rate, that would lead to a smaller population in the future. Scotland has been part of the UK, which consists of 4 parts/countries (Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales, and England), since 1707. The want for Scottish independence can be dated back from the late 13th century, which has died down later until the...show more content...

If independent, non–supporters would argue that the country would be in debt, in which they have to pay more than €10 billion in year interest alone. In opposition to Independence supporters, Scotland is having a negative growth rate with 2,000 more deaths than births in the mid–2014s to mid–2015s, which means that Scotland could have a smaller population in the future. The results of the independence referendum came out as to a total of 3,623,344 casted votes, 55.3% in favor of "No" independence, and 44.7% in favor of independence. Non–supporters of independence for Scotland are relieved that they would not have to go through the hardships in it's economy if independent, while supporters of Scottish Independence are still fighting for the thought of having a prosperous economy and prove the UK that they could be an independent country. As for now, the country of the UK is slowly finding out who they are as the future

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Should Scotland Become Independent Essay

On September 14th, 2014, the people of Scotland had the chance 'of a lifetime' to vote on whether they wanted Scotland to be an independent country or to stay part of the United Kingdom. As the ballot papers were being counted, thousands stayed up late waiting nervously to see the outcome. The Scots voted against being separated from the union and soon after it caused riots in Glasgow's city center. To this day, Scotland hasn't been the same, and the once friendly nation is now split into unionists and nationalists. Even though the majority vote was no to independence, still the people of Scotland and its party leaders are hoping for another shot at independence. So the question is, did the people make the right choice, or would Scotland be a more prosperous nation by standing alone? Scotland should be given the chance to function on its own without the influence of other countries. With an independent Scotland's wealth and if it is controlled by the right political party. It has great potential that could benefit the Scottish people massively. In the recent referendum that took place 14th September 2014. The people of Scotland were asked, "Should Scotland become an independent country?" They had the choice of 'yes' or 'no'. The outcome was 2,001,926 (55.30%) no and 1,617,989 (44.70%) yes, which meant...show more content...

The main reason for independence is to give the people of Scotland a better life and only a Scottish government can put the interest of Scottish people first. Democracy, prosperity and fairness are the values which are driving the yes campaign. Independence gives the Scottish people a chance to put the future of Scotland in their own hands and do what is best for them. Due to decisions for Scotland being made in Westminster (England) the policies just aren't suited to the needs of the Scots. A Scottish government and parliament promise to build a fairer society, and in doing so will help Scotland to become a stronger

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Scottish Independence Referendum

Scottish Independence has been a purpose of various political parties and Scots. Centuries ago, Scotland has been attempting to gain its independence form the UK. A number of referendums were held, in order to raise the issue of independence. Two of which were Devolution Referendums, held in 1979 and 1997 and an Independence Referendum held in 2014. There are some debates on holding a Second Independence Referendum in the coming years as well. The question here is what are the causes and effects of independence? And will they aid in flourishing Scotland's future? There is no doubt that there are quite persuasive causes, but not all of them would last for too long; for example, oil. The issue of independence is a mixed blessing for what it

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Scotland Independence Research Paper

For over 300 years, Scotland has been in an alliance with England. This "alliance" has done little, if anything, to benefit Scotland. It has only benefited England in the same way it has for every colony they established in the other parts of the world. Throughout England's history, it has stolen resources from other countries/its colonies, and in return, the people of those countries/colonies have been killed, starved, raped, and left to live in poverty. Fortunately, in this day and age, England has lost almost all of these colonies. Some of the remaining colonies include The Falkland Islands, Gibraltar and Bermuda. However, that's not to say that the former colonies are prospering. With all of their resources stolen, the former colonies can't rise back up to what they once were. England has caused so much destruction to this world and it's people, and it has to stop.

An independent Scotland would not...show more content...

If Scotland were to have its independence, one of the first political decisions they would make is whether or not to join the European Union again. Because England forced Scotland out of the EU, Scotland now has huge trade restrictions with the other members of the European Union. In addition to the trade restrictions, there are also restrictions on Scotland's citizens traveling to other countries of the EU. Now they have to navigate myriad regulations just to travel to other countries in the Union. Another political decision Scotland could make would be to get rid of England's nuclear weapon stationed in Scotland. England chooses to put all of their their nuclear weapons in Scotland in the event that they go off. If they were to go off by mistake, Scottish citizens would pay the price, not English. The country that decides to keep nuclear weapons should be the one to assume the risk and responsibility of those

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Devolution is the transfer of powers from a central body to subordinate regional bodies. In Scotland, Devolution was set up to restore legitimacy to a system of government that reflected Scottish preferences. The reason behind the demand for Scottish self–government is that Scotland had the historic status of nationhood before the Union of 1707 and within the Union, has a different set of legal, educational and religious institutions that reinforce a Scottish identity.

The Scottish National Party (SNP) was founded In 1934 and In 1960 was found oil in the North Sea, what changed the Scottish public opinion about the Union as the main cause to join it was economical; having oil would suppose economical independence from England. In 1967...show more content... In October 1974 is was held another elections and the SNP representation in the Parliament raised to 11 seats. The Labour Government became weaker and started to prepare the legal situation for the incoming Referendum. The Government failed in amend a bill for Scotland and Wales Devolution, but it was introduced a separate amendment which made necessary the 40% of the eligible Scottish electorate to vote "yes" for the effective devolution of powers, that was known as the Cunningham Amendment. The 1st of March of 1979 it was held a referendum and "Yes" won but with not enough representation to reach the 40% needed to start the Scottish devolution.

Scottish devolution was defeated in the referendum and the two biggest parties campaigned for "No". The SNP considered the results as a victory for devolution but was against the referendum as they were campaigning about the complete independence.

In 1977 a Labour Member of Parliament introduced a important issue, a question that was called "The West Lothian Question" later on and referred to the ability to vote on matters that only afected people living in England by Members of Parliament from constituencies in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, as a consequence of the devolution of power from Westminster andScottish parliament, Welsh and Northern Irish Assemblies.

In 1979 it was a motion of no confidence against the Labour Government, that had as a direct consequence the celebration

Scotland's Vote For Independence

Scotland wants its independence, and there are those who are for it, as well as those against it. Those for independence want to be independent for reasons including that they are against nuclear weaponry, they want oil money to be put to good use, and they would rather make their own decisions. Those against independence argue that if Scotland were independent, jobs would be lost, the BBC would be broken up, and UK funding benefits Scotland. A referendum for Scottish independence was held on September 18th, 2014, which ended up against independence, with a surprisingly low percentage of just 55.3% of voters answering "no", that explains why Scotland had a vote for independence. The first minister of Scotland at the time of the referendum was

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When Did Scotland Become Independent Essay

Since 1970 Scotland has held two referendums which have each time given them a little more independence and/or power. On September 18th 2014 they had a third hoping this time to break away from Great Britain and become its own country. Anyone who is a Scottish citizen living in Scotland 16 and older could vote to make Scotland a free country. Originally Scotland had a very weak economy around 20 years ago but it has slowly strengthened every year since then. This has made people who are anti–independence and the UK admit that Scotland could survive on its own now with its improved economy (ASCHERSON, 2014). The economy is just one reason Scotland wants to break away.England lately has been making laws and policies that Scotland disagrees with. Also Scotland doesn't feel as united with England and the rest of the UK as it once did. Slowly Scotland has been becoming more focused on their own country and not England or Great Britain as a whole....show more content... For the most part it was projected that Scotland would not vote for independence but it was very close. Close to election time yes overtook no a few times but people still thought Scotland would stay with the UK (theweek.co.uk, 2014). That's what some people thought but in reality everyone figured they would have to wait until the vote. Each side was very passionate over their opinion over what should be the outcome.

People voting for independence had their reasons for doing so. They believed that now that Scotland's economy was strong enough now that they could survive on their own. Also if they broke away they might get rid of the monarchy because a good percentage of Scotts are republican and want democracy (theweek.co.uk, 2014). If Scotland were to become independent and didn't get rid of the monarchy then the queen would become the head of state. This has already occurred in Canada and Australia (theweek.co.uk,

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In today's society Globalization is a vital part of company's success. However, Globalization can also play vital parts in the development and prosperity of a country, although it may not be applied in the same way, as it would be in the field of business. It must be applied to a country's economic plan because it defines what goods should be produced and exported by the country; helping that country create a global identify for themself. Scotland, a long time member of the Untied Kingdom has decided to vote weather or not they should become an independent country or remain a member of the United Kingdom. This decision would not only affect the local market but the global market as well. I believe Scotland's separation from the UK would be...show more content...

This vote is important to the nation, even teenagers the age of 16 is excited to participate in the vote; because of their interest in independence

Ben Page of Ipsos MORI refers to them as the "Brave heart generation" after the movies. The movie brave heart portrays sir William Wallace in the 13th–century he was a Scottish warrior who led the Scottish people in the First War of Scottish Independence against King Edward I of England. But the young generation aren't the only one excited about the vote in fact A poll published taken this week suggested that as many as 84% of Scots aged 16 and over will vote next week this number far exceeds the number of people who normally come out to vote in elections. Alex Salmon said: "Last Monday I saw something which I did not ever think I would see in my political life. In Dundee, I saw people queuing up – and it was not a short queue, it was a long queue – to register to vote Almost reminiscent of the scenes in South

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Scottish Independence – Good or Bad Scotland is at a turning point. The 300–year old Union is some say no longer fit for purpose. Some say it was never designed for the 21st century world and it is well past it's sell by date and is holding Scotland back. The Scottish people voted to move forward, with a new, more Scottish approach from an SNP government. But many oppose these views saying that Scotland needs the rest of the UK and that the economic and social problems caused by independence would be catastrophic to the relationships between Scotland and the rest of the UK. In any case the government has published a white paper setting out a vision of independence and responsibility in the modern world. But is this idea beneficial to our country?

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Should Scotland Become Independent

Scottish Independence Today, changes in the political map of the world are not a big deal. It changes very often. And one of the possible changes becomes the attempt of Scotland to be independent. A national referendum was held in Scotland on 18 September 2014, which shook the country to its core (Government UK). Voters had to answer only one question: "ShouldScotland be an independent country?" The majority of Scottish people voted NO. Only 44.7% of the Scottish voters voted for Scotland becoming an independent nation. This referendum could break union with England that has lasted over 300 years (Government UK). And now the Scottish National Party does everything for Scottish independence ("Why vote YES for Scottish Independence?"). I agree with them; in my opinion, Scotland should be independent.

Scotland would get a lot...show more content...

There are lots of examples of small countries with a high income and high quality of living like Denmark, Ireland, New Zealand, Switzerland, and so on. Even the Unionists agree that Scotland has everything that is needed for independence and that it will make Scottish people richer ("Why vote YES for Scottish Independence?"). For instance, Scotland has enormous oil reserves. Most of the income and taxes made from oil go to Westminster and don't serve any useful purpose for Scotland. If Scotland becomes independent, all of the income from oil reserves will go directly to the Scotland Treasury. Scotland has many natural resources that allow for sustainable energy. In the same time, the energy and electricity demand in Europe is rising and Scotland could become one of the leading global suppliers, which would provide more jobs. Furthermore, all centralized services and offices, like the Tax office, will be relocated to Scotland, thereby providing more jobs for people and increasing income, which is beneficial for the economy ("Why vote YES for Scottish

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Two Arguments On Scottish Independence

Evaluate the two arguments(on Scottish Independence) for soundness and quality

Scotland was held on September 18, 2014 referendum on independence, to determine whether the Scottish independence from Britain. The independence referendum entered the 100–day countdown stage, Nicola Sturgeon (Deputy First Minister) and Alistair Darling (Former chancellor of the exchequer) both had a very convincing speech on this topic. Nicola argues,Scotland's huge wealth and extraordinary resources mean there is no question Scottish can be independent (Sturgeon,2014).Darling called on people to say "no thanks" to independence (Darling,2014).I thought that Nicola had a stronger speech. They both had prominent points and were persuasive,but I thought Nicola's speech is easy to understand.

Nicola takes on the position of a person who agrees to Scottish independence,in her speech. She adds many prominent points in her speech about why she believes that independence promises a better future for Scottish people. She says that so many of Scottish people do not feel the benefit under Westminster. She thinks Scotland can be a successful, thriving independent country, because Scotland has vast wealth, extraordinary resources and rich in human...show more content...

She discusses how important a Yes vote has become to many people. Nicola uses facts when explaining Scotland is wealthy enough to be independent, estimated that by GDP per head Scottish would be among the top 20 wealthiest countries in the world (Sturgeon,2014). Nicola explains how greatest opportunity for Scottish people to build a better, more prosperous and fairer country. In terms of vast wealth, extraordinary resources, rich in human talent, top universities Scottish would be independent. Although I think Nicola provides many great points, she also adds a lot of her own opinion into her

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Arguments For Independence Of Scotland

This argument states that the two opponents give their speech to the public before the election in Scotland. In this argument analysis, one party focuses on the independence of the country for a better future and the other party argues to ensure more power in Scotland being a part of UK. Both of these two arguments are good arguments because both of them are valid and strong. The first argument for independence is weaker when compared to the second argument. A good argument should stress on the issues. By eliminating the prevailing issues in the Westminster government, Nicole through her speech promise the women independence in the country through three main initiatives. The first initiative is the free child care for children in the

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The Scottish Independence Referendum

Thesis: The outcome of the Scottish Independence Referendum was not the result of mere question of nationalism (pride) or the lack of thereof. It was highly influenced by the class division inside different areas of Scotland. There are 32 council areas in whole Scotland. 4 of those voted "Yes" to independence. All 4 of these have high levels of deprivation, as there is high working–class population too. In addition, the areas that were poorer, tended to vote "Yes" since they saw this as a way to fight the hard circumstanced imposed on them. On the other hand, areas that had better standing people financially, had higher percentages of "No" votes. As an example, mentioned is Edinburgh– where a great percentage of children attend private

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Be it a good or be it a bad decision! Scotland is at a turning point in its history. Why does Scotland want to be independent? Are the causes of independence quite persuasive for people to vote yes? And what about their effects, will these causes contribute to Scotland's progression or retrogression? Although the Scottish want to gain their independence, they were divided into two campaigns; the Yes Campaign and the No Campaign. Each of which has strong arguments both for and against the independence.

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Should Scotland Be An Independent Country

When people reach a certain age, they begin to want to be independent from their parents and become self–sustaining. The same can be said of a country living dependently of one another. Scotland has reached the age when it wants to be its own country, independent from mother England. Independence can only be achieved when one is fully capable of taking care of themselves on their own. That cannot be said of Scotland or England. Since the two countries first united they have formed a codependent relationship. Their economies formed off of each other and even use the same currency. Nevertheless, the Scots who want independence are justified in their pursuit. Patriotism for one's nation instills a sense of pride in the citizens and makes them...show more content...

The governor of the Bank of England said they would not want to keep the currency union with Scotland if they were to become independent. This shows that England is going to any length to keep their union solid. Scotland leaving should also frighten England because it might cause the other countries in the United Kingdom to try to gain independence. If Scotland were to become independent, then there would only be England, Whales, and Northern Ireland. Scotland might cause a chain reaction in the other countries of the UK to also begin wanting to become independent. England has settled in with Scotland to a great extent. The UK has four Vanguard Class submarines carrying Trident nuclear warheads that are a part of the Trident Program stationed in Scotland. (De Castella) Alex Salmond has stated that if Scotland were to become independent that they would not want to house any nuclear weapons. Salmond has said "The UK government has two choices – they either relocate Trident to another part of the rest of the UK, or alternatively they could use nuclear facilities in America or France." (Nuclear) Most of Scotland's time seems to be spent worrying about itself and how it could better their country with little time spent thinking about how it would affect the rest of the UK. Ultimately, there appears to be a great deal of unforeseen consequences of an independent Scotland that would leave a huge impact on

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Impact Of The Scottish Independent Movement

The United Kingdom has always been an ardent opponent of constitutional reform. In fact the very fact that through nearly a millennia they have refused to produce their constitution in a formal written structure reiterates that sentiment. And although the undercurrent of maintaining certain traditional and cultural norms remains strong, the national government has on frequent occasion had to accept the often frequent and ill–fated changes within the local government. Throughout history the lion's share of these local changes have revolved around the relationship between the formerly autonomous countries of Wales, Scotland, and Ireland. But a comprehensive analysis of these complicated relationships requires a much more lengthy background. As a result this paper will attempt to analyze the proposition of transfer of power in greater part to the local government of Scotland within the context of the last decades of the 20th century into the first decade of the 21st. A modern approach to the increasing separation of Scotland and England can been seen beginning with the Labour Party during the 1970's. The indecision and hesitation with respect to reform was epitomized in the bold and determined proposal of the 1974 Labour government decentralization and transfer of power for Wales and Scotland. The policy was an ill–fated one largely in part to the internal divisions of the Labour party during this epoch. Fortunately for

Impact of the Scottish Independent Movement

With the whole world watching Scotland take their chance to become independent, many were shocked at Ireland's vote to reject this independence. With a 55% vote, Scotland has decided to stay a part of the United Kingdom.

On September 18, 2014, Scotland held a vote to decide if they were to become an independent country or continue being a part of the United Kingdom. The people have spoken, and they have spoken to reject independence. This close poll has shocked many people around the world, including the people who live in Scotland. But this poll brought a new realization of what the people were asking for and what they wanted, and upset the ones that still wanted and voted for independence. Thus forming the two perspectives: those who support independence for Scotland, and those whose who support the rejection of independence.

Those in support of independence wanted to focus more on the needs of Scotland, and decisions that would reflect more primarily on its priorities. The people feel by putting Scotland's priorities first, the confidence in the country and its abilities would then be increased. Additionally, Scotland could get rid of Trident (nuclear submarines located at HMNB Clyde, service headquarters in...show more content... There are many problems that could arise from the risk, like job loss, rise in prices, and major projects being frozen. Also, Better Together (a campaign that encourages "no votes"), argues that for obvious reasons, like sharing an island, staying a part of the United Kingdom would be better off for Scotland's security, defense, and military. And not only that, but Scotland has been apart of the United Kingdom since 1707, and more people than not feel "equally Scottish and British." Lastly, people feel the economic risk is very large; Better Together insists that despite a claimed "common–sense" deal, there will be no currency union with

The Scottish Referendum For Independence

Abstract

The question I seek to answer in this essay is whether the Scottish Referendum for Independence from 18th September 2014 (hereafter referred as "the 2014 Referendum") was indeed a process that can give account to legitimacy. This essay will look at legitimacy as being a moral claim set by our own culture. It will also explore the meaning of "overall legitimacy" of the 2014 Referendum and if individual claims of citizens are in conflict with it. Furthermore, it will argued that the political discourse of Alex Salmond and of theScottish National Party as a whole, was detrimental to the Scottish civil society as it facilitated its division.

Scope of the question and its delimitation

This essay will solely give an account of the relatively of the 2014 Referendum's legitimacy and will show that through non relative arguments coming from the SNP political discourse, the overall legitimacy of the 2014 Referendum provides a prescriptive account on the devolution in so far. A notion that will not be addressed by this essay is represented by the impact of the Scottish referendum for independence on countries such as Spain and the states from the former Republic of Yugoslavia.

Disposition of the essay

In what follows a background of the referendum will be presented. Afterwards, it shall be argued that the entire process for establishing the 2014 Referendum cannot be seen as a democratic one, as it is was induced by the Yes Campaign consequently is logically flawed.

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Should Scotland become Independent? Scotland is at a turning point. On 18th September 2014 a referendum will be held asking voters a simple yes/no question: "Should Scotland be an independent country?" It has become more apparent that Scotland does not benefit from being part of the union with England, Wales and Northern Ireland and as a consequence of this many people agree that Scotland would be better off as an independent country. Some say the union is no longer fit for purpose and it is holding Scotland back. But many people oppose these views saying Scotland needs the rest of the UK and the economic and social factors of independence would be too great to deal with. Independence for Scotland means that we will have the right to...show more content...

Becoming independent would therefore arguably be a step for democracy and for the health and recovery of its economy. The majority of laws which are put in place in Scotland are decided and passed in Westminster by English politicians who will not be affected by these laws and are intended primarily for England without much consideration for Scotland. At present Scotland has a government that runs lots of Scottish affairs but has one hand tied behind its back with ones not in their control – such as taxation and fiscal policies. Although Scotland already has control over its own parliament and legal system, it still has no control over its own defence and security. My favourite news recently is that nuclear warheads were transported through Glasgow even though MSPs condemned strongly against this and without informing the local authorities. The MoD recently carried out a mock–emergency exercise which took them five hours to complete the task and if something bad had happened with just one of those warheads Glasgow would be uninhabitable for years and years. All of the UK's nuclear weapons are kept in Scotland even though most people in Scotland are against them; polls show 70% of Scots want it gone yet the UK government force it on Scotland and it is not up for

Arguments Against Scottish Independence

Scottish Independence

Scottland has been a part of the UK since 1707 after James VII was deposed in 1688 England feared that Scottland would go its own way which led to a formal union of the two kingdoms. And now in September 2014 there was a public poll if there should have been a Scottish Independence. The poll failed with 55% No voters voting against a Scottish Independence.

I am going to be looking at some pros and cons of an Scottish Independence.

A very popular argument for Scottish Independence is that theScotland would have a much stronger economy. Scotland owns a huge shares in oil. And if they became independent they wouldn't need to share the income. And it would help to build its economic independence.

Many laws which are enforced...show more content... Minumum wages would be raised, The current minumum wage in The UK is ВЈ6.50 an hour and it would be raised. Over 150000 people would would benefit from this raise. Experts recommend the minimum wage to be ВЈ7.65 an hour, this raise would be in line with inflation. If there would be an Scottish Independence there would also be some cons.

As of now the UK is a very powerful, rich and influential state. Becoming independent would significantly decrease Scotland's global presence and influence.

Scotland's membership of the EU is not clear. Experts and politicians have disagreed on whether or not Scotland's status as an EU member state could be estalished.

Theres discussion how Scotland will survive without access to the British ''money pot''. Many people say that going independent is an extremely large economc gamble, especialy in times recession and rising unemployment.

UK have some very large debts to foreign countries, which Scotland is partly responsible for. Becoming independent they have to negotiate

which debts they should pay off. They have so many ties with the rest of UK that this could be a very tedious process that could take several

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