Scotland - Independence Referendum moves closer

Frith · 05-05-2008, 05:33 PM

zbrahead wrote:

Quote:

Why is it wasted? To the contrary, Richard (if that is your name :/), talking about your political ideals and morals is never a waste of time if you are in a party.

Here we go again with the what is your real name runaround. Getting at the name is a very important part of getting at the person for some reason. But it only works on people called Rumpelstiltskin. I don't think it'll work on people called Richard.

Northumbrian · 05-05-2008, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eurosceptic Atlanticist

I'm more concerned with what happens if Scotland votes for independence.

What happens, how soon, who gets what, will there be border controls, will there still be anything in common (ie. foreign representation?) or not, will either party be required to bail the other out if it all goes pear shaped, will there be the possibility of re-entry into a Union in the future, what happens to England/Wales/NI?

I don't think it's fair to give Scotland a referendum without also giving one to England, Wales and NI.

So many questions. The Scots would leave Westminster and the Scottish Parliament would have full powers. The Queen would be Head of State. Scotland should have its own foreign policy (including embassies). No border controls (none with Ireland). Why should England bail them out? Let the EU do it. The UK as we know it would never return. England/Wales/NI should revert to being the Kingdom of England.

Richard the Lionheart · 05-05-2008, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eurosceptic Atlanticist

I'm more concerned with what happens if Scotland votes for independence.

What happens, how soon, who gets what, will there be border controls, will there still be anything in common (ie. foreign representation?) or not, will either party be required to bail the other out if it all goes pear shaped, will there be the possibility of re-entry into a Union in the future, what happens to England/Wales/NI?

I don't think it's fair to give Scotland a referendum without also giving one to England, Wales and NI.

There should be the creation of a Council of the Isles which would deal with these issues and to try and reach consensus about border controls, defence, trade, and other issues. This should also include how the assets and debts of the union are divided up and who gets what. I'm sure it would be a very peaceful and relaxed breakup of the union and good co-operation. The fact that there are governments in NI, Wales and Scotland makes the the whole job easier.

Westcountryman · 05-05-2008, 06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard the Lionheart

There should be the creation of a Council of the Isles which would deal with these issues and to try and reach consensus about border controls, defence, trade, and other issues. This should also include how the assets and debts of the union are divided up and who gets what. I'm sure it would be a very peaceful and relaxed breakup of the union and good co-operation. The fact that there are governments in NI, Wales and Scotland makes the the whole job easier.

Who represents England? The remnants of Westminster?

Frith · 05-05-2008, 06:25 PM

A Council of the Isles is an excellent concept and one already in the minds of some who favour resurgent nation states with strong alliances. It's been mentioned on this forum before, I think, by Ea of Dune.

zbrahead · 05-05-2008, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frith

zbrahead wrote:

Here we go again with the what is your real name runaround. Getting at the name is a very important part of getting at the person for some reason. But it only works on people called Rumpelstiltskin. I don't think it'll work on people called Richard.

He is called Richard? Thats good. (I honestly did not know, and you missed the point, so congrats to you, anyway, my name is Richard too so there :P)

Richard the Lionheart · 05-05-2008, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eurosceptic Atlanticist

Who represents England? The remnants of Westminster?

Yes, in the short term. If it happens in the next few years it will be a Tory government in power. It's my humble opinion that the transition will be quite painless, and easier than imagined. 75% of the governmental powers over Scotland are in the hands of the Scottish parliament now. There is also talk about the transfer of more powers and if that happens before independence, it will make the transition even easier.

There will be full nation status for all four nations, each with a national parliament who will continue the business of government while the Council of the Isles should deal with the issues I mentioned earlier.

Richard the Lionheart · 05-05-2008, 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zbrahead

He is called Richard? Thats good. (I honestly did not know, and you missed the point, so congrats to you, anyway, my name is Richard too so there :P)

Yes Richard is my real name, and I'm sure you will agree, it's a bloody fine name too!

Northumbrian · 05-05-2008, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard the Lionheart

There will be full nation status for all four nations, each with a national parliament who will continue the business of government while the Council of the Isles should deal with the issues I mentioned earlier.

It's debatable whether Northern Ireland would have full nation status - they may find economocially at least, that they'd have to join with the rest of Ireland.

But that's their decision.

zbrahead · 05-05-2008, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard the Lionheart

Yes Richard is my real name, and I'm sure you will agree, it's a bloody fine name too!

Hell yeah! Richards for the win

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05-05-2008, 06:25 PM	#35 (permalink)
Frith Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 660	A Council of the Isles is an excellent concept and one already in the minds of some who favour resurgent nation states with strong alliances. It's been mentioned on this forum before, I think, by Ea of Dune.