Wednesday 11 January 2012

What's the question??

Now that the referendum date appears to have been confirmed as late 2014 much debate will be held as to the form of the question(s) to be asked and, indeed, how many options will be offered.  According to the SNP their preferred option is for a straight yes or no for independence but, crucially, that they may accept a further option should that be forth-coming.


My own preference would, un-popularly I suspect, be for a straight choice between independence or a return to Westminster rule.  My reason being that most, if not all, of the issues that I find completely abhorrent are, despite having a token Scottish government, still retained by Westminster.


For example, if Westminster decide to go to war there is nothing that the Scottish Government can do about it except voice their objections which will be, inevitably translated, again, by the media as wingeing.  If they chose to waste money on a Trident replacement there is nothing the Scottish Government can do about it except voice their objections which will be, inevitably, translated, again and again, by the media as wingeing.  If they chose to give away fishing rights there is nothing the Scottish Government can do about it except voice their objection which will be, inevitably, translated, again and again and again, as wingeing.  There are other examples too numerous to record.


I believe that Scottish voters, having got used to having their own Government, inadequate though it's powers may be, would not contemplate, given the option, of returning to Westminster rule.  This is a once in a life-time, for most, opportunity for Scots to stand on their own two feet and should not be squandered on voting for distractions such as the status quo, devolution max - terms to be dictated by the UK government - or any other distraction from the main purpose of holding a referendum in the first instance.

3 comments:

  1. You're right.

    The option: independence or back to the Tories running everything... privatised health, Michael Gove insisting that every child be conversant with the works of John Dryden, but not the works of Walter Scott... No John Swinney to make the money go farther. Probably next time round an English Secretary of State (Wales has got one already unless she's resigned).

    That would concentrate their minds most wonderfully.

    But it won't happen.

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  2. Tris, maybe not but it would be a good move for the Westminster Tories to initiate a referendum along these lines as Scottish independence would be to their benefit. Anyhoo, off on my travels so catch you up in 2 or 3 weeks - be a good boy till then!

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  3. I'll try Uncle John. Travel safe and come back soon ... we miss you, when you're gone. Mum sends you a kiss!

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