Wake Up Call

A 1% lead for "Yes" well within the margin of error, in one YouGov poll in the Sunday Times, is proof that the Indyref could produce a vote for Scottish Independence, not proof that it will.

But this really ought to be a wake-up call for everyone on both sides of the Border.

Those North of the border must realise that this is not just an opportunity for a protest vote - the breakup of the UK could actually happen.

If that's what you really want, fine, but think long and hard about it - because I don't believe anyone on either side fully undedrstands all the ramifications.

For all of us on both sides of the border, this should wake us up to the fact that the UK has been too centralised for too long.

If it survives the next fortnight we should work out a proper Federal structure for the British family of nations and work out what should be dealt with at UK level - presumably Foreign affrairs, Defence, Trade, and at least top level budgetting and economics - and what should be devolved to the four nations - Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and yes, England.

We don't need another layer of politicians, least of all based on artificial and arbitrary aggregations like the English Regions. But we can and should devolve more to our Shires/Counties, Cities and Boroughs.

Comments

Jim said…
Working out a proper Federal structure for the British family of nations. Hmmmmmm, I know,

"The foundation of our democracy shall be the counties (or other local units as may be defined), which shall become constitutional bodies exercising under the control of their peoples all powers of legislation, taxation and administration not specifically granted by the people to the national government"
5:35 pm
Chris Whiteside said…
You'd probably want to move further and faster than me, but we are both moving in the same direction
12:10 am
Jim said…
There is much to be learned from Alex Salmon though. I mean think about it, he does not have a single sensible answer for most of the economic questions, showing for one thing this is not primarily about economics (nor are most UK elections) But what he has done is move the YES idea to not only a "safe" area in the eyes of many scots, but also he constantly puts out a positive message for it.

Now with hardly a sensible answer, he has managed to give the Better together campaign the shivers. For what its worth I still dont see that Scotland will vote for independence (though if anything the behaviour of the Westminster gangs "leaders" this week will push more to vote yes). But the lesson is "how to put up a good campaign"

I see this as a kind of warm up for any EU referendum, the out side must use positives, and a safe credible exit plan. with those two things and sensible answers to the other questions then the status quo effect could be beaten.
5:45 pm
Chris Whiteside said…
You're right about the need to be positive.

Mind you, considering the totally incredible economic illiteracy of the SNP case, it is hardly surprising that any No campaign worth their salt would spend some time attacking it - see post today.
11:23 pm
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