Around 40 percent of Scots plan to vote for independence in this year's referendum, according to a poll on Thursday which showed a three-point rise in support for an end to the country's 307-year-old-union with England.
The poll, carried out by Panelbase, showed that 45 percent of those questioned intended to vote against Scottish independence, a decline of two points from the last equivalent survey.
Scotland, which has a population of just over 5 million and whose territorial waters are the source of much of the North Sea's oil and gas, will vote on September 18 on whether to leave the UK.
Do you think ending 307 years of Union between Scotland and England is the right thing to do? Will this result in a greater Scotland or perhaps result in economic disaster for both Scotland and the U.K? And finally, did Mel Gibson play a role in this independence plan with his 1995 movie "Braveheart"
Read more information about this independence movement here:
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Great topic, Paul.
I have my own opinion, but of course I would defer my own thoughts to whatever the Scottish people decide. If it was up to me, I would like to see an independent Scotland. Now, to be sure, I have no idea what the overall economic impact of such a move would be. Would Scotland continue with the British Pound Sterling or opt to go the Euro route? Does Scotland currently benefit from its ties to London or is its economic growth inhibited?
It is easy for me to say "go independent," but I would hope that the Scottish people have done due diligence as they make this decision. I am sure it will be a fairly close vote no matter what the outcome will be. I'll be watching for sure!
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Personally being a Scot by birth I would like to see Scotland Independent but before jumping from one bad situation to another I think Scotland and her people should think long and hard about the possibility of staying in the Union but with some significant political and economics changes. There, after all only 5 million in Scotland and a few other European country with the same population and situation with more in the diaspora than on home soil have had a difficult time since their independence ie. Croatia.
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This is a really tough subject. Coming from a States prospect I think alot of the Scottish drive for independence was brought to light by Mel Gibson's 1995 Braveheart movie.
By as with Hollywood, the truth is probably not as glamorous as the reality.
I think there is great pride among the Scottish peoples and perhaps there is some justification in their desire to break away from the United Kingdom.
Not claiming to be an expert on this subject, but everything now a days is driven by money and I would take a long close look at those political forces that are pushing this referendum to make sure that there is no secret agenda of profit to benefit a select few who will reap the benefits of Scottish resources.
To be very honest with you, I think splitting apart the countries is going to reduce their standing and influence in the world. 300 years is an awfully long time for their shared histories. Perhaps a good outcome would be for Scotland to gain more say in the dealings of the U.K. and better financial support for their programs.
In fact, I would go as far as to say that the entire British Isles should seriously consider thinking about what they are trying to accomplish.
Here in America, we would never consider breaking away from the U.S. Such as New England becoming it's own country or California.
The question of Ireland, Scotland, England, Wales, Isle of Mann is of shared histories and of it's people rising to a level of awareness where they can put behind their age old differences and truly become one people.
The benefits of social, economic and military corporation would reap huge benefits if they could just put their differences aside!
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Paul you are wrong about the US, there are 3 states that have referendums on their ballots for succsion. As for Scotland, it once was sovern until it was taken by force from it's people. Why not again?
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Shadows I hate to admit that in some respects I am not up on the History of Great Britain but it is my understanding that the Kingdom Of Scotland and the Kingdom of England through commissioners set by both agreed to join and become one in May 1707.
Some interesting comments. As to the union. Scotland did not have a vote to willingly join the union. There was rioting in the streets when it came about but in those days power was held by a few men who were paid handsomely for selling Scotland's freedom.That and the fact that Scottish trade was being badly affected by the English blocking Scotland and an army ready to invade didn't really make it democratic. As for our size. Scotland would be a small rich country much like Norway or Denmark.I know some countries had problems on gaining independence like when Yugoslavia broke up but this is not the same situation or anything like it I know some especially in the US look at the influence of Braveheart. That was a film that was out many years ago. It was mostly fiction with some basis on facts. There have been Scots campaigning for independence since the day we lost our independence. The SNP have been around for 80 years ,Braveheart maybe got some Scots many years ago to read more about Wallace but it will not influence the vote in Sept. We are not splitting a country apart. Scotland is a country,one of the oldest in the world we just want to have decisions about Scotland made in Scotland. We want to retain the money made in Scotland in Scotland,we just want to be a normal country again. I reckon you can tell I'll be voting YES.
Imperialism by any other name smells just as rank.
What's the true difference between Russian, English, German or American imperialism - or any other nation's? Why should one nation be subject to another? One people to another?
This post has been edited by Felurian on 19-Apr-2014, 11:22 AM
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I'm hoping they do because of the fact that I don't like the direction England has been taking lately. Just seems to be getting worse and worse over there.
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England stole Scotland and their rights. Many fought and died for freedom that was taken from them. England was over bearing and just took what they wanted. What became the United States was under British rule. It was the king of England and his rules that brought about our Revolutionary War. Taxes without representation. No representation in government or say as to what we could and couldn't do. It was the same with Scotland, Ireland and Wales. Only certain landowners had rights that were recognized and the commoner was forced to accept or be killed or imprisoned. The Scottish Highlanders were put in the front lines of battle because they are the best fighters. But when the battle was over they tended to be forgotten. It is much the same as we are struggling with in the States. Government is too big and the people are forgotten. There are many states that are for splitting. We must take back our government. Our government is suppose to be of the people, by the people and for the people. Our Constitution is the law of the land. All people have certain unalliable rights given to us by God. We have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Everyone does no matter where they live. This goes for Scotland. Scotland should have the right to rule itself just as each state should. Many of the states have movements to break-up. Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Ilse of Mann and England I think should be free to govern themselves and what happens in their own boarders just as are states are suppose to. But as to outside each state (foriegn policy) they should remain the United Kingdom and work together just as we need to remain United. United we stand strong against outside invaders. The choice is Scotland's to make. If I was Scotland I would vote for state's rights. I rule my own state not England. I would stay part of the UK and England would govern over forign affairs. All the countries including Ireland need to stand united as one nation in these troubled times. The UK is a small nation and can easily be overrun if they do not stand united.
Personally being a Scot by birth I would like to see Scotland Independent but before jumping from one bad situation to another I think Scotland and her people should think long and hard about the possibility of staying in the Union but with some significant political and economics changes. There, after all only 5 million in Scotland and a few other European country with the same population and situation with more in the diaspora than on home soil have had a difficult time since their independence ie. Croatia.
I think you are right.Is there a true independence in this world ? 307 years of common history is a lot - think twice !
It is nice to see the support of others for this either way but you sad because only scots living in scotland can vote. None living elsewhere can and none living in England, Wales, Northern Ireland, etc can vote. Kind of narrows it down a lot doesn't it. I think scots anywhere in the world that were born in Scotland or have naturalization should be able to vote for Scotland.
Just my idea and yes I am an American living in Scotland but born and raised in the states. I have lived here 13 years and my father was a scot from Cromarty but not married to mum. my husband is a full scot and can vote but I cannot vote. I do not have 'British' Citizenship only indefinite leave to stay.
This post has been edited by ladysharlyne on 20-Apr-2014, 02:35 AM
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Scotland was strong armed into the union of the crowns. And was sold out by its own . Read the history. I know its not on the same level , but Germany had a common history with western Europe for 5 years. There is Far Too much money involved .
I vote Yes... Ireland sought to obtain their independent around 1914 .. (did they get it??) The issue is, To have compete "sovereignty" Scotland has to cut any ties with the IMF. Go and watch the video called Life and Debt... this is an excellent example of how the IMF straggles the life out of a country. http://www.bing.com/search?q=Life%20and%20...nlogo=CT3210127
another one is the Panama Deception . this documentary will show so much corruption and about (tricky Dick been awhile since I've seen it of I may be confused of what one) and after this 2 more most important that all ties together. the Zeitgeist Addendum in particular the economic hit man https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbvCxMfcKv4
and this will substantiate/a firm the Zeitgeist Adden.