Principia Discordia > Aneristic Illusions
Scottish Independence
Cain:
Oh yeah, it's dicks all the way down on this. But there are just too many incentives for everyone in power to actually go ahead with this. The Lib Dems probably wont even realize how they're being played for chumps, despite a venerable tradition of Scottish leaders, they're currently about as insightful on issues north of the border as a bag of bricks. They're also generally pro-devolution, so the chances are, no matter who claims the final say, devo max or full independence is on the cards.
Scribbly:
I do wonder how this will effect the UK's relationship with Europe. Scotland has become very popular in EU because of its successful use of structural funding and emerging green energy expertise. In the short term, control over north sea oil is going to be the big question. I'm not convinced it is actually worth it, though. If I'm reading the figures correctly, the tax collected varies with a high of £12bn in 2010 but a more average £6-9bn. That really isn't a huge amount of money. I can see the argument that maintaining control is useful for our energy security, but I doubt there is anywhere near enough oil coming out of the north sea to form a significant strategic reserve.
Scotland has taken a huge slice of the investment pie, too. Edinburgh and Glasgow have become very attractive as alternatives to London since their regeneration projects kicked off. A lot of people are looking at London and feeling that it really doesn't offer anywhere near as much as it needs to in order to support the ridiculous cost of the place.
Cain:
I suspect that the EU is another one that will work in favour of Scottish independence, given how royally Cameron just fucked us with his recent attempt to "protect the City".
Should Edinburgh become an alternative to London for companies looking to operate in the British Isles, a very real possibility as you note, then I might even be tempted to move back up that way. Property is much cheaper up there, and Edinburgh also has much more potential for expansion. London...not so much. Plus, getting to London from Edinburgh is insanely easy, especially if you plan ahead. Inexpensive, too.
And yeah, the North Sea oil isn't really that important, though I can imagine some heckling about it from the Tory backbenchers. You never know when they'll decide to make a big issue of it in the Telegraph and hammer Cameron's approval ratings. The Tory right are not noted for their rational forward thinking, and they are exactly the kind of people who would make it a matter of pride or something retarded. As if Scotland's not going to sell England the damn oil anyway. I very much doubt anything would come of such a dispute, but it's fun to think about.
Scotland is also trying to build bigger ties with the Scandanavian countries as well, emphasizing it's own past of socialism, heavy drinking and bouts of depression. Sadly, this will probably work, much to the disappointment of Scandanavian tourism industry workers everywhere.
Bebek Sincap Ratatosk:
--- Quote from: Demolition_Squid on January 11, 2012, 09:20:45 am ---I have to admit, I find the idea of Scottish (and Welsh) independence a little bit silly.
--- End quote ---
Fe godwn ni eto!
Scribbly:
--- Quote from: Bebek Sincap Ratatosk on January 11, 2012, 11:55:03 am ---
--- Quote from: Demolition_Squid on January 11, 2012, 09:20:45 am ---I have to admit, I find the idea of Scottish (and Welsh) independence a little bit silly.
--- End quote ---
Fe godwn ni eto!
--- End quote ---
*flashbacks*
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shFDtLnsKps
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