An independent Scotland?

[Clinton Huxley]

The English "rump" state, with 90% of the population and GDP. Heh

Imagine what those figures would be like if Scotland hadn't been treated like a poor neighbour all these years. Non-heh.

You'll have to learn to blame Berlin for all your woes, once Scotland is "independent"

[Red Celt]

The English "rump" state, with 90% of the population and GDP. Heh

Imagine what those figures would be like if Scotland hadn't been treated like a poor neighbour all these years. Non-heh.

You'll have to learn to blame Berlin for all your woes, once Scotland is "independent"

And you'll have to learn how to read a history book... or three.

[Red Celt]

I'm wondering what internet forums would have been like if they'd existed during the creation of the Republic of Ireland.

[klr]

The English "rump" state, with 90% of the population and GDP. Heh

Imagine what those figures would be like if Scotland hadn't been treated like a poor neighbour all these years. Non-heh.

You'll have to learn to blame Berlin for all your woes, once Scotland is "independent"

And you'll have to learn how to read a history book... or three.

No, Clinton is right. Blaming the Krauts is now becoming akin to an involuntary reflex for anyone living in a debt-ridden Eurozone country.

I'm wondering what internet forums would have been like if they'd existed during the creation of the Republic of Ireland.

Why stop with the Irish War of Independence? Why not (say) during the Mongol conquests, or Caesar's campaigns in Gaul*, or the Mau-Mau revolt?

*I can imagine Caesar tweeting a lot. He was very economical with the written word.

[Red Celt]

The Europhobia in England has always (somewhat tragically) amused me. Some people will never see themselves as European. After 300 years, they're still struggling with the union between England and Scotland. Little Englanders to the core.

[Clinton Huxley]

Mmm. And the Scots sit around in Tartans wanking off to Braveheart. Aren't stereotypes easy?

[Red Celt]

Mmm. And the Scots sit around in Tartans wanking off to Braveheart. Aren't stereotypes easy?

(checks his webcam actually is switched off)

You're accusing me of using stereotypes, I guess? Which/where?

[mistermack]

The Europhobia in England has always (somewhat tragically) amused me. Some people will never see themselves as European. After 300 years, they're still struggling with the union between England and Scotland. Little Englanders to the core.

Amazing. And I really believe he means it.

[ronmcd]

Mmm. And the Scots sit around in Tartans wanking off to Braveheart. Aren't stereotypes easy?

(checks his webcam actually is switched off)

[Santa_Claus]

What I want to hear about (from the English) is the effect that the Scottish Independence would have on the remaining parts of the UK - and the steps that are actually being taken NOW to prepare for that.

Unless of course it is the case that overall the effect on the UK will be negiligible, which kinda suggests that the effect on Scotland will be much the same.

One of the EOTW scare stories I have heard often is what happens to Scotland once the oil runs out - Which makes me smile, given that the UK doesn't exactly have a plan for that either (albeit likely they will need one sooner than they thought!). My bet is that the Scots will have a plan for that - and now is the time to plan and invest for that future.

BTW, I am not Scottish (nor am I living there - went once, full of Midges and rain - am never going back!).

[Svartalf]

The English "rump" state, with 90% of the population and GDP. Heh

Imagine what those figures would be like if Scotland hadn't been treated like a poor neighbour all these years. Non-heh.

You'll have to learn to blame Berlin for all your woes, once Scotland is "independent"

And you'll have to learn how to read a history book... or three.

I think he wasn't talking about the same thing you did... enjoy being part of Merkelistan.

and read some books on geography, Scotland never could support the kind of population Southern Britain can.

[Clinton Huxley]

I see the Scotch Separatists are getting their knickers in a twist over NATO membership now.

[ronmcd]

I see the Scotch Separatists are getting their knickers in a twist over NATO membership now.

Ah, you're trying too hard now.

[klr]

I see the Scotch Separatists are getting their knickers in a twist over NATO membership now.

Well, I think it's been the stated position for some time now that an independent Scotland will basically be an "unaligned" country with defence forces to match. I recall Salmond or one of the other SNP top brass saying as much when publicly questioned on the matter a few months ago.

[mistermack]

What I want to hear about (from the English) is the effect that the Scottish Independence would have on the remaining parts of the UK - and the steps that are actually being taken NOW to prepare for that.

Unless of course it is the case that overall the effect on the UK will be negiligible, which kinda suggests that the effect on Scotland will be much the same.

One of the EOTW scare stories I have heard often is what happens to Scotland once the oil runs out - Which makes me smile, given that the UK doesn't exactly have a plan for that either (albeit likely they will need one sooner than they thought!). My bet is that the Scots will have a plan for that - and now is the time to plan and invest for that future.

BTW, I am not Scottish (nor am I living there - went once, full of Midges and rain - am never going back!).

That's an easy one I can clear up now.
England won't be paying the subsidy to Scotland. And that saving goes on for ever.
Scotland only gets dwindling oil money till it runs out. So England will be progressively saving money on that score.

And our portion of the oil money will be tiny, compared to our economy. So there will be bugger-all to miss.