Some of you will have read my previous posts about the fear that surrounds Alex Salmond and the SNP, (fear of calling a referendum) and their trying to squeeze ever more concessions out of the UK government. This on top of the excessive funding that Scotland already receives.
Well, seems like someone is finally listening. The timing of the referendum is being discussed by the UK government as well as the question to be posed.
Salmond and Co. want a three choice option. Something like:
Do you want complete independence for Scotland and a break with the United Kingdom or do you want greater powers for the Scottish Assembly?
The SNP and fellow travelers think that when faced with such a choice, they will get what they really want - Greater Powers.
I believe that they know they will not get a majority Yes (what would be a majority? More than 50% of the eligible voters (that is those registered to vote in Scotland) or more than 50% of those that bother to vote?)
Getting Greater Powers is what they really want as this way they can strut and preen themselves as leaders without needing to face the full economic consequences of their actions - i.e. they will demand that the English continue to subsidize them.
As I said earlier, I think that the English should also be asked for their opinion or view.
I think the question on both sides of the border should be:
Do you want Scotland to remain a member country of the United Kingdom?
The referendum needn't be binding ( I am not sure any referendum is binding on the UK Government) but this would give a sense of English and Scottish feelings.on the matter.
Also, whatever the outcome, the Barnett formula must go and the subsidy to Scotland (and Wales and Northern Ireland) must end. This needs to happen before the March Budget.
Then we can see if they can afford free university education and prescriptions etc.
Well, seems like someone is finally listening. The timing of the referendum is being discussed by the UK government as well as the question to be posed.
Salmond and Co. want a three choice option. Something like:
Do you want complete independence for Scotland and a break with the United Kingdom or do you want greater powers for the Scottish Assembly?
- Yes, complete independence
- No, remain part of the United Kingdom
- Greater powers for the Scottish Assembly but remain part of the UK
The SNP and fellow travelers think that when faced with such a choice, they will get what they really want - Greater Powers.
I believe that they know they will not get a majority Yes (what would be a majority? More than 50% of the eligible voters (that is those registered to vote in Scotland) or more than 50% of those that bother to vote?)
Getting Greater Powers is what they really want as this way they can strut and preen themselves as leaders without needing to face the full economic consequences of their actions - i.e. they will demand that the English continue to subsidize them.
As I said earlier, I think that the English should also be asked for their opinion or view.
I think the question on both sides of the border should be:
Do you want Scotland to remain a member country of the United Kingdom?
- Yes
- No
The referendum needn't be binding ( I am not sure any referendum is binding on the UK Government) but this would give a sense of English and Scottish feelings.on the matter.
Also, whatever the outcome, the Barnett formula must go and the subsidy to Scotland (and Wales and Northern Ireland) must end. This needs to happen before the March Budget.
Then we can see if they can afford free university education and prescriptions etc.
