to ask how you feel about Scottish Independence?

[PierreBourdieu]

Particularly looking for opinions from South of the Border, but all opinions welcome. My FB is awash with Independence fever after the rally in Edinburgh yesterday. As a Scotwoman I am always interested to hear the views of the English and get that perspective. I'll not disclose whether I'm pro or anti as I suppose it's not relevant here, also not looking for a bunfight! Care to share?

Itsallgoingtobefine If the people of Scotland genuinely want to remain part of the Union they need to stand up and start shouting about it

Well, actually no. People are "required" simply to vote in a Referendum, as an instrument of democracy, not partake in some obsessive brainwashing process beforehand.

Itsallgoingtobefine Nowt wrong with higher taxes in my view. I and most people I know understand that higher taxes mean better state provided services /benefits/pensions

But Scotland already benefits from some of the most generous benefit provision in Northern Europe. Are you suggesting that there is something about the Scottish people that means they require even more enhanced benefit provision? I don't think thats the Scotland we all know and love at all.

geegee the problem is there are an awful lot of people out there who haven't made up their minds/couldn't care less.

It's the smart thing to do for the yes and the no campaign to get the message out there and get the floating voters on side.

The latest survey showed that 31% wanted independence and 43% wanted Holyrood to make all decisions.

If you make the (huge) assumption that those in favour of independence care more (greater online presence, marches etc) then that's the referendum won as those that want to maintain the status quo seem less passionate and therefore a lower proportion of them will vote.

That's why the no campaign needs to up its game.

geegee of course I don't think Scotland needs more benefits than any other civilized country.

But in a time of austerity you can't just say we have no money so we are slashing benefits, as the Tories are doing.

Benefits are the last thing you should cut, and if you can't find savings elsewhere (unlikely) then yes, taxes need to go up.

I haven't read all the thread since my last post, it's way too big! But I see people saying that a distrust of the SNP should have nothing to do with the decision.

Considering that thd pro-independence propaganda hails from their offices, I think a distrust of the SNP is very relevant.

That is all.

Jeezypips: that is completely incorrect.

The SNP's are not the only party that want independence.

The Greens do too.
And there is the Labour for Independence group.

The Yes Campaign is independent of the political parties.

The independence march was organised by neither the SNP nor the YES campaign.

Plus, any intelligent person can do their own research into the evidence, both for and against.

I suggest you actually do read the rest of the thread as there is lots of information (not propoganda) both for and against.

The Labour Party for independence group seems to be increasing rapidly.

Socialist party are for Independence as well.
Plus there are an awful lot of people involved in the YES campaign not affiliated with any political party.

Okay, I'll admit my info is outdated. I made my decision some time ago when it was very much an SNP-led proposition. Other people may well have decided to jump on board with it since then.

The Labour for Independence group is growing rather well, you may have seen us on Newsnight Scotland a few weeks ago ;-)

(.. by far the best 11 minutes of TV advertising I could muster for free...)

An unnecessary gamble based on a romantic notion.

Sorry, have been off this thread for days.

I think the final nail in the European accession discussion can now be hit home.

www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201213/cmselect/cmfaff/writev/643/m05.htm

Amen to that, and all who sail in her, etc, etc.

Now...we've scotched the dire rubbish about the proposed economy, we've trashed the EU scaremongering, err...what else shall we discuss! ;-)

I'm a terrified English person, realise it will mean a permanent Tory Govt.

Hello all,

We thought you might be interested in this Gransnet webchat with First Minister for Scotland - Alex Salmond MSP, starting NOW!.

Thanks,

MNHQ