To feel sad that this could be the beginning of the end for the United Kingdom?

[SamuelWestsMistress]

I feel so sad this evening after hearing the news for the date for the referendum. I am really dreading the whole countdown to voting day because I really fear that the SNP will get their way. What would be really sad is if its a close count. I just desperately hope living here won't feel too different.

I love having a British identity despite being born in Scotland and will be so sad and angry if its taken away.

AIBU to be feeling rather worried and actually afraid by the entire thing? I really don't like the SNP. (Don't like the coalition it her, but I think they've managed to push things to come to this!)

[AThingInYourLife]

"The United Kingdom will still exist, Scotland just won't be part of it."

The United Kingdom of England, Wales and Northern Ireland?

That's an ungainly mongrel of a country.

The implications of this vote for NI are huge.

Northern Irish Britishness is basically Scottish. You can see Scotland on a clear day. The cultural and linguistic connections are ancient.

If you take Scotland out of the picture, it's difficult to see why you would keep that union.

The Unionists' loyalty would be to a Britain that is divided.

Interesting times.

Best wishes to our Scottish neighbours, whichever way the vote goes :)

[ItsAllGoingToBeFine]

True, but you can extrapolate from the way assets of other countries have been split.

There are "rules" about how these things would happen.

You're right though,it would be good to have more concrete info, thing is neither Westminster or the EU will "prenegotiate".

But on the balance of probabilities I believe that at worst we will be very slightly worse off financially initially, but Scotland has a lot going for it.

[ClippedPhoenix]

So be it then itsall if that's thee cas, independence is a grand thing.

[ClippedPhoenix]

the case of course.

[Manchesterhistorygirl]

She is. She still uses her fathers address as her UK residence. Even though she lives abroad.

[ItsAllGoingToBeFine]

If she is on the electoral roll then fair enough, there is no other fair way to do it.

[StatisticallyChallenged]

Unfortunately my understanding from speaking to various people who have done a lot of research is that it's really not that straightforward and there are a LOT of factors which could come in to play. Bearing in mind the sums of money involved and the relatively small size of the Scottish population a few % difference either way could make an enormous difference. The lack of true answers about the EU, currency (cos of course we will be allowed to stay in the pound, it's guaranteed), military, oil etc...it all adds up to far too much uncertainty for me.

[ClippedPhoenix]

"Oooft clipped that's getting close to ukip/BFp rhetoric there"

??????

It's about identity and surely no one wants to loose theirs? I'ts a very very fundamental part of who we are. Loss of identity is loss of oneself surely.

Change can come about in a far better way where integrity to ones country still stands and independence is the key to this. So are stand alone countries.

[ItsAllGoingToBeFine]

But surely things like welfare/defence etc will be decided after independence by our elected representatives. We don't need to know before because after the referendum we would be able to decide these things to suit ourselves.

Things to do with rUK/EU mostly will be decided based on international law.

Oil is going to run out sure, but before it does it will be worth a lot billions even by the most negative predictions...

[rhondajean]

Have you actually read the ukip/bnp manifestos? Because if so you should, and think very hard.

[StatisticallyChallenged]

Welfare yes (although how long will it take and how much will it cost to set up our own bodies to adminster this), defence is a bit different as whilst we can make changes in the long run all the bases, arms, soldiers etc currently belong to the UK as a whole - so what we will be starting from is not known. The EU issue clearly is not that simple or we would have an answer already - and if we had to join separately there is a high chance of being pushed in to the Euro.

Whilst an independent country could in theory make whatever choices it's representatives choose, the starting point makes a huge difference.

[ClippedPhoenix]

What are you banging on about rhonda?

[LeonardoAcropolis]

Thick question, maybe, but why has Salmond chosen next year for the referendum? Surely it would be better to wait for the economy , and the Euro (which Scotland may have to join?) to settle down?

[bonbonpixie]

The whole thing makes me incredible nervous.
What will happen to house prices/pensions/taxes/banking/our military... I really feel that this is coming at the wrong time for a sensible balanced discussion. Too many are struggling because of world issues.
There are just so many questions to answer and all we seem to be getting via the media is 'down with the Tories ' and that fiscally we'll be fine as Scotland is dripping in black gold! It's just not the case. It baffles me when I overhear locals boast of our vast vast oil reserves and i live in Aberdeen. Many have no idea of the actual size of the Scottish sector let alone the revenue created from it.

I worry about the experience of the Scottish Parliament and MSP's as many of their previous large projects have left them red faced and pointing the finger at others.

We have so so many people unemployed and unwilling to work I worry what our economy would look like under all of that strain?

Anyway I guess we have a while to do the research, lets just hope that everyone is well informed before they cast their vote rather than basing it on an ancient feeling of injustice and inherited bitterness. Please let the past stay in the past and don't be swayed by the First Ministers sure to be painted face.

[Toadinthehole]

I can't stand the nationalism that has infected political debate in Britain. Whichever label it comes in, it is white noise drowning out sensible comment. Ethnic identity has become so sacred that no one is allowed to criticise even the most abject pandering to it. My passport used to state my nationality in English and French, both international languages. Now it has a hotchpotch of minor languages and no French.

This pandering means we now have the s serious proposal to divide up a small island, inhabited by people who are much like eachother, into two.

It is obtusely petty.

[rhondajean]

Im pointing out that the main political parties which bang on about national identity are far to extreme right wing parties. I can't cut and paste on my iPad but even a basic google will show what I mean.

We could add the English defence league into the list - and wherever you start introducing this concept of national identity over all else, you breed extremism.

[ItsAllGoingToBeFine]

Scotland is different to England though.

Own education system, own legal system, own healthcare system, different priorities for spending, own Parliament...

This isn't nationalism it is fact.

[ClippedPhoenix]

at LifeofPo, yes what is wrong with you wanting to be independent. Surely the Scottish have been banging on about it for so long. It can happen now, be happy!

[ClippedPhoenix]

By the way, I hope that Scotland does actually do this. Good for you! really..

[ItsAllGoingToBeFine]

As for timing, next year is Commonwealth Games in Scotland, 700th anniversary of Bannockburn, Ryder cup.

He's not daft - all these things will help make the Scots believe in themselves

And the world financial situation is not going to settle down before the next Scottish election and they have to have the referendum before then.

[SirChenjin]

Don't worry OP - two thirds of us up here still retain the common sense we were born with. Alex and his ego won't be getting his way next September.