To think that the new SNP leader just pledged to ignore the will of the majority of Scottish people?

[RudeBarbandCustard]

Forgive me if I'm being naive - I may well be.

But Nicola Sturgeon pledging to continue to fight for Scottish independence is essentially a pledge to fight against the majority of the Scottish people's democratically expressed wishes?

www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-30011423

I mean, it couldn't be clearer. The majority of Scottish people voted No. So she's essentially saying "Hey, majority of Scotland - I'm going to ignore what you voted for in a democratic process, and fight for the opposite!".

It smacks of arrogance, and a complete disregard for what people voted for!

I may be missing something though, but it's intriguing and bugging me so I'd be interested to hear what others think.

So ?

Don't vote SNP then.

The vote was very close and you could argue that if the demographics are skewed by age, you could end up with it looking very different in a few years.

Scotland also voted 'no' based on what they were told, promised, economy at the time etc. If things change, the vote could change. For example, if no greater autonomy appears, as promised.

IMO, they never had any intention of it being a "once in a genration" vote and are going to continue sniping from the sidelines and looking for an excuse to bring it all up again.

Yes, I agree the vote could easily change if the promises don't materialize.

It just makes me feel really uneasy. It's like if the Tories get voted out at the next election and they go around telling everyone they'll keep fighting for what the country really wanted and ignore what they actually voted for.

Wouldn't it be better - and fairer - to say "Hey, ok, you voted for this. Let's work together to make this option work for everyone"...?

Yes Two I agree. Would have been a very different story if the Yes vote had won. Imagine if Cameron then piped up that he'd be calling for another referendum in a few year's time because he didn't get the result he wanted.... that wouldn't go down well.

I guess time will tell - they'll vote on whether they should have another referendum and then see what happens.

If the country once again votes that, no, they don't want another referendum because they've already voted once then hopefully they'll get the message and back off gracefully?

"It's like if the Tories get voted out at the next election and they go around telling everyone they'll keep fighting for what the country really wanted and ignore what they actually voted for."

That's what they will do. They will still be a party, put forward policies and promise to do x y z if in power and says it's what the majority want and need.

It's like if the Tories get voted out at the next election and they go around telling everyone they'll keep fighting for what the country really wanted and ignore what they actually voted for.

Why would this be a problem?

The SNP believe in independence for Scotland. It's not a secret. If you don't want independence in the future then you don't vote SNP.

The problem is that it is a one-way valve. You can leave the Union but not reenter. Which the people of Scotland knew and that is possibly why the vote went the way it did.

We had this in Canada with the Bloc Quebecois. Two votes, neither of which went their way.

Whatis you're right, I'm sure they will.

But as the future first minister of Scotland, I think Sturgeon really ought to respect what the majority of people of Scotland voted for.

The vote wasn't close. It was a decisive no, not overwhelming, but decisive. Personally I find it rather unedifying how quickly the pre-vote rhetoric of the 'sovereign will' of the people of Scotland, and independence being about 'trusting' the people of Scotland evaporated when the people didn't vote as the yes campaign wanted.
Yanbu.

Why would this be a problem?

Because it's arrogant, and ignores the will of the majority.

It's as if the SNP have gone "LALALALALA we can't hear you.. it's OK the people of Scotland we'll keep fighting for what we want YOU want"

The SNPs are all about independence for scotland, why would they suddenly change their main policies and party stance As another poster said, if you don't like it don't vote for them.

Personally I find it rather unedifying how quickly the pre-vote rhetoric of the 'sovereign will' of the people of Scotland, and independence being about 'trusting' the people of Scotland evaporated when the people didn't vote as the yes campaign wanted.

YY to this.

It's like a Facebook post I saw just after the vote. It said "Don't worry Scotland, you'll get what you want one day". To which I thought. They DID get what they wanted. They voted no. It's called DEMOCRACY, get over it!!!!

I think you are misunderstanding what Sturgeon said. She said her party would continue to campaign for independence and to convince 'no' voters to change their minds. That's normal democracy, IMO, not arrogance.

Unless you think political parties shouldn't have any core principles or ideology?

But that is SNP policy. Voters understand this. They can vote for or against this in elections, not just in a referendum.

I will continue to vote SNP because I want independence for Scotland. The referendum didn't change my mind.

That's like saying that because UKIP didn't win the last general election, they should change their policies and allow free immigration for everyone.

if you don't like it don't vote for them

I won't. But it doesn't mean I can't voice my opinion.

Unless you can only ever discuss the party you vote for?

Well, thats democracy for you
is any question ever finally answered in politics?

Yes and the continual independence chat causes more economic uncertainty. We live in Scotland and I'm still worried I've gambled my family's future on a flat that's going to tank in value when scotland goes independent in 10 years. Tbh if I didn't love scotland so much I'd leave now.

The political landscape in Scotland is shifting right now, and the SNP have had a massive surge in support since the referendum. They exist in principle to achieve independence- it's not a secret & I'd be more shocked if they didn't have independence as their main aim.

They lost a referendum back in the late 70s/early 80s & didn't give up their main objective - why would this referendum be any different?

Janine yes I see what you mean, but as the first minister, doesn't she have a duty to all the people of Scotland, not just the ones who voted her way?

Again, I might be totally naive here

as the first minister, doesn't she have a duty to all the people of Scotland, not just the ones who voted her way?

That would be why the SNP haven't unilaterally declared independence.

She is first minister of Scotland. She is not the head of state, the queen is. She is political, not a figurehead.