It’s an often quoted myth that the Scots hate the English and vice versa but for most individuals that couldn’t be further from the truth. There may be competitive rivalry between the two nations in, for example, sporting matters but it is (for the most part) a good natured affair. Like a friendship we would not wish ill of the other.
Politically however this is not the case within the UK as there does not exist the natural balance of a friendship, where both parties are equals and they have a mutual respect. Imagine if you will two friends going into a bar for a drink? Before ordering they will discuss what each wants so that each is happy with what they receive. Not so with the political union of the UK where Scotland will almost inevitably be subject to the will of the English MPs in any matter arising. This is of course because the Westminster parliament works on a system of representation based on percentage population of the countries within the union. On the face of it this seems fair and democratic but is it?
Meanwhile back at the bar I arrive with nine friends for a drink. My friends all drink Bitter but I like a pint of Heavy? Now, normally this wouldn’t be a problem except that under the ‘rules’ of our friendship it is the majority who choose what everyone gets to drink. So nine votes for Bitter and one for Guinness results in everyone drinking Bitter together (for every round). Another issue with this arrangement is that the bill is shared which again seems reasonable except that my friends all order food and snacks when I don’t require any or share in them. It is apparent that although my friends realise my unhappiness at the situation they are reluctant to change from the status quo as they are content always getting what they want and,truth be known, having me subsidise their expenses.
What seemed like a democratic arrangement in hindsight feels very unfair and is an ever increasing strain on our friendship. The sensible and mature solution is surely for me to simply remove myself from the arrangement before irreparable damage is done to our relationship. I will still socialise with the same people, and consider them my friends but now each of us will take responsibility for our own needs and budget/finance for this accordingly. This new arrangement will be much fairer, eradicating any resentment between us, and strengthening our friendship in the future.
If we apply the same principles between Scotland, England and the rest of the UK, there is no reason why we cannot re-assess our relationships, adjust them accordingly and remain friends. No one is suggesting a split which is irreparable or destructive. We are simply looking to re-establish some equivalence and equality, beyond which our relationships can bloom because the resentments and frustrations of the imbalance no longer exists. We can rebuild a strong relationship with the rUK, without the dependency upon them. It can, and should be done.
I love this. I am the result of a union between England and Scotland. As for a political Union , it’s time to leave that.
Common sense, born in England worked in England with many English friends. However Scottish independence is now more essential than ever. Why, England has chosen it’s way forward we have chosen ours and they are different paths Self determination is now required.
Is it not the same with the EU? Larger countries have more of a say in What happens. It is normally Germany & France (larger populations) have more of a vote than the smaller countries, like Malta. So all is not equal in the EU, however, I consider it more of a Union, than the UK, which is a dictatorship.
Very unequal friendship/partnership it’s time for us to go our separate ways but remain friends. My dads family are English my mums Scottish have lots of relatives in England and a few of them are talking about coming to Scotland if we get independence as they’ve had enough down there.
I like this way of thinking. I don’t know if it’s workable but it certainly is worth a try. Better than one nation inflicting it’s power on the other three. It’s would be better to all self govern and to remain allies but I fear after their colonial pass and being used to getting it’s own way in and out of all the nations they might not be so enamoured to do so. It’s now at the stage that the other three nations resent every intrusion onto their soil and laws by the bigger nation. I’m more than happy to self govern and keep what is ours but be allies but I’m afraid they won’t want to give up their easy life granted to them by size. Or the three other nations could form an aliance excluding the other then be the biggest and remove them from our economy. That is probably the more realistic of out comes but all nations should self govern. It’s their right and that cannot be denied any longer.