General Discussion

Laelth

(32,017 posts)

13. This is quite significant.

Wed Sep 10, 2014, 10:29 AM

Sep 2014

Scotland is very liberal, and an independent Scotland would likely mirror its neighbors--Iceland, Norway, and Denmark. It would be a liberal country, and I'd be thrilled to see that, but Scottish independence would also make the U.K. significantly more conservative.

Of the 650 MPs currently in the Westminster Parliament, 59 represent Scottish seats. If Scotland votes for independence, the presumption is that at some stage they will leave, bringing the number down to 591.

http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-27129813

Of those 59 Scottish seats, as I understand it, 58 are Labour (or Labour-aligned) and 1 is a Tory. Losing 58 Labour seats in Parliament will affect UK politics. The U.K. already has a Tory government. The odds that Labour can regain the speaker's chair become longer if Scotland secedes. So, I'm torn. On the one hand, I'd love to see a liberal Scotland. On the other hand, I'd rather see a liberal U.K., and Scottish independence would make that goal harder to attain.

-Laelth

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Why the world should care about Scottish independence [View all] KamaAina Sep 2014 OP

All significant EU actions have to be unanimous. former9thward Sep 2014 #1

But if the countries with their own separatists deny Scotland admission, KamaAina Sep 2014 #2

The UK has its own currency. former9thward Sep 2014 #4

But they've told Scotland they won't let them use the pound. KamaAina Sep 2014 #7

They told the colonies the same thing in 1776. former9thward Sep 2014 #9

But Hamilton figured it out. merrily Sep 2014 #11

The currencies of Norway, Sweden and Denmark are doing just fine Art_from_Ark Sep 2014 #27

For me, the most interesting thing about this issue, QC Sep 2014 #3

Reagan, Thatcher, Mulroney (the real) Axis of Evil leftstreet Sep 2014 #8

+2 Starry Messenger Sep 2014 #10

Spot on. Laelth Sep 2014 #14

Thank you! It's the cause of virtually every other problem. QC Sep 2014 #15

I'm terribly afraid the "noes" will succeed, if only because a lot of Scots Warpy Sep 2014 #28

its fascinating drray23 Sep 2014 #5

Oil and gas KamaAina Sep 2014 #6

Free Little White Book on Scottish Independence Gus Sutherland Sep 2014 #12

Interesting first post KamaAina Sep 2014 #19

The author of the book he cites... Chan790 Sep 2014 #24

This is quite significant. Laelth Sep 2014 #13

Your figures aren't quite right muriel_volestrangler Sep 2014 #16

Thanks for the precision. n/t Laelth Sep 2014 #17

So, does the Queen lose Balmoral if they leave? joeybee12 Sep 2014 #18

And what happens to the kilt? rusty fender Sep 2014 #20

I hope so! joeybee12 Sep 2014 #21

If they have to pack up Balmoral, they're not allowed to use Scotch tape on the boxes. Arugula Latte Sep 2014 #22

The horrors! joeybee12 Sep 2014 #23

Silly Arugula. KamaAina Sep 2014 #29

Well, if it's not Scottish, it's crap! Arugula Latte Sep 2014 #31

No. With the unification of the crowns with James VI... Chan790 Sep 2014 #25

I vote for Duke Franz! joeybee12 Sep 2014 #26

More importantly will it make my scotch more expensive Travis_0004 Sep 2014 #30

Possibly less KamaAina Sep 2014 #33

will Scotland Yard move to Edinburgh? panader0 Sep 2014 #32