The Scottish Government

I'am all for Independence but how will it work,say the majority of us Scots say yes,what happens next?,dicussions with the Westminster gov. of that time to discuss what we are entitled to ( money,armed forces etc.)an English gov.could drag the discussions on for months and months,stalling for time if no joy then this could go to the E.U.Parliment that could take more time and more stalling,we could be round to the next election,and Westminster gov.hoping there could be a change of gov. in Scotland, and all could be lost.

Dear oh dear Alan!! If you're only worried about the logistics, I'm certain we can be trusted to work it out! Your scenario is a succession of negatives man! At least try to envisage a positive spin on things - most of the 'problems' are governed by international law and convention. We're no' DOOMED!

Maggie's Poll Tax, Entrenched Labour votes, squandering of oil revenues etc etc etc. Its all rubbish, its all in the past, lets concentrate on the future, be a people that looks forward not back.
Despite my very English sounding given name I am a Scot and proud of it but I have to say I am not for independance. The reason why, not one person or political party has yet convinced me of the economic viability of Scotland as an idependant nation.
At the end of the day that is what it all comes down to, the rest is just flag waving. Can we as a nation support ourselves without relying on handouts from Europe, or where ever, which is just another form of dependance.
Those that support independance have to convince people like me that it is worth the risk. Will I be able to have a job and support my family. This is what people vote for at the end of the day, not some vague notion of socio-political claptrap, but pennies in pocket.
So lets have some clear economic plan for the future of Scotland as an independant nation from those that advocate seperation and then you may be able to convince those like me who like the idea of independance as a concept but are afraid of the reality.
As for a referendum I agree with Dave (10) in that the majority of people want a referendum no matter how they would vote. Party politics has nothing to do with this, or at least it shouldn't.

it`s really quite simple to stimulate an economy, cut business rates and taxes to those of our similar sized european countries who have proven the profile works dramaticaly in a few years.considering they have never had the strong economic tools that westminster waste,we will achieve the domestic growth and the economic and social returns would be remarkable.
it`s not rocket sience, just common sense.
Believe me "veritas vos liberabit,"

alan & paul all we need do to get a response from wewstminster is turn off the flow valve from our protected territorial waters on the pipe to anglia and watch the money they make from it dry up like the flow from the pipe.The pressure from with in would prove to much for westminster to resist the calls for discussion.

I would support the proposition of a referendum to allow those living in Scotland to make their voices heard on the subject. I am not for independance but support a more federal model for the government of the United Kingdom. The continued debate on independance or not, in some ways, deflects us from the major task of improving our economy so that we can maximise the well being of our citizens.

The refusal of the opposition parties to fully participate in the SNP's national conversation about the future of the Scottish nation means they deny the people of Scotland the right to have their say. They forget that it is their democratic duty to represent the views of ALL of Scotland's people, whatever those views may be. The real power lies within the people, not in party politics and we should support any initiatives which encourage ordinary Scots to take an active role in governing their country.
Like many others, I believe that Scotland can open the door to a proud future and that its people hold the key.

Improving our economy is obviously very important. However, my concern is that any significant improvement would be offset by Westminster cutting the money they give us.

What I would like to see is:-
1) A strengthening of the Audit Office, who monitor public spending with the aim of ensuring value for money,

2)A strenghtening of the Statistical Office, who record data about many facets of the economy - thus having the relevant information available when required.

Whilst my unionism is more than based on economics, i believe the following article is worth mention

it would not make economic sense for Scotland to break away from the Union with England and Wales.

Trading links have helped create 200,000 more Scottish jobs since 1997 and more Scots in employment than ever before, says the publication.

Scotland is a country advancing towards full employment instead of a country weighed down by high unemployment and its social consequences.

the SNP's politics of "grudge and grievance" refuse to recognise these economic realities.

Not only is Scotland linked economically with England and Wales, but the countries' populations are linked by migration. A million Scots live south of the border and more than three quarters of a million English people live in Scotland.

The Union gives Scotland via and in Britain - a powerful international voice, at a time when many political challenges are international, not local.

Issues such as climate change, international terrorism and poverty need collective not individual action, say the authors.

There was a time when saying you were British meant you were probably white and probably a Protestant. Now saying you are British will not indicate the colour of your skin, your creed or culture. It must mean that you believe in fairness, in equality and in social justice-to be British is neither shameful, it is an identity that certainly exists and it is a positive one-it is a reacting, evolving identity-evolving and reacting in response to changing politics, ideals, social concerns and institutions

As the nations and regions of the world seek greater integration but at the same time strive to retain their distinctive identities, the Act of Union is not a historical curiosity, but a blueprint for international co-operation in the 21st century."

Put simply were strong, louder,richer togehter, we have more ability to do good,a nd get good done to us, when applifying our voice via the strong Union that is Britain

WITH THE UNION COMES THE POWER TO KEEP OUR BRITISH NATION SAFE FROM THE HANDS OF A CONDEMMING EU WHO WOULD LIKE PAYBACK FROM OUR GREAT NATION.LONG LIVE THE UNION LONG LIVE SCOTLAND