A SCOTTISH caller to James O'Brien's LBC radio show perfectly explained the difference in what's driving Brexit in England and independence in Scotland – winning over the host in the process.
Clive got in touch to make a passionate case for why Scotland wants to go its own way, and made a big impression.
In fact, he even secured the SNP a new member not far from Westminster.
📻 After listening to @mrjamesob, we've just had new member join at @theSNP who is based two miles from Westminster.
— Ross Colquhoun (@rosscolquhoun) August 7, 2019
On the motivations behind Brexit and Scottish independence, Clive explained to O'Brien: "The two things are polar opposites. Brexit is about England wanting to be insular, inward looking, getting away from Johnny Foreigner.
"Scottish independence is about Scotland wanting to take a different path – sorry I’m emotional about this, you can probably tell – it is about Scotland’s desire to take a different path to become a welcoming, inclusive, forward-looking country, open to the world."
The presenter responded: "So you ARE setting it up as a rejection of what you perceive Brexit England to be. I’m not part of Brexit England, that’s why I take it oddly personally, this desire."
After re-assuring O'Brien that he would still be able to come to Scotland, the host said it wouldn't feel like home.
Clive said: "It will be home. You’re welcome. Anybody’s welcome to come to Scotland, we’re a lovely country full of lovely people."
"You're probably right actually," admitted O'Brien, who then asked if it wasn't just possible for us "to try a bit harder to get along", and work on the "bonds and strengths of the Union".
His caller pointed out that although the SNP had done nothing but extend a hand since the Brexit vote, Scotland's voice had been ignored.
And if he hadn't already made his point clear, Clive's conclusion summed it all up perfectly: "Scotland is a European country. And I want it to stay that way.
"I’ll be sad to see England go if the Union splits up. As I say, I love English people, I love being on holiday in England, I’ve been coming on holiday to England since I was 13 or something. I love the place, I love the people. But you’re heading in a different direction now that Scotland doesn’t want to go in."
That resonated with O'Brien, who replied: "I think you’ve nailed my problem. All of this emotional connection and affinity and sense of being at home, I mean maybe even England is starting not to feel like that place, so what right have I got to say that Scotland stays shackled to this ludicrous vessel of nonsense and xenophobia that they’re trying to turn England into?"
That's exactly it. The Tories in England are happy to sacrifice Scotland for Brexit, and sensible Remainers can fully understand why we want to break free. Scotland must have its say.
You can hear their full exchange on the LBC website.
Got a story for The Jouker? Let us know by emailing jouker@thenational.scot
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel