I CHANGED my mind because the UK Government said if we wanted to stay in the EU, we must stay in the Union.
Second, each part of the Union is supposed to be a country. However, it appears that the voices of the other countries are not of equal standing in the eyes of Westminster. For example, Scotland, Ireland and Wales could vote for one proposal but be out voted by England, reinforcing the idea that the other countries are seen as areas and not countries. Furthermore, the very idea that a country must ask another country for permission to hold its own referendum seems to go against the very idea of being a country. The UK did not ask permission from the EU to have a referendum to leave the Union yet England is basically saying to Scotland that it needs permission. Each member of the EU has equal voting rights.
Next, the idea that a hard border would be needed after independence is over because Northern Ireland doesn’t need one and has remained within the EU trading system. The UK has free movement of people between Ireland, due to its independence a century ago, and since the UK wants to trade freely, England can continue with its trade until a deal is done. With Scotland, it may take five years or so but we see it can be done. Since the Schengen Area has free movement of goods and services, I believe Scotland and England could create their own bespoke deal. And if Scotland wants to rejoin the EU, or not, it is for the Scottish people to decide, not Westminster.
READ MORE: No to Yes: Things will never improve while we're under England's thumb
From No ➡️ Yes
— The National (@ScotNational) February 22, 2021
Jordanelee Donegan, 24, voted No in 2014 but now believes Scotland and England 'are too different for the Union to work anymore'https://t.co/UBKV1jPRO9
Also, the very concept of Britishness seems only to be invoked when we celebrate wars, or the Queen’s birthday. Surely there must be more to Britishness than rubbish food, wars and a birthday. If there is an equality of nations, each nation should have a voice and a right to determine its own future.
As Boris et al once said, taking back control, looking outward, meeting our needs. However it appears most of the needs suit England rather than the other countries. An example includes the construction of a high speed railway which starts in England, and finishes in England.
Why should Scots listen to a group of people who we didn’t vote for?
READ MORE: No to Yes: Scotland was lied to about being too wee and too poor
Economically, the idea of debt is used to keep us in the Union and yet every country has debt. So debt is nothing to be scared of, and can be controlled and paid back.
For these reasons I would vote for Scotland to get back control, to be a global and European nation – to choose its own path for better or worse.
That’s why I have no fears about Scotland leaving the Union.
To tell us about your No to Yes journey, CLICK HERE
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