Well the deed is done the vote has taken place and the people living in Scotland decided that to stay in the Union was the better thing. On a personal note I'm glad of that. I feel more secure in these islands today than I did yesterday. This said the morning after has brought some tough questions and made me feel energised for a fight that needs fighting.
We are a proud set of nations England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and we share so much common heritage and ground. We share also many common causes but as Scotland has so eloquently shown us we are proud of our mother countries'. And so we should be for there is nothing wrong in supporting the country of your birth and wanting the best for it even if you spend most of your time living elsewhere. Which of course immediately brings me to Andy Murray. Yes he has his faults like any other human being but being proud to be British does not mean he cannot be Scottish too. He felt that the negative campaigning of the No campaign made his mind up to support the Yes campaign and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. He has a right to share his opinion and support what he sees as the right thing. Do not decry him for that ever, for that is what democracy is about. If we fail to live up to our support of democracy then what is the point?
This brings me to my second thought, Federalism.
Now that the Scottish have shown us that debate can take place it is time for real debate to take place about the way this set of nations should go forward. What is right for London may not be right for Tavistock. What is right for Glasgow may not be right for Great Yarmouth, what is right for Birmingham may not be right for Belfast and what is right for Newport may not be right for Newcastle. We have many differing regions within this United Kingdom and in a space that is so small we have more diversity than the United States in many ways. Whilst I disagree with Alex Salmond and Nicola Sturgeon on the matter of Independence they genuinely and passionately believe that Scotland should not be controlled by Westminster. For my part so do I on the majority of things. However the biggest mistake made by Margaret Thatcher was stripping out the infrastructure of this great nation and in doing so ultimately this meant that there would be more reliance upon centralisation of Government.
The people of Cornwall know what is best for them just as the people of Manchester know what is best for them. Londonderry and Leicester have challenges that are locally understood but their responses are diminished by centralisation. People have given up on politics because of this and so we become tied into small battlegrounds.
It's time to do away with the idea that decisions cannot be made locally. We need more local control. And that local power should feed directly into the UK Government structure. Now I'm not suggesting that we go back to the old dark days of the 1980s when Militant strode across the landscape as fast as Degsy Hatton could carry it, and remember I lived in Liverpool then so I know how sickening that was. London has progressed well under it's own steam and whilst there are disagreements and arguments generally London now is better than when I moved there to live in the late 1980s. Then I look at Bristol, somewhere where I work a lot, and I despair. Why? you cry. Why? Because the independent Mayor acts like a tyrant there and there is no fundamental way of stopping him. So what we need is a total rethink. Regional assemblies for England strengthening local power, a beefing up of power for Wales and Northern Ireland but everything with the appropriate checks and balances. Whilst the US is no arbiter of the right way the Federal system there allows for all States to be part of a whole yet control power locally and please remember that California is heading towards being as populous as England give or take a few million.
And does Federalism mean we have to do away with a Monarch? Absolutely not all we need to do is reinvent the idea of what Federalism is. Does it mean we have to be closer in political ties to the EU? Absolutely not because there would still be an overriding Government that was responsible for things such as Foreign Policy, Defence, Border control, Power and Water.
If this debate in Scotland has taught us anything it has taught us that people can still be switched on to voting and come out in their droves if the subject is important to them. What we need to do is take on board this morning after what we have learned from the debate and turn it into something positive. Don't allow Westminster to slip back into the old degenerative ways, stand, be strong and start challenging people on a new way of life on these shores.
It is time for Britain to be Great again and it is time for a move into unchartered territories exploring areas of our nation that may be uncomfortable.
Friday 19 September 2014
Monday 15 September 2014
United we stand, Divided we fall
Right then what on Earth would an Englishman know about Scotland? And why should my Scottish friends take any notice of me?
Well firstly half of my family is Scottish and half of my family is Irish and just because I was born in Yorkshire does not mean that I do not care. I care passionately about the Union but I also care passionately about regional power.
The Scottish have a right to control what matters to them in terms of money, pensions, tax, education, health etc. and already have many of the powers that control these things. In fact they have more powers than most of the rest of the UK who are dictated to by Westminster but there are UK powers that should remain in tact and independence for Scotland threatens those.
What do I mean exactly?
Well let's take a look at that most beautiful of islands Cyprus.
Cyprus is strategically important in the Mediterranean which is why the UK has sovereign territory there. I don't think that I'm letting out too many state secrets about this. However Russian money has been flooding into Cyprus for many years now, first covertly and now fairly overtly (you can't swing a cat in Limassol without hitting a Russian these days) With Syria in turmoil the Russian's only ally in the Med and it's forward Naval Base are under some uncertainty. This is why there were all sorts of rumours flying around as to if Russia baled our Cyprus they would do so in return for a similar base that the British occupy. When that failed because the EU decided to produce the loans needed to stabilise their economy the Cypriot Government basically told the Russians to 'do one' did this become the reason why The Crimea became once more massively important to the Russian fleet?
Now what has this got to do with Scotland? Well let's for one second (and I know the SNP supporters will shoot this down with cries of never in a million years) imagine that Scotland is independent as of Friday. The leaders of the SNP say they can keep the pound. Well this is true they can but they will be doing it most likely without the backing of the remaining members of the UK and as such will not have a central bank to fall back on. That means Scotland would have to purchase funds and borrow on the open market and quite frankly they will not have the credit rating of AAA so it's going to cost them a lot of money. Now with all the promises made it will be spending and borrowing (or taxing to the hilt) or cutting so as to balance the books. And I think the majority of independent economists agree with this scenario. So step forward the two powers that have money to burn Russia and China. What if Scotland does go belly up as some predict what would the price of coming to rescue Scotland be? A Russian occupancy of Scapa Flow? Instead of British Nuclear weapons on the Clyde Russian ones? Instead of RAF Joint Strike Fighters at Leuchars think MiG and Tupolev. Far fetched? Maybe but not impossible as an Independent Scotland would not be able to rely on UK armed forces to protect them or UK Nuclear Missiles to deter aggression. Remember the Scottish people want rid of Trident but just have a peek at Ukraine who did have a Nuclear deterrent and gave it up. And any deal for the Scottish to keep the UK armed forces and membership of NATO would really have to include UK nuclear weapons at Faslane whatever the SNP state. Oh and please don't get me wrong here my first degree was in Nuclear Physics and my Grandfather worked on Dounraey whilst working for the Atomic Energy Authority so I hate nuclear weapons with a level of hate I only reserve for my ex-wife.
So the counter argument goes that Scotland will automatically become a member of the EU, well in that case you have to join the Euro immediately and even so there is no guarantee that Scotland would be admitted. Remember even though you're Scottish you're still viewed as British by our friends across the water and that doesn't automatically lead to good will to all Scots. And if you do then take up the Euro and oh God forbid I'll have to admit this Farage would be right you will be controlled by Brussels not Edinburgh because the UK has a power of Veto but an Independent Scotland certainly wouldn't. That means that you would have financial policy basically set by Germany. Something that another hated figure of mine brought up to much derision in the youth debate. George Galloway was absolutely right when he said if it had not been for this island standing tall together during WWII you'd be having the debate in German. What he failed to add was the unspeakable so I will that is unless you had any mental illness or were from a gypsy background or Jewish in anyway when of course you wouldn't be alive to have the debate. Now if you do have the Euro what was the point of all those Scottish people dying in World War I and II ? What your Grandparents or in some cases parents fought to preserve will be handed over at the ballot box.
Ultimately things will not stay the same financially if Scotland goes it alone and although you may initially get some windfalls like Eire did look at Eire now where the poverty there in places is more extreme than even you guy's and girls in Scotland have seen in the worst of times North of Hadrian's Wall.
Now that's the first bit of the argument.
The second bit is far more from the heart. We are an intermingled race on these islands there are very few absolutely pure lines left in the UK so we are all intermingled with English, Scottish, Welsh and Irish ancestors and that should be for nations without borders. But an Independent Scotland that is not a member of the EU would mean who is legally entitled to live in the UK and who must return to Scotland because if Scotland becomes Independent Scottish people will no longer hold a UK Passport because they will be Scottish Citizen's not UK citizen's. Sounds pathetic I know but it is a reality. You could I suppose hold dual nationality but just think about the amount of money that's going to cost. And then there's the sporting fraternity, most Scottish Sportspeople rely on entire UK funding. Why should that continue after a Yes vote? Would another Andy Murray come out of Scotland if the money from the very English LTA is not forthcoming? Or another Sir Chris Hoy? And I am so proud of what these sporting superstars have done for every child in these islands with their inspiration.
My friends from North of the Border tell me nothing would really change and that I'd still be welcome for a cuppa but the sad reality, and I'm looking at this from a socio-psychological point of view, is that things are bound to change. Put a border in place and you bring up a psychological barrier that ultimately divides people. Go and ask them in the Ukraine, in the Balkans, in the Middle East if you don't believe me. Borders mean barriers not maybe in the physical sense but certainly in the psychological one.
I love my friends from all around the world and I celebrate their differences it's what makes the human race so wonderful. Scotland already has a completely wonderful culture within a family of nations. But it is stronger with out the border not with.
I urge my friends in Scotland stay with us in the United Kingdom, fight to bring prosperity to all, fight to end poverty for all and bring care to all. Because put simply.
United we stand Divided we fall.
I urge you to Vote No on Thursday
Well firstly half of my family is Scottish and half of my family is Irish and just because I was born in Yorkshire does not mean that I do not care. I care passionately about the Union but I also care passionately about regional power.
The Scottish have a right to control what matters to them in terms of money, pensions, tax, education, health etc. and already have many of the powers that control these things. In fact they have more powers than most of the rest of the UK who are dictated to by Westminster but there are UK powers that should remain in tact and independence for Scotland threatens those.
What do I mean exactly?
Well let's take a look at that most beautiful of islands Cyprus.
Cyprus is strategically important in the Mediterranean which is why the UK has sovereign territory there. I don't think that I'm letting out too many state secrets about this. However Russian money has been flooding into Cyprus for many years now, first covertly and now fairly overtly (you can't swing a cat in Limassol without hitting a Russian these days) With Syria in turmoil the Russian's only ally in the Med and it's forward Naval Base are under some uncertainty. This is why there were all sorts of rumours flying around as to if Russia baled our Cyprus they would do so in return for a similar base that the British occupy. When that failed because the EU decided to produce the loans needed to stabilise their economy the Cypriot Government basically told the Russians to 'do one' did this become the reason why The Crimea became once more massively important to the Russian fleet?
Now what has this got to do with Scotland? Well let's for one second (and I know the SNP supporters will shoot this down with cries of never in a million years) imagine that Scotland is independent as of Friday. The leaders of the SNP say they can keep the pound. Well this is true they can but they will be doing it most likely without the backing of the remaining members of the UK and as such will not have a central bank to fall back on. That means Scotland would have to purchase funds and borrow on the open market and quite frankly they will not have the credit rating of AAA so it's going to cost them a lot of money. Now with all the promises made it will be spending and borrowing (or taxing to the hilt) or cutting so as to balance the books. And I think the majority of independent economists agree with this scenario. So step forward the two powers that have money to burn Russia and China. What if Scotland does go belly up as some predict what would the price of coming to rescue Scotland be? A Russian occupancy of Scapa Flow? Instead of British Nuclear weapons on the Clyde Russian ones? Instead of RAF Joint Strike Fighters at Leuchars think MiG and Tupolev. Far fetched? Maybe but not impossible as an Independent Scotland would not be able to rely on UK armed forces to protect them or UK Nuclear Missiles to deter aggression. Remember the Scottish people want rid of Trident but just have a peek at Ukraine who did have a Nuclear deterrent and gave it up. And any deal for the Scottish to keep the UK armed forces and membership of NATO would really have to include UK nuclear weapons at Faslane whatever the SNP state. Oh and please don't get me wrong here my first degree was in Nuclear Physics and my Grandfather worked on Dounraey whilst working for the Atomic Energy Authority so I hate nuclear weapons with a level of hate I only reserve for my ex-wife.
So the counter argument goes that Scotland will automatically become a member of the EU, well in that case you have to join the Euro immediately and even so there is no guarantee that Scotland would be admitted. Remember even though you're Scottish you're still viewed as British by our friends across the water and that doesn't automatically lead to good will to all Scots. And if you do then take up the Euro and oh God forbid I'll have to admit this Farage would be right you will be controlled by Brussels not Edinburgh because the UK has a power of Veto but an Independent Scotland certainly wouldn't. That means that you would have financial policy basically set by Germany. Something that another hated figure of mine brought up to much derision in the youth debate. George Galloway was absolutely right when he said if it had not been for this island standing tall together during WWII you'd be having the debate in German. What he failed to add was the unspeakable so I will that is unless you had any mental illness or were from a gypsy background or Jewish in anyway when of course you wouldn't be alive to have the debate. Now if you do have the Euro what was the point of all those Scottish people dying in World War I and II ? What your Grandparents or in some cases parents fought to preserve will be handed over at the ballot box.
Ultimately things will not stay the same financially if Scotland goes it alone and although you may initially get some windfalls like Eire did look at Eire now where the poverty there in places is more extreme than even you guy's and girls in Scotland have seen in the worst of times North of Hadrian's Wall.
Now that's the first bit of the argument.
The second bit is far more from the heart. We are an intermingled race on these islands there are very few absolutely pure lines left in the UK so we are all intermingled with English, Scottish, Welsh and Irish ancestors and that should be for nations without borders. But an Independent Scotland that is not a member of the EU would mean who is legally entitled to live in the UK and who must return to Scotland because if Scotland becomes Independent Scottish people will no longer hold a UK Passport because they will be Scottish Citizen's not UK citizen's. Sounds pathetic I know but it is a reality. You could I suppose hold dual nationality but just think about the amount of money that's going to cost. And then there's the sporting fraternity, most Scottish Sportspeople rely on entire UK funding. Why should that continue after a Yes vote? Would another Andy Murray come out of Scotland if the money from the very English LTA is not forthcoming? Or another Sir Chris Hoy? And I am so proud of what these sporting superstars have done for every child in these islands with their inspiration.
My friends from North of the Border tell me nothing would really change and that I'd still be welcome for a cuppa but the sad reality, and I'm looking at this from a socio-psychological point of view, is that things are bound to change. Put a border in place and you bring up a psychological barrier that ultimately divides people. Go and ask them in the Ukraine, in the Balkans, in the Middle East if you don't believe me. Borders mean barriers not maybe in the physical sense but certainly in the psychological one.
I love my friends from all around the world and I celebrate their differences it's what makes the human race so wonderful. Scotland already has a completely wonderful culture within a family of nations. But it is stronger with out the border not with.
I urge my friends in Scotland stay with us in the United Kingdom, fight to bring prosperity to all, fight to end poverty for all and bring care to all. Because put simply.
United we stand Divided we fall.
I urge you to Vote No on Thursday
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