SCOTLAND - Is it time for this nation to break free from the United Kingdom?

SCOTLAND - Is it time for this nation to break free from the United Kingdom?

The United Kingdom is faced with many internal problems because Scotland and Wales desire independence and of course Northern Ireland is divided between pro-loyalists and republicans who want a united Ireland. However, Scotland is the most viable of all the smaller nations within the United Kingdom. Therefore, is it time for Scotland to split from the United Kingdom and develop a viable independent nation state?

From a pro-British point of view or Protestant Loyalist viewpoint then clearly it is vital that Scotland remains within the United Kingdom. After all, the United Kingdom is a viable state and the economy remains very dynamic, therefore, why destroy something which benefits the people of this unified nation? Pro-Unionists also fear that disintegration will have a negative effect upon Northern Ireland and it could lead to tensions within this nation. After all, republicans could easily point to Scotland and apply this to their own demands and aspirations.

However, from a Scottish nationalist viewpoint it could be argued that the role of London is not warranted because resources are unevenly spent and this only leads to greater inequality within the United Kingdom. More important, and based on the current political climate, it is clear that socialism is very strong within the body politics of Scotland. Also, Scottish nationalists will argue that it is their resources which are being abused in order to prop up London. This inequality gap is clear for all to see but despite this politicians remain to be wayward.

Of course Scotland also benefits from the United Kingdom and she could easily become isolated if she remained too inward looking. Also, more taxation per-head is spent on Scottish nationals in order to kick-start their economy. Yet Scotland can easily rebuke back and point out that it is her energy resources which are enabling London and the United Kingdom to benefit, however, many workers now feel like strangers in their own land. So can Scotland survive this current crisis or will it get out of hand?

Lee Jay Walker Dip BA MA