Should Scotland be a Country of its Own?
Scotland is a beautiful nation with many natural resources and a diverse and innovative population. But what are the most notable characteristics of Scotland? When you think about what Scotland is best renowned for, one of the first things that come to the mind is beautiful and historic castles. The country has well-preserved structures and modest ruins. Many Commonwealth countries have acquired independence from the United Kingdom. But what exactly will Scotland’s independence entail? Scotland would become free from the United Kingdom to become a new state, while the rest of the United Kingdom would remain intact.
Thereafter, Scotland would have to apply to join all international organisations and create its own domestic institutions. Many say that Scotland has benefited financially from the United Kingdom’s broad shoulders, particularly during COVID-19. Being a part of the UK economy is not always beneficial to Scotland; some people say that the UK economy is hindering Scotland’s economic growth and performance. Because Scotland is not yet an independent country, its economy is measured as a province of the United Kingdom. It brings them the infamous GERS (Government Employees Retirement System) figures used year after year to highlight Scotland’s good fortune in having the United Kingdom subsidise and insulate them from the risks of going it alone.
National Issues
What are the reasons for Scotland’s desire for independence? Independence has been argued for the following reasons: Scotland’s inhabitants would have complete decision-making authority over the country’s political affairs. Make no mistake, Scotland and England are two different countries moving in opposite directions. That isn’t to suggest that they don’t share common goals or feelings with their neighbours. What would happen if Scotland decided to be independent of the United Kingdom? “Scotland would become an independent country after a period of negotiations,” according to the UK government if a simple majority of the votes cast favoured independence. Scotland would remain a part of the United Kingdom if most Scots voted against independence. After all, they share an island, and there’s no reason why they can’t work and develop as equal nations, appreciating their differences while enjoying their similarities. Of course, equality and respect are crucial. Because it has a larger population, none have asked to undo it. Norway, New Zealand, Iceland, Malta, and Ireland are small countries that thrive and appear at ease globally. Why would an independent Scotland be any different? With unrestricted media control and the weight of the establishment behind it, the larger neighbour should not be able to dismiss or overlook the concerns of its smaller nation partner.
Progress of Scotland
Many individuals believe in “Rule Britannia” and colonialism, yet modern Scotland has progressed and is capable of much more. Between Scotland and Westminster, there is an obvious lack of trust. They could use the opportunity to create a more just and equitable nation, particularly in the aftermath of a worldwide pandemic, when they have an extraordinary opportunity to do things differently. Scotland has four premier universities that are among the best globally, and its inhabitants are well-educated. Along with Dolly the sheep, deep-fried Mars Bars, and Irn-Bru, they have given the world television, the telephone, penicillin, the steam engine, and golf.
Scotland is fortunate in that they already have a working parliament building and Scottish civil employees and government departments that are ready-to-go. Which political party would govern Scotland if it became independent? Scotland’s governance, which parliament would have control, would alter if the country gained independence. That is, after all, the fundamental aim of independence: for Scotland to be entirely ruled by a political party chosen by the people of Scotland. They don’t have to start from scratch as an independent country, as they are already halfway there. The border between Scotland and England is always shown as a problematic issue, but it doesn’t have to be a physical border, and even if it were, they’d be able to carry and display their passports. It already happens on domestic flights as a form of identification. To those who argue that an independent Scotland would be unable to defend itself, an Independent Scottish Defence Force, inheriting its fair share of UK defence and military assets, would be more than capable of protecting Scotland, collaborating and cooperating with its close neighbours when appropriate and necessary.
Conclusion
Scotland has a great military heritage, and during World War I, the Scottish kilted regiments, known as “the ladies from hell”, were a formidable force. Progressive policies alter people’s lives, and it’s important to remember that just because something has been done a certain way for a long time doesn’t mean it can’t be done better or differently in the future.
