Scots to vote in one year for independence

LONDON

If the Scotts voted tomorrow in their latest campaign for independence, which has a rich 300-year old history, the "no" camp at 45 percent would have the majority. The future of Scotland, home to 5.3 million people and famous for its natural beauty will be decided in one year, but for now the debate continues.

 "If Scotland became independent, it would [be] debated nationally and internationally as an aspect of the declining power of the UK." says  Dr. Andrew Neal, Senior Lecturer at the School of Social and Political Science at the University of Edinburgh.

 "Questions may be asked about whether the UK still deserves its seat as a permanent member of the UN security council." he added .He stated that although Scotland represents only about 10 percent of the UK's population and economy, it would not be the UK without Scotland. "In effect, it would be England with Wales and Northern Ireland tacked on," he said.

 "Independence carries risks because it is an unknown. For example, no one knows definitively whether Scotland would be economically better off if it became independent. The most we can say is that the economics of an independent Scotland are more uncertain than the economics of a Scotland remaining in the UK. As a private citizen, I am conscious of the fact that I am an Englishman who has made Scotland my home. In this sense I feel some deference towards the democratic will of the Scottish people."

Assistant Communications Officer of "YesScotland" Sean Lafferty replied to Anadolu Agency's questions on the topic by saying the UK would continue to have an important voice and influence in the world even after Scotland votes "yes."

"The huge benefit of independence is that it will allowScotland to push it's own case at the top table in Europe. In the past our interests have been sidelined by UK ministers", stressed Lafferty and added, "on the other hand, where the interests of the UK andScotland coincide, we will still work closely together to make a joint case."

Sean Lafferty stressed, "But why should we keep allowing decisions to be made for us by governments that we did not elect?"

Dr. Allen reader at the school of St Andrews, told Anadolu Agency the reasons varied for why Scottish people seek independent, explaining, "For some it's about a strong feeling of national identity and a desire for national self-determination." He noted that some believe they would be richer because they think --rightly or wrongly-- that Scotland is inherently wealthier than England and has had its resources stolen.

He noted others on the political left though an independent Scotland would be closer to a society they prefer, with better public services and more social justice.

In addition, Dr Allen drew attention to the referendum's only questions and said, "The question ignores the fact that current opinion polling shows more Scots do not want to be independent."

Campaigns about Scottish indepence date back to the 1700s. Various political groups, parties, organisations and individuals across the country have been campaigning over the issue of independence.

Last year in October, London and Edinburgh signed the "Edinburg Agreement" and settled to work together to ensure that a referendum on Scottish independece would take place.

British Prime Minister David Cameron and Leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP) and First Minister ofScotland Alex Salmond agreed on a few key points for referendum, including the "single Yes/No question onScotland's independence" and permission for people "over the age of 16 to take part in voting."

If the independence referendum results in a majority "yes" vote, then a series of intense negotiations between London and Edinburgh will begin, especially over the topics of defense and nature reserves.

Britain's strategic nuclear deterrents are based at the Faslane Naval Base in Scotland. Moreover, there are oil and gas reserves off Scotland's shore in the North Sea. SNP leader Salmond says that, in the case of Scottish independence, Scotland would take control of 90 percent of the shares of North Sea oil and gas fields.

Scotland is not expected to entirely leave the UK before 2016 if voting yields a "yes" outcome and negotiations go well for both sides.

Furthermore, next year marks the 700th anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn which witnessed the English army's defeat during the First War of Scottish Independence. By holding the referendum at a significant anniversary of Scottish independence history, the separatist SNP seeks to benefit from strong feelings of national identity. However, groups supportive of the Union and those concerned by the uncertainity of an independent Scotland's economics oppose the referendum.

During the last general election, the Scottish National Party (SNP) received the highest number of votes since the establishment of Scottish Parliament in 1999. With the SNP coming into power, the demand forScottish indepedence started being felt much stronger.

Those seeking Scottish independence and supporters of the Union in cooperation with London kicked off separate campaigns. "Yes Scotland" is such one organisation campaigning for a "Yes" vote in 2014'sScottish independence referendum.

Despite her not stating her views on political issues, the Queen's concerns over the possible independence have reflected on the media. While delivering her speech during the coalition’s new programme of legislation announcement, Queen Elizabeth II said, "My government will continue to make the case for Scotland to remain part of the United Kingdom" and the the government often gives the message of "stronger when together."

Reporting by Inci Gundag/Asli Aral

Writing by Inci Gundag

englishnews@aa.com.tr