Comments by "Andy Monaghan" (@229andymon) on "CaspianReport" channel.

  1.  @Alastorm8  And who’s stopping you having that vote, and why? Not us Scots, that’s for sure. Whether we leave UK, or UK leaves us - fine by me.
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  2. As someone who has followed both UK and Scottish politics, I reckon you’re dead wrong. Yes, Labour will probably take more Westminster seats at the next UK GE, but given those seats are virtually useless to the independence cause we won’t miss them. Meanwhile, support for independence is still too close to call and Westminster is still running so scared (oh yes they are…) of Indyref2 the Tory cowards are preventing it happening because they know they’ll be beaten. Over in soon to be United Ireland Sinn Fein are steadily gaining in both the North and South, with an SF First Minister in Belfast for the first time in history and even in Wales support is growing for an Indy referendum. Your union is finished, and good riddance to it. Who wants to be in a union of 4 nations where only one (guess which) can leave whenever they choose?
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  3.  @gbrown546  Meant to add that while I agree Germany is in trouble at this time, that’s due to other factors, like the rise of Chinese auto industry and the effects of no more cheap piped gas coming from Russia. Germany’s travails are nothing to do with the EU. In the long term UK will suffer badly from Brexit. Why? Because the whole ethos of the EU is to promote inter-EU trade and where possible avoid external trade. Unlike UK, which has no “members”, there are 26 other EU members each nation in the EU can trade with and will in time want to replace UK trade with. There is (almost) nothing positive about Brexit and I believe my country (Scotland) needs to Foxtrot Oscar out the union before we get dragged along with the isolationist, xenophobic Brit state to the decline it’s heading to.
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  4. The “Spanish veto”. Number 3 on the list of unionist BS bingo…..
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  5.  @gbrown546  in truth I’m not saying anything is inevitable, nothing is, but I’ve been watching the rise of Indy support in Scotland since the 70s and Irish unification for as long, and I disagree. Indy support goes up and down, but if you look at it over the long term the trajectory is pointing one way only. Sure it may stop where it is now, and what a horrible prospect that would be, eh? But, why assume it will stop, at 50/50? No, I think UK will split and I also believe the UK nations will be the better for it.
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  6. Support for Indy before 2014 was under 30%. It went to 45%. The Brit Govt did it’s own polling on Scots opinions about Indy and refuse to publish the results. I’m totally up for Indyref2. Bring it on..!
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  7. @macflod  Quite right. I'm not an SNP supporter, I'm an indy supporter. Frankly I don't give a toss how it comes, so long as it does.
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  8.  @ivancho5854  It won’t take anything like 15 years. The EU will be really keen to get Scotland in and will assist as much as reasonably possible. It makes huge sense for them that they do. Don’t let the Mail and the Express fool you otherwise. As it happens I’m not sure whether I’d advocate the EU or EFTA, but either of them beat the unequal, crap deal we have in UK hands down.
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  9.  @sacredgeometry  Sentiments every Soviet leader would agree with. What you’re describing UK just left. It’s called the EU, a union that (for the most part) respects the sovereignty of its members and treats them with respect. Compare that with the dysfunctional and unequal UK union where it matters not one iota what Scotland, NI or Wales wants, because they’re ignored in it. As for quoting 300/400 year old history - I reckon we’ve moved on a bit since, surely? Another way of saying Scotland will be “misaligned” is that Scots will (finally) be able to run Scotland they way we want, as opposed to having it run for us by people we never vote for and to suit other agendas than our own. I reckon that kind of misalignment is sorely needed, personally. Many Scots are by now heartily sick of being “aligned” to the extent we’re ignored and overruled at every turn.
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  10.  @bcanuck  There’s a world of difference in membership conditions. Not all unions are bad. Especially ones you can choose to be in, a privilege currently denied Scots.
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  11.  @pixhammer  May I make a serious and respectful suggestion? Try to understand that not every issue that’s happening in UK has UK, Westminster, London, or England as it’s basis. Not all of us view what’s happening thru Union Jack specs. The cause of Scottish independence has been growing for long before Brexit, or any other specific Brit issue. What’s happening in N Ireland is as much about Dublin and Brussels as London. When Scotland leaves the UK union, it will be more about us carefully choosing the best path for our country, as assessed thru many factors, the present Tory chimps tea party UKG, Brexit and the iniquities of our membership of the UK being merely some. Even if UK miraculously comes to its senses and rejoined the EU, that wouldn’t mean we Scots could get rid of Trident from the Clyde or decide whether we want to participate in Brit military adventurism. In the unequal UK union, we can’t even classify movies..!We need independence to be able to run our country the way we want. In fact, given the growing divide between us and an England apparently hellbent on a suicidal right-wing crusade that has become an imperative.
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  12.  @ThePilgrimLad  Like Norway, you mean, or Denmark, New Zealand etc. I can’t wait for that kind of backwater. And if you don’t have enough faith in England to hold its own in the world without us, then I’d beg to differ. England will cope absolutely fine without us. I really don’t see what your problem is with Scottish independence, but I’m fairly sure your concern isn’t about what’s best for Scotland.
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  13.  @sacredgeometry  You appear to be missing entirely what it is I, and those like me, actually want and why we want it. We don’t want a “better deal” from the UK, we don’t want anything about the union “fixed”, our primary concern isn’t what will happen to UK after we leave. I want it to be essentially no direct business of yours (other than as a neighbour) what our attitude to the EU or anything else is. That will be our business, frankly. We want our own country, not to be part of yours or anyone else’s . Try to get your head round that. You can do as you please with the UK after we leave. I find this time and again when talking to unionists, they just can’t see apart from thru a Brit prism.
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  14. I’m a committed independence supporter and have been for decades. I voted YES in 2014 but never, ever during that process believed we would win. We started too far behind with support at 30/70 against. This time we go in roughly even and I believe next year we will rectify the 2014 mistake.
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  15.  @ivancho5854  I disagree. Regarding UK exports in particular, what does UK sell to EU that the EU won’t be able to (and want to) source from within its own membership, given the ethos of the EU is to encourage inter- EU trade (and vice versa). UK on the other hand has no “members”, but is faced with having to exponentially increase its exports via other markets, which is never an easy task and where in many cases they’ll be starting from a low or very low base? No, Brexit is straight loss.
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  16. It’s got ZERO to do with “sticking it” to anyone. It’s about choosing the best path for our country. I’m wondering what part of ex-Yugoslavia you come from - Surrey, perhaps?
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  17.  @sacredgeometry  What about the list of reserved powers the SG suggested should be transferred to Holyrood that has been ignored. Then our vote to remain in the EU, then our suggestions for immigration policy to try to stem the UKs rampant Londoncentrism, and end with the SGs wish that UK remove their nuke WMDs from 30 miles away from our biggest city? There are plenty more, but will that do for starters? Incidentally, what would you think the soon to be UK PM meant by saying she would “ignore” the democratically elected and popular leader of the SNP (something Truss has yet to achieve) and First Minister of Scotland. You don’t think that might point to the merest hint that Westminster doesn’t give a flying fandango what Scotland wants? Truss only voicing what previous PMs didn’t say, but did.
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  18.  @pixhammer  Well, the problem with your comment is - it’s not what the polls are saying now that counts, it’s the poll called Indyref2. Before Indyre1 polls had support at less than 30%. That grew to 45% and is now roughly even. I suppose the acid test is - which side is confident and which running scared of the voice of the people?
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  19.  @ivancho5854  I despair of and completely reject your logic. I’ve noted that during indy debates with unionists, if the word hate comes up, it’s invariably the unionist raising it. Usually to, without substance, accuse us Scots of “hating the English”. It’s got nothing to do with hating anyone, and far from engendering hatred between us, our independence will remove the resentment we feel about Westminster and the unequal UK union. Transforming us from surly tenants to good neighbours. Unionists that talk about hate simply can’t otherwise understand (or want to understand) that Scots just want a different future. We’re not going anywhere, Scotland will be exactly where it is now, we’ll just no longer be in a toxic political union with you.
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  20.  @ivancho5854  Incidentally, regarding Germany and France “hating” the English, I refer you to soon to be PM Truss’ recent comment that she doesn’t know whether to regard the French as a “friend or a foe”. To quote the bible - “regard not the mote in thy brothers eye, rather the beam in thy own”.
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  21.  @Craigx71  Why would the EU want them back? The UK has nothing positive to offer the EU.
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  22.  @pixhammer  Really? by predicting the Indy vote will rise modestly after the next campaign, considering the last one raised it 50%. If you think another year or so of Brexit Brit rule, presided over by PM Loonytoon Truss, is going to change that, one of us is definitely naïve. Anyway, as I said, the acid test is who’s confident (us) and who’s running scared (UKG). Of course you could ask for the polling on the subject the UKG did not long ago, but good luck with that, they’re refusing to release it. Sorry, but Indyref2 is ours. Incidentally, can I ask why you’re so negative about it? I ask coz I believe there is a case for union, just not a strong enough one vs running Scotland ourselves.
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  23.  @wholelifeahead  You’re entitled to your derogatory and insulting views of my country and people, however ill-informed and unwelcome they are. I never insult the English, because they’re a good people (although their political leaders are abhorrent idiots).
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  24.  @sacredgeometry  I respect, if disagree with your views. Why must we be in a dysfunctional political union to be able to get on well with our neighbours? Why can’t we all get along if Scotland, Ireland and even Wales are independent? I don’t see the problem.
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  25.  @jonathanodude6660  Thanks for your opinion. Mine is different and we’ll see whether Scotland (the nation) agrees with me or you next year at Indyref2. If it’s all just “areas” why do so many unionists get in a froth about my “area” leaving your “area”? It’s just “areas” - what’s your problem?
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  26.  @crowbar9566  Sure. What a wonderful “United Kingdom” that would be, eh? Only united coz England won’t let Scotland leave. Can’t wait. Westminster hasn’t stopped all the other dozens of places leaving Brit rule over the centuries, what makes you think it’ll be successful this time? Places leave UK. They don’t come back. I suggest you get fine with *that*.
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  27.  @comradekenobi6908  Yup. Incidentally, the Tories at this time are in freefall, with some polls predicting a wipeout for them, including ending up with zero Scottish MPs. But are people saying the Tories are finished..? Predictions of SNP demise are unionist wishful thinking.
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  28. UK/English needs will not be paramount in an Indy Scotland, Scottish ones will. That’s kind of the point…..
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  29.  @josm1481  I suggest you try to calm down. I’m supremely confident the EU will be fully supportive of a Scottish application because they’re an evangelistic organisation that wants members, especially one with what will be their largest resources of oil and gas as well as Europe’s largest fishing grounds and access to huge amounts of renewable power in the near future. Unlike UK, the EU thinks rationally, not emotionally. It genuinely puzzles me how negatively Brit unionists like you react to our impending Indy. It appears to make you feel rejected. Which is stupid, incidentally, as I say, it’s about us, not you.
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  30. You omit to mention that the only way the SNP would have arrived at that (2024) position would be if UK had bottled out of Indyref2 due to their being too scared to fight it….. a wee bit of “pure disingenuity” perhaps?
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  31.  @wholelifeahead  Apology accepted, and I’m not here for a popularity contest. Btw I’m not in a minority in Scotland.
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  32.  @wholelifeahead  Firstly - who’s talking about having lots of referendums? We’re only going to need one more. But, even if we did need 10 or 50 more as long as there’s enough democratic support for 10 more then that’s what we should have. The key is support, which is the bedrock of any functioning democracy. However messy the people’s vote may be, it must be heard. And yes, I’d say that if it was unionists campaigning to re-unify with UK (they won’t, btw). Second - You’ve ticked another unionist BS bingo box with your - it’s an “emotional” decision. It’s bugger all to do with emotion, you’ve been propagandised by the outrageously biased unionist Brit media into believing we all paint our faces blue and have swords above our mantle pieces. Do the SNP strike you as painting their faces blue? It’s a carefully considered (and intelligent) decision arrived at over many years. Give us some basic credit for Christ sake..! Lastly. What is notably absent from the Scottish Indy debate is any feeling of Scottish exceptionalism. Which, let’s face it, doesn’t exactly sit well with your (forgiven) accusation we’ve got a chip on our shoulder, does it? I wish I could say the same for British (aka English) politics right now. We will be content with our status as a small European nation that is part of the EU. like Denmark or Ireland etc. I have zero problem with that. The UK has lasted 300 years. Long enough. Let me ask you a question that I would appreciate if you to answer thoughtfully and 100% truthfully. Is your concern about us leaving because of what the effects will be for Scotland, or UK? Because they aren’t the same.
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  33. Well, let’s see who wins next year, eh, but you’re fantasising about 70% for the union. My prediction is a reversal of the 2014 mistake. As for the EU, they’ll kiss our butts as they roll out the red carpet for us and the EU will be around far longer than the UK. So you’re an ex SNP voter… Really? Ever heard the old Scottish saying “A hae ma doots”…?
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  34.  @AeneasGemini  “Equal rights” in UK in practice means Scotland doesn’t exist. Which of the Home nations picks who will govern UK - every time? Scotland last voted for the Tories in 1955, that sound “equal” to you?
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  35. Scotland will become independent and rejoin a stronger EU. How the Russians and Chinese must have laughed about Brexit, eh?
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  36.  @ThePilgrimLad  I can tell you exactly how the UK military will be separated from Scotland. By our becoming an independent country. Can you understand that concept? It appears you’re struggling. Once we are independent, any UK military on our territory uninvited would be an occupation. That includes Faslane. FOREIGN country……. Not British, foreign….. I find your comment baffling and depressing. You just don’t get it, do you?
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  37. @jackkruese4258  Westminster representation is practically useless for the indy cause. In effect even if every single Scottish MP was indy they still couldnt acheive anything without Westminster approval. So, a rise in Labour MPs in Scotland will only matter from a propaganda POV.. Of course, that doesn't apply to England. They can do as they please.
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  38.  @_blanding  You make many points, but your central argument is the usual one of "basket case Scotland". Apart from being offensively insulting, unsubstantiated and typically Brit unionist, I don't accept it. The subject is hugely complex as opposed to the blithe dismissal you provide and just how well Scotland will do once free of the dead hand of London control is dependent on many factors, some of which can only be estimated. If I asked you to elaborate your opinion regarding our economic hopelessness (be unable to do what many nations have done that have far less than our advantages), I fully expect we'd end up with the notorious GERS unionist mantra. Spoiler is I don't accept that either. But let me rather pick up on a couple of your other mistakes. Firstly, our indy will not "end" Scotland and England (I note you typically forget the other 2 nations). That is frankly absurd. However, it will end the UK, which I expect you are, again typically, equating with England, so perhaps that's what you mean. Secondly your suggestion to try to make the unfair, undemocratic, unequal and now involuntary UK union more tolerable via a bunch of reforms no Westminster regime will make and a "British Council" will neither happen nor is any kind of substitute for Scots running Scotland, which we'll do far better than any London based unionist mob that does not have our best interests at heart. How would you propose this Camelot style "Council" would work anyway? How would you avoid the critical problem of England outvoting the rest of us put together several times over?. You also make a fundamental error directly comparing Brexit with Scexit. The motivations and consequences of both are very different and if you don't understand that I seriously suggest you make a further effort to. The English made a drastic mistake with Brexit, for negative reasons and with drastic consequences, please don't tar us with their nationalistic, isolationist brush. I'm happy to discuss further how each exit will differ, but perhaps you could reflect further on some of the obvious differences first. Lastly, I'll just mention that we will have no need of a UK style defence profile as we won't conduct an aggressive foreign policy bent on "promoting UK interests". Nor will we want your nuclear WMD 30 miles from our biggest population centre. I suggest you rather park them in the Thames, after all, you've been telling us how safe they are for decades. It is UK that will lose in that regard when we leave (not our fault) and if you really need proof, have a look at a map. But, I'll end with a simple, direct question - is your "concern" around what's best for Scotland, or for UK, because I can categorically assure you they are not the same.
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  39.  @pixhammer  I’m doing neither. Because the polls were saying 30% rising to maybe 40% before Indyref1 and also because I just didn’t “feel” the Scots were ready to take the brave step in 2014, I never thought we had a chance then, so I do give them some credibility. I also don’t believe there will be a “surge” this time (your word). I reckon the vote will increase next year, not by 50% like last time, but enough to get us on over the line. Look what’s happened between 2014 and now, I really can’t see a majority of Scots voting for more of that
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  40.  @josm1481  Can you point me to anything I’ve said to deserve your bitter sarcasm? Because it appears to me all you’re doing is judging others by your own standards. Where have I indicated Scottish exceptionalism?
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  41.  @josm1481  So, we are to believe Westminster is refusing Indyref2 to “protect us from ourselves”? Patronise much..?
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  42.  @josm1481  I have no tears in my eyes, nor do I expect to have any either. it’s incredibly typical of unionists that simply don’t understand the cause of Scottish independence to put it down to “anti- English” or “emotion”, rather than face the fact we just don’t want to be in the toxic, unequal Brit union anymore. It’s politics, not people. I suggest you try to stop taking it personally, or as some kind of “emotional” Scottish reaction against the rest of UK or England in particular. It’s not. In fact it’s about us and what we consider the best path for our country. It isn’t about you actually.
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  43.  @josm1481  You enjoy the rest of your day, OK?
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  44.  @the_grand_tourer  1955, not 1979.
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  45.  @dw620  probably because that’s wrong. The stone cold facts are : 62% of Scots voted to remain in the EU and Scotland was ignored by Westminster because it doesn’t give a continental what we want. Central belt vs rest of Scotland - utter fiction. Orkney and Shetland - what issue? “Budget issue” - Unionist BS.
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  46.  @RenaissanceMan29  It doesn’t matter what he said. In a functioning democracy, nothing can be said that cannot be unsaid, no policy once decided upon cannot be reversed, no position cannot be changed. Which is something we should all be thankful for. Boris Johnson promised to “die in a ditch” if a policy of his didn’t become reality, it didn’t and he’s still the PM. Salmond also said independence was the best thing for Scotland, was he right then too, or do we cherry pick what we want to be true?
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  47.  @fightforaglobalfirstamendm5617  And yet the SNP are still the Scottish govt and hugely popular, having more MSPs than all the unionist parties combined. My explanation for that is that few in Scotland agree with you, what’s yours?
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  48.  @fightforaglobalfirstamendm5617  An empire who’s crimes are abhorrant. Have a read about the Opium Wars and then crow about how “Great” Britain is. I spoke to a Kenyan guy once who told me about his Mau Mau Grandfather who was tortured by the Brits. I spoke to a South African who hated the Brits for inventing Concentration camps and killing innocent Afrikaaner women and children. An empire who’s conquered constituents Foxtrot Oscar’d off at the soonest opportunity never to return. Scotland will be next, but not the last to leave the cold, dead hand of UK misrule. N Ireland will follow shortly.
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  49.  @RenaissanceMan29  I’m totally up to put that union to the test next year, are you?
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  50.  @RenaissanceMan29  But you Tories were last voted for in Scotland in 1955? So no-one wants you? Unlike the SNP that beat all your unionist parties combined? “England” protects your civil rights? I think you’ll find “England” doesn’t exist in a constitutional context, but I know what you mean alright - in effect UK is England with bells on. You unionists may be happy with Scotland being an insignificant bauble on the English Xmas tree, but let’s see what the Scottish people think next year, eh? Or are you not that cocksure? As for “communism”, I haven’t a Scooby Doo what that means, but if Scotland can get the governance Scots vote for, instead of getting governance it never votes for, that’s a plus in my book.
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  51.  @RenaissanceMan29  Nope, fess up, you just conflated UK with England. Hardly an unusual problem for a blinkered, delusional, inaccurate unionist. “you” Tories are as popular as Athlete’s Foot in my country, we Scots never vote for you - ever. So you were a “kid” in 2014. Making you worldly wise and mature now. I’m soooooooo convinced. Soon “we” Scots won’t have to worry what “you” Brits do.
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  52.  @jager6863  if we have to be “let” - what does that tell you about the relationship? If England wanted independence, would Scotland have to “let” it? I note you continue in your very typical Brit attitude by also deciding Westminster can also “let” a part of Scotland choose to do as it pleases. How nice of you, Again, imagine that Scots, when England is asking us to be let go, tells you that will be OK, but London won’t be going with you. The problem with Brit exceptionalists is, it never even dawns on you to try the boot on the other foot. Scotland doesn’t need “let”, we’re not some possession.
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  53.  @jamielonsdale3018  You mean I didn’t refute his well researched analysis? Like his off the cuff reference for example to what I presume to be some kind of serious rift between Scotland’s central belt and the rest of Scotland that means nowt to me or any other reasonable Scot? Like his spurious and very insubstantial reference to a mythical unionist unicorn like Northern Isles independence? You expect a lot of change from a very small bill.
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  54.  @ArifKhan-rd3vo  Suffice to say I have far more confidence in Scots running the Scottish economy, from Scotland and for Scotland instead of Westminster misrunning it for and from Westminster. If the present situation in UK fills you with confidence, than I suggest the divide between our perceptions is too wide for compromise. However, since you mention energy/oil and gas - where do you think Scotland would be right now if we had not make the disastrous mistake of voting to stay in the unequal Brit union in 2014? We’d be energy rich, with huge amounts of oil and gas to sell at $100 a barrel. Where actually are we? - still in the unequal union with no arse in our trousers and facing criminally large energy bills. Predictions are that half of us will be in fuel poverty this year. Can’t say I’m persuaded, Arif…..
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  55.  @wholelifeahead  Why don’t they think the unionist parties represent Scottish interest?
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  56.  @wholelifeahead  are they? Isn’t that to be decided democratically by the people? If we want a referendum every year who are you to say we can’t have it. You appear to have Westminster disease.
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  57. So, let me get it straight.  @Marcusjnmc 
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  58. The Tories have a mandate in Scotland from less than a quarter of Scots, and the SNP/Greens have a mandate from over half. But the quarter beats the half? Brit democracy is so confusing.... @Marcusjnmc 
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  59.  @Marcusjnmc  I know how British democracy works. In the 2015 GE, Scots left the unionist parties with 1 MP each, every single other Scottish MP was SNP. But it wouldn’t have mattered if all of them were, nothing they wanted was “granted” by a Westminster where Scottish representatives are utterly outnumbered by English. That’s how it works, it’s the price of union, in return for which we’re meant to believe Westminster “bails out” our basket case country. We’ve paid that price until now, but nothing lasts forever, even the unequal Brit union. Next year, we stop paying. Look at it positively, we’ll get what we want and you get to keep all the billions you’ll save in handouts. Add that to the £350m a week you’re saving from Brexit and you won’t need to worry about a thing.
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  60.  @Marcusjnmc  I don't actually know what you mean. What I do know is Scotland is ruled by Tories we last voted for in 1955. So my view is any unionist who doesn't agree that represents a serious democratic deficit in UK politics isn't thinking straight. Of course now that Scots have soundly rejected the Labour unionists too - we're guaranteed never, ever to get a Westminster govt we vote for. That simply cannot continue, something has to give.
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  61.  @Aron-ru5zk  Nope. Check their statements on that.
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  62.  @douglastodd1947  Well, firstly it’s not Surgeon that wants to take us back. A clear majority of Scots agree with her, inc me. Secondly, if your story of EU manipulation is true, I’m not sure why you think staying ruled by such Brit dopes is a good option for us? Lastly, if you can look back from 2014 to now and think, yes, I’ll have more of that, I’m glad you stopped voting.
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  63.  @douglastodd1947  Tory, right…?
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  64.  @douglastodd1947  Not a difficult guess. I’ve noted a steady conflation of the following in Scotland : Tory, Orange, Brexit and Unionist. Where has left wing unionism disappeared to, where has Scotland’s catholic community support for the Labour Party disappeared to? For me this process strengthens the Indy cause. Most Scots are not Orange, not Tory, not Brexit and, as will be proven next year, not Unionist either. Away from the Indy/Union debate, Brexit is the worst economic decision in British history. A catastrophic blunder, emanating from rampant English nationalism/British exceptionalism (take your pick, it’s the same thing basically) from which UK will never fully recover. In fact it will contribute hugely to the end of the UK itself. You are one small part of a massive wrecking ball that is busy dismantling what you want to preserve. You’re making history, Douglas.
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  65.  @HerewardWake  OK, let’s analyse what that means in practise. In 2015, Scotland returned all but 3 MPs as SNP Independence supporters. Labour, Tories and LDs were left with 1 each. What did that overwhelming majority of SNP MPs get that Westminster didn’t want to grant? SFA my friend. Still sound fair?
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  66.  @HerewardWake  S = Sweet. Same as happened when 62% of us voted to remain in the EU. Liz Truss has at least been honest in stating she'll do what Westminster has always done - "ignore" the Scottish govt.
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  67.  @dawidoskwarek3960  wrong
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  68.  @HerewardWake  And who's fault is it Scots weren't asked - as Scots? Your "justification" of our wishes being utterly ignored means in effect what Scotland votes for means absolutely zero in Westminster. Cant say I'm thinking "where do I sign". We'll give you our verdict on that next year at Indyref2.
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  69.  @HerewardWake  I know how UK referendums work! which is one reason I want Scotland out of UK..... Who in their right mind would vote to be irrelevant and ignored?
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  70. So what?
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  71. Well it’s a given the UK govt assumes so, otherwise it wouldn’t be fighting Indy tooth and nail.
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  72.  @francisedward8713  Go for it! Scotland is with you..!
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  73.  @Nokard  Thanks. Whatever happens in an Indy Scotland, it will be through Scots making their own decisions, facing our our own challenges and taking our own opportunities. As opposed to outsourcing that to idiotic, incompetent Westminster Tories we never, ever vote for.
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  74.  @kravan5063  Why on earth do you assume my country incapable of doing what many countries have done before us? Your patronising, ill informed and insulting attitude is sadly typical of you Brit exceptionalists. Places leave UK, they enjoy having left and don’t come back. That’s what happens. UK rule isn’t good for places, it holds them back.
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  75.  @gamingfloppa9460  That’s what every state that held constituent parts that it ultimately lost thought…..
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  76.  @alastairhunter353  where do you think we’d be seeing that?
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  77.  @sheilasmith7991  Maybe, like I’m getting from you, it’s because your bitterness and anger is apparent in the way you make your points. If you believe what you think is positive, why are you so clearly negative? I for one have absolutely no issue with the rest of UK, and will genuinely wish them well and hope for the best for them once we leave. Why shouldn’t I, when our paths will continue to cross, even after our independence. It’s in both place’s interests that the other prospers. Try to not be so angry, is my advice.
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  78.  @sacredgeometry  I’ve learnt that Brexit will be different to Scexit, have you?
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  79.  @jonathanodude6660  I dont live in an area. I live in Scotland. You may not care about that, but me and plenty like me do.
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  80.  @user-qv7rw7dq1d  I disagree, but even if that was correct, it would be our choice, which is something denied us in the unequal Brit union.
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  81.  @k.l3062  As a Scottish Indy supporter, why should that bother me?
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  82.  @treeaboo  Thanks for your response. You make a few good points albeit I disagree with your conclusions. As you list them… Greece is desperate to stay in the EU. I would agree that’s an example where the EU showed its teeth, but only because Greece got itself into a mess. You omit that relations between the EU and it’s other members are normally productive and cordial. You’re trying to use the exception to prove the rule. Also - Scotland isn’t Greece. You make a fundamental mistake equating Brexit with Scexit. The motivation and outcomes will be very different. Scotland will be rejoining one of the worlds largest and most successful trading entities, not voluntarily isolating and sanctioning itself, as with Brexit. Brexit was definitely “separatist” but to tell me an Indy Scotland set on joining the EU is similar simply doesn’t hold water. As for trading ramifications, again there are fundamental differences between Brexit and Scexit. The EUs ethos is to promote inter-EU trade - and vice versa, and there is little UK produces that EU members will not be able to source within their own market. On the other hand that will not be the case for Scottish/UK trade, there will be no reason for UK not to continue trading with us, since our trading terms will be at the very least as good as anyone else’s. Regarding our “representation” in UK - it’s useless. It’s not the bums on seats that counts, it’s what they can achieve with it and with the SNPs representation we can plainly see that amounts to zero. In 2015, Scotland reduced the Scottish unionist parties to 1 solitary MP each. What did the SNP get with that astounding show of democratic support? Nothing, that’s what. Our representation at Westminster is akin to 10 wolves and 1 sheep having an equal say on what’s for dinner. I wont go into whether we get financially supported by the UK or not because it’s a hugely complex issue, but if Scotland in the UK equals economic failure then believing the best solution is to stay in it doesn’t make sense to me. I believe a Scottish govt will run the Scottish economy better than any Westminster one will and the present incumbents of Westminster prove that beyond question. Besides, I also believe that’s our decision to make. As for your opinion that federalism and/or PR will solve UKs political dilemmas, I disagree, PR would be a huge improvement, but the fundamental issues between the UK states would remain and federalism simply won’t work in the UK given the complete dominance of England.
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  83. @macflod  Do you really believe Labour or Tories will give up the huge advantage FPTP voting gives them? It's an anti democratic system, but for those parties, winning trumps principles every time. That way, we're doomed to either spineless Labour one time and then brainless Tories the next.
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  84.  @_blanding  I’m glad I gave you a few things to think about, and, I note, you appear to have walked back somewhat your basket case Scotland stance, which even many unionist Scots detest. If I may say, your last comment isn’t particularly well constructed, and meanders and mixes up points and sentiments, which I’ll now have to try to separate to respond to. Firstly, even if I believed (I don’t) your suggestion that our rulers won’t be any better than UKs was true, I’d still want it, because at the very least we would’ve appointed them and it would be our challenge to try to sort out (which we would have the means to do). Because…. as we stand right now, we’re being ruled from London by a party Scots last voted for in 1955, and by any honest appraisal the present incumbents of Westminster couldn’t run a whelk stall. Could we do better than that - well, it’s not a high bar, is it? But generally, do I believe Scots appointed to run Scotland (for Scotland) will do so better than any UK administration?, yes, and I don’t believe that in any way unrealistic. Incidentally, I don’t believe Westminster “evil” (that was your word) just incompetent, unnecessary (for us) and unrepresentative of Scottish views, interests and aspirations. In any case, if your argument for us staying is reduced to saying we won’t be any better than if we stay, it’s hardly a glowing testimony for the union, eh? Not exactly “where do I sign”…. However it’s in your understanding of Scexit that you exhibit a real lack of understanding, especially when you attempt to link to Brexit. Indy Scotland will join many unions, including the one we’ve just been forced to leave, and leave one (UK). So to equate us with Brexiteers that only wanted to leave the EU is simply wrong. Incidentally, that wasn’t our intention, we wanted to leave the UK union and still have open borders with UK, but of course English Brexit torpedoed that, eh? So, your assertion we want to “be alone” is utter nonsense. It’s the English that want to be alone, we want to get back to being part of our European family. As for your “brick wall” trading analogy - you’re dead wrong there too. If true all we’d have is the same brick wall UK will have with any other country. Why would rUK stop trading with Scotland? We’ll have the same trading conditions as anywhere else and still have all the natural advantages of proximity and a geographic border. You may also want to reflect on the fact that rUK sells more to Scotland than buys from it, and at a level akin to Germany. You seriously think market-hungry Brexit UK will want to bite that hand? On the other hand, while English Brexit will have made our trade with UK more difficult (as it has with the rest of Europe) it will also have made ours far easier with one of the biggest trading blocks on the planet. Good swap I’d say. I really liked your comment about us losing our fishing rights… ! You didn’t think that through, did you? Firstly, they will be ours to surrender (if we decide to do that) as opposed to Westminster surrendering them on our behalf and giving us nada back, and if we do decide to - it will be to swap for benefits that will come directly to Edinburgh. Hooray, say I. PS, where will UK get its fish..? Same place it’ll get its Green energy - Scotland. Your last point refers to close historic and cultural ties. Yes, true, but no closer than those for, say Norway and Sweden, Czechia and Slovakia, Ireland and UK, or even Ukraine and Russia. Scotland won’t drift off into the Atlantic after we leave the UK union, you’ll still be able to visit your Granny in Inverness and Scots will still be able to watch Coronation St. we just won’t have to do so in a toxic political union. Will we be better off Indy? Would we be better off staying in UK? Time will tell, but my money is on Edinburgh, not London.
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  85.  @mmcc5846  Then why are we not independent?
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  86.  @scottdoesntmatter4409  It isn't, but if it was, as an integral part of the UK, is not changing that the best policy? So if Scotland (in UK) is a failure, staying in UK equals what?
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  87.  @jon1801  But your leaders do. Hence they’re opposing us every step of the way.
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  88.  @TheHol8  People should have whatever democratic choice they want. Whether that would mean a referendum every year or every century. And no external force should seek to prevent that happening.
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  89.  @blablup1214  meaning the minority dictates to the majority?
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  90.  @alexpotts6520  I would accept that if that was what the Scots wanted. In fact unionists will be free to mount a re-unification campaign as soon and as often after Indy as they like. All they have to do is get enough support. Why they won’t is a good question though, eh?
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  91.  @blablup1214  No, it isn’t. The only time we seen that was when the UK Labour Govt gerrymandered one of the early devolution referendums. Anyway, who says what we get and don’t get - if not us? If we want it, we get it. Sounds right to me.
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  92.  @forkeke  I think you’ve just defined democracy.
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  93.  @alexpotts6520  Incidentally, Indy supporters aren’t saying it will be a disaster, in the short or long term. Unionists are.
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  94.  @jon1801  Certainly not mine, we Scots last voted Tory in 1955. I’m happy to take my chances with Indy, I’m not like unionists that believe Scotland is financially dependent on London and happy to take what they believe to be handouts. But… I think once we leave you’ll find the “benefits” you expect can be lumped together with the £350m a week UK is surely getting from Brexit.
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  95.  @ElGrandoCaymano  Fun fact. The only parties that want to continue with Barnett are unionist parties.
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  96. And who is Sturgeon? She is (unlike Truss) the democratically elected and very popular leader of her country. Are you saying someone advocating “ignoring” the US president is not advocating ignoring the US, or China, France etc?
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  97.  @mckenziewilliamhowells233  That the Tories managed to find some one that will potentially make Bojo look like a statesman took some doing. It’s beyond bizarre.
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  98. Even if that nonsense was true, it would still be our choice.
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  99.  @KC_Tubelord  And Scots that don’t want the EU will be free to try to get Scotland out of it. At the very least that will be our choice as Scots. What choice did Scotland get about Brexit, when 62% voted to remain? None.
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  100. With both N Ireland and Scotland on the brink of casting off the dead hand of London rule, the “United” Kingdom must be the biggest contradiction in terms in the world. Even in Wales a poll last year found more people wanting an independence referendum within 5 years than opposing. The British union has run its course. It’s time is up.
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