The consequences of a Yes vote for independence are unfathomable and would stretch far beyond the British Isles.
An important question lingers in the mind about the Scottish referendum. What will happen to the country after its independence? Would England be richer without Scotland?
A Yes vote would not only shake up British politics, but also increase the likelihood of Residual UK (RUK) leaving the EU, boost separatism elsewhere in Europe, and diminish the global standing of what would be left of Britain.
A Scottish exit would create problems for the Conservative Party. This would be the second time that it had been responsible for the departure of part of the British Isles from the United Kingdom. Ireland became independent in 1922, but it is often forgotten that when the Irish asked for Home Rule in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, most of them did not want independence.
On several occasions, liberal governments tried to give Ireland home rule, but were blocked by Conservatives in the House of Lords.
This carried on for decades, eventually driving the Irish (excepting the Protestants in Northern Ireland) to seek independence.
The Conservative prime minister, David Cameron, must take some of the blame if the Scotts leave the union for agreeing to the timetable of Scotland’s first minister, Alex Salmond (a vote in 2014 rather than 2013 allowed the Scottish National Party more time to build support); to a ballot paper question which, though modified by the Electoral Commission, is favourable to the SNP (‘Should Scotland be an independent country’); and to the exclusion of further devolution as a third option on the ballot (which would have reduced the numbers voting Yes).
What will Happen to England Without Scotland?
England without Scotland is likely to face great challenges. England without Scotland means a terrible defeat for England. And it is not only the question of whether England will be richer without Scotland.
In fact, all Britons are aware that England would be worse off without Scotland. A referendum will have many advantages for Scotland and numerous disadvantages for England.
England without Scotland will be a global shock, because it will prove to the world that England did not have the power to keep Scotland in the union. It will prove the inefficiency of its prime minister, David Cameron, and make it the laughing stock of the world. If the union is lost, it will make England more vulnerable.
A vote to leave the union will make an independent Scotland richer and more powerful. But will there be any advantages for England?
If independence takes place, Scotland will no longer be an English colony. The Scottish people will have a separate language and an independent nation for themselves.
If Scotland wins the referendum, England will no longer be able to interfere in the running of the country and it will prove to the world that Britain has a national identity crisis.
Westminster is against Scottish independence – which is being pushed by the SNP headed by Nicola Sturgeon – as it continues to define and point out the advantages of being a union.
The independence referendum in not only supported by the Scottish Government, but it is also becoming increasingly popular with the people of this region.
If Scotland wins the referendum, Great Britain will become little Britain and it will lose a huge part of its identity.
Why Does Scotland Want to Break Away from England?
In 2012, the disintegration of the union was still an impossible thought. Currently, however, Scotland’s independence has become an important matter. This is not only important for Scotland’s, but it has also become a global matter.
In fact, people across the world are interested to know what the pros and cons of a possible Scottish independence vote would be for both countries.
Scotland’s independence means that this nation will be free to make its own decisions in all aspects of life. This will create numerous advantages for it. If Scotland breaks away from Tory Britain, it will be in charge of its own welfare and match the social-democratic ideals of the Nordic countries.
Since May last year, a clear majority of Scottish Parliament members have been in favour of independence and committed to giving the people of Scotland that choice in a referendum. The Scottish Government is determined that the choice the people make on independence will be an informed one. To this end, a series of new papers designed to contribute to a full, frank, and constructive debate on Scotland’s future have been drafted.
Independence in itself does not guarantee success for any country. For Scotland, the aspiration of a wealthier, fairer and more successful country will depend on democratic decisions made post-independence and the good stewardship of the governments elected. But what about England? Would England be richer without Scotland?
This is the main point: In an independent Scotland, crucial decision-making power will rest with the people who live here, not with Westminster governments who do not command the support of people in Scotland and pursue policies that are deeply damaging to Scotland’s interests, such as Brexit.
As well as setting out the Scottish Government’s views on opportunities for independence and how the greater powers that it entails could be used to make Scotland wealthier, happier and fairer (recognising that others will have different and equally valid ideas), this series of papers will answer key questions about the transition to independence and the infrastructure that will be required for the effective governance of an independent country.
Would England Be Richer Without Scotland?
Scotland’s independence will have significant consequences for England. England without Scotland would be poor and face an economic downturn. In fact, Scotland has a great role in the economy of England. If Scotland gets independence after this referendum, England must bear a great loss. So, would England be richer without Scotland?
Scotland, England, Wales, and Northern Ireland are all in the same political union. Scotland is a country that is managed directly by England. England’s population is much larger than Scotland’s. It is assumed that the Scots are a drain on the union and, therefore, on England as the latter is the biggest contributor to UK funds.
Independence will bring many benefits to Scotland, such as:
- Free medical prescriptions
- Free education
- No bedroom tax
- Free school meals
- Frozen council taxes until recently
However, England does not have the same advantages as Scotland and people in the south pay more money to receive the same services.
England disagrees with Scottish independence, but this is very important for the Scotts, because it can find an obvious identity for itself and change into a powerful country.
