Referendum set for SNP’s first term, Sturgeon insists A NATIONALIST-LED Executive at Holyrood would stage an independence referendum in its first term, according to SNP deputy leader Nicola Sturgeon.
In a keynote speech to her party's conference in Glasgow yesterday, Sturgeon denied reports last week that the SNP would "park" their principal policy.
"An SNP government, in our four-year term of office, will put the decision firmly where it belongs - in the hands of the Scottish people," she said.
Sturgeon made the pledge in a speech to SNP activists, who had learned earlier that Stagecoach boss Brian Souter was donating £500,000 to the party.
The party received another boost when veteran peace campaigner Bruce Kent said he wanted the SNP to win power. He told the conference Labour had to be punished for the "foolish and dangerous" decision to replace Trident.
Kent told the conference he was brought up to understand Britain was England with the other component parts of the UK attached by "some sort of umbilical cord". However, he told the conference, recent trips to Scotland had opened his eyes. He said independence was "not a bad price to pay" for having another "peaceful and peace-minded and nuclear-weapon-free" country in the world.
The SNP believes its anti-nuclear stance has been further reinforced with a set of polling results it commissioned on the replacement of Trident.
The YouGov snapshot found that 65% of respondents agreed that a replacement nuclear missile system should not be sited north of the Border if a majority of Scottish MPs voted against renewing Trident.
Earlier this week, more than half of MPs representing Scottish constituencies voted against government plans for a new nuclear deterrent, putting pressure on prime minister Tony Blair.
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Posted by: iain MacLaren, Galway, Ireland on 12:30am Sun 18 Mar 07
Well if 65% don't want it, there's only one way that will happen - vote accordingly on May 3rd. There's no point voting Labour or Lib Dem if you want rid of Trident.
http://smallnation.org/drupal/
Well if 65% don't want it, there's only one way that will happen - vote accordingly on May 3rd. There's no point voting Labour or Lib Dem if you want rid of Trident.
http://smallnation.org/drupal/
Posted by: Jo, Glasgow on 1:39am Sun 18 Mar 07
I would not have a problem with the SNP "parking" it's independence policy in order to prove itself worthy of governing first. I think the latter is the priority initially and I think if they can prove themselves then the Scottish people will trust them to take us forward to the next step. There is far too much emphasis on the independence question at the moment and Labour's threats about costs will continue to be used to scare us. The SNP should not be led into defending their independence policy from now until the elections, they should be publicising their policies for the Scottish Parliament on the issues causing concern right now. If they get sidetracked on the referendum issue they will lose ground and then, sadly, they may also lose the best chance they have had yet to prove to this country what they can do. They have Labour on the ropes, they have to get this right.
I would not have a problem with the SNP "parking" it's independence policy in order to prove itself worthy of governing first. I think the latter is the priority initially and I think if they can prove themselves then the Scottish people will trust them to take us forward to the next step. There is far too much emphasis on the independence question at the moment and Labour's threats about costs will continue to be used to scare us. The SNP should not be led into defending their independence policy from now until the elections, they should be publicising their policies for the Scottish Parliament on the issues causing concern right now. If they get sidetracked on the referendum issue they will lose ground and then, sadly, they may also lose the best chance they have had yet to prove to this country what they can do. They have Labour on the ropes, they have to get this right.
Posted by: Dave Coull, Brechin on 9:49am Sun 18 Mar 07
I'm not a member of the SNP, but Independence First, the single-issue, non-party-political, campaign for a referendum on independence for Scotland, was formed two years ago, and I was a founder member. There has never at any time in history been a referendum on whether we want to be ruled from London or be independent. We in Independence First say that self-determination is an inalienable human right. Opinion polls show that 80 percent of Scots, whichever way they would vote in a referendum, agree with us there should be one. We have demanded this right from the present government and executive, and we will certainly be demanding this right from whoever is elected in May. Even "within the four year term of a parliament" looks like delay, and we would certainly not accept "parking" the referendum beyond that. We will organise demonstrations against ANY government which does not press ahead with a referendum.
I'm not a member of the SNP, but Independence First, the single-issue, non-party-political, campaign for a referendum on independence for Scotland, was formed two years ago, and I was a founder member. There has never at any time in history been a referendum on whether we want to be ruled from London or be independent. We in Independence First say that self-determination is an inalienable human right. Opinion polls show that 80 percent of Scots, whichever way they would vote in a referendum, agree with us there should be one. We have demanded this right from the present government and executive, and we will certainly be demanding this right from whoever is elected in May. Even "within the four year term of a parliament" looks like delay, and we would certainly not accept "parking" the referendum beyond that. We will organise demonstrations against ANY government which does not press ahead with a referendum.
Posted by: Jo, Glasgow on 10:55am Sun 18 Mar 07
Mr Coull, all this historical, romantic nonsense about "London" ruling us and how wronged we have been all this time helps no one. The SNP deserve the chance to prove they can make a go of Holyrood during their first term in order to determine whether they are fit to take Scotland forward from there. The Independence question isn't the most important one right now and while people like you put it at the top of the agenda you are helping only one Party and that is Labour. You know, if we've waited all these years, surely allowing the SNP to prove their ability during a first term won't hurt? It also demonstrates a responsible approach by the SNP and by people like me who are keen to see Scotland move forward but want it to do so in a sensible, orderly manner.
Mr Coull, all this historical, romantic nonsense about "London" ruling us and how wronged we have been all this time helps no one. The SNP deserve the chance to prove they can make a go of Holyrood during their first term in order to determine whether they are fit to take Scotland forward from there. The Independence question isn't the most important one right now and while people like you put it at the top of the agenda you are helping only one Party and that is Labour. You know, if we've waited all these years, surely allowing the SNP to prove their ability during a first term won't hurt? It also demonstrates a responsible approach by the SNP and by people like me who are keen to see Scotland move forward but want it to do so in a sensible, orderly manner.
Posted by: Fortitude, Edinburgh on 10:59am Sun 18 Mar 07
Telling that it is Ms Sturgeon being put up to say what SNP activists want to hear. Still enough wriggle room for Salmond to park the policy should power depend on it.
Telling that it is Ms Sturgeon being put up to say what SNP activists want to hear. Still enough wriggle room for Salmond to park the policy should power depend on it.
Posted by: Dave Coull, Brechin on 11:09am Sun 18 Mar 07
Jo writes "The SNP deserve the chance to prove they can make a go of Holyrood during their first term in order to determine whether they are fit to take Scotland forward from there". IRRELEVANT. The question of any referendum will NOT be which political party should form the government of an independent Scotland. I repeat, opinion polls show that the great majority of Scots, whichever political parties they support, and whichever way they would vote in a referendum, want there to BE a referendum. We in the campaign for a referendum on independence for Scotland will organise demonstrations against ANY government which does not press ahead with that referendum.
Jo writes "The SNP deserve the chance to prove they can make a go of Holyrood during their first term in order to determine whether they are fit to take Scotland forward from there". IRRELEVANT. The question of any referendum will NOT be which political party should form the government of an independent Scotland. I repeat, opinion polls show that the great majority of Scots, whichever political parties they support, and whichever way they would vote in a referendum, want there to BE a referendum. We in the campaign for a referendum on independence for Scotland will organise demonstrations against ANY government which does not press ahead with that referendum.
Posted by: David Park on 12:49pm Sun 18 Mar 07
Whether the SNP runs a devolved parliament successfully or whether it is an abysmal failure sheds no light on the prospects of an INDEPENDENT Scotland.
Supporters of independence are NOT proposing a one party state!
The electorate would still, no doubt, have the choice of the usual suspects - perhaps a few more.
I say this as a member of the SNP: The SNP (nor any other party) have the right to deny the people of Scotland their say in this fundamentally important issue.
Whether the SNP runs a devolved parliament successfully or whether it is an abysmal failure sheds no light on the prospects of an INDEPENDENT Scotland.
Supporters of independence are NOT proposing a one party state!
The electorate would still, no doubt, have the choice of the usual suspects - perhaps a few more.
I say this as a member of the SNP: The SNP (nor any other party) have the right to deny the people of Scotland their say in this fundamentally important issue.
Posted by: mairi macleod, broxburn on 1:31pm Sun 18 Mar 07
NO PARKING ON REFERENDUM
independance is the very first on my list that is a must, no messing,
whats this about prooving we are capable of running our own country
i dont recall labourhaving to proove they were capable or did i miss something?
if your too scardie, perhaps your not yet ready to take the plunge, grow up a bit,
when your ready to cut nannys apron strings come back to our debate.
NO PARKING ON REFERENDUM
independance is the very first on my list that is a must, no messing,
whats this about prooving we are capable of running our own country
i dont recall labourhaving to proove they were capable or did i miss something?
if your too scardie, perhaps your not yet ready to take the plunge, grow up a bit,
when your ready to cut nannys apron strings come back to our debate.
Posted by: Dave Coull, Brechin on 1:49pm Sun 18 Mar 07
By the way, the very first march to the Scottish Parliament, to demand a referendum on independence, was on the 30th September last year. Around 1000 people took part. Although largely ignored by the press at the time, that was a truly historic occasion. Speakers at the rally included Ruth Cameron for the Green Party, Eileen Campbell for the SNP, Carolyn Leckie for the SSP, and Tommy Sheridan for Solidarity. The second Independence First march to the Scottish Parliament will be on Saturday 31st March. This time, at the rally, the emphasis will be on musicians such as Dick Gaughan, Karine Polwart, and other great acts, rather than on politicians. Further marches are planned for later this year, and, if there should be any foot-dragging over a referendum, we expect many new people to swell the numbers on these.
By the way, the very first march to the Scottish Parliament, to demand a referendum on independence, was on the 30th September last year. Around 1000 people took part. Although largely ignored by the press at the time, that was a truly historic occasion. Speakers at the rally included Ruth Cameron for the Green Party, Eileen Campbell for the SNP, Carolyn Leckie for the SSP, and Tommy Sheridan for Solidarity. The second Independence First march to the Scottish Parliament will be on Saturday 31st March. This time, at the rally, the emphasis will be on musicians such as Dick Gaughan, Karine Polwart, and other great acts, rather than on politicians. Further marches are planned for later this year, and, if there should be any foot-dragging over a referendum, we expect many new people to swell the numbers on these.
Posted by: IAN F.M. SAINT-YVES, Isle of Arran on 2:10pm Sun 18 Mar 07
[quote]quote[/quote] As Jean-Jacques Rousseau said, "Whoever wants to deprive others of their freedom almost always end uop by losing his own; that is true of kings and very much more true of people."
Tony Blair and other Unionists should remember that. Scotland has the right to be independent.[
quote
As Jean-Jacques Rousseau said, "Whoever wants to deprive others of their freedom almost always end uop by losing his own; that is true of kings and very much more true of people."
Tony Blair and other Unionists should remember that. Scotland has the right to be independent.[
Posted by: jo, glasgow on 2:57pm Sun 18 Mar 07
Hang on, have I missed something? Are the coming elections not about the existing Scottish Parliament and not any future Parliament in an independent Scotland? And Mairi, you may not welcome my contribution to the debate, but I am grown up and I can also spell "prove" and "independence". I am personally rooting for the SNP but I also believe that if they win, forming an Administration at Holyrood and running it successfully is the immediate priority. Labour have always denied the SNP could achieve that and if the SNP win that opportunity their task is to take on responsibility for devolved areas. I believe that right now a referendum would not produce a clear YES to independence because it would be easy to scare people about the consequences and the debate will not be balanced. We are seeing that already. (Mr David Murray is already in there!) Rushing things could be catastrophic and if you scare people you end up seeing them go with the status quo. I don't want to see the best chance we have had in a long time being left in tatters due to a lack of patience in some quarters. That doesn't make me scared, I think it is very reasonable.
Hang on, have I missed something? Are the coming elections not about the existing Scottish Parliament and not any future Parliament in an independent Scotland? And Mairi, you may not welcome my contribution to the debate, but I am grown up and I can also spell "prove" and "independence". I am personally rooting for the SNP but I also believe that if they win, forming an Administration at Holyrood and running it successfully is the immediate priority. Labour have always denied the SNP could achieve that and if the SNP win that opportunity their task is to take on responsibility for devolved areas. I believe that right now a referendum would not produce a clear YES to independence because it would be easy to scare people about the consequences and the debate will not be balanced. We are seeing that already. (Mr David Murray is already in there!) Rushing things could be catastrophic and if you scare people you end up seeing them go with the status quo. I don't want to see the best chance we have had in a long time being left in tatters due to a lack of patience in some quarters. That doesn't make me scared, I think it is very reasonable.
Posted by: Alex McGlynn, Portugal until the Election on 3:11pm Sun 18 Mar 07
Jo Glasgow:
This is about far more than the fortunes of the SNP. We are searching for the rights of a nation to have its sovereignty restored. The government of this sovereign nation will be decided by the democratic will of the people.
Every day we delay claiming what is rightfully ours is another day that we allow our countries resources to be squandered by a foreign country.
If the SNP are successful on the 3rd May then be assured I and many others will be pressing for a referendum without delay. I have no wish to see another four years of rule from Westminster or to contribute to the coffers of Livingstone’s London whilst that piece of vermin insult this nation.
Independence now! [bold]If Westminster won’t allow it then we will take it!!![/bold]
Jo Glasgow:
This is about far more than the fortunes of the SNP. We are searching for the rights of a nation to have its sovereignty restored. The government of this sovereign nation will be decided by the democratic will of the people.
Every day we delay claiming what is rightfully ours is another day that we allow our countries resources to be squandered by a foreign country.
If the SNP are successful on the 3rd May then be assured I and many others will be pressing for a referendum without delay. I have no wish to see another four years of rule from Westminster or to contribute to the coffers of Livingstone’s London whilst that piece of vermin insult this nation.
Independence now!
If Westminster won’t allow it then we will take it!!!
Posted by: Jo, Glasgow on 3:40pm Sun 18 Mar 07
Alex, I really think you should read up on what the elections are about in May. "If Westminster won't allow it, we will take it?" What are you on???????????? You know something? It is nonsense like that which will blow this entire election for the SNP. All this "foreign country" rubbish. Whether you like it or not we are currently part of the UK and statements like that make people like you the best weapon Labour have at the moment.
Alex, I really think you should read up on what the elections are about in May. "If Westminster won't allow it, we will take it?" What are you on???????????? You know something? It is nonsense like that which will blow this entire election for the SNP. All this "foreign country" rubbish. Whether you like it or not we are currently part of the UK and statements like that make people like you the best weapon Labour have at the moment.
Posted by: willie johmnston., leadhills. on 6:03pm Sun 18 Mar 07
to all the unionists out there, any one that would give up freedom for security and wealth deserves neither.
to all the unionists out there, any one that would give up freedom for security and wealth deserves neither.
Posted by: Dave Coull, Brechin on 6:18pm Sun 18 Mar 07
Jo wrote "I believe that right now a referendum would not produce a clear YES
to independence " - so you are against having a democratic referendum on
the grounds that you cannot gaurantee the result?????!!!!! Not being able to gaurantee the result is what democracy is all about!!!!!
As it happens, I think a referendum now WOULD produce a very clear majority for independence. But even if I wasn't so sure of that, I would still be in favour of going ahead as soon as practical, on the grounds that the democratic right of self-determination has already been denied for far too long, and there is no excuse for any further delay. Any delay would only give the opponents of independence more time to seek to sabotage the enterprise.
Jo wrote "I believe that right now a referendum would not produce a clear YES
to independence " - so you are against having a democratic referendum on
the grounds that you cannot gaurantee the result?????!!!!! Not being able to gaurantee the result is what democracy is all about!!!!!
As it happens, I think a referendum now WOULD produce a very clear majority for independence. But even if I wasn't so sure of that, I would still be in favour of going ahead as soon as practical, on the grounds that the democratic right of self-determination has already been denied for far too long, and there is no excuse for any further delay. Any delay would only give the opponents of independence more time to seek to sabotage the enterprise.
Posted by: Joe Middleton, Edinburgh on 6:41pm Sun 18 Mar 07
Independence is normality
http://www.scottishindependence.com
Independence is normality
http://www.scottishindependence.com
Posted by: Jo, Glasgow on 7:40pm Sun 18 Mar 07
Mr Coull, I expressed a view on how I see a referendum going if you ask the Scottish people right now about independence. I do not think you would get a clear YES vote. To say I am against a referendum simply because I cannot guarantee the result suggests that you haven't read anything I have contributed to this debate. I simply think the Scottish people are not ready yet to decide on that issue and I would like them to make an informed decision when the time comes. We are not in that position yet. We have before us in May the prospect of Labour losing and the SNP will then face huge challenges at Holyrood which I would like to see them make a huge success of. That is what Alex Salmond himself has said today! I believe independence will come but those who wish to rush a referendum will pay a high price for their impatience, and so will Scotland, because ordinary people in Scotland need to be persuaded,not battered over the head into believing, that independence is the way forward. So yes Mr Coull, you go ahead and have your referendum on day one, if the SNP trounce Labour, and you just see what happens then! You will lose it and you will then have Labour saying "We told you so." and that will be the issue buried for another three hundred years all because people like you wouldn't do things in the proper order.
Mr Coull, I expressed a view on how I see a referendum going if you ask the Scottish people right now about independence. I do not think you would get a clear YES vote. To say I am against a referendum simply because I cannot guarantee the result suggests that you haven't read anything I have contributed to this debate. I simply think the Scottish people are not ready yet to decide on that issue and I would like them to make an informed decision when the time comes. We are not in that position yet. We have before us in May the prospect of Labour losing and the SNP will then face huge challenges at Holyrood which I would like to see them make a huge success of. That is what Alex Salmond himself has said today! I believe independence will come but those who wish to rush a referendum will pay a high price for their impatience, and so will Scotland, because ordinary people in Scotland need to be persuaded,not battered over the head into believing, that independence is the way forward. So yes Mr Coull, you go ahead and have your referendum on day one, if the SNP trounce Labour, and you just see what happens then! You will lose it and you will then have Labour saying "We told you so." and that will be the issue buried for another three hundred years all because people like you wouldn't do things in the proper order.
Posted by: ratzo on 8:19pm Sun 18 Mar 07
Jo - I understand what you're saying about the need to tread carefully - but are you sure you're not exaggerating slightly? The available evidence shows a majority of Scots wishing to have a referendum; and likewise a majority historically in favour of Independence. Why do you think the Scots would (1) not be sufficiently informed to be able to make a choice and (2) choose, in any case, to reject the Independence option?
Also - do you think it is likely to be a majority view that it is politically acceptable and practical to set Independence aside?
Jo - I understand what you're saying about the need to tread carefully - but are you sure you're not exaggerating slightly? The available evidence shows a majority of Scots wishing to have a referendum; and likewise a majority historically in favour of Independence. Why do you think the Scots would (1) not be sufficiently informed to be able to make a choice and (2) choose, in any case, to reject the Independence option?
Also - do you think it is likely to be a majority view that it is politically acceptable and practical to set Independence aside?
Posted by: Jo, Glasgow on 8:50pm Sun 18 Mar 07
Ratzo, thank you. I am not sure a majority were in favour the last time views were gauged on independence but I'm not entirely sure of the statistics so I can't comment on that. My biggest fear is that the majority of Scots read the Sun and the Daily Record and will therefore be influenced by the trash printed by those "news"papers. I also worry that many ordinary people are out of touch politically and frankly don't care enough to look past the lies that will be put before them to scare them out of voting YES. I think if the SNP are successful in the coming elections they will have huge challenges to face at once, not least running the Scottish Parliament. For them to succeed in unseating Labour would be fantastic and would be a very great step towards independence but the priority will still be to make a success of the job in hand. That job involves huge areas like Health and Education to name but two. For me if they turn immediately to independence their focus will suffer and they could mess up big time. I want them to succeed so that the confidence of ordinary people who aren't so sure right now will grow. Sadly, if they fail people can then say, "Oh and this is the Party who want to lead us to Independence." I personally would vote yes right now if I was asked but I am informed and I care about the issue. I don't have a problem with a referendum "within a first term" but the prospect of putting the question immediately would, I think, be a big mistake. I think I just don't want such an opportunity to be lost through rushing things.
Ratzo, thank you. I am not sure a majority were in favour the last time views were gauged on independence but I'm not entirely sure of the statistics so I can't comment on that. My biggest fear is that the majority of Scots read the Sun and the Daily Record and will therefore be influenced by the trash printed by those "news"papers. I also worry that many ordinary people are out of touch politically and frankly don't care enough to look past the lies that will be put before them to scare them out of voting YES. I think if the SNP are successful in the coming elections they will have huge challenges to face at once, not least running the Scottish Parliament. For them to succeed in unseating Labour would be fantastic and would be a very great step towards independence but the priority will still be to make a success of the job in hand. That job involves huge areas like Health and Education to name but two. For me if they turn immediately to independence their focus will suffer and they could mess up big time. I want them to succeed so that the confidence of ordinary people who aren't so sure right now will grow. Sadly, if they fail people can then say, "Oh and this is the Party who want to lead us to Independence." I personally would vote yes right now if I was asked but I am informed and I care about the issue. I don't have a problem with a referendum "within a first term" but the prospect of putting the question immediately would, I think, be a big mistake. I think I just don't want such an opportunity to be lost through rushing things.
Posted by: Dave Coull, Brechin on 8:54pm Sun 18 Mar 07
Jo wrote "those who wish to rush a referendum will pay a high price for their impatience". Waiting three hundred years to be consulted is hardly "impatience" ! "Ordinary people in Scotland need to be persuaded" - there is plenty of evidence that a majority of ordinary people are already persuaded. "Mr. Coull, you go ahead and have your referendum" - not "my" refeendum, the Scottish people's referendum. "on day one" - stop exaggerating. Nobody suggested "day one", just "without undue delay". I repeat, we in Independence First, the single-issue, non-party-political, campaign for a referendum on independence for Scotland, will organise demonstrations to press ANY government into holding the referendum which is (according to opinion polls) wanted by around 80 percent of the people who live in Scotland.
Jo wrote "those who wish to rush a referendum will pay a high price for their impatience". Waiting three hundred years to be consulted is hardly "impatience" ! "Ordinary people in Scotland need to be persuaded" - there is plenty of evidence that a majority of ordinary people are already persuaded. "Mr. Coull, you go ahead and have your referendum" - not "my" refeendum, the Scottish people's referendum. "on day one" - stop exaggerating. Nobody suggested "day one", just "without undue delay". I repeat, we in Independence First, the single-issue, non-party-political, campaign for a referendum on independence for Scotland, will organise demonstrations to press ANY government into holding the referendum which is (according to opinion polls) wanted by around 80 percent of the people who live in Scotland.
Posted by: ratzo on 9:40pm Sun 18 Mar 07
Jo - its unquestionably true what you say about the the media, and not only the tabloids.
On the other hand, its not only Libdem/Labours's failures in health and education that will mean they lose power - it is the failings of the Union in things like Trident/Iraq/Sleaze/Lies; as well as the positive case for Independence which is being made at the same time, and supported very publicly by respected influential figures such as the head of the International Monetary Fund (i.e. George Mathewson, formerly of the RBS).
If the SNP scales down its ambitions it risks allowing the agenda to be set for it by Westminster ands Whitehall, who (without wishing to sound paranoid) have little interest in seeing it succeed. And of course this will be carried out with a relentlessly negative commentary from the media at the same time.
Jo - its unquestionably true what you say about the the media, and not only the tabloids.
On the other hand, its not only Libdem/Labours's failures in health and education that will mean they lose power - it is the failings of the Union in things like Trident/Iraq/Sleaze/Lies; as well as the positive case for Independence which is being made at the same time, and supported very publicly by respected influential figures such as the head of the International Monetary Fund (i.e. George Mathewson, formerly of the RBS).
If the SNP scales down its ambitions it risks allowing the agenda to be set for it by Westminster ands Whitehall, who (without wishing to sound paranoid) have little interest in seeing it succeed. And of course this will be carried out with a relentlessly negative commentary from the media at the same time.
Posted by: Jo, Glasgow on 10:33pm Sun 18 Mar 07
Ratzo, thank you again for at least reading properly my earlier contributions to this debate and I do assure you that I fully understand all you are saying yourself and take much comfort from it. Mr Coull, where you fall down is in your description of your own personal standpoint - "A Single Issue" one. That is why you cannot understand my own. You are quite unable to listen to anything beyond your "single issue" mindset. To other contributors today, thank you for your patience and you will probably be glad to know that I have now given up trying to reason with Mr Coull as he is clearly a lost cause. : )
Ratzo, thank you again for at least reading properly my earlier contributions to this debate and I do assure you that I fully understand all you are saying yourself and take much comfort from it. Mr Coull, where you fall down is in your description of your own personal standpoint - "A Single Issue" one. That is why you cannot understand my own. You are quite unable to listen to anything beyond your "single issue" mindset. To other contributors today, thank you for your patience and you will probably be glad to know that I have now given up trying to reason with Mr Coull as he is clearly a lost cause. : )
Posted by: mairi macleod, broxburn on 1:01pm Mon 19 Mar 07
jo glasgow, many thanks for pointing out my errors in spelling, i stand dully corrected,
THAT MAKES YOU A SMART-A-S BUT STILL A FEARTIE,
jo glasgow, many thanks for pointing out my errors in spelling, i stand dully corrected,
THAT MAKES YOU A SMART-A-S BUT STILL A FEARTIE,
Posted by: Joe Middleton on 3:15pm Mon 19 Mar 07
Around 80% of the Scottish people want a referendum on independence and according to the current polling figures a consistent majority favour independence.
The Scottish people, I believe, are sick of Labour's lack of ambition for their own country. They are also sick of the Scottish parliament's lack of powers. The only logical answer therefore is independence.
Independence First are holding a rally for a referendum on 31/03 in Edinburgh, everyone who supports independence should attend and demand a democratic choice on independence.
More details are here:
www.independence1st.com
Around 80% of the Scottish people want a referendum on independence and according to the current polling figures a consistent majority favour independence.
The Scottish people, I believe, are sick of Labour's lack of ambition for their own country. They are also sick of the Scottish parliament's lack of powers. The only logical answer therefore is independence.
Independence First are holding a rally for a referendum on 31/03 in Edinburgh, everyone who supports independence should attend and demand a democratic choice on independence.
More details are here:
www.independence1st.com
Posted by: Steven, London on 4:38am Wed 21 Mar 07
Now, I live in England but England is still a part of the United Kingdom as is Scotland so I suppose you will just disregard my comment here but still I will say it. Now, whatever the rights and wrongs of Trident that weapon is still protecting Scotland just as it is England and Wales. If a foreign country decided to attack this island we would both be affected ie the nuclear fallout wouldn't stop at Gretna Green. Please understand that the only real reason why that base is situated in Scotland is not as part of some grand anti-Scottish conspiracy by the British government but because an ideal site for a nuclear weapon submarine base is a deep sea inlet and you have plenty of them in Scotland whereas we in England don't. Also, is the base not providing quite a few people with jobs there? Yes, if a similar site was suitable in England I would have no objections to it being situated down here.
Please don't dismiss my viewpoint as an 'arrogant Englishman' I have been to Scotland on holiday twice and I thoroughly enjoyed myself.
Now, I live in England but England is still a part of the United Kingdom as is Scotland so I suppose you will just disregard my comment here but still I will say it. Now, whatever the rights and wrongs of Trident that weapon is still protecting Scotland just as it is England and Wales. If a foreign country decided to attack this island we would both be affected ie the nuclear fallout wouldn't stop at Gretna Green. Please understand that the only real reason why that base is situated in Scotland is not as part of some grand anti-Scottish conspiracy by the British government but because an ideal site for a nuclear weapon submarine base is a deep sea inlet and you have plenty of them in Scotland whereas we in England don't. Also, is the base not providing quite a few people with jobs there? Yes, if a similar site was suitable in England I would have no objections to it being situated down here.
Please don't dismiss my viewpoint as an 'arrogant Englishman' I have been to Scotland on holiday twice and I thoroughly enjoyed myself.
Posted by: Big Wullie, Sent To Coventry on 12:54am Thu 22 Mar 07
Sturgeon is also on the level of MacAskill doesnt want involved in Miscarriages of Justice.
Why is it they will not help with these cases??
See below what they dont want to know
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WhJUjhequ4
http://www.flickr.com/photos/big-wullie/
Sturgeon is also on the level of MacAskill doesnt want involved in Miscarriages of Justice.
Why is it they will not help with these cases??
See below what they dont want to know
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WhJUjhequ4
http://www.flickr.com/photos/big-wullie/
Posted by: Dave, Italy on 12:58am Sat 24 Mar 07
Steven, I too am English, from the north of England although I am now working in Italy, and I too have brilliant memories of visiting Scotland. Two points. Who exactly is Trident protecting Britain against? Who is about to invade us? The Soviet Union has long gone and some of its old states are now in the European Union. Sorry, but I can't see the reason for this vast waste of money which could be spent on hospitals, schools and pensions. Italy (where I live) has no nuclear weapons, yet no-one seems worried about imminent invasion. Indeed, it seems the curent British governement, including headcase Englishmen (Bliar) and headcase Scotsmen (Brown) are the real warmongers, sending British troups to die in Iraq for ... what? Secondly, the majority debate here seems to be on the question of a referendum on Scottish independence: when there was the vote to set up a Scottish parliament, there should have been the option of independence. Surely that is democracy? Having said that, my own view as a socialist is that the more ordinary English & Scottish people stand up together against the warmongers and the the privatisers the better!
Steven, I too am English, from the north of England although I am now working in Italy, and I too have brilliant memories of visiting Scotland. Two points. Who exactly is Trident protecting Britain against? Who is about to invade us? The Soviet Union has long gone and some of its old states are now in the European Union. Sorry, but I can't see the reason for this vast waste of money which could be spent on hospitals, schools and pensions. Italy (where I live) has no nuclear weapons, yet no-one seems worried about imminent invasion. Indeed, it seems the curent British governement, including headcase Englishmen (Bliar) and headcase Scotsmen (Brown) are the real warmongers, sending British troups to die in Iraq for ... what? Secondly, the majority debate here seems to be on the question of a referendum on Scottish independence: when there was the vote to set up a Scottish parliament, there should have been the option of independence. Surely that is democracy? Having said that, my own view as a socialist is that the more ordinary English & Scottish people stand up together against the warmongers and the the privatisers the better!
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