Thousands of people took to the streets of Edinburgh this Saturday (25/9/2021) in the first major pro-independence march in the Scottish capital since the coronavirus pandemic began. The citizens’ platform All Under One Banner (“All under the same banner”), which defends the right to self-determination in Scotland, held a demonstration whose participation was estimated at around 5,000 participants.
“I think the message is clear: Scotland is on the move, Scotland wants independence as soon as possible,” Scottish National Party (SNP) lawmaker Douglas Chapman told the crowd.
“There is a lot of debate about whether or not there should be a referendum, and about other options,” but either way, there is a need for “a campaign that will get Scotland to a position where we are ready to move towards independence and make decisions over our nation, ” added the representative.
The protests come weeks after Scotland’s chief minister, Nicola Sturgeon, started a new legislature as head of an autonomous government with the aim of holding a new independence referendum between now and 2023.
However, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson opposed holding new consultations, after which in 2014 supporters living in the UK won (55.3 per cent compared to 44.7 per cent of the vote).
Protesters walked through several streets in the Scottish capital until they reached the gates of the Holyrood Parliament, where representatives from political formations and social organizations gave their speeches. Starting next week, the Palace of Holyrood will be designated a “protected site”, so it is a crime to meet before Parliament without prior legal permission, possibly a monetary fine or a year in prison, thereby limiting protests at camera gates.
A Redfield & Wilton poll released this week showed that 47 per cent of Scots would support continuation in Britain, compared with 44 per cent who would vote for independence. In addition, 43 percent would only agree that a new consultation be held if it has been agreed with the central government, while 38 percent would like to go to the polls again in any case. (EFE)
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Scottish independence: remaining questions (11.09.2014)
Between worry and hope
An independent Scotland, it will be a historic turn, not only for Scotland but also for the UK, for Europe and for NATO.
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Scottish independence: remaining questions (11.09.2014)
Yes, please
For supporters of Scottish independence, with about five million inhabitants, the problem is clear: Scotland has nothing to lose. With oil revenues from the North Sea, the country can sustain itself. Most of England’s oil will belong to Scotland, including the corresponding tax revenues.
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Scottish independence: remaining questions (11.09.2014)
No, thank you
Those who oppose independence emphasize that uniting, on the basis of similarities, is better than separating, on the basis of differences. The biggest fear, however, is the negative economic consequences. The answer to the question of how long oil and gas reserves in the North Sea will last remains uncertain.
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Scottish independence: remaining questions (11.09.2014)
Coin
Many issues remain unclear, with little left for a referendum. For example, what is the official currency of independent Scotland? Pounds Sterling? Or will the country join the European Union and embrace the euro? Or will it create its own currency?
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Scottish independence: remaining questions (11.09.2014)
Atomic weapons free zone?
Submarines equipped with atomic rockets, for now, are still stationed at the mouth of the River Clyde, northwest of Glasgow. But what would happen to the British fleet off the coast of Scotland in case of independence?
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Scottish independence: remaining questions (11.09.2014)
Country Type
Scotland separated from Great Britain could become a constitutional monarchy, with Elizabeth II as head of state, similar to the case of Canada. Some Scots also appreciated the idea of establishing a republic.
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Scottish independence: remaining questions (11.09.2014)
Nationality and debt
Also the question of dual citizenship remains open. Is it possible to keep British and Scottish passports? Moreover, an independent Scotland will try to take a share of the British debt…that is, if it manages to hold onto the pound sterling.
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Scottish independence: remaining questions (11.09.2014)
Way to Europe
It is also not clear that an independent Scotland could automatically join the European Union as there is no precedent for this. The British government ensured that, if Scotland wanted to gain independence, Scotland would have to re-run for acceptance as a member of the bloc.
Author: Dagmar Breitenbach
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