As you will have noticed by now, there is little, at least in the political world, that I don’t have a firm opinion on. “Stand in the middle of the road and you get run over” is very much a mentality that I’ve taken to heart. But when it comes to what decision I would make, were I asked the question that the public north of the border will be asked next autumn: “Should Scotland become an independent country”, I am very much sitting on the fence.
I have a great fondness for the people of Scotland. As a country, it has been a hotbed of innovative thinking, invention, and political philosophy. And though it could never be an equal component of the United Kingdom, (for the benefit of my international readers, England has a population of 52 million, ten times that of Scotland) it is a highly valued one. After all, a country sensible enough to elect just 1 Conservative MP in 70-odd constituencies must be doing something right.
But this doesn’t mean that I wish for Scotland to remain in the United Kingdom. Indeed, there could be advantages to having Scotland, generally a more progressive-minded country than England, becoming a model nation that sets an example to the other nations of the British Isles. Without the occasional right-wing government in the way, Scotland would be free to develop a flexible supply of renewable energy, roll out and defend universal public services, and trailblaze an even more liberal and tolerant society.
Of course, an independent Scotland would face pressure to compete with the United Kingdom on tax rates, to strengthen links with the European Union and to further deregulate industry. Whether a small country could resist these pressures to create a better life for the Scottish people is another question. Alex Salmond, the First Minister and leader of Scottish National Party, thinks it can. As leader of a newly independent Scotland, he would seek to create strong economic and political ties with the Scandinavian countries. If they prove to be willing, the idea is a superb one. Scandinavia has proven that it is just about possible to adopt a left-wing, public investment centric economic model that contrasts with the global neo-liberal climate. Why shouldn’t Scotland pull it off with their help?
However, such a narrative would take a dim view of the possibilities offered by a renewed British alliance. The influence of a G7 nation undoubtedly comes with advantages, as does being in a European country that is independent of the Euro.
I am one of a growing number of people who support many of the Scottish National Party’s policies, but are agnostic when it comes to independence. Whatever the country decides, it has my support.
I would be particularly interested in any opinions you hold on the matter. Try to talk me round!