Next year is too late, and it is troubling – quite frankly – to see how many people in the independence movement do not get this. Brexit fundamentally alters the political landscape on which we are campaigning for independence. Outside the European Union and without anything approaching an equitable trade agreement; which is the most likely outcome, the United Kingdom will be forced to rely on Scotland’s mineral resources. Britain cannot survive a southbound Brexit without its northern lifeline.
Brexit: “One United Kingdom” Except for Northern Ireland
What is most apparent from this willingness on the part of London to create an Irish exception by adjusting the border [back to where it should be], is that the UK has now begun the process of physical deterioration. Regulatory divergence between the north of Ireland and the rest of the UK is and can only be the thin end of the wedge that will see Northern Ireland leave the UK and join a united Ireland. Regulatory cohesion and economic unity have always had political ramifications, and as the EU continues towards political unity both parts of Ireland will be pulled closet together.
ScotRef: Not until after Brexit
Indeed nothing has changed. The Scottish government, rather than dropping the idea of another referendum, has simply delayed introducing the required legislation until after the Brexit process has been completed.
Scottish Independence and Zombies
Brexit has become the zombie apocalypse of Scotland’s 2014 Yes campaign. We recognise what is happening. It is familiar to us. But – at the same time – it is all wrong, and we know that if we don’t shoot it in the head soon it will come running after us.
“Dear Theresa” – a Lesson in Power
Of these two heads of government Ms Sturgeon is the only one elected to her office, the one with the mandate, and the one representing the will of Scotland.
Contrary to Rumour, Scotland does want a Referendum!
We can at last dismiss the absurd notion, propagated by the opposition parties, that the Scottish people do not want another referendum. The people of Scotland have spoken through their elected representatives in our own representative parliament, and our answer is that we do want another vote.
Britain: We are in the End Game
Theresa May’s quick sortie north of the border today was a sure indication that Brexit and indeed the project that was Britain have come to the end of the road. Her meeting with the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon in Glasgow today, ahead of the rescheduled Section 30 vote in Edinburgh tomorrow and the formal triggering of Article 50 on Wednesday, has taught us two important things about the future of the United Kingdom.
Do we need a Section 30 Order?
McHarg writes that the requirement for a Section 30 order – that is the permission of the London government to call a referendum – is not actually an expressly reserved matter.
