Is it right for a foreigner, Tony Blair, to comment on how Scotland should be ruled.
2006-10-17 20:32:03 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Government
I am no Blair lover, but he is PM of the UK, he is Scots born and even if you disagree has every right to express his opinions.
I get the impression people get confused as to the function of the Scottish Parliament and our representation at Westminster of Scottish MPs The Westminster lot represent us on national matters. The assemble on local issues education Scots law. They are quite different and unfair some say, as Scottish MPs can vote on domestic English issues such as education which do not effect them or there constituents.(the Midlothian question)
2006-10-17 21:17:42 · answer #1 · answered by Jim G 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In what sense is Tony Blair a foreigner? Do you mean "non-Scottish"? His father is from Glasgow, he was born and brought up in Edinburgh. That sounds quite Scottish to me.
Are you suggesting that, even if he had been English, he should be disbarred from commenting on Scottish affairs because he sits for an English seat ?
I would suggest that, as Prime Minister of the UK, he is entitled to voice an opinion about any part of the UK and, more importantly, about the existence and survival of the UK. How can the UK Prime Minister not have an opinion about the UK?
He's wrong, but he's entitled to be wrong.
and, Jim G, that's "West" Lothian Question.
2006-10-18 05:49:09 · answer #2 · answered by scotsman 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well he is the prime minister if the United Kingdom, of which Scotland is part. But you could say the same about Australia, I live in Western Australia and John Howard is from the eastern states. He is sort of a "foreigner".
2006-10-18 03:37:44 · answer #3 · answered by Janji 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Scotland has limited autonomy thanks to the Scottish parliament. Much as you may not like it, it is not an independent country.
Having said that, it would be wrong for Blair to comment on issues which are within the remit of the Scottish parliament.
I would like to also remind you that Tony Blair, indeed myself are not foreigners. It is exactly the same for you when you are in England, Wales or Northern Ireland. You would not be a foreigner. We are all citizens of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland.
I would advise you to address issues as they are, not as you would like them to be.
2006-10-18 03:46:17 · answer #4 · answered by 13caesars 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes - as long as we have Scottish MPs in the Westminster Parliament making decisions on what happens in England. What about when Gorden Brown, a Scot, becomes prime Minister?
2006-10-18 03:44:30 · answer #5 · answered by John 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't think so. Sounds like Tony Blair is taking a few lessons from his good ol' buddy Bush.
2006-10-18 03:39:00 · answer #6 · answered by fifa575 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tony Blair was born in Scotland.Doesn't that make him a Scot.
2006-10-18 03:43:43 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, he treats Scotland as a second class country as do a lot of other English people.
Off with his head!
2006-10-18 03:41:44 · answer #8 · answered by Ladyfromdrum 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
little one,
Try and decode this lyrics " United we stand, Divided we fall"
After world war two before independence wherever Uk goes.
Everyone know the scottish bagpipes men comes from UK and that goes well in history.
Why change the old wine for the new ones?
The old wines taste better on planet earth.
2006-10-18 04:23:21 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Is it right that Brussels dictate to us all. Who cares. Get with the programme. Live and be happy and loose that big chip on your shoulder!
2006-10-18 06:43:33 · answer #10 · answered by bootycreord 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋