Why is there little press for Scottish Independence? Are you for or against?

Question

Has ayone else noticed that independence doesn't get talked up by any newspaper but slated. But there is a high support in the public for it. I think newspapers have too much control over the voters and imprint the editors views onto us. Scotland can be independant as smaller countries are (Iceland's smaller) and if it costs me more in my pocket for my identity then great, lets go for it. Its a price worth paying. But it doesn't mean I don't like the English, I do, but I think I would like them more with my own identity that the English would have to respect instead of their contempt they give us now. Any Scot who's been to England would have had experienced the 'Sweaty Sock' treatment, treated as a minority, refusing our money and generally taking us as second class citizens.

Answer 1

Scotland has the misfortune of being further away from London than any other part of the UK. As the British media is primarily based in London it tends to get a raw deal, within media circles it's generally seen that news isn't news unless it's in the south-east. Look at the recent water shortages that affected parts of the south-east, it was constantly the headline news but a few years ago when Yorkshire wasn't just low on water but completely dried up it didn't make the headlines once (water was supplied by the military and convoys of tankers bringing it in from Northumberland).

Unfortunately something of great significance can happen in Scotland but unless it affects the south-east then it's barely newsworthy. Do you remember New Year 95 (I think it was then) when Scotland hit record low temperatures, all the roads and railways were closed, the harbours froze and the only means of transport was by helicopter? The headlines that day were that it was cold in Luton.

When the media does focus attention on Scotland it tends to have a negative focus. For example, the media is very quick to point out the amount of knife crime in Glasgow but conveniently forgets to mention that it's far worse in London. Similarly it portrays Scotland as a country beset by high unemployment but again omits that London has the highest unemployment in the UK.

In respect of independence, the media will always focus on the negative aspects of it and use it as a tool to denigrate Scotland. It is quick to point out that independence will save the English billions paid each year in subsidies to Scotland but manages to completely overlook the billions received by England from North Sea oil revenues (far in excess of the amounts paid to Scotland).

Quite why the media feels the need to adopt this stance is something of a mystery. It would be understandable of a regional newspaper or TV station but the national media should be impartial and accurately reflect the news and views of the whole country.


I'm English myself and whilst I have some reservations about Independence I think it would be beneficial to Scotland. There would of course be problems in the short term but looking further ahead I think Scotland would come out of it as a strong and proud nation.

Independence for Scotland would be as much a loss for England as it would be a gain for Scotland.

Answer 2

As an American I have not seen any press about this. I support you in your quest for independence. Nothing against the British, just supportive of people who want to be on their own.

Answer 3

<> hold close on a minute, I voted SNP & I particularly did not do this by way of fact I hated the English & NOWHERE of their manifesto is there something asserting they hate the English the two. the right explanation for independence is to get freedom from idiots such as you that make such ridiculous & frankly scurrilous feedback. definite, there is plenty greater to it than that. I advise extremely of Swallowing "New Labour - previous Tory" lies you do slightly greater learn on the situation first.

Answer 4

Goan' yersel', Big Man! Agree 100%