would Scotland and England be better off as separate countries?

Question

I believe Scotland and England would be better neighbours if we were both independant.

Answer 1

Yes,we are after all two seperate nations in every other way.I would be more than happy to let the Scots have complete independence for the first time.Then they could stop whinging about us English and get on with their lives without the need for a chip on their collective shoulders.

Answer 2

I don't know about England but I do know Scotland would be much better off as I've researched it many times. I'm sure England would have similar benefits to independence but I can only talk about what I know and thats what Scotland can get out of it.
Currently this interim Scotland has genertaed £125 billion from oil production all of which goes to the national treasury in London. The problem is only a very small percentage is given back to the Scots along with £6 billion in tax subsidies from the rest of the UK (not £20 billion just from the english taxpayers as someone pointed out).Upon independence all this money could be spent in Scotland to generate a much better nation. I'm not claiming all the oil around the UK is Scottish I'm just highlighting th income from the Scottish waters. England has areas of oil and gas in their waters aswell.
Scotland also gets a lot of income from its water supplies. Both from selling bottled water around the world to pumping water to England in times of drought they could be making much more money than they do from this.
Energy wise, Scotland generates more than enough energy for its people. Green energy along can currently create electricity for more than half of the country. With more money spent here the entire neation could be living on renewable energy and be the first country in the world to rely on it solely.
More money could be spent on healthcare and on education within Scotland aswell. At the moment it only gets a small proportion from the British government as there are not many hospitals and schools compared to the rest of the UK. With such a smaller nation the system could thrive on so much money being spent on these things.
People think that when the UK divides Scotland would have to fight for a place in the EU (if it wants to join that is) but it is already confirmed that the EU has looked at this matter and would gladly welcome each of the 4 nations currently in the UK.
Currency wise Scotland has 3 choices. Europe has already got plans ready so that the Euro would be offered to them. They also have the choice of keeping the pound Sterling as it is much theirs as any of the other British nations. After all, it was first created by a Scot. They also have the choice to create a new currency if they believe thats the best way to go.
Tourism is a major source of income in Scotland and this would surely increase upon independence to see the new nation as it is. More money could also be spent on the tourism board to advertise Scotland worldwide.
The question of whether the countries would survive the breaking of the 300 year old union is not the one to ask. It is actually whether the people want it. I heard there was a poll in England where a large percentage of the people welcomed the idea of splitting with Scotland but currently I can't confirm or eference that.
I know that in Scotland there are mixed opinions on whether or not it would be a good idea but I hope maybe the facts above will help people who were unsure before to look into it more deeply. I hope to see an answer from an English side of view and see what their benefits would be.

Answer 3

Yes they would be better off as separate Nations. England should still be among the Leaders in the free world, and Scotland would in time stand out among the Nations in the E.U. and the U.N. as an example how a small Nation can prosper. It would be possible to have a joint defence policy. Of course Wales should also go it alone. As already mentioned Ireland is a role model for the smaller Nations in Europe and further afield. So go for it,and help solve the "Irish Question" and then the 4 Nations in these Islands can work together in partnership.

Answer 4

Absolutely yes. Why is it wrong for a country to try to achieve independence. Every other country in the world strives for Independence. Scotland is the only country in the world ever to have voluntarily given up its Independence and that was just a parliamentary vote.
300 years ago, The people were never given a choice.

Answer 5

Yes i think they should and also wales should follow Scotland's lead.. England can then call themselves a real country..Europe are all connected and are different countries so Why not England Scotland and Wales ..By the way im Welsh

Answer 6

I would say most people in the USA think England and Scotland are separate. I would say, though, that the more people you have working together the better. Do you have anything in common with one another?
In the USA we have to tolerate and learn to understand many different cultures and religions whether we like it or not and we don't.

Answer 7

I agree with you. Us in Scotland could tailor our economic policies to attract the new migrants needed to support our falling population, and England could have a true democracy, where issues affecting only England, are decided by (shock horror) ...the English!

Answer 8

Yes Scotland would be better off as it would enable us to keep the money from North sea oil and spend it on better health and education.
We would in our benevolence let England keep the Queen, after all she brings in the tourists and tourists are money just to compensate for not getting the revenues from our oil.

Answer 9

Yes I think they would. They would be partners in Europe with their own voices and both would be free to do what was best for themselves. Of course that includes making their own mistakes and taking responsibility for them. The days of empire are long gone. Britain is no longer a super power and a system which worked in one age won't necessarily be right for the future. We need to build closer ties with Europe and play our full part there unencumbered by an outdated union. Of course change takes courage but things can't stay the same.

Answer 10

first not all the oil is in scottish waters its the way international boundries work ,other than that as an englishman i feel that i have very little in common say with a scot from the highlands i hope that scotland votes for independance not many english fly the jack anymore i for one already feel independant of scotland be brave go for it