Scottish Independence

[pinkerton]

If Scotland does split from the UK, will Scots born residents in the remaining UK have to apply for residency? Also, will members of the Westminster parliament only be elected from people born and domiciled in the remaining UK? These are just two of the many questions that have entered my head on this matter. What other contentious questions have other AB members thought of?

[Calibax]

Lots of questions still outstanding.
Would I be eligible for Scottish citizenship? (English born to Scottish parents).
Probably not an issue but if Scotland leaves the UK and stays in the EU and the UK leaves the EU I would like to retain my EU citizenship so dual nationality sounds ideal.

[pinkerton]

I fear the responces may be deteriorating!

[EDDIE51]

Many more people who consider themselves Scottish actually live outside Scotland than live there. Suppose for the sake of argument that Scotland does become a successful independent nation. Will they all be able to go back and become Scottish citizens?( In the way that Jews from anywhere in the world can go to Israel). If so where will they all go and where will they live and work?

[rockyracoon]

It's a bit of a pickle alright.

Seeing as the Scots offer free university tuition to all of the EU except England and Wales, would they have to offer it to us if they successfully became independent and gained EU membership?

[jomifl]

Ta Corbyyloon, such restraint is commendable.

[pinkerton]

Thank you Pete Wishart for your contribution to the forum, but, as you are a politcian and MP, I have to disallow it as rhetoric. However, keep trying elsewhere.

[THECORBYLOON]

PINKERTON, think you'll find the MP was not contributing to this forum and EDDIE, theres more English folk abroad than live in England so what would happen if all the English returnt to England? Where would THEY live and work?

[Wharton]

White Paper "Scotland's Future" PART 5 page 373.

This is a Q&A section of the paper which invites questions which will be answered. May I suggest that you either read the White Paper or

[SirOracle]

Very well said Wharton, but coming to an opinion based on the facts is ,I think, well beyond the capabilities of very many on this forum.

[Quizmonster]

Mushroom, the parts of the North Sea where oil is a fading resource would be mainly in the area allocated to England/Wales/NI - I refuse to refer to these three as "the UK", so for brevity I'll call it 'England Etc' - in the event of Scottish independence.
There is as yet no certainty where the dividing line would be; however, the current line as regards legal matters in the North Sea runs directly east from Berwick. That is, if a trawlerman murders his skipper north of that line, he will be tried under Scots law. Others take the view that the last miles of the River Tweed, running due north-east, should indicate the direction of the trans-sea border. Whichever is chosen, 'England Etc' get the southerly and dying area.
New finds are now being revealed largely in the Atlantic, to the north and West of Shetland. 'England Etc' has no contiguity with that region whatsoever, so soon enough they would have no access to any oceanic oil.

Jomifl, perhaps you have forgotten that there are 26 Englishmen who influence legislation throughout the UK, including Scotland, with no reciprocal arrangement. That may be about half the number of Scottish MPs who vote on English matters at Westminster; however, it's still far from right that bishops of the Church of England are permitted to help create laws which affect Scottish people. Do try to recall the C of E hierrarchy next time you feel like airing the West Lothian question. If the latter is wrong, then so, indubitably, is the former!

[jomifl]

QM, I am fully aware that the parliament in westminster is not wholly democratic. I wish that it was. As I am registered as a voter in French elections the issue is somewhat academic, so I am just a nearly impartial observer since the issue doesn't affect me other than that the EU won't be subsidising Scotland.

[Wharton]

Further to my reference to page 373 of the White Paper, it goes on to list 650 questions about independence that have been asked. The last paragraph reads "We expect you to find the answers to your questions here. However, if there is a question not covered, please visit www.scotreferendum.com/contact for details of how to submit your own question. We will then add your question and our answer to the Question and Answer section on the scotreferendum.com website".

Please read the White Paper.

[jomifl]

Do you have a link please wharton?

[Wharton]

jomifl - Sorry, doing links is beyond my capabilities, but if you Google "Scotland's Future" I'm sure you will be able to find out how to read the paper on-line.

[THECORBYLOON]

This is the link, http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2013/11/9348/0

[Wharton]

THECORBYLOON - Thanks.

[THECORBYLOON]

Nae bother...

[jomifl]

Thanks Corby, Wharton I'm hoping to be able to read it online, it is a skill I have been developing.:o)

[jomifl]

Wharton, I've just had a scan through the document, It presents a glowing picture of Scotlands finances (based on the historic oil revenues)but I can't quite figure out what happens in 15 years time. It strikes me as being a bit woolly and lacking in a realistic long term view. I could almost have been written by the 'counsel for the defence'.