374 Europe’s future – Nationalism vs European identity? M2 The pros and cons of Scottish independence First to announce was Clackmannanshire, between the urban centers of Edinburgh and Glasgow, where the “No” campaign won by a margin of 54 to 46 percent. Then the Orkney Islands, north of the Scottish mainland, trounced the “Yes” movement by more than 2 to 1. “That’s a worry for me,” Rory Penman said as he pondered the data. “That would be so Scottish, to vote against your own independence.” The news got worse as the night wore on, and what had been a laughing, engaged, shoulder-to-shoulder crowd began to collect their belongings about 2 a.m. and head disconsolately into a cold mist. Some voters saw hope in a national discussion that lasted for more than two years and attracted an astonishing number of people to the polls. “People are wanting change, whether they’re voting yes or no,” said Euan Dickson, a 20-year-old university student who voted for independence. The Conservative government in London apparently agrees, having pledged before the vote to grant Scotland more authority whatever the outcome of the referendum. In the end, however, the camp that had been much less vocal, much less visible, and much more concerned about the security of their families and country chose the status quo. As a result, the United Kingdom will remain together, the Union Jack will continue to fly, and these often-fractious neighbors will try to adjust to a shaken and changed relationship. Brian MacQuarrie, The Boston Globe, 19 September 2014 1. Decisions about Scotland are best made by the people who live here 1. The UK is a successful union dating back 300 years 2. Scotland can be a successful country in its own right 2. Being part of the UK offers more economic security 3. An independent Scotland would make decisions that reflect Scottish priorities 3. Jobs could be lost 4. Independence would be a declaration of confidence in ourselves and our nation 4. Major projects could be frozen 5. Scotland could set its own welfare priorities 5. Prices could rise 6. Scotland could get rid of nuclear weapons from Scottish soil 6. Scotland benefits from UK research funding 7. Scotland would not get dragged into illegal wars 7. No-one knows what currency Scotland would use 8. North Sea oil revenues would be put to good use 8. Scotland would have less influence in the world 9. Scotland could adopt a different immigration policy, because Scotland needs an increase in the working population 9. The BBC should not be put at risk 10. Scotland will continue to have good relationships with England, Wales and Northern Ireland but on a more equal basis 10. Security is better handled on a UK-wide basis 70 75 80 85 90 95 100 105 71051_1_1_2015_Inhalt_4.indd 37 21.01.15 10:40 Nu r z u Pr üf zw ck en Ei ge nt um d es C .C .B uc hn er V er la gs