A Fine Stramash

Oh dear.

CMD has caused a kerfuffle up here. He's been and gorn and upset the Scottish National Party.

As much as I dislike the odious elitist toad, I have to say that he is partially right.

If the Scots want independence, and if they want to adhere to the law, rather than just take their country back, then CMD is correct: they have to ask permission.

Most of the rage up here is centred around that little fact. No-one (in the entire UK) has a problem with begging for permission for all sorts of things, like running an ale-house, or obtaining a passport or driving license, or begging to be allowed to have a shotgun, or extending the family home or installing a wind-turbine or solar panels to ease the burden of paying extortionate energy costs. But mention begging for independence (to some) and they boil over with righteous anger.

Quite so.

But it doesn't change anything. The Scots have to ask, politely, to leave the Union. That request can be granted, or it can be denied. Either way, the Nats will keep us informed or entertained, or both.

Personally, I believe independence would be fantastic for Scotland, and it would be equally good for England, Wales and NI as it would set the tone for their (eventual) departure if they desire beg for it. (And, as an added bonus, it is generally agreed that a break up of the Union means that the UK has to re-apply for EU membership). Scotland is extremely capable of standing alone, and the sudden liberation of 5.2 million souls would be an amazing thing to witness. I desire liberation myself, so it would be hypocritical of me to suggest that the Union remains forever. At least we have something in common, the Nats and I: we both detest being ruled by Westminster. Not that I wish to be ruled by Holyrood either, I hasten to add.

The Scots will decide, one way or another, by the end of the SNP's term of office.

I would certainly prefer full independence to what is commonly referred to here as "the pretendy parliament".

Alex Salmond wasted no time (after winning the last election) in rebranding the Scottish Executive as the Scottish Government. I, for one, was not fooled. To me, it is just an expensive committee. Just because they wasted over £500 million on that eyesore in Edinburgh, and they sit regularly, and have FMQ's, does not make it a parliament, any more than a pile of bricks makes a house. I have first-hand experience of their "law-making" (in)capabilities and I was left feeling sorely disappointed. With no Upper House to act as a check & balance, they can vomit unsubstantiated/illiberal statutes with the best of them. My only fear if/when independence is granted, is that they continue to act like a trade union committee when passing more and more statutes that we all are supposed to obey. My guess is, like kids in an unsupervised sweet shop, they will over-indulge. Given the sheer number of puritans up here, Draco will be beside himself at the new "laws" being pumped out. Even deep-fried Mars bars may be outlawed.

They have limited powers, I get that, but this is a relatively inexperienced bunch, and the potential for great harm is a serious worry unless they rapidly improve their game. Yes, I can up sticks and leave. I can run for the border with my family, but we have a lot invested here. I may well be one of the one in ten (10% of the population are English), but I have strived to spend what little salary the UK government leaves me with right here in Scotland. I support small businesses even if it costs me a little more. My thinking is that if we do not use local shops, local tradesmen & women, or buy goods & services locally, we will lose them.

Having said all of that, I really would prefer it if-assuming a popular mandate-the Scottish Executive (I absolutely refuse to call it a government because it isn't one) just stood up and said, "Davey boy, we are not asking. We are telling you".

I have had to do the same thing personally, and I don't see any point in begging permission to stand on your own two feet. Take your freedom back by all means, but you don't do that by asking. Freedom is almost never given, but I can show you many examples where it was taken.

Mind you, and I have said this often enough, Scotland will be independent only for a very limited period. The SNP is infested with europhiles. Like Ireland, once independence is gained, the Scots will (voluntarily!) give up their new found freedom so that they can be ordered around by Brussels. Which is a damned shame. Shaking off the Union is like saying "Mum, Dad, we are leaving home now", only to seek out foster parents who call themselves the EU.

New Daddy is Herman Gollum von Rumpoy, and new Mummy is Cathy Unelected Ashton.

In that case, and do forgive me Scotland, I want to be an orphan.

CR.