Social Icons

Sensitive Issues Shaping Scottish Politics

By Colette Foreman


The United Kingdom has exercised jurisdiction over Scotland since the agreement in 1707. The recent wave of devolution has seen some of the services and sectors being put under local administration. North Ireland and Wales have formed part of UK alongside Scotland. There is an impending referendum on the independence of Scotland that is bound to reorient Scottish politics.

Scotland is represented at Westminster by 59 members of parliament. Another parliament with 129 members is established Edinburgh. Westminster has jurisdiction over pension, social security, defense, foreign affairs, fiscal economy, medical ethics and monetary policy. Edinburgh presides over agriculture, health, justice, education, local government and the environment. The referendum seeks to give full control to the Scottish parliament that is currently under the First Minister.

Pro-independent campaigners want Edinburgh to have full control over all its issues. The vote will be taken on September 18. The issues that will shape the debate including health care, natural resources, national UK debt and the currency of an independent Scotland. BBC has featured prominently in debates because of its symbolism as a national asset and its reliability as an employer. There are fears that Scots will not enjoy the preference they currently do if they leave the union.

Some politicians are in support of a shared pound after separation. This appears as a hindrance considering that full independence would apparently not have been achieved. Pro-independent groups want full determination of the monetary and fiscal policy upon cessation.

Reports from the gas industry indicate that Scottish reserves are dwindling. This will force Edinburgh to buy natural gas from London at a commercial price. The spiral effect is likely to bring down the economy in Edinburgh. The reserves are estimated to run out in 15 years which raises concerns over the future of natural gas supply and prices.

Voters are particularly sensitive about the debt sharing debate. The UK public debt was the subject of discussions during the recent financial crisis. It is expected that a separating Scotland will have to commit to repay part of the debt. The amount will determine the ability of Scotland to takeoff after declaring independence. There are projections of a slow down in the economy.

There are measures being implemented in the UK to transform the health care system. These measures are likely to include privatization. The contention between pro-independent and anti-separation campaigners is on how the new system affects pricing and availability of certain health services. Despite health being a devolved function, over one billion pounds is spent on Scotland every year.

While BBC is considered a national asset, Scots will have to pay more to access their services. The independence vote has more to separation that it appears. This is likely to result in loss of jobs as preference is given to UK citizens. Some shows will be available on the free channels while others will only be accessible through pay channels.

Full details on the impact of separation were expected from London but are yet to be released. The voting masses are left to rely on politicians for information. A clear picture will only be revealed after figures for the September 18th referendum have been released.




About the Author:



Articles with the same meaning

Articles with the same meaning