...First of all we are very grateful for your letter, and appreciate the time you took describing your arguments. The day of referendum gets closer, and debates for and against Scotland’s independence get more and more intense. Scotland is about to enter a new era, even if a yes vote is viewed on, with different perspectives by different parts of both Scotland and the remaining countries behind the United Kingdom. The end or beginning is close, and the breathtaking discussions will finally come to an end. We will give you the best reasons to stay under Great Britain’s wing, and give you the best arguments that hopefully will change your mind. Expressed by Mr. Salmon, the main income for Scotland as an independent nation, would be oil, but we all know that oil is like other fossil fuel kinds, a finite recourse which doesn’t last forever, and can’t generate recourse for ever. A lot of countries have been very rich becouse of their oil possession, but as we have seen oil runs out, and they desperately have to seek greater income recourses Another solution for a stable income, would be a higher tax for the individual, which probably would result in less financial growth caused by the minimized private sector. There is another solution, if Scotland stays in the union, the leading parties in Great Britain will provide a stable economy and fulfill Scotland political wishes, which will cause more influence in the parliament from Scotland’s perspective. This scenario would develop...
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...September 18, 2014, Scotland voted against a referendum that would have made Scotland independent from the United Kingdom. Voters were asked, “Should Scotland be an independent country?” and were given the answer choices of “Yes” or “No” (Black, 2013). 55 percent of voters responded “No” and 45 percent chose “Yes” (British Broadcasting Corporation [BBC], 2014). Using analytical historical perspectives such as political history, cultural history, and economic history, it can be argued that it was favorable to all involved parties – Scotland, the United Kingdom, and their international allies – for the Scottish Independence Referendum to result in a majority “No” vote. The primary historical perspective to influence the referendum is political...
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... A referendum is a form of direct democracy that involves a public vote on a single issue of public policy. It is a way of presenting a debated issue to public decision. The most recent referendum was in the UK; the 2014 Scottish Independence Referendum which asked the question whether Scotland should break away from the UK or not. There are a variety of arguments both for and against the wider use of referendum in the UK. The use was greatly favoured by Tony Blair and his new Labour government in 1997 because they took the view that referendum was a democratic device that allows people the opportunity to give a direct voice in decision making. Therefore, any decision made via referendum acquires legitimacy because it has popular approval. Moreover, referendums can encourage political participation which will help the declining participation of the UK in the way that as referendums are where people can get directly involve in the decision making, they will see this as opportuniy to contribute to the political world as themselves, thereby encouraging them to turn out in election to vote and increase participation like in the 2014 Scottish referendum where the participation brough about a turnout of 84.59% compared to the 2010 general election turnout of 65.1%. Shown clearly in the example is the clear difference between participation of direct democracy and representative democracy which would greatly benefit the UK's declining political participation. Referendums can...
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...English Assignment 2: Dear Britain I. Analyse Baker’s letter “Dear Britain”. The letter Dear Britain is written by Matt Baker on the 5th of January 2014. The letter is published on National Collective. It was written fourteen days before the Scottish referendum to clear things out between England and Scotland. Matt baker is a presenter and a supporter of the independence for Scotland. Therefore he will vote yes when the Scottish referendum comes. Baker writes in a formal language throughout his letter. His way of writing gives the letter a more serious touch, which makes the letter serious. In the letter Baker’s argues that the situation not only affects the Scottish people. But also people living in Britain in general. Baker says that if Scotland votes yes for the referendum and becomes independent, then Wales will probably do the same and start a national debate about splitting from England which makes England the only country left in Great Britain. If the Scottish people decide to vote yes for independence and therefore separates from England, then it will have an influence on the English government resources. It will have an affect on the resources because then they will loose the North Sea Oil. According to Matt the independence is not an issue regarding income and rank. It also includes human lives, which puts it all in different perspective. The human needs should always come first and be above everything else. No human beings should feel helpless and...
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...Explain the term referendum used in the extract (5 marks) A referendum is a general vote by the electorate on a single political question which has been referred to them for a direct decision. They may be used to raise issues for discussion rather than to decide or confirm policy questions. In relation to the extract, Walsi is being accused of not having the knowledge base of understanding of actual independence. Walsi was being accountable for shortfall in any economic growth expected and being able to financially match the living needs of people, the needs of all generations - from health / population growth. 05) Using your own knowledge, as well as the extract, consider the circumstances in which the UK government might choose to call a referendum (10 marks) Only one nationwide referendum had taken place in the UK before the alternative referendum. This occurred in 1975 when Harold Wilson (the British Prime minister at the time) asked ‘Do you think the UK should stay in the EU?’ In answer to his question, 67% of the voters answered ‘yes’ so therefore the UK is still part of the EU today. Not only one referendum has happened, several referendums have also been held in particular regions of the UK such as Scotland and Wales. In 1997, voters in Scotland were asked whether they wanted a Scottish Parliament while voters in Wales were asked whether they wanted a Welsh Assembly. The answer to both of these referendums was yes. Also, just recently: - Scotland has been called...
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...Referendums is when electorate are given on a single important or constitutional issue directly themselves. Ex – UK should remain in EU/ Scotland’s independence. Parliament and Government decide whether a referendum is held. Referendums are decided by yes/no answers. In some counties the outcomes are binding but in the UK they are not as parliament is sovereign. Firstly, It undermines parliamentary sovereignty and undermines representative democracy. representative democracy is at the heart of the democratic process and despite flaws, elected MP’s need to be allowed to carry out functions and duties which they have been elected to do so. Is is clear, some issues are too complex for a yes/no decision . Such an example is the promised referendum the EU . This is not of average knowledge. So we elect MPs to represent views. Also, referendums bypass parliamentary system and therefore serve to undermine parliament sovereignty rather than promote democracy. Further, no parliament can stop future governments amending or appealing legislation and so it is unlikely public opinion decisions are always final as they can go back and change them. Additionally, voters show little desire to participate in referendums. For example ,41% voted in the may 2011 AV referendum over possible changes to voting system in the house of commons, 35% voters turned out for the referendum in Wales over devolving further powers to welsh assembly in march 2011. As well as poor support for the mayoral referendum...
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... With its exquisite landscapes, monumental architecture, and breath-taking coastlines, it is no wonder Scotland has always been such a powerful draw to film makers and producers alike. The Scottish film industry has grown from strength to strength in recent years. Arguably putting itself on the map in the nineties with films such as Braveheart (1995) and Trainspotting (1996), Scotland now lends its locations to multimillion-pound productions such as Skyfall (2012), The Dark Knight Rises (2012), Sunshine on Leith (2013) and The Railway Man (2014) as well as TV productions including Game of Thrones (2011) and Outlander (2014). To what extent have Scottish films such as Braveheart and Trainspotting impacted on the tourism industry and given their contrasting portrayals of the Scots, does one hinder tourism more than the other? Can we say whether or not there is a distinct notion of ‘Scottish national identity’ and if such a concept exists to what level is it illustrated in Scottish film? Has the Scottish film industry had an impact on the political landscape in Scotland since it was devolved in 1998? Finally given the effects of Scottish film in Scotland, what has the government put in place in order to develop the industry further? Scotland has produced many world renowned films over the last two decades and has had a large impact on the creative industries in Scotland. It has long retained a certain romance which frequently appeals to both UK and global audiences, no film...
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...In a referendum, the government asks members of the public to help decide on an important issue. Everyone of voting age has the right to take part. Voting in a referendum is a bit like voting in a general election: people visit their nearest polling station and respond to a question with a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer by marking a box on a ballot paper. Referendum on the alternative vote On 5 May 2011, voters in the UK were asked to take part in a referendum to decide whether they wanted to change the way we vote in general elections. They had a choice between the first past the post system, which was already in use, and the alternative vote. You can find out how both of these systems work by visiting our interactive whiteboard on elections and voting, and selecting 'Compare the vote' from the main menu. The Liberal Democrats and Conservatives agreed to hold this referendum as part of the coalition agreement – their decision to form a government together. 68% of the voters who took part in the referendum chose to keep using the first past the post system and 32% wanted to change to the alternative vote. As a result, first past the post will continue to be used in UK general elections. Other referendums in the UK Before the alternative vote referendum, only one nationwide referendum had taken place in the UK. This was in 1975 when the British Prime Minister Harold Wilson asked voters ‘Do you think the UK should stay in the European Community (Common Market)?’ (The Common Market...
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...To what extent is parliament still sovereign? For many years it has been argued that parliamentary sovereignty has, and still is, being eroded. As said by AV Dicey, the word ‘sovereignty’ is used to describe the idea of “the power of law making unrestricted by any legal limit”. Parliamentary sovereignty is a principle of the UK constitution, stating that Parliament is the supreme legal authority in the UK, able to create and remove any law. This power over-rules courts and all other jurisdiction. It also cannot be entrenched; this is where all laws passed by the party in government can be changed by future parliaments. In recent years sovereignty of parliament has been a In 1972 the UK joined the treaty of accession, this was a statute law passed by parliament. It stated that the UK was now a part of the EU and therefore must abide by the laws and regulations that would be imposed; over 2,900 regulations and 410 directives were added, 43 volumes of the EU legislation. Due to having joined over 30 years after the initial EU was created, the UK has been made to accept laws that had been made without its input. Whereas now, having joined the EU, we are involved in in their creation - this is a key argument for why we should remain a member. Joining the EU has been agued as being a pinnacle point at which the UK lost its sovereignty, as this was the first time in the history of parliament where absolute power was no longer held. Research done by the TPA (Taxpayers Alliance)...
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...Scotland and the brave. Scotland could soon become an independent state. On the 21. March 2013. The Scottish Government announced that there would be held a referendum on the 18’th of September 2014. On this day we will be right there witnessing it. Some facts on this topic is who can vote. * British citizens in Scotland. * Commonwealth citizens resident in Scotland who have leave to remain in the UK or do not require such leave. * Citizens of the Republic of Ireland and other EU countries resident in Scotland. * Members of the House of Lords resident in Scotland. * Service Personnel serving in the UK or overseas with the armed forces who are registered to vote in Scotland. * Crown personnel serving outside the UK with HM Government who are registered to vote in Scotland. * The minimum age of voting will be 16 instead of 18. What could happen if Scotland got separated from the rest of UK? Some of the negatives could be that if Scotland voted yes on the 18’Th of September, Scotland would then become an independent land. Therefore, Scotland would be splitting up the Union Jack, which also will have an impact on England or Northern Ireland. A completely new set of rules would have to be created. This could create all new kind of problems. If we look at the rules as they are now, people are used to it after been living it all these years. If we take a look on the immigration policy. The UK’s view on immigration might not be the same as what Scotland...
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...Scotland’s independence Scotland is changing the “norms” by trying to get more leisure to their policies to eventually get more freedom in their state, and, if possible, become totally independent. The question to ask now is, what is England's response to this movement. Will they follow in somewhat of the same tracks, or take another path. I think that England will not follow in the same tracks as Scotland, but I do think that sometime in the near future, Scotland can become independent. On September 19th, scotland had polled a 55%45% vote, (which is not its first time trying to gain independence) keeping its connection and staying with the United Kingdom. In this, scotland wants to have the freedom to be able to create and or change its policies. The main two theories that will be addressed throughout this paper are; structuralism and culturalism. Scotland for many decades has been trying to gain its independence. February 1989 was arguably Scotland's biggest starting point for independence. There was a big outrage on if scotland was an independent country, would it be better off. While the optimistic bunch had thought that it would, it ended up losing a poll, 24% to 76%. In a Scottish poll on television, when the people were asked whether or not they wanted to stay with Europe or break away, the majority of them wanted to stay connected to Europe. But, when the poll asked the same people if they wanted to have an Independent Scotland country within Europe...
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...Scottish Referendum Should Scotland become independent? The fight for Scottish independence grows ever more intense as the referendum looms over us all, with less than a week to go it seems neck and neck which makes this unravelling drama ever more exciting, but the question still remains, will Scotland get its long awaited independence? The possibility of a YES and a NO vote are level and this essay will look at the arguments for and against Scottish independence. Say Scotland do get there independence, what does that mean for them and for the rest of the UK. Firstly for Scotland it would mean taking full responsibility by moving all governing powers to Scottish soil. This is a huge benefit for the Scottish people because their votes for their general election will be valued more due to the fact that the new government will be more focused on the needs and requirements of the Scottish people, not the divided needs of the UK public. Another benefit for Scotland if the YES vote was to go ahead is that they will no longer have to build nuclear power stations and instead could spend that money elsewhere, for example education, this optimises their opportunity cost as well. Sticking to the topic of energy, Scotland will keep 90% of the oil from the oil reserves in the North Sea which could financially boost Scotland’s economy and trade with other nations. These points just prove that Scotland has the resources and finances to carry themselves forward as an independent nation...
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...unchallengeable power. Parliamentary Sovereignty, which makes Parliament the supreme legal authority in the UK, is threatened by devolution. Devolution was the transfer of power to subnational governments, this changed the UK into a quasifederal state; central government does not make all domestic policies, this means that laws passed in Westminster do not apply across the entire territory of the UK. The shift of Westminster’s power has led to a raft of different legislation emanating from these new bodies. This is illustrated by the fact that in England students pay fees for University whereas Scotland decided to keep university fees completely free. The devolution of power has put a constraint on Parliamentary Sovereignty. However it can be argued that devolution preserves in principle the sovereignty of Parliament. The Westminster Parliament could continue to legislate for Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland even on devolved matters; and it can, if it wishes, simply abolish the devolved bodies by a simple Act of Parliament, as it did with the Northern Ireland Parliament in 1972. Secondly, the UK's legal sovereignty is challenged by the EU. The membership of the EU, along with the introduction of the Human Rights Act 1998, has diminished the supremacy of Parliament. The legal basis for British Membership was provided by the European Communities Act 1972, the constitutional implications of this act meant that EU regulations did not need to receive an explicit assent...
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...1979 general election, Scotland’s contribution was to comply with their historical non standing position at local government level and throw in with the Conservatives and the gentlemanly agreement between parties ceased with her. They were prominent within the party and wanted to maintain the status quo or more accurately didn’t want Labour in. Breaking away from the bottom heavy UK Parliament in London would not happen for Scotland until 1999, so what happened? By the late 1970’s early 1980’s the people of Great Britain had been experiencing a barrage of difficulties in the form of raised unemployment and inflation, an economy which had plummeted, strikes and threatened...
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...foreigners and slaves were excluded from voting. Now days many countries with representative democracies allow forms of direct democracy through referendums, initiative and recall. There are many benefits to direct democracy, including promoting a democratic and well-cooperated society. People have power and a say, and this opinion needs to be listened to by the government in order to please the citizens. It also provides a responsibility of the government to the people, all people have this power of a vote, and the government needs to listen to peoples concerns, as the politicians and the government will be held responsible for the well being of the people. Referendums are a form of direct democracy, and have been used in the UK many times, with the most recent being the Scottish referendum, allowing the people of Scotland to decide if they wanted to remain a part of the UK. One argument against the use of more referendums would be that the general public are not always as educated in the decision as a representative may be, this could lead to people making irrational decisions, as they are not informed enough on the topic. This issue tends to lead to the media (especially tabloids) over simplifying the issue, which many argue gives these owners and editors of these newspapers far too much influence in the potential outcome of the referendum. Therefore many would argue that these matters should be left...
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