...-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3 Chapter I General information ---------------------------------------------------------------- 4 Chapter II Arguments for and against the Scottish independence Arguments for the independence ----------------------------------------------- 6 Arguments against the independence ----------------------------------------- 7 Conclusion --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10 Bibliography ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11 Introduction The subject I have analyzed in this research paper is the possible independence of Scotland. I chose this topic because the Scottish independence is a problem of great importance not only for the UK and Scotland, but also for the whole Europe. While doing my research I found very strong and opposing opinions about this recent topic. Scottish independence is a relevant and important matter that has been debated for many years but is now at the pinnacle of debate. Both public and politicians and opposing opinions about independence and throughout this work I will evaluate the most current and most emotive arguments for and against independence. First, I will speak about the historical background of this issue and about the parties “fighting” for independence. Next, I will represent for and against arguments, which will help to understand this complicated issue. Chapter I General information Scotland was an independent country...
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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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...differences in social aspects and that communities like to be recognised as their own state. The idea of separatism in many cases can also arise when there is a perception that exploitation of local resources by national government produces little economic gain for the region. This was the case in Scotland recently and was one of the main arguments for Scotland leaving the UK. Before its union with England, Scotland was a separate kingdom, with its own national church, separate education and legal systems and its own language called Gaelic which is spoken in parts of the country. One of the main problems the Scottish National Party felt was that the exploitation of the North Sea oil and gas had done little to develop the economy of Scotland. The drive for independence was partly satisfied by the establishment in 1999 of a parliament with limited tax-raising powers. In 2007, the Scottish National Party became...
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...Al-Qaeda making comeback in Iraq, officials say BAGHDAD (AP) — Al-Qaeda is rebuilding in Iraq and has set up training camps for insurgents in the nation's western deserts as the extremist group seizes on regional instability and government security failures to regain strength, officials say. / Iraq has seen a jump in al-Qaeda attacks over the last 10 weeks, and officials believe most of the fighters are former prisoners who have either escaped from jail or were released by Iraqi authorities for lack of evidence after the U.S. military withdrawal last December. Many are said to be Saudi or from Sunni-dominated Gulf states. Teenage School Activist Survives Attack by Taliban At the age of 11, Malala Yousafzai took on the Taliban by giving voice to her dreams. As turbaned fighters swept through her town in northwestern Pakistan in 2009, the tiny schoolgirl spoke out about her passion for education — she wanted to become a doctor, she said — and became a symbol of defiance against Taliban subjugation. / On Tuesday, masked Taliban gunmen answered Ms. Yousafzai’s courage with bullets, singling out the 14-year-old on a bus filled with terrified schoolchildren, then shooting her in the head and neck. Two other girls were also wounded in the attack. All three survived, but late on Tuesday doctors said that Ms. Yousafzai was in critical condition at a hospital in Peshawar, with a bullet possibly lodged close to her brain. Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu calls for early elections JERUSALEM...
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...Unit 3: Thinking Report ‘Scottish independence’ Lauren Pratt – 1200370 As the SNP came to authority four years ago there has been a surge of interest across the country. Becoming independent will mean the people who care most about Scotland will be taken the decision about our future. A debate was presented by Stewart Hosie, a Member of Parliament for Dundee East, who was in favour of the motion besides Jenny Marra, who was the second presenter, who is a member of the Scottish Parliament for Dundee North East, Scottish Labour, was in opposition to the motion. Stewart Hosie gave an analytical, quantitative and fact driven argument. Jenny Marra gave a biographical, personal and historical argument. Both played a conception of their audience as largely conservative. In the debate ‘It is time for Scotland to become independent,’ presented on the 17th of September at University of Abertay, Stewart Hosie stated that for many countries, independence is taken for granted, and Scotland should be given that opportunity also. The biggest part of his argument was a number of statistics which he used to show the sustainability and competency to succeed of an independent Scottish nation by use of taxation, and by exploitation of the North Sea. He encouraged that large manufacturing plants should be returned to Scotland, and through these opportunities, this nation would thrive if no longer dependent on the rest of the UK. On the other hand Jenny Marra took a less statistical approach...
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...All unit 1 government and politics past questions: 2011 1) Explain the term turnout used in the extract. (5 marks) 2) Using your own knowledge as well as the extract, consider why some commentators have spoken of a ‘participation crises in recent years. (10 marks) 3) ‘Deciding which party to vote for is now essentially a rational exercise.’ Discuss. (25 marks) 4) Explain the term wasted votes used in the extract. (5 marks) 5) Using your own knowledge as well as the extract, consider why the first-past-the-post system disadvantages some parties. (10 marks) 6) ‘The use of referendums in the UK since 1997 has done little to strengthen democracy.’ Discuss. (25 marks) 7) Explain the term party conference used in the extract. (5 marks) 8) Using your own knowledge as well as the extract, outline the ways in which the Conservative Party and the Labour Party select their leaders. (10 marks) 9) ‘The main UK parties differ on economic policy alone.’ Discuss. (25 marks) 10) Explain the term cause groups used in the extract. (5 marks) 11) Using your own knowledge as well as the extract, consider why direct action could be said to undermine UK democracy. (10 marks) 12) ‘The most successful UK pressure groups still tend to focus on lobbying the Westminster Parliament, despite the availability of numerous other access points.’ Discuss. (25 marks) January 2012 13) Explain the term class dealignment used in the extract. (5 marks) 14) Using your own knowledge as well...
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...Student’s essay A famous author once remarked that ” Winners never quit and quitters never win”. People who see their ideas through, however unpragmatic it may be considered by others are the ones who have truly made a difference. History is replete with examples of people who were perceived as crazy, illogical and even insane by laymen, yet when their ideas were sedulously worked upon, by the creator , day after day, combined with long hours of toil, the result was nothing, short of marvelous. Lets’s take the example of the Indian freedom struggle fought by Gandhiji on the basis of Satyagraha. It was very difficult for the Britishers to assume that India would be freed one day under the leadership of a loin cloth covered ordinary looking man without the use of weapons or bloodshed. The reason that Indian freedom could be achieved was the unflagging determination of Gandhiji and the uncommon methodology used of winning freedom by peace and not bloodshed. Looking not far, I can recall the example of Galileo who was reviled and persecuted by the Church authorities for challenging the existing norms that pervaded the society that time. Galileo ‘s fierce determination , not to give up on his ideas even during harsh criticism paved the way for modern space research. Another convincing example is of the Wright Brothers. Who would have ever imagined that it is indeed possible to fly like a bird and traverse different parts of the globe. I am sure that the Wright brothers were reviled...
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...Mel Gibson’s 1999 film Braveheart is a clear example of why historians never accepted film. Although it won 5 Oscars, the film has been classified as one of the worst medieval movies (by historical accuracy). From the introductory opening scenes, to the end credits, the film fails miserably to represent the life and times of William Wallace and makes up stories to better fit a Hollywood audience. In this essay, I will examine the historical facts of the 13th century war between Scotland and England, and the way it was portrayed in Braveheart. Directed and starred by Mel Gibson, Braveheart was seen as a huge success. The film was about a man named William Wallace. Wallace was a commoner and landowner in 13th century Scotland. He led the Scottish rebellion against the English to get back the freedom and sovereignty Scotland deserved. He was knighted and titled “Guardian” of Scotland after a victory in the battle of Sterling Bridge. After losing the Battle of Falkirk, Wallace’s rebellion plummeted and he was later captured and executed for high treason by King Edward I. These are the very few facts the film actually illustrated correctly. The rest of the film was either fantasy, skewed facts, or simply made up for audience purposes. In the very first shot of the film, we see these beautiful mountain sceneries, which were apparently shot in West Highlands, a place not even relatively close to the birthplace or the city that Wallace lived in. This area is very different from the...
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...sacrifices that were made by the heroic Wallace and his freedom fighting Scotts. The film starts showing Williams life as a young Scottish boy with his family which give the viewer the backdrop for what lies deep in the heart of the main character. Williams family is hung to death by the English and William is sent away to live with his uncle until he is a grown man. The first impression we are given of William as a grown man is that he is smart and strong but a man with simple wishes. Marriage, children and a piece of land was all he was seeking for happiness. The happiest time of his life is as he secretly courts his soon to be wife, Murron. He marries her and soon thereafter the English lord kills her in heart wrenching fashion by slitting her throat in front of her people. This act fueled the anger he had extinguished after the killing of his family by the English when he was just a boy. After the death of his wife, the enraged William declares war against England Wallace is viewed as the patriotic freedom fighter. His love for his country is highlighted when he takes charge of his nation’s army, and defeats the English in a seemingly impossible situation. Wallace has a “never say never” attitude. Even when outnumbered he uses his wit and brawn to lead his men to victory. With the Scottish winning the battle under Wallace’s leadership, the Scottish nobles knight him. The theme of Wallace’s loyalty to his country...
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...Within the first 15 minutes of the movie our main character has lost everything he knew to the English. While William watches his father and brother get buried, the main recurring song in the movie is heard for the first time. This song will play many times throughout the movie and connect William’s character back to his roots. To bid farewell to William’s family, some of the villagers are said to be playing “outlawed tunes on outlawed pipes (Braveheart).” This is the last we see of the child William Wallace. The film then cuts to the King of England, Edward the Longshanks. He is marrying his son to the princess of France. The King has been busy trying to form a way to gain full control over Scotland. First he suggests buying off the Scottish nobles, or maybe sending his own nobles to Scotland, but these ideas are both shot down by his advisors. The King then decides to reinstate the law, primae noctis, which allows the King’s magistrates to have sexual relations with a bride on the first night of begin married. King Longshanks is then heard saying, “breeding them out instead of chasing them out.” This is psychological colonialism at its worst. By having relations...
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...England Edward I, and later his son Edward II, to win Scottish independence from England. Family Background Robert’s father was known as Robert de Brus, 6th Lord of Annandale, descendent of David I with a distant connection to Scottish royalty. His mother was Marjory Countess of Carrick a lady of Gaelic decent. Robert the Bruce was married to Isabella of Mar in 1295 and later Elizabeth de Burgh in 1302. He fathered five legitimate children and several bastard children between the two marriages. Early life of Robert the Bruce The struggle for control of Scotland began in 1286 when Alexander III died leaving his infant grandchild Margaret to rule. In 1292, John Balliol was selected by some Scottish auditors to be King of Scotland. This caused a dispute on who should rule and King Edward I of England was asked to settle the dispute. John Balliol was Robert the Bruce’s rival to the throne. In 1292, at the age of 18, Robert the Bruce and his father pledged loyalty to Edward I at Berwick upon Tweed. Robert the Bruce’s lands and titles in Scotland were stripped by John Balliol for treason, and given to his brother-in-law John Comyn. Edward demanded feudal superiority of Scotland, judicial superiority over the Scottish king, and military support against France when called upon. John Balliol declared himself rightful king and signed a treaty with France. He was later defeated, in 1296, by Edward I and his own Scottish nobles...
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...historical/mythological epic, Braveheart, several leadership styles are evident. William Wallace, Edward the Longshanks, and even the Scottish nobility all demonstrate distinct styles of leadership. Despite the difference in styles, William Wallace’s courageous and active leadership proves the most essential. Ultimately, Wallace’s undying passion and determination for freedom helps his army prevail as an underdog. In the film Braveheart, the opening scene is set during late 13th century England, which is controlled by a tyrant known as King Edward the Longshanks. His claim over the Scottish throne cause great suffering for his Scottish subjects, due to his cruelty and brutality. After a series of tragic events, which includes William Wallace losing his father and wife, Wallace seeks revenge. In the form of rebellion, Wallace begins leading a series of uprisings against Longshanks in order to free Scotland from its current tyranny. He receives intellect from the princess of Wales and meets with the Scottish nobility, where he seeks the assistance of Robert the Bruce to unite the clans. The Scots are confronted by Longshanks at the Battle of Falkirk, where Wallace is betrayed by Robert the Bruce himself. Regretful of his actions, Robert helps an injured Wallace escape from the English. Wallace takes revenge on Mornay and Lochlan, who abandon him during the battle, leaving the Scottish nobles in fear for their lives. Furthermore, Robert discovers his own father conspiring with the other nobles to trap...
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...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 dependent...
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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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...Should referendums be more widely used in the UK? Referendums are a type of direct democracy used in Britain that involve the public directly voting on a single issue in order to make a political decision. This essay will argue that referendums shouldn’t be more widely used in the UK. Many may argue that referendums should be more widely used in the UK because they are a pure form of direct democracy originating from Ancient Greece; they allow the people to rule and make decisions for themselves. A recent example of this is the 2014 referendum on Scottish independence, which allowed Scotland’s people to choose whether they wanted to remain part of the UK. However, according to the British constitution and the doctrine of parliamentary sovereignty, referendums cannot be binding. So, in theory, if the result of this referendum had been “yes”, David Cameron has the authority to go against it— no matter how unlikely Cameron actually doing this is. Even if the people vote with an overwhelming majority on an issue, parliament always has the authority to overrule the referendum’s result thus making them much l ess useful a tool in democracy and wider use of them much less advisable. Others might insist that higher usage of referendums would improve political participation in Britain, as is the case in California, where citizen- initiated referendums (or “propositions” as there are known in the US) are held regularly to help make political decisions...
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