“Should Scotland become an independent state?” – this is the question that on September 18, 2014, the residents of the once influential kingdom, which more than 300 years ago united with neighboring England into a state called Great Britain, will have to answer. According to a sociological survey conducted at the end of March, only 46% support preserving the United Kingdom – a record low for the last decade. 36% promise to vote for independence, and 18% have not yet decided.
The ruling Scottish National Party has no doubt that the undecided will support leaving the United Kingdom. “Polls show that the movement is toward supporting independence – more and more people are ready to vote for Scottish independence in September 2014,” said Annabelle Ewing, a representative of the ruling party and member of the parliamentary committee preparing for the referendum. “Now that the referendum date has been set, more and more people are beginning to believe that decisions about life in Scotland should be made only by the residents of Scotland, and only a 'yes' vote in the referendum will provide that opportunity.”
Observers link the rapid growth of separatist sentiments in Scotland to the austerity policies of the central authorities. The so-called 'bedroom tax,' introduced in April, under which the state will stop subsidizing 'excess living space' in municipal houses and flats, could not have come at a more 'opportune' moment. “I promise that in an independent Scotland, we will return all benefits directly to social landlords,” said Nicola Sturgeon, deputy leader of the Scottish National Party. “I want to emphasize that our party in an independent Scotland will abolish the bedroom tax.”
Nationalist leaders point out that over the last 30 years, Scotland has paid much more in taxes than it has received in subsidies from London. “We cannot allow Westminster to stifle our economic growth and squander the wealth of future generations,” the politician stated, noting that with extensive oil and gas reserves, an independent Scotland will stand firmly on its own two feet.
Антон НЕВЗЛИН,
«Русская Германия».