mercredi 27 août 2014

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.

59 members of parliament represent Scotland in London. There is a local parliament in Edinburgh with 129 members. The issues directed from London include pension, defense, social security, fiscal economy, monetary policy, medical ethics and foreign affairs. The government in Edinburgh presides over local government, environment, justice, health, agriculture and education. Edinburgh is under the First Minister who is the leader of any party with majority in parliament.

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 indicate that only 15 years of gas reserves are left. This has thrust the debate over natural resources at the center of the referendum storm. There is an indication that Scotland would be forced to import natural gas from UK at a commercial rate. This would leave a huge dent on the Scottish economy and is therefore a subject for major debates.

UK has a huge debt that was the subject of debate during the economic crisis. When the time for separation comes, it is expected that even the debt will be shared. This has a huge financial implication which is likely to cripple the Scottish economy. The amount of debt that will be transferred to independent Scotland will affect her ability to be on her feet.

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.

BBC remains a national symbol of the United Kingdom. A split is poised to make it expensive to watch some prime programs. Separation takes the privilege of equal opportunities enjoyed by all citizens of the UK. Some channels will only be available on pay TV packages.

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.




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