“The society which has abolished every kind of adventure makes its own abolition the only possible adventure.” Paris, May 1968


Tuesday 16 September 2014

Who knows what the future holds for Scotland.

One thing is for sure. I can never remember a political issue that has motivated people to such an extent. If Scots genuinely feel that they will be better off outside the UK but inside the EU then of course they should go for it. Vote YES. But it's what will happen after the referendum that will be really interesting.  A resounding YES vote will mean months (perhaps years) of negotiation before independence is finally declared. On the other hand a NO vote will mean months (almost certainly years ) of bitter recrimination. There is a third possibility and it's one that no doubt has been thought about in the corridors of power in both London and Edinburgh. Just suppose that there is a YES vote but that Westminster maintains that there is no constitutional right to secession. That the Act Of Union cannot be repealed. What then?

1 comment:

Dr Llareggub said...

In theory Westminster can reject a Yes vote. I checked with the family lawyer. Parliament is sovereign, not the people, and Parliament alone has the power to reduce its sovereignty and negate the Act of Union. The referendum is not constitutionally binding. However, it would be a stupid Parliament that went against a clear expression of the will of the people. But who knows? I do expect lots of dirty tricks in the event of a Yes vote. One thing we can predict with certainty: Whatever the result, promises will be broken.

People like me express support for the US constitution which places limits on the power of government. But I am told that this is right wing, fascist, and supported by the evil doers in the Tea Party, like former Senator Allen West.