Tagged with "Scotland and the EU"

The SNP and social authoritarianism in Scotland?

The Scottish National Party has been turning Scotland into one of the most socially authoritarian places in the Western World. A pliant media isn't helping. But is a revolt by the forces of freedom in the making?
by Tom Gallagher - 18 July 2018
Scotland more independent in UK than it would be in EU

How often would an "independent" Scotland win a fight in Brussels? That is not a rhetorical question. The answer is clear: Never. If Scotland did leave the UK and join the EU it would have far less independence than it does now, and the SNP should be honest about saying so
by the commentator - 15 March 2017
The Donald trumped by Old Molly

Donald Trump is not only making waves in the United States. His bullying behaviour in Scotland has got a lot of people excited too. If he becomes president, he shouldn't expect much applause from the Scots
by Robin Mitchinson - 10 March 2016
Seeds of tyranny being sown in Scotland?

Is the nationalist camp in Scotland really creating an atmosphere of intimidation against opponents of independence? There are now real fears of a creeping soft authoritarianism
by Tom Gallagher - 3 March 2015
A 2015 new deal for England in UK, and UK in EU

2015 should be the year when the ball starts rolling for England to get a proper deal within the UK and the UK to get a radically different relationship with the EU. A heck of a lot rides on the general election. We'd better get it right
by Sir John Redwood MP - 31 December 2014
UKIP currently clueless about fighting separatism

The UK could be tested to destruction if the SNP is turned into a major Westminster force by dumb UKIP electoral tactics in Scotland. And dumb tactics are exactly what UKIP looks to be going for
by Tom Gallagher - 30 December 2014
Scottish Labour’s aversion to winning

Next year, the SNP could hold the balance of power in Westminster. The reliable cohort of Scottish seats which Ed Miliband, the insecure head of UK Labour banks on to enter Downing Street, could suddenly vanish. Can Jim Murphy save them?
by Tom Gallagher - 29 October 2014
In reality, Scotland independence vote wasn't even close

If the Scottish referendum result (55% No to 45% Yes) had been a US presidential election it would have been called a landslide. The bottom line is that the UK stays together and the matter is now settled for a generation. But what now for England?
by the commentator - 19 September 2014
Would Scottish independence be a net plus for liberty?

With North Korea backing Scottish independence it might seem the liberty argument is clear cut. But it isn't. Anyway, my prediction is that Scottish voters will get cold feet and vote no by a 56-44 margin, says Dan Mitchell from the Cato Institute
by Daniel J. Mitchell - 18 September 2014
Truth can stop Scotland sleepwalking to catastrophe

For the sake of Kirsty's future, Scotland should vote no to independence. Or maybe she wants to grow up in a declining country with poor job prospects; an isolated and angry country. Is that what Kirsty wants? Is that what Scotland wants?
by Steven George-Hilley - 14 September 2014
The rise of Scotland the terrible

Some elements of the Scottish pro-independence campaign have harnessed, for political purposes, the social volatility which until now has played out in gang warfare and football rivalry. Not a pretty sight; but telling
by Tom Gallagher - 13 September 2014
If Scots leave, cancel Scottish 2015 general election

In the interim to full independence, if Scotland votes "Yes", parliament should pass a Short Act stopping Scottish MPs voting on non Scottish matters, and cancelling the 2015 general in Scotland
by Sir John Redwood MP - 8 September 2014
Scottish Self-Sabotage

The polls have narrowed in the run-up to the 18 September referendum and with its superior electoral machine some now think that the SNP may be unstoppable. If so, it's going to be an act of collective self-sabotage
by Tom Gallagher - 5 September 2014
The day the SNP abandoned its ‘civic’ nationalism

As Scottish pro-independence campaigners stoop to new lows in smearing and intimidating their opponents, it is increasingly clear that whatever the referendum result Scotland is going to be a sharply polarized country
by Tom Gallagher - 24 August 2014
The world after Britain: An Australian leader gets it

Australia's Tony Abbott, a Rhodes scholar who shone academically at Oxford rather more completely than Alex Salmond did at St Andrews will know that the 1707 Act of Union was a liberation for many in Scotland. He also knows that a vibrant Britain is vital to the wider West
by Tom Gallagher - 17 August 2014