I have been in London for the last few weeks and as my son is now responsible for the bills he is taking the "save energy / save money" dictum very seriously indeed.
He is out at work all day, wears thermals and goes swimming and cycling in his free time. So he does not really feel the cold. An electric blanket and extra blankets does for him.
I on the other hand have been working from home so a temperature of 10 degrees is a bit challenging. Fortunately, an old-fashioned fire and dressing like an extra in Dr Zhivago (snoods, wrist warmers & lots of layers plus hot water bottles) is seeing me through. Also keeping curtains closed and closing doors helps.
We updated the boiler this year so it all works more efficiently and has been properly serviced etc.
But all of this is fine in a generally well maintained house.
For people who are living in a draughty damp or poorly maintained property these sorts of steps don't really help that much, especially if you are old or have small children.
I grew up in such a flat when a child - my parents rented - and it had no central heating and could be perishingly cold and damp in winter. The landlord was utterly neglectful and the conditions got so bad that after my father died, the council served a Notice on the landlord under the 1952 Housing Act declaring the house to be unfit for human habitation and requiring a long schedule of works to be done. It is no fun at all living in such conditions - it is certainly no good for one's health as I can personally testify - and it is a disgrace that there are people still living in such conditions now.
Housing is - or should be - a big political issue: not just the construction of houses for purchase but its proper maintenance, having rented accommodation of a high standard and bringing poorly constructed and mantained property - whether owned or rented - up to high energy efficient standards.
You would have thought after the death of that poor little lad in Rochdale due to the consequences of excessive moisture in their home this would have brought about some desire for change.
All that has happened so far is the Head of the housing association has been removed from his job.
There is an activist who is regularly on TV talking about the dire condition of social housing, but it seems little is happening to remedy it.
As for building new homes, which are desperately needed, we are in full on Nimby mode as a nation.
Re houses - not in Scotland. A modest (if still arguably insufficient, but useful) programme of council house building. So it is possible. But where the difference lies I'm not at all sure.
The difference lies in political outlook. Scotland - left of centre, council houses good, equality good, decent standards of living good. England - right of centre, council houses seen as a sign of failure of ambition, equality - no, I want to be unequal, and richer than others, decent standards of living - as long as I’m all right, I not bothered about others. The differences in outlook are one reason for many Scots wanting independence.
Plenty of council houses in England even now, just the ambition of many to buy their council house not live in it forever with nothing to pass on to family.
Plus England is not that rightwing, Italy, the US, Australia, Switzerland etc all more right of centre western nations than England.
Most Scottish voters maybe social democrats but they are not socialists either
I think the trouble with Scottish independence (and I freely admit they are a country/people with a distinct identity) is that any under guise Scotland is going to need, due to geography and its economic structure, a very close relationship with rUK, with which it will always do the vast majority of its trade.
The logical solution would either be what it has now - strong devolution of tax, law, education, health and social policy, with a distinct identity within the UK - or to confederate Scotland with more of a distinct voice within a reformed UK, with more say over currency, social security, macro-taxation, security and foreign policy. Perhaps constitutional and HoL reform could help here.
Full independence? Sure, Scotland could be totally independent, with full freedom over foreign, defence, security, currency, social security and tax, but it would have to pay for absolutely everything itself - out of its own far more limited resources - and at a massive economic cost if they wanted to go a very different way to the rest of the UK; that probably wouldn't be accepted by most Scots, once it became clear, as it would hit the employment market, and impact heavily in their pay packets and standard of living.
Is that like how Ireland still have to do all their trade with England.
Ireland shares no land border with England unlike Scotland
True almost 20 miles away so they are really stupid doing all that trade with the EU instead of UK
There is a sea border between Ireland and GB as there is a sea border between Ireland and the rest of the EU.
There is a sea border between Scotland and the EU but no sea border between Scotland and England
Without a shadow of a doubt the EU would let indy Scotland back in. They'd want to cause as much trouble as possible for ROUK, exceptions would be made. I would also be certain that adopting the euro would be a condition. Depending on how strong the EU felt their hand was (pretty strong I'd say) they might also demand that the proceeds of North Sea Oil be divided between member states. This has long been a wish of France. Overall, I suspect very little net extra in the way of Scottish sovereignty would result, with Scotland exchanging a fairly large representation within the UK, for a tiny one within the EU. For many, if this meant being with the nice Europeans and not the hated English, these prices would be worth paying.
Nice to see all the lovely people on here wishing and praying that Scotland do badly and that the EU will gouge them like England does at present.
The pseudo Unionists on here whose first port of call is Scotland is shite and second is if they go Indy we’ll stomp all over them out of impotent pique are some of my favourite things about PB. Not that PB has any influence in the matter but these lads are only capable of turning views of the Union one way.
Nationalists hate England and already made up 45% of Scots even before Brexit.
I hope the remaining 55% still support the Union, maybe with devomax.
If not then I am afraid Westminster would take as hard a line with the Scottish government post Scexit as Brussels took with the UK government in Brexit talks
Well that's an improvement on Tanks, barricades and military action.
Without a shadow of a doubt the EU would let indy Scotland back in. They'd want to cause as much trouble as possible for ROUK, exceptions would be made. I would also be certain that adopting the euro would be a condition. Depending on how strong the EU felt their hand was (pretty strong I'd say) they might also demand that the proceeds of North Sea Oil be divided between member states. This has long been a wish of France. Overall, I suspect very little net extra in the way of Scottish sovereignty would result, with Scotland exchanging a fairly large representation within the UK, for a tiny one within the EU. For many, if this meant being with the nice Europeans and not the hated English, these prices would be worth paying.
The accession of a new country into the EU requires a new treaty signed by every member. If there was any member with a troublesome independence desiring province (say Spain) they would veto.
The Spanish government cares far more about discouraging Catalan independence than about causing the UK problems.
Of course. And there are plenty more EU members that would use an iScottish accession to cause mischief and get rewarded. It’s how the EU works
Hungary, Greece, Cyprus, Bulgaria might all cause problems. Newer EU countries that waited many years to join - Croatia - would think Fuck this, why does Scotland get a free pass. Etc
I think you have been hanging out with AIs too much trying to get them to produce the much yearned for Kari Lake - Ron De Santis slashfic. A purely logic driven model of Scotland's accession is incomplete. In a post-Brexit environment you have to add some emotional considerations. Scotland would get the VIP lane to spite England. It's that simple.
The Spanish care far more about Catalonia than about spiting the English.
Do the member states have that much sovereignty in the face of The Project's glacial will.
Remember the Lisbon Treaty! Was the leavers' cry as the tattered UJ y-fronts were run up the flagpole.
You are consumed with a deep self-hatred for your own country, what happened in your past I do not know, and it colours your judgement IMHO.
You are otherwise perfectly intelligent and capable of rational analysis.
Your attempts at amateur Internet psychiatry are degrading and demeaning.
Without a shadow of a doubt the EU would let indy Scotland back in. They'd want to cause as much trouble as possible for ROUK, exceptions would be made. I would also be certain that adopting the euro would be a condition. Depending on how strong the EU felt their hand was (pretty strong I'd say) they might also demand that the proceeds of North Sea Oil be divided between member states. This has long been a wish of France. Overall, I suspect very little net extra in the way of Scottish sovereignty would result, with Scotland exchanging a fairly large representation within the UK, for a tiny one within the EU. For many, if this meant being with the nice Europeans and not the hated English, these prices would be worth paying.
Nice to see all the lovely people on here wishing and praying that Scotland do badly and that the EU will gouge them like England does at present.
The pseudo Unionists on here whose first port of call is Scotland is shite and second is if they go Indy we’ll stomp all over them out of impotent pique are some of my favourite things about PB. Not that PB has any influence in the matter but these lads are only capable of turning views of the Union one way.
By the same token, though, watching you deal with any argument against Scottish independence is an absolute masterclass in cognitive dissonance.
I have been in London for the last few weeks and as my son is now responsible for the bills he is taking the "save energy / save money" dictum very seriously indeed.
He is out at work all day, wears thermals and goes swimming and cycling in his free time. So he does not really feel the cold. An electric blanket and extra blankets does for him.
I on the other hand have been working from home so a temperature of 10 degrees is a bit challenging. Fortunately, an old-fashioned fire and dressing like an extra in Dr Zhivago (snoods, wrist warmers & lots of layers plus hot water bottles) is seeing me through. Also keeping curtains closed and closing doors helps.
We updated the boiler this year so it all works more efficiently and has been properly serviced etc.
But all of this is fine in a generally well maintained house.
For people who are living in a draughty damp or poorly maintained property these sorts of steps don't really help that much, especially if you are old or have small children.
I grew up in such a flat when a child - my parents rented - and it had no central heating and could be perishingly cold and damp in winter. The landlord was utterly neglectful and the conditions got so bad that after my father died, the council served a Notice on the landlord under the 1952 Housing Act declaring the house to be unfit for human habitation and requiring a long schedule of works to be done. It is no fun at all living in such conditions - it is certainly no good for one's health as I can personally testify - and it is a disgrace that there are people still living in such conditions now.
Housing is - or should be - a big political issue: not just the construction of houses for purchase but its proper maintenance, having rented accommodation of a high standard and bringing poorly constructed and mantained property - whether owned or rented - up to high energy efficient standards.
You would have thought after the death of that poor little lad in Rochdale due to the consequences of excessive moisture in their home this would have brought about some desire for change.
All that has happened so far is the Head of the housing association has been removed from his job.
There is an activist who is regularly on TV talking about the dire condition of social housing, but it seems little is happening to remedy it.
As for building new homes, which are desperately needed, we are in full on Nimby mode as a nation.
Re houses - not in Scotland. A modest (if still arguably insufficient, but useful) programme of council house building. So it is possible. But where the difference lies I'm not at all sure.
The difference lies in political outlook. Scotland - left of centre, council houses good, equality good, decent standards of living good. England - right of centre, council houses seen as a sign of failure of ambition, equality - no, I want to be unequal, and richer than others, decent standards of living - as long as I’m all right, I not bothered about others. The differences in outlook are one reason for many Scots wanting independence.
Those are rather trivial political differences, ones which fluctuate from election to election. I very much hope people are not making a decision based on rather temporary political policies, but on longer term outlooks of identity and interests. Even if I disagree with the conclusion they reach, at least that would be a firmer basis than because the governments of the day are in different positions (the idea those differences are fundamental statements of national character is absurd).
I have been in London for the last few weeks and as my son is now responsible for the bills he is taking the "save energy / save money" dictum very seriously indeed.
He is out at work all day, wears thermals and goes swimming and cycling in his free time. So he does not really feel the cold. An electric blanket and extra blankets does for him.
I on the other hand have been working from home so a temperature of 10 degrees is a bit challenging. Fortunately, an old-fashioned fire and dressing like an extra in Dr Zhivago (snoods, wrist warmers & lots of layers plus hot water bottles) is seeing me through. Also keeping curtains closed and closing doors helps.
We updated the boiler this year so it all works more efficiently and has been properly serviced etc.
But all of this is fine in a generally well maintained house.
For people who are living in a draughty damp or poorly maintained property these sorts of steps don't really help that much, especially if you are old or have small children.
I grew up in such a flat when a child - my parents rented - and it had no central heating and could be perishingly cold and damp in winter. The landlord was utterly neglectful and the conditions got so bad that after my father died, the council served a Notice on the landlord under the 1952 Housing Act declaring the house to be unfit for human habitation and requiring a long schedule of works to be done. It is no fun at all living in such conditions - it is certainly no good for one's health as I can personally testify - and it is a disgrace that there are people still living in such conditions now.
Housing is - or should be - a big political issue: not just the construction of houses for purchase but its proper maintenance, having rented accommodation of a high standard and bringing poorly constructed and mantained property - whether owned or rented - up to high energy efficient standards.
You would have thought after the death of that poor little lad in Rochdale due to the consequences of excessive moisture in their home this would have brought about some desire for change.
All that has happened so far is the Head of the housing association has been removed from his job.
There is an activist who is regularly on TV talking about the dire condition of social housing, but it seems little is happening to remedy it.
As for building new homes, which are desperately needed, we are in full on Nimby mode as a nation.
Re houses - not in Scotland. A modest (if still arguably insufficient, but useful) programme of council house building. So it is possible. But where the difference lies I'm not at all sure.
The difference lies in political outlook. Scotland - left of centre, council houses good, equality good, decent standards of living good. England - right of centre, council houses seen as a sign of failure of ambition, equality - no, I want to be unequal, and richer than others, decent standards of living - as long as I’m all right, I not bothered about others. The differences in outlook are one reason for many Scots wanting independence.
Plenty of council houses in England even now, just the ambition of many to buy their council house not live in it forever with nothing to pass on to family.
Plus England is not that rightwing, Italy, the US, Australia, Switzerland etc all more right of centre western nations than England.
Most Scottish voters maybe social democrats but they are not socialists either
Aside from having a strong and distinct Scottish identity I'm far from convinced that Scots are notably (intrinsically) to the Left of the English.
The only thing that pulls them that way is historically lower levels of home ownership in the major cities, and some funny issues with land ownership in the Highlands.
I have been in London for the last few weeks and as my son is now responsible for the bills he is taking the "save energy / save money" dictum very seriously indeed.
He is out at work all day, wears thermals and goes swimming and cycling in his free time. So he does not really feel the cold. An electric blanket and extra blankets does for him.
I on the other hand have been working from home so a temperature of 10 degrees is a bit challenging. Fortunately, an old-fashioned fire and dressing like an extra in Dr Zhivago (snoods, wrist warmers & lots of layers plus hot water bottles) is seeing me through. Also keeping curtains closed and closing doors helps.
We updated the boiler this year so it all works more efficiently and has been properly serviced etc.
But all of this is fine in a generally well maintained house.
For people who are living in a draughty damp or poorly maintained property these sorts of steps don't really help that much, especially if you are old or have small children.
I grew up in such a flat when a child - my parents rented - and it had no central heating and could be perishingly cold and damp in winter. The landlord was utterly neglectful and the conditions got so bad that after my father died, the council served a Notice on the landlord under the 1952 Housing Act declaring the house to be unfit for human habitation and requiring a long schedule of works to be done. It is no fun at all living in such conditions - it is certainly no good for one's health as I can personally testify - and it is a disgrace that there are people still living in such conditions now.
Housing is - or should be - a big political issue: not just the construction of houses for purchase but its proper maintenance, having rented accommodation of a high standard and bringing poorly constructed and mantained property - whether owned or rented - up to high energy efficient standards.
You would have thought after the death of that poor little lad in Rochdale due to the consequences of excessive moisture in their home this would have brought about some desire for change.
All that has happened so far is the Head of the housing association has been removed from his job.
There is an activist who is regularly on TV talking about the dire condition of social housing, but it seems little is happening to remedy it.
As for building new homes, which are desperately needed, we are in full on Nimby mode as a nation.
Re houses - not in Scotland. A modest (if still arguably insufficient, but useful) programme of council house building. So it is possible. But where the difference lies I'm not at all sure.
The difference lies in political outlook. Scotland - left of centre, council houses good, equality good, decent standards of living good. England - right of centre, council houses seen as a sign of failure of ambition, equality - no, I want to be unequal, and richer than others, decent standards of living - as long as I’m all right, I not bothered about others. The differences in outlook are one reason for many Scots wanting independence.
Plenty of council houses in England even now, just the ambition of many to buy their council house not live in it forever with nothing to pass on to family.
Plus England is not that rightwing, Italy, the US, Australia, Switzerland etc all more right of centre western nations than England.
Most Scottish voters maybe social democrats but they are not socialists either
Aside from having a strong and distinct Scottish identity I'm far from convinced that Scots are notably (intrinsically) to the Left of the English.
The only thing that pulls them that way is historically lower levels of home ownership in the major cities, and some funny issues with land ownership in the Highlands.
Basically, too much tenancy.
Have a look at *any* election for the last 5 decades.
Edit: and, more important, in the cumulative total.
Without a shadow of a doubt the EU would let indy Scotland back in. They'd want to cause as much trouble as possible for ROUK, exceptions would be made. I would also be certain that adopting the euro would be a condition. Depending on how strong the EU felt their hand was (pretty strong I'd say) they might also demand that the proceeds of North Sea Oil be divided between member states. This has long been a wish of France. Overall, I suspect very little net extra in the way of Scottish sovereignty would result, with Scotland exchanging a fairly large representation within the UK, for a tiny one within the EU. For many, if this meant being with the nice Europeans and not the hated English, these prices would be worth paying.
Nice to see all the lovely people on here wishing and praying that Scotland do badly and that the EU will gouge them like England does at present.
The pseudo Unionists on here whose first port of call is Scotland is shite and second is if they go Indy we’ll stomp all over them out of impotent pique are some of my favourite things about PB. Not that PB has any influence in the matter but these lads are only capable of turning views of the Union one way.
Nationalists hate England and already made up 45% of Scots even before Brexit.
I hope the remaining 55% still support the Union, maybe with devomax.
If not then I am afraid Westminster would take as hard a line with the Scottish government post Scexit as Brussels took with the UK government in Brexit talks
I disagree that they all hate England. I actually spend a bit of time up there and it isn't the impression I get. Firstly many have a clear belief in Scottish self-determination and secondly people just don't like the status quo.
You obviously did not see the SNP Jock French supporters last night cheering at England's exit
How on earth do you know they were SNP? Anyone with any knowledge of Scotland knows very well that the Scottish-French alliance long precedes the Union, and I know elderly Tories in Scotland - yes, active Tories - who are very proud of that link.
Without a shadow of a doubt the EU would let indy Scotland back in. They'd want to cause as much trouble as possible for ROUK, exceptions would be made. I would also be certain that adopting the euro would be a condition. Depending on how strong the EU felt their hand was (pretty strong I'd say) they might also demand that the proceeds of North Sea Oil be divided between member states. This has long been a wish of France. Overall, I suspect very little net extra in the way of Scottish sovereignty would result, with Scotland exchanging a fairly large representation within the UK, for a tiny one within the EU. For many, if this meant being with the nice Europeans and not the hated English, these prices would be worth paying.
Nice to see all the lovely people on here wishing and praying that Scotland do badly and that the EU will gouge them like England does at present.
The pseudo Unionists on here whose first port of call is Scotland is shite and second is if they go Indy we’ll stomp all over them out of impotent pique are some of my favourite things about PB. Not that PB has any influence in the matter but these lads are only capable of turning views of the Union one way.
Nationalists hate England and already made up 45% of Scots even before Brexit.
I hope the remaining 55% still support the Union, maybe with devomax.
If not then I am afraid Westminster would take as hard a line with the Scottish government post Scexit as Brussels took with the UK government in Brexit talks
Well that's an improvement on Tanks, barricades and military action.
Figures the wrong way round now. 55/45 in recent polls.
Without a shadow of a doubt the EU would let indy Scotland back in. They'd want to cause as much trouble as possible for ROUK, exceptions would be made. I would also be certain that adopting the euro would be a condition. Depending on how strong the EU felt their hand was (pretty strong I'd say) they might also demand that the proceeds of North Sea Oil be divided between member states. This has long been a wish of France. Overall, I suspect very little net extra in the way of Scottish sovereignty would result, with Scotland exchanging a fairly large representation within the UK, for a tiny one within the EU. For many, if this meant being with the nice Europeans and not the hated English, these prices would be worth paying.
Nice to see all the lovely people on here wishing and praying that Scotland do badly and that the EU will gouge them like England does at present.
The pseudo Unionists on here whose first port of call is Scotland is shite and second is if they go Indy we’ll stomp all over them out of impotent pique are some of my favourite things about PB. Not that PB has any influence in the matter but these lads are only capable of turning views of the Union one way.
Nationalists hate England and already made up 45% of Scots even before Brexit.
I hope the remaining 55% still support the Union, maybe with devomax.
If not then I am afraid Westminster would take as hard a line with the Scottish government post Scexit as Brussels took with the UK government in Brexit talks
I am a nationalist. I do not hate England, or the English. I strongly object to your unfounded accusation, and would appreciate an apology.
Most of your posts suggest otherwise.
And even if they didn't the majority of Nationalists still do hate England as their reaction to last night's England exit affirmed and their constant anti English rhetoric confirms.
So no, zero apology from me
One wonders how he can detect a Nationa.list infallibly at 600+ km distance.
Without a shadow of a doubt the EU would let indy Scotland back in. They'd want to cause as much trouble as possible for ROUK, exceptions would be made. I would also be certain that adopting the euro would be a condition. Depending on how strong the EU felt their hand was (pretty strong I'd say) they might also demand that the proceeds of North Sea Oil be divided between member states. This has long been a wish of France. Overall, I suspect very little net extra in the way of Scottish sovereignty would result, with Scotland exchanging a fairly large representation within the UK, for a tiny one within the EU. For many, if this meant being with the nice Europeans and not the hated English, these prices would be worth paying.
Nice to see all the lovely people on here wishing and praying that Scotland do badly and that the EU will gouge them like England does at present.
The pseudo Unionists on here whose first port of call is Scotland is shite and second is if they go Indy we’ll stomp all over them out of impotent pique are some of my favourite things about PB. Not that PB has any influence in the matter but these lads are only capable of turning views of the Union one way.
Nationalists hate England and already made up 45% of Scots even before Brexit.
I hope the remaining 55% still support the Union, maybe with devomax.
If not then I am afraid Westminster would take as hard a line with the Scottish government post Scexit as Brussels took with the UK government in Brexit talks
I am a nationalist. I do not hate England, or the English. I strongly object to your unfounded accusation, and would appreciate an apology.
Quite. Demand for autonomy and independendce is automatically assumed to be anti-English racism. It gets very tedious.
It's also their excuse for ignoring anything independistas say or want - for dismissing it.
Without a shadow of a doubt the EU would let indy Scotland back in. They'd want to cause as much trouble as possible for ROUK, exceptions would be made. I would also be certain that adopting the euro would be a condition. Depending on how strong the EU felt their hand was (pretty strong I'd say) they might also demand that the proceeds of North Sea Oil be divided between member states. This has long been a wish of France. Overall, I suspect very little net extra in the way of Scottish sovereignty would result, with Scotland exchanging a fairly large representation within the UK, for a tiny one within the EU. For many, if this meant being with the nice Europeans and not the hated English, these prices would be worth paying.
Nice to see all the lovely people on here wishing and praying that Scotland do badly and that the EU will gouge them like England does at present.
The pseudo Unionists on here whose first port of call is Scotland is shite and second is if they go Indy we’ll stomp all over them out of impotent pique are some of my favourite things about PB. Not that PB has any influence in the matter but these lads are only capable of turning views of the Union one way.
Nationalists hate England and already made up 45% of Scots even before Brexit.
I hope the remaining 55% still support the Union, maybe with devomax.
If not then I am afraid Westminster would take as hard a line with the Scottish government post Scexit as Brussels took with the UK government in Brexit talks
I am a nationalist. I do not hate England, or the English. I strongly object to your unfounded accusation, and would appreciate an apology.
Quite. Demand for autonomy and independendce is automatically assumed to be anti-English racism. It gets very tedious.
It's also their excuse for ignoring anything independistas say or want - for dismissing it.
I can only think of one poster who has displayed actual anti-English sentiment seriously, notable because of its uniqueness.
Without a shadow of a doubt the EU would let indy Scotland back in. They'd want to cause as much trouble as possible for ROUK, exceptions would be made. I would also be certain that adopting the euro would be a condition. Depending on how strong the EU felt their hand was (pretty strong I'd say) they might also demand that the proceeds of North Sea Oil be divided between member states. This has long been a wish of France. Overall, I suspect very little net extra in the way of Scottish sovereignty would result, with Scotland exchanging a fairly large representation within the UK, for a tiny one within the EU. For many, if this meant being with the nice Europeans and not the hated English, these prices would be worth paying.
Nice to see all the lovely people on here wishing and praying that Scotland do badly and that the EU will gouge them like England does at present.
The pseudo Unionists on here whose first port of call is Scotland is shite and second is if they go Indy we’ll stomp all over them out of impotent pique are some of my favourite things about PB. Not that PB has any influence in the matter but these lads are only capable of turning views of the Union one way.
Nationalists hate England and already made up 45% of Scots even before Brexit.
I hope the remaining 55% still support the Union, maybe with devomax.
If not then I am afraid Westminster would take as hard a line with the Scottish government post Scexit as Brussels took with the UK government in Brexit talks
I am a nationalist. I do not hate England, or the English. I strongly object to your unfounded accusation, and would appreciate an apology.
Quite. Demand for autonomy and independendce is automatically assumed to be anti-English racism. It gets very tedious.
It's also their excuse for ignoring anything independistas say or want - for dismissing it.
I can only think of one poster who has displayed actual anti-English sentiment seriously, notable because of its uniqueness.
Impressive getting the way he was last night at Systembolaget prices.
Without a shadow of a doubt the EU would let indy Scotland back in. They'd want to cause as much trouble as possible for ROUK, exceptions would be made. I would also be certain that adopting the euro would be a condition. Depending on how strong the EU felt their hand was (pretty strong I'd say) they might also demand that the proceeds of North Sea Oil be divided between member states. This has long been a wish of France. Overall, I suspect very little net extra in the way of Scottish sovereignty would result, with Scotland exchanging a fairly large representation within the UK, for a tiny one within the EU. For many, if this meant being with the nice Europeans and not the hated English, these prices would be worth paying.
Nice to see all the lovely people on here wishing and praying that Scotland do badly and that the EU will gouge them like England does at present.
The pseudo Unionists on here whose first port of call is Scotland is shite and second is if they go Indy we’ll stomp all over them out of impotent pique are some of my favourite things about PB. Not that PB has any influence in the matter but these lads are only capable of turning views of the Union one way.
Nationalists hate England and already made up 45% of Scots even before Brexit.
I hope the remaining 55% still support the Union, maybe with devomax.
If not then I am afraid Westminster would take as hard a line with the Scottish government post Scexit as Brussels took with the UK government in Brexit talks
I am a nationalist. I do not hate England, or the English. I strongly object to your unfounded accusation, and would appreciate an apology.
Quite. Demand for autonomy and independendce is automatically assumed to be anti-English racism. It gets very tedious.
It's also their excuse for ignoring anything independistas say or want - for dismissing it.
I can only think of one poster who has displayed actual anti-English sentiment seriously, notable because of its uniqueness.
Both StuartDickson and Fairliered were expressing outright anti-English sentiment yesterday. It's not racism but it is definitely prejudice.
A question - it seems it’s always a “top MP”, a “senior backbencher” etc who gets in trouble.
Can anyone remember a report like “X, a truly minor MP , who no one gives a shit about, was arrested…”
No, because of reporting bias; truly minor MP gets parking ticket isn't news at all. So you would expect "senior" to occur more in news reports than in real life.
She is one of 14 VPs of the European parliament. So, not quite nobody.
A question - it seems it’s always a “top MP”, a “senior backbencher” etc who gets in trouble.
Can anyone remember a report like “X, a truly minor MP , who no one gives a shit about, was arrested…”
Has to be said, being an MP is in itself a pretty big deal. Even for pondlife like O'Mara or Rees-Mogg. However minor they are compared to their peers (sic) they are not people 'no one gives a shit about.'
A question - it seems it’s always a “top MP”, a “senior backbencher” etc who gets in trouble.
Can anyone remember a report like “X, a truly minor MP , who no one gives a shit about, was arrested…”
Has to be said, being an MP is in itself a pretty big deal. Even for pondlife like O'Mara or Rees-Mogg. However minor they are compared to their peers (sic) they are not people 'no one gives a shit about.'
Quite: some at least of their constituents would care. And legislators committing crimes is always good for news pages; it is merely a bonus if the newspaper in question is a political opponent.
If Scotland ever goes indy and decides to join the process will be difficult and slow, as it always is
Would you want it to be impossible for them to be in the EU after independence or wouldn't you care?
I wouldn’t particularly care - unless it made Hadrian’s Border even harder
Why are you planning to give the Scots Northumberland?
Have a look at this abomination from the Northern Independence Party
That’s an interesting map. Sure the Cornish will be delighted.
Like the sort of thing I expect to turn up in a Kamil Galeev Twitter thread.
It was a ruse dreamed up between Owain ap Gruffudd and Henry Percy I. Their mutual kinsman Edmund Mortimer would have ruled the 'England' part.
It came to a rather abrupt end, insofar as it ever began, when Henry Percy was killed at Bramham Moor in 1408. But truthfully, it lost its only chance of succeeding when Henry IV defeated and killed Henry Percy II at the battle of Shrewsbury in 1403, which is before it was even drawn up.
Without a shadow of a doubt the EU would let indy Scotland back in. They'd want to cause as much trouble as possible for ROUK, exceptions would be made. I would also be certain that adopting the euro would be a condition. Depending on how strong the EU felt their hand was (pretty strong I'd say) they might also demand that the proceeds of North Sea Oil be divided between member states. This has long been a wish of France. Overall, I suspect very little net extra in the way of Scottish sovereignty would result, with Scotland exchanging a fairly large representation within the UK, for a tiny one within the EU. For many, if this meant being with the nice Europeans and not the hated English, these prices would be worth paying.
Nice to see all the lovely people on here wishing and praying that Scotland do badly and that the EU will gouge them like England does at present.
The pseudo Unionists on here whose first port of call is Scotland is shite and second is if they go Indy we’ll stomp all over them out of impotent pique are some of my favourite things about PB. Not that PB has any influence in the matter but these lads are only capable of turning views of the Union one way.
Nationalists hate England and already made up 45% of Scots even before Brexit.
I hope the remaining 55% still support the Union, maybe with devomax.
If not then I am afraid Westminster would take as hard a line with the Scottish government post Scexit as Brussels took with the UK government in Brexit talks
Utter rubbish , nationalists dislike the Westminster ( aka English ) Government ruling them. Very very few hate the English people , same as I am sure even though many on here purport to hate Scots most of them , you excepted , don't really.
I have been in London for the last few weeks and as my son is now responsible for the bills he is taking the "save energy / save money" dictum very seriously indeed.
He is out at work all day, wears thermals and goes swimming and cycling in his free time. So he does not really feel the cold. An electric blanket and extra blankets does for him.
I on the other hand have been working from home so a temperature of 10 degrees is a bit challenging. Fortunately, an old-fashioned fire and dressing like an extra in Dr Zhivago (snoods, wrist warmers & lots of layers plus hot water bottles) is seeing me through. Also keeping curtains closed and closing doors helps.
We updated the boiler this year so it all works more efficiently and has been properly serviced etc.
But all of this is fine in a generally well maintained house.
For people who are living in a draughty damp or poorly maintained property these sorts of steps don't really help that much, especially if you are old or have small children.
I grew up in such a flat when a child - my parents rented - and it had no central heating and could be perishingly cold and damp in winter. The landlord was utterly neglectful and the conditions got so bad that after my father died, the council served a Notice on the landlord under the 1952 Housing Act declaring the house to be unfit for human habitation and requiring a long schedule of works to be done. It is no fun at all living in such conditions - it is certainly no good for one's health as I can personally testify - and it is a disgrace that there are people still living in such conditions now.
Housing is - or should be - a big political issue: not just the construction of houses for purchase but its proper maintenance, having rented accommodation of a high standard and bringing poorly constructed and mantained property - whether owned or rented - up to high energy efficient standards.
You would have thought after the death of that poor little lad in Rochdale due to the consequences of excessive moisture in their home this would have brought about some desire for change.
All that has happened so far is the Head of the housing association has been removed from his job.
There is an activist who is regularly on TV talking about the dire condition of social housing, but it seems little is happening to remedy it.
As for building new homes, which are desperately needed, we are in full on Nimby mode as a nation.
Re houses - not in Scotland. A modest (if still arguably insufficient, but useful) programme of council house building. So it is possible. But where the difference lies I'm not at all sure.
The difference lies in political outlook. Scotland - left of centre, council houses good, equality good, decent standards of living good. England - right of centre, council houses seen as a sign of failure of ambition, equality - no, I want to be unequal, and richer than others, decent standards of living - as long as I’m all right, I not bothered about others. The differences in outlook are one reason for many Scots wanting independence.
Plenty of council houses in England even now, just the ambition of many to buy their council house not live in it forever with nothing to pass on to family.
Plus England is not that rightwing, Italy, the US, Australia, Switzerland etc all more right of centre western nations than England.
Most Scottish voters maybe social democrats but they are not socialists either
Aside from having a strong and distinct Scottish identity I'm far from convinced that Scots are notably (intrinsically) to the Left of the English.
The only thing that pulls them that way is historically lower levels of home ownership in the major cities, and some funny issues with land ownership in the Highlands.
Basically, too much tenancy.
Have a look at *any* election for the last 5 decades.
Edit: and, more important, in the cumulative total.
Why would he want the facts to ruin his bias Carnyx.
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Plus England is not that rightwing, Italy, the US, Australia, Switzerland etc all more right of centre western nations than England.
Most Scottish voters maybe social democrats but they are not socialists either
The only thing that pulls them that way is historically lower levels of home ownership in the major cities, and some funny issues with land ownership in the Highlands.
Basically, too much tenancy.
Edit: and, more important, in the cumulative total.
It's also their excuse for ignoring anything independistas say or want - for dismissing it.
A question - it seems it’s always a “top MP”, a “senior backbencher” etc who gets in trouble.
Can anyone remember a report like “X, a truly minor MP , who no one gives a shit about, was arrested…”
She is one of 14 VPs of the European parliament. So, not quite nobody.
Like the sort of thing I expect to turn up in a Kamil Galeev Twitter thread.
It came to a rather abrupt end, insofar as it ever began, when Henry Percy was killed at Bramham Moor in 1408. But truthfully, it lost its only chance of succeeding when Henry IV defeated and killed Henry Percy II at the battle of Shrewsbury in 1403, which is before it was even drawn up.
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