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“The position of the UK Gov’t is that there is no lawful, democratic path to Scottish independence for an unspecified number of decades”.
This will change Union from one based on consent to one that survives only by force of law.
Me in @thetimesscot 1/6 https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/denying-a-referendum-will-change-the-union-c3b6bsk2g
This will change Union from one based on consent to one that survives only by force of law.
Me in @thetimesscot 1/6 https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/denying-a-referendum-will-change-the-union-c3b6bsk2g
Accompanying news story 
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Of course a referendum risks the Union itself. But denying one that people have voted for would change the Union fundamentally, ending the long era of voluntary partnership.
The Union would just be a legal construct 2/6 https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/johnsons-refusal-to-grant-referendum-will-corrode-the-union-qs6wdnjmc
. Of course a referendum risks the Union itself. But denying one that people have voted for would change the Union fundamentally, ending the long era of voluntary partnership.
The Union would just be a legal construct 2/6 https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/johnsons-refusal-to-grant-referendum-will-corrode-the-union-qs6wdnjmc
Unionists need to decide whether they want to save the Union by convincing enough people to support & cherish it or by hardline legal tactics. It’s one or the other. This new ‘muscular’ unionism feels more like ‘know-your-place’ unionism 3/6 https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/boris-johnson-must-change-tactics-for-future-of-uk-tmwwj6z9k
On the other hand, nationalists cannot again peddle the 2014 fantasy that independence means continuity in most things.
It would be highly disruptive with huge challenges, especially on the fiscal position.
Their task is to convince people the rewards would be worth it 4/6
It would be highly disruptive with huge challenges, especially on the fiscal position.
Their task is to convince people the rewards would be worth it 4/6
Nor is federalism a viable middle way . & the case for it misses 2 points.
1. England has abandoned its historic restraint as the senior partner in the Union, esp during Brexit process
2. By electing huge numbers of SNP MPs, Scotland has largely opted out of UK politics
5/6 https://twitter.com/ciaranmartinoxf/status/1355942531188609030
. & the case for it misses 2 points.1. England has abandoned its historic restraint as the senior partner in the Union, esp during Brexit process
2. By electing huge numbers of SNP MPs, Scotland has largely opted out of UK politics
5/6 https://twitter.com/ciaranmartinoxf/status/1355942531188609030
For the launch of the longer paper on this based on my experience helping to negotiate the terms of the 2014 referendum see
Will be joined by leading historian Sir Tom Devine and Dean @NgaireWoods @BlavatnikSchool
Paper will be online this evening. https://www.bsg.ox.ac.uk/events/scotland-and-independence-referendums-short-and-long-term-reflections
Will be joined by leading historian Sir Tom Devine and Dean @NgaireWoods @BlavatnikSchool
Paper will be online this evening. https://www.bsg.ox.ac.uk/events/scotland-and-independence-referendums-short-and-long-term-reflections
