Should Scotland Be Independent - Coursework Example

SHOULD SCOTLAND BE INDEPENDENT? Should Scotland be independent? Scotlands history s back to the onset of civilization. It is a member of the United Kingdom. In the early 13th Century, the Scottish people were involved in succession wars that threatened their unity. These Scottish wars were precedent by an Age of Reformation, which took a religious dimension. Division in the leadership of the Scottish people became a disaster following the adversity between Queen Mary and King James both of whom had followers. In effect, it split the nation (Hassan, 2014). The parliament of Scotland and that of England incorporated together in the 17th century under the Treaty of Union. In effect, Scotland would merge with the Great Britain. Campaigns about this treaty received divided reactions with a number of pro-unionists supporting it while the anti-unionists expressed their displeasure about it. The supporters were pleased that England and Scotland that had initially been querulous would unite forging a way for peaceful co-existence (Hawkins, 2012). However, there have been numerous campaigns for Scotland’s independence in the present day. Therefore, this research seeks to establish whether Scotland should be given independence to run its affairs as a sovereign nation. The research will purpose to establish solid reasons that favour Scotland’s independence, reasons for objection and finally proceed to draw an informed conclusion. For years, Scotland lacked permission to access the British colonies for purposes of trade following the Navigation Act. The union with England would permit access to the British Colonies and hence boost the then weak Scottish economy (Kerevan & Cochrane, 2014). In argument, Scotland would receive protection from the Great Britain. Following the historic civil discord in Scotland, many people dwelt in abject poverty. The state of insecurity had continued to increase over the years resulting in the oppression of the Scottish people. Unionism was a potential solution to these problems. However, those opposed to this union expressed their feeling that Scotland would turn into a province of England. For them, the union meant that England would dominate the economic, political and the religious fronts. On the economic front, an increased burden of taxation, English domination of trade and ruin of the Scottish manufacturing industry were anticipated (McCracken-Flesher, 2008). The adoption of the English currency and the flocking of English goods in Scotland markets ranked as potential economic threats. The advantages of the Union Treaty between Scotland and England overweighed the disadvantages leading to its adoption. This historical view presents a room for argument on the need for Scotland’s independence (McCrone & Linklater, 2013). Independence would make Scotland a sovereign state with its economy, finances, military, pensions, currency and a share of the United Kingdom debt. The push for Scotlands independence was taken as a question of law. According to the British law, the legality of any constituent member state attaining unilateral independence is arguable. It should match with the principle of the declarative theory of statehood as per the international law (Shaw, 2013). One can argue that only an independent Scotland can fully utilize its rich North Sea oil and gas for the optimal benefit of the people of Scotland. There has in the past underutilization of these natural resources upon which the economy of Scotland prides. According to the Scottish government, about sixty-four percent of the European Union’s oil reserves are in Scottish waters (Bambery, 2013). This oil is valued at about four trillion pounds. The oil and gas rich country could have stable financial and economic base to support its people given autonomy from the United Kingdom. Arguably, Scotland’s potential to enjoy full economic benefits from its richness in natural resources has largely been limited by tax policies. Punitive taxes imposed by the controlling block define the anticipated turnover from oil and gas trade. If Scotland were an independent country, one could expect friendly tax policies and proper control leading to a lucrative trade. Owing to the proven theory that all oil rich nations of the world have a productive economic base, Scotland would have a high national product and hence a high per capita income (Aguilera Barchet, 2014). This argument strongly supports the Country’s ability to sustain its economy. Through independence, the Scottish people can form new political structures. These structures led by people with political good will about their country can institute various reforms. Firstly, there are required changes in the natural renewable resource energy to boost the countys economy. Full utilization of the wind energy, the tidal power and the wave energy can have a great impact on the countrys industrialization. A government serving a people that gave it the absolute power to lead can execute these tasks correctly thus a need for independence. The argument that an independent Scotland can better control its defense and foreign policy is misleading. Independence would create a vacuum in the country’s leadership. The struggle by influential people to amass the country’s riches for individual gains are inevitable. Power struggles would result to the tearing of the nation through illegal militia groups. More dangerous nuclear weapons would find their entry into Scotland and thus destabilize the nation. Scottland should seek the help of the larger for continued support in the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament. Under its union with the United Kingdom, Scotland has built a strong cultural structure that it cannot afford to disintegrate by seeking independence (Kerevan & Cochrane, 2014). The Scottish people already have equitable representation in international organisations. Like any other nations of the world, Scotland is properly represented in the United Nations Organisation and European Union by the larger United Kingdom. Scotland enjoys respect and recognition worldwide due to its membership in the United Kingdom. Historically, the Scottish people today receive a justifiable treatment by the United Kingdom, which has been instrumental in creating national cohesion (McCrone & Linklater, 2013). Scotland’s union with the Great Britain has been in existence for centuries (McCracken-Flesher, 2008). The argument that the benefits of this union supersede its challenges has received a validation through the will of the people. The push for independence in Scotland received an adverse reaction from the majority of the population in both Scotland and the United Kingdom. This resistance emanates from Scotland’s involvement in building the British Empire, Industrial revolution and cultural exchange. The positive effects of each of these benefits are deeply rooted unto the minds of Scottish people (Rodrick, 2008). The stability of Scotland’s economy majorly depends on the union with the larger United Kingdom. One can argue that Scotland cannot sustain its expenditure without raising the tax rates after independence. The international influence the major state has over the global economy matters. On its own, the country could lose the perceived economic stability. Adverse effects on these links are inevitable in a break-off. Culturally, Scotland and the United Kingdom have shared a lot through intermarriages and immigration. The majority of these people share a common origin and destiny in the cultural front. Breaking off would bring a state of confusion to an ordinary persons with families divided between Scotland and the United Kingdom (Shaw, 2013). Scotland as a permanent member of the Security Council has much influence on international affairs and political matters. Independence would lead to its marginalisation. Larger states would impose stringent demands to Scotland as a relatively small country. The result would be an adverse effect on the nations economic relations and hence its downfall (Aguilera Barchet, 2014). The aftermath of Scotland’s independence could lead to change in various dimensions (Shaw, 2013). It is hard to predict whether the independent Scotland would maintain healthy relations with the United Kingdom or not. The question of whether the nation would adopt its currency and the United Kingdoms reactions to it could result in capital fights (Broadie, 2009). One can also argue that the problem of allocation of oil revenues to the various Scottish districts could lead to civil conflict. This problem has been a common feature of almost all the oil-producing nations of the world. Having analysed the state of affairs critically concerning Scotland’s secession from the United Kingdom, it is evident and unanimously agreed that there is no need for its independence. It is because of its minimal value that the majority of the people in both Scotland and the United Kingdom rose against its inception. Scotland’s independence would undoubtedly have adverse effects on the lives of the population. The few reasons for anti-unionism can get amicable solutions through negotiations and policy adjustments. These actions would help in the curbing permanent problems associable to the anticipated independence. It is a unity that nations of the world should purpose to create every single opportune moment rather than divisions. Unity does not come by seeking freedom. References Aguilera Barchet, B. 2014. A history of western public law. Bambery, C. 2013. A peoples history of Scotland. Broadie, A. 2009. A history of Scottish philosophy. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press. Broadie, A. 2009. A history of Scottish philosophy. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press. Crawford, R. 2014. Bannockburns. Hassan, G. 2014. Independence of the Scottish mind. Hawkins, J. 2012. Atlantis and other lost worlds. New York: PowerKids Press. Kerevan, G. and Cochrane, A. 2014. Scottish Independence. Stroud: The History Press. Kerevan, G. and Cochrane, A. 2014. Scottish Independence. New York: The History Press. McCracken-Flesher, C. 2008. Culture, Nation, and the new Scottish parliament. Lewisburg: Bucknell University Press. McCrone, G. and Linklater, M. 2013. Scottish Independence. New York: Birlinn. Rodrick, A. 2008. The history of Great Britain. Westport, Conn.: Greenwood Press. Shaw, J. 2013. Citizenship in an Independent Scotland: Legal Status and Political Implications. SSRN Journal. Read More