Do you think that Scotland will become a Republic in the next 20 years?

[laura-hanna]

It has been in the news recently that some people in Scotland want it to become a republic.

I personally belive that it shouldn't because Scotland has been united with England and Wales for over 500 years and that would probably cripple the Scottish economy. Many politians are Scotish ex Lib Dem leader Charles Kennedy and even our Own Prime Minster Gordon Brown is Scotish. Would England and Wales and even Scotland be able to cope with this divide.
Please discuss

Thank you

[Hamsterwaffle]

The end of the UK would be quite a strange thing constitutionally, I think we would become the Kingdom of England and the Kingdom/Republic of Scotland. Since we couldn't claim to be a United Kingdom as only Scotland, England and the united Ireland were Kingdoms.

[magicman92]

There is already a thread discussing this heated debate. Although you are discussing a slightly different question...

[laura-hanna]

I didn't know:) I'm new to this

[magicman92]

I didn't know:) I'm new to this

Don't worry - just helping out! Welcome to UKYP btw!:)

[laura-hanna]

Thanks for that. :o

[Samantha Stainforth]

I couldn't see Scotland becoming a republic. I wouldnt like an end to the UK

It seems to want to become independent though
It's already got its own parliament

Sam
xxxx

[cig1705]

No, I don't forsee Scotland becoming a republic. Firstly, even the SNP wants to retain Her Majesty as Queen in right of an independent Scotland. Secondly, I suspect that there's still a huge amount of warmth for Her Majesty the Queen: let's not forget that the Queen Mum was Scots bred and brought up, too. Moreover, I fail to see what benefits a republic would bring to Scotland other than having some upstart twerp wearing a sash that proclaims him to be President of Scotland.

Also, there is the evidence of Australia. 72% of federal electorates and all six states opposed the 1999 republic question, despite media, ALP and Aus. Greens backing of the model. Why? Because the Aussies knew that a republic would be no better than the Australian Crown. Now, if Australia, a country traditionally supposedly hostile to retaining links with the 'Poms', even if the link is only in a person and not constitutionally, would vote against a republic so decisively, I am certain that the Scottish are wise enough to vote the same way.

[Liam Hannan]

The Republican Ideal has a significant level of support amongst people, particularly in the northeast of scotland. The main reason it has not made it into any parties manifesto is it would be political suicide for the unionist parties and the SNP want to remain amiable relations with "our southern cousins" and feel that becoming republican would be a slap in the face to people south of the border.

I cannot remember seeing any polls on the subject - and I would be interested in a proper scotland wide survey. The assertations I'm making are through my own observations and the observations of my colleagues, as well as speeches given at ESU and courier debates, NUS meetings, party conferences, and generally in pubs, clubs and anywhere else I've talked politics with people.

And for the record, yes, I am a republican.

[magicman92]

And for the record, yes, I am a republican.
Like we hadn't guessed!

[cig1705]

The Republican Ideal has a significant level of support amongst people, particularly in the northeast of scotland. The main reason it has not made it into any parties manifesto is it would be political suicide for the unionist parties and the SNP want to remain amiable relations with "our southern cousins" and feel that becoming republican would be a slap in the face to people south of the border.

I cannot remember seeing any polls on the subject - and I would be interested in a proper scotland wide survey. The assertations I'm making are through my own observations and the observations of my colleagues, as well as speeches given at ESU and courier debates, NUS meetings, party conferences, and generally in pubs, clubs and anywhere else I've talked politics with people.

And for the record, yes, I am a republican.

UK-wide polls put the level of republican support at 15%. I doubt that Scots republicans number more than about 35% of the population. After all, in Australia, the most recent Newspoll on the subject showed that 45% were for a vague, undefined republic (that number would go down when a model, such as Parliamentary election or direct election is specified, as required by any referendum on the subject in the Commonwealth of Australia) with a majority opposed to any form of republic. And that's Australia, a nation today hardly associated with "Queen'n'country" flag-waving, Royal-anthem-singin patriotism.

[Liam Hannan]

As you say, those are UK wide polls.

I think we'd both be interested to see opinion polls among just the scots.

[cig1705]

As you say, those are UK wide polls.

I think we'd both be interested to see opinion polls among just the scots.

Perhaps, but I doubt that they'd be too much higher than UK-wide ones. I have sent an e-mail to Republic Scotland to see if they have any answers.

[Austin Sheridan]

It is possible but not any time soon.

[monorail]

I voted No, but that doesn't mean that I think it would cripple the country. I just don't see republican sentiment being very high in Scotland.

[Austin Sheridan]

I voted No, but that doesn't mean that I think it would cripple the country. I just don't see republican sentiment being very high in Scotland.

I agree with you i can see Scottish independence comeing but not a republic.

[monorail]

I agree with you i can see Scottish independence comeing but not a republic.

I'm not really sure that I can see independence coming soon. By the end of the century would be a fair bet; but no time soon, if you ask me.

[Austin Sheridan]

I'm not really sure that I can see independence coming soon. By the end of the century would be a fair bet; but no time soon, if you ask me.

I think if tory win the next UK election in 2010 Scotland will become independent. 2010 is when the SNP want to hold there referendum and torys are unliked in Scotland so there is a good chance in my view.

[cig1705]

Perhaps, but I doubt that they'd be too much higher than UK-wide ones. I have sent an e-mail to Republic Scotland to see if they have any answers.

Still no answer from Republic Scotland!

As for the monarchy, you probably aren't going to get a republic in the lifetime of the present Sovereign, independence or none. It's still unlikely even after that but perhaps with a slightly greater chance.

[Austin Sheridan]

Still no answer from Republic Scotland!

As for the monarchy, you probably aren't going to get a republic in the lifetime of the present Sovereign, independence or none. It's still unlikely even after that but perhaps with a slightly greater chance.

I agree we will not become a republic but i have a strong feeling Scotland will become independent in 2010.

[andrewmcgowan]

It has been in the news recently that some people in Scotland want it to become a republic.

I personally belive that it shouldn't because Scotland has been united with England and Wales for over 500 years and that would probably cripple the Scottish economy. Many politians are Scotish ex Lib Dem leader Charles Kennedy and even our Own Prime Minster Gordon Brown is Scotish. Would England and Wales and even Scotland be able to cope with this divide.
Please discuss

Thank you

No the union is over 300 years old.

[andrewmcgowan]

And for the record, yes, I am a republican.

Here Here :D

[Andy]

Last posts were under 2 years ago... Talk about brining up an old thread!

[andrewmcgowan]

Last posts were under 2 years ago... Talk about brining up an old thread!

I never actually realised Andy :p

I agree we will not become a republic but i have a strong feeling Scotland will become independent in 2010.

I should have realised when Austin said this :)

[The Modder]

Well, we'll see if he's right.

I won't be sad to see it go.