As a Scot who has only just recently moved abroad, I have continued to follow the independence debate with great interest through social media and news websites, all in the knowledge that I now can’t vote – and neither should I be allowed to. I would, however, like to ask all undecided persons (and NO voters) to focus not only on the consequences of a ‘YES’ vote, but to also consider the long-term consequences a ‘NO’ vote would have too. A ‘NO’ vote will send a very clear message to Westminster. You can now ignore us, because you cannot lose us. A ‘NO’ vote isn’t simply to cancel out the ‘YES’ vote. It doesn’t just neutralise the potential risks that would be created by a ‘YES’ vote, it carries with it its own risks. Remember that a ‘NO’ vote is an active choice too, and it also has real consequences. To quote David Cameron “...this decision is not reversible....Its not a general election...This is a decision about not the next five years, its a decision about the next century.” Whatever we decide, we have to live with the consequences for the rest of our lifetimes. My question, and worry, is this – if we vote ‘NO’ next week, then what incentive does Westminster have to focus on Scotland’s needs in the future? Its taken until the very end of the campaign, amid a neck-and-neck result in the polls, for Westminster to finally offer up a timetable for more powers. Those powers are not guaranteed, they are subject to those politicians staying in power after the next general election, and more than that, upholding their word. Again, what incentive would they have to uphold their word, when not to do so would have no real repercussions? Worse than that, what if another government gets in that, once again, we didnt vote for and, once again, doesnt represent Scotland? By voting ‘NO’ we will have shown our hand, and given up all potential leverage for the future. As I said at the beginning - a NO vote will send a very clear message to the parties ruling now and in the future at Westminster. You can ignore us. You cannot lose us. Just please consider the full impact of this message on Scotland’s future.
Posted on: Thu, 11 Sep 2014 10:35:13 +0000
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