Baseline Argument Essay- Should Scotland have voted to become independent from the UK?

           In the magazine, Upfront (published on September 15^th), there is an article called “Will Scotland Break Away?” written by Patricia Smith. This article is about how the Scottish were voting for independence, on September 18^th, from the United Kingdom. Scotland were once an independent country, after winning the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314, but then became part of the UK in 1801 because of bankruptcy. Scotland and England have always had an on-going tension, going all the way back 2,000 years ago when Emperor Hadrian built Hadrian’s Wall. This history of tension is once again causing a vote for independence, which was decided as an overall ‘No’ vote. Scotland made the right decision to vote ‘No’ to independence as they lack many functions needed to make an independent country.

            One thing that Scotland would have to do if they became independent would be to make their own currency. This would have been very difficult to do, not only because they would have had to be recognized as a stable economic country but also they would have had to introduce their own currency or change currencies. Although Scotland is now using the pound as their exchange, it is part of the United Kingdom’s currency and therefore would not belong to the Scotland if they were to be become independent. “Would an independent Scotland still use the British pound as its currency or switch to the euro?” There would be a problem if they were to leave the pound because the euro may not accept them, as they wouldn’t be a high functioning economic power. This proves hard for the Scottish to become part of a currency and to be noticed as a functioning economic power as they would have to start fresh as an independent country.

            Adding on, Scotland has tried to become independent before but have come running back to the UK for unity. “Tensions between Scotland and England go back 2,000 years, …he built a 75 mile long wall to keep the ‘Barbarians’ out. This shows that although Scotland was independent before, they were practically forced to be and the English didn’t care. This contradicts the situation now because the English and Scottish are not ‘enemies’ as they were and therefore they would go to each other for help, as they have done in the past causing the United kingdom to form. Also, “In 1707, a bankrupt Scotland agreed to enter a union with England.” This quotation shows us that the Scottish do look for support from the rest of the UK. If they were to become independent, what’s to say they would come running back to the UK if something went wrong? Would the UK even help them? These questions show that Scotland aren’t strong enough to become independent and may repeat the past and come running back to the UK for help. They don’t have the stamina to build an independent country from the history that they have.

            Although Scotland lacks many functions in becoming its own country, it has a strong distinct culture and power, which makes it unique from the whole of the United Kingdom. “…Always maintained a distinct culture: Playing bagpipes, eating haggis, flying the blue and white Scottish flag rather than the union jack, and mean wearing kilts.” This quotation shows us that the Scottish are very proud to be Scottish and as they show a distinct culture, portraying themselves as ‘an independent country.’ This tells us that Scotland are helped by their distinct native culture as it defines them not only as part of the UK but also their own country, as they most generally fly their own flag and not their nation’s flag. “Then in 2011, the Scottish National Party, which favours independence, won a majority in the Scottish parliament.” This quote tells us that as a political party has been elected, that is in favour in Scotland becoming independent, which shows many people in agreement with independence. The statement shows us as readers that there are many supporters of independence and they are pleased with their distinct culture and feel as if they can become independent. It shows that most people in Scotland already feel independent, so why not make it official?

            Despite their distinct culture helping the independence campaign, Scotland still lack many things to make the step official. The ‘No’ result shows that although there are many supporters of independence, there are just as many against it, which must be for a reason. The ‘No’ vote will surely cause havoc and dispute and maybe another campaign for independence will occur. But we have to think about the independence in the long run. Scotland just isn’t ready to become independent as they don’t meet all of the requirements and it could have long lasting negative effects.