Scotland Pushes For Independence From the UK
Posted by Alicia Waters on Thursday, September 18, 2014 at 12:00 AM
By Alicia Waters / September 18, 2014
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By this time tomorrow, the future might look very different for the United Kingdom. Today, Scottish voters decided whether to end Scotland’s 300 year union with England and Northern Ireland. Polls in Scotland were open until 10:00 PM Scottish time (or 4:00 PM Central Time), and millions of citizens have shown up to cast their ballots. The results of the election are expected early Friday morning.
The issue has sparked sharp controversy over the future of Scotland.
Why Independence?
The Yes Campaign — the Scottish movement to separate — believes Scotland would be better off financially as an independent nation. According to the Yes Campaign’s website, an independent Scotland would make moves to close the gap between the rich and the poor by making changes that would benefit working-class citizens. The two major political parties have already committed to abolishing the controversial Bedroom Tax and putting a living wage into effect in Scotland. And, as the Yes Campaign’s site states, Scotland can afford it:“Scotland has a strong and diverse economy, with high-performing sectors including oil, manufacturing, food and drink, tourism and energy.”Some critics have questioned whether the pound would continue to be used as Scotland’s currency. The Yes Campaign maintains that the pound would continue to be Scotland’s currency, as there would be no benefit to either side to change it.
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