NHS Scotland

[baggiematt]

I think you've answered the question there. Discontent in Scotland is why some English people want them toleave the United Kingdom. Whereas there is little of it in Wales.

In answer to your next question, I would say there are lasting industries in Scotland which Wales and Northern Ireland don't have such as ship building, oil, fishing and whisky - these just off the top of my head. There are probably others too that I can't think of.

As for your last point, we can make that argument in abundance with other regions or nations in the UK. Cornwall and Wales being top of the list. Should we cut them off too? Why shouldn't London or the South East annex itself off from the rest of the UK as it is the major economical region? In my view, it would weaken us to break the UK. And the more affluent areas of the UK should support the weaker ones.

Of course, the Tory Government which has been in power for 40 of the last 50 years has neglected some of these places, especially midland/northern towns and cities - including West Bromwich. What we find on here is people cracking off at Scotland. The anger runs in the wrong direction and again, its just small mindedness in my view.

You're wrong for suggesting there is anger towards the Scots or that considering an existing arrangement that isn't working for two parties is 'small minded'. it's small minded to stay in an arrangement that isn't suiting it's people just because 'it's nice' to do so or being scared of change. The rhetoric of being stronger in numbers is just an old phrase but holds no weight in actual decision making.

You can name a few industries that are in Scotland but it's not an answer around what they really bring economically. Oil is a volatile industry and will be a temporary industry at it's current value. Fishing is renowned as being a tiny industry as highlighted quite rightly by the anti-brexit brigade. The important articles and reports which talk about a countries worth all state that Scotland would be in dire straights outside of the UK as their economy isn't strong per capita compared to the rest of the UK - mainly because of how strong London is economically. This tells you that we would be economically stronger without them. So if the arrangement isn't working for their people, what is the problem? We won't lose our good relationship with them, we can still trade with them and they will still be an allied nation.

It's their call if they want to leave, as they get the referendum but I haven't talked about other areas because those other areas haven't got a strong political case for change. But if Wales got a strong enough case for change as their people may want to go in a different direction, so be it. But we should always ask the same questions when they arise.