Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon Proposes 19 October 2023 As Date For An Independence Referendum

 

CNBC/Reuters: Scottish government seeks independence vote in October 2023 

* Scotland is to seek an independence vote in October 2023, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said Tuesday. 

* Sturgeon said she would be writing to British Prime Minister Boris Johnson for permission to hold a consultative referendum. 

* Johnson and his ruling Conservative Party strongly oppose a referendum, saying the issue was settled in a 2014 referendum. 

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said on Tuesday that the Scottish parliament would publish an independence referendum bill with a planned date for a vote on secession to take place on Oct. 19, 2023. 

Sturgeon said she would be writing to British Prime Minister Boris Johnson for permission to hold a consultative referendum, saying it was vital the vote was legal. 

She said the issue would be referred to the UK Supreme Court.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: Too soon to call and independence vote after the last referendum. 

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon Proposes 19 October 2023 As Date For An Independence Referendum  

Scottish leader calls for new independence vote next year -- AP  

Scottish govt announces plans for second independence referendum next October -- France 24 

Scottish independence: 19 October 2023 proposed as date for referendum -- BBC 

'Now is the time': Nicola Sturgeon lays out her plans for new Scotland independence referendum -- Euronews 

Scotland's Sturgeon proposes independence referendum in 2023 -- DW

Scotland's First Minister Launches Campaign For A New Independence Vote

 

The Guardian: Sturgeon plots alternative route to Scottish independence vote next year  

First minister claims there is a legally secure path to holding referendum without Westminster’s approval 

Nicola Sturgeon plans to stage a fresh Scottish independence vote late next year without authority from Boris Johnson’s government, in a move likely to provoke lengthy legal battles. 

The first minister said on Tuesday she would update Holyrood on her plans “very soon indeed” as she released a report claiming Scotland should aspire to match the prosperity rates of small European countries such as Denmark and Ireland after independence.  

Read more ....  

Update #1: Scotland leader launches campaign for new independence vote (AP)  

Update #2: At a glance: Scottish government publishes independence paper (BBC)  

WNU Editor: The entire European continent (including Scotland) is facing high inflation, energy price shocks and shortages, and the fear of war. I doubt independence is the priority for most Scots right now.

Scottish Leader Nicola Sturgeon's Party Is Promising A Second Independence Referendum After The Pandemic

 

Reuters: Scottish nationalists lay groundwork for second independence referendum 

LONDON (Reuters) - The Scottish National Party published a "Roadmap to Referendum" on Saturday, laying out plans for another vote on Scottish independence just as the United Kingdom grapples with COVID-19 and the impact of Brexit. 

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who would have to agree to a new referendum, argues there is no need for a new vote after independence was rejected by Scottish voters in 2014. 

But the SNP has said that if it wins a parliamentary majority at elections scheduled for May 6, it will pass its own bill so that a referendum can take place once the pandemic is over. 

Read more .... 

Update #1: SNP Sets Out Independence Vote Plan as Judge Weighs Ruling (Bloomberg) 

Update #2: SNP MPs boast they are 'focused on undermining the union' despite coronavirus crisis as Nicola Sturgeon vows to hold fresh Scottish independence referendum WITHOUT go-ahead from Boris – and poll shows she could WIN (Daily Mail). 

WNU Editor: From my experience. countries that break up always end up suffering for a long period of time. I have personally experienced the damage that the break-up of the Soviet Union brought. The divisions that now split Ukraine. And the province of Quebec (Canada), where I live and where the issue of independence has set back the economy and social cohesion for generations. 

I also saw the damage that the break-up of Czechoslovakia, and need I remind anyone on what happened when Yugoslavia broke up. 

If Scotland wants to be an independent nation, my advice to them is to be very clear on the question, and to not sugarcoat what the consequences will be. 

Update #3: According to the Scottish nationalists, there is majority support for independence .... Scottish independence: New poll is 20th in a row to put Yes vote ahead (The National).

Scotland's First Minister Says She Wants Another Referendum After Last Night's 'Overwhelming' SNP Election Victory

BBC: Election results 2019: Nicola Sturgeon says PM has 'no right' to block Indyref2

Nicola Sturgeon says Boris Johnson has "no right" to stand in the way of another Scottish independence referendum after an "overwhelming" SNP election victory.

Scotland's first minister said the result "renews, reinforces and strengthens" the mandate for Indyref2.

During the campaign, the prime minister said he would reject any request to hold an independence referendum.

But Ms Sturgeon said it was "the right of the people of Scotland".

Read more ....

WNU Editor: Prime Minister Johnson says no .... UK's Johnson tells Sturgeon there will be no new Scottish referendum (Reuters)

More News On Scotland's First Minister Saying She Wants Another Referendum After Last Night's 'Overwhelming' SNP Election Victory

Nicola Sturgeon insists second vote on Scottish independence is now a 'democratic right' because of SNPs 'watershed' general election which saw party win 48 of 59 seats in Scotland -- Daily Mail
Battle ahead: Scotland party leader vows independence push -- AP
Scotland's UK election results deliver another independence mandate, says First Minister -- ABC News Online
SNP victory puts Scottish independence back in the spotlight -- Al Jazeera
‘Irresistible force of Scottish independence meets immovable object of BoJo majority’: Alex Salmond on Tory ‘wipeout’ in Scotland -- RT
Nicola Sturgeon admits she 'got overexcited' with her fist pumping celebration of Jo Swinson losing her seat amid backlash over SNP leader's 'graceless and nasty' response -- Daily Mail

Scotland's Leader To Seek A Second Independence Vote Over Brexit

The Guardian: Scottish independence: Nicola Sturgeon fires starting gun on referendum

First minister to seek second vote on leaving UK, saying Theresa May has failed to move an inch over Brexit negotiations

Nicola Sturgeon has triggered a fresh constitutional battle over Scotland’s future after announcing plans to stage a second independence referendum within two years.

Accusing Theresa May of thwarting Scotland’s desire for a special deal with Europe, the first minister confirmed she plans to hold the vote between autumn 2018 and spring 2019 unless the UK government offers substantial last-minute concessions.

Sturgeon said the prime minister’s refusal to discuss full Scottish access to the single market and to threaten heavy restrictions on the new powers for Scotland after Brexit made a second referendum all but inevitable.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: The EU has just poured "cold water" on Scotland's plans to push for an independence vote so that they could then rejoin the EU .... EU says independent Scotland would have to join queue to apply for membership (The Independent). But such a referendum call has more to do with Scottish independence from the U.K. .... and that is where the focus will be .... than on rejoining the EU which may take years (if not longer).

More News On Scotland's Leader Seeking A Second Independence Vote Over Brexit

Theresa May accuses Sturgeon of offering Scotland 'more uncertainty and division' - Politics live -- The Guardian
Scotland's leader seeks new independence referendum -- AP
Scottish leader demands new independence vote before Brexit -- Reuters
Scottish independence: Nicola Sturgeon to seek second referendum -- BBC
Brexit Prompts Scottish Independence Push Amid U.K. ‘Intransigence’ -- Bloomberg
Scotland plans to request second independence referendum -- Euronews
Scottish Leader Seeks New Vote On Independence: 'It Will Be Scotland's Choice' -- NPR
The Scottish economy has strengths – but can it make a success of independence? -- Larry Elliott, The Guardian
Why Scotland's Independence Is Back on the Table: QuickTake Q&A -- Robert Hutton, Bloomberg

Poll: No Appetite For A Second Scottish Independence Vote

A still image from video showS Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon speaking following the results of the EU referendum, in Edinburgh, Scotland, Britain June 24, 2016. REUTERS/UK PARLIAMENT VIA REUTERS TV

Reuters: Scots against second independence referendum despite Brexit vote: poll

The Scots do not think there should be a second independence referendum, a poll showed on Sunday, days after Britain voted to leave the European Union despite strong Scottish support for remaining a member of the bloc.

The Survation poll showed 44.7 percent of people think Scotland should not conduct a second independence referendum, compared to 41.9 percent in favor of a fresh vote. In September 2014 Scotland rejected independence by 55 percent to 45 percent.

The prospect of a second referendum has been raised after Britain as a whole voted to leave the EU last week, despite results showing a large majority of Scots supported remaining within the bloc in every region of Scotland.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: Support for Scottish independence is now at 59% .... Poll puts support for Scottish independence at 59% (Scotsman) .... but there is no support for a second referendum. Talk about contradictions. But I do know one thing .... this 59% is the most that it will be .... as the issue of Brexit dies with time, these numbers will also go down.

Scotland's Referendum -- News Roundup

Scottish Referendum: Scotland Votes 'No' To Independence -- BBC

Scotland has voted to stay in the United Kingdom after voters decisively rejected independence.

With the results in from all 32 council areas, the "No" side won with 2,001,926 votes over 1,617,989 for "Yes".

Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond called for unity and urged the unionist parties to deliver on more powers.

Prime Minister David Cameron said he was delighted the UK would remain together and said the commitments on extra powers would be honoured.

Read more ....

Scotland's Referendum -- News Roundup

How Scotland voted (Interactive Map) -- Reuters
Scottish independence referendum results: A detailed breakdown of the vote -- National post

UK remains united after Scotland referendum -- AP
Scots spurn independence in historic vote but demand new powers -- Reuters
Scotland votes 'no' to independence in historic referendum -- CNN
Scotland Rejects Independence as U.K. Vows Extra Powers -- Bloomberg
In decisive vote, Scotland rejects independence, sticks with the U.K. -- Washington Post
Cameron promises devolution across UK after Scottish No vote -- Irish Times
British PM Cameron says Scottish independence issue settled 'for a generation' -- Reuters
Now Cameron poses the ENGLISH question: As Scotland rejects independence, PM threatens to tear up the constitution by declaring it is now time for 'English votes for English laws' -- Daily Mail
Scotland Votes 'No' To Independence From Britain -- Radio Free Europe
Salmond concedes defeat, demands more Scottish powers fast -- Reuters
Defeated Salmond warns London to keep its promise on more powers for Scotland -- Euronews
55% Of Scots Say 'No' To Independence From UK -- RTT
Scotland voters reject independence -- Al Jazeera
Scotland votes 'No' to split from UK in independence referendum -- RT

Relief, not euphoria, for UK markets as Scots vote to stay -- Euronews
Cheers and tears from winners and losers in Scotland referendum -- Reuters
Scottish referendum: The morning after the No before -- BBC
Scottish referendum: Glasgow No supporters celebrate with cheers at dawn -- BBC
EU chief Barroso hails Scots result, welcomes EU commitment -- Reuters
NATO glad Britain to remain united after Scots vote -- Reuters

Scotland votes to stay in UK: world reaction -- The Telegraph
EU relief at Scotland result tinged with fear -- Irish Times
How Scotland's 'No' vote resonates around the world -- BBC
Scotland votes 'No': Many nations will welcome verdict -- BBC
The agony of defeat: Public reaction Scottish referendum -- RT
Scots Begin to Reconcile After a Tough Battle -- Megan Gibson, Time
Pro-'Yes' Glasgow is introspective after Scotland opts to stay in UK -- CSM

Special Report: Scotland stays in UK, but Britain faces change -- Alistair Smout, Kylie MacLellan and Kate Holton, Reuters
Scotland: Who Won? Who Lost? -- ABC News
The winners and losers of Scotland’s historic referendum -- Washington Post
Scotland's No vote doesn’t mean satisfaction with the way things are -- Margaret Evans, CBC
U.K.'s price for keeping Scotland: More autonomy -- USA Today
Scotland votes 'No': How the 'No' side won the referendum -- Vanessa Barford, BBC News
Fear of the financial future turned Scotland away from independence -- The Telegraph
Neverendum: 'Not at this stage' -- Douglas Frasier, BBC
8 reasons why Scots voted ‘No’ to independence -- RT
Why Scotland's 'No' vote will relieve UK allies and make an EU exit less likely -- Andrew Hammond, Special to CNN
What Scotland's 'No' vote means for David Cameron -- Robin Oakley, CNN

Scotland Referendum: Live Updates

WNU Editor: This post on the results of Scotland's referendum will stay on top for the next 12 hours. For new posts/news stories .... scroll down.

Scotland Referendum On Independence: Live Updates

BBC 5: LIVE -- BBC Radio
Scottish independence: Live blog -- Scotsman
Scotland Decides: Live -- BBC
Scottish referendum: Live -- Reuters
Scotland referendum: Live Report -- AFP
Scottish referendum: Scotland decides 'yes' or 'no' to independence - live -- The Guardian
Scottish independence referendum live: Latest news as Scotland decides Yes or No -- Independent
Scottish Independence Voting Results: Live -- The Telegraph
Live: Scotland referendum poll results announced after historic independence vote -- Mirror
Scottish independence referendum LIVE -- Express
Live Scotland results: Referendum counts from 32 councils on day of reckoning for Yes and No voters -- Belfast Telegraph
LIVE: Scottish referendum -- Irish Times
Live Blog: Scotland Votes On Its Independence -- NPR
Live: Follow Scotland’s historic vote from an Edinburgh pub -- France 24
Watch live as Scotland makes history (VIDEO) -- Global Post
Live: Scottish independence verdict nears -- Euronews
Scotland referendum: Live updates on independence vote -- Toronto Star
Live coverage: Scottish independence vote -- CTV News (Canada)
Live: Scottish independence referendum result -- Sydney Morning Herald
LIVE: As Scots vote on independence from UK, each camp trying to expose other's 'lies' -- Zee News
Scottish independence referendum LIVE UPDATES -- RT

WNU Editor: Finally, for those who enjoy observing events on the ground, here is a live webcast from the ground in Scotland:

According To CNN The Scottish Referendum Vote Result Is 58% Yes, 54% No

My Comment: It looks like someone is definitely excited in CNN on Scotland declaring independence with 110% of the vote.

Hat Tip: Zero Hedge

First Results Declared In Scottish Referendum: No 54%, Yes 46%

Scottish Independence: First Referendum Results Declared -- BBC

The first results are coming in for the referendum to decide whether Scotland should stay in the UK or become an independent country.

Clackmannanshire was the earliest to declare, with "No" winning 19,036 votes and "Yes" on 16,350 on an 89% turnout.

Counting will be carried out through the night, with individual results announced for each of Scotland's 32 local authority areas.

The final national result is expected after 06:30 BST (05:30 GMT) on Friday.

A YouGov on-the-day survey published shortly after polls closed suggested "No" was on 54% and "Yes" on 46%.

The survey questioned 1,828 people after they voted, together with the postal votes of 800 people, although it is not a traditional exit poll.

YouGov said its responses suggested there had been a small shift from "Yes" to "No" on polling day, and also that "No" supporters were slightly more likely to turn out to vote.

Read more ....

My Comment:  If these results hold .... the dream of Scottish Independence is going to be put on hold for next few years .... if not longer.

Breaking News: Scotland Exit Poll Suggests 54% Scots Voted No, 46% Voted Yes

WNU Editor: This news is from The Guardian.

If Scotland Votes 'Yes' How Much Gold Will They Get From The The Bank Of England?

Gold bullion in the vaults at the Bank of England. The posters on the walls remain from the time during World War II when it was used an underground staff restaurant. Daily Mail

Ownership Of UK Gold Up For Negotiation If Scotland Votes "Yes" -- Reuters

(Reuters) - An independent Scotland could lay claim to a part of the United Kingdom's 310-tonne gold reserves if votes go in favour of the "Yes" campaign this month, with ownership of Britain's bullion hoard up for negotiation along with other assets.

"The distribution of the UK's assets in the event of Scottish independence would be subject to negotiation between an independent Scottish Government and the continuing UK government," a spokesman for the United Kingdom Treasury said on Monday.

The United Kingdom, whose reserves are worth 7.84 billion pounds ($12.6 billion) at today's prices, is currently the world's 18th largest official sector gold holder.

Read more ....

My Comment: Here is an easy prediction .... if Scotland does vote Yes (which I doubt) .... economic/financial/Gold/division of assets/debt/etc. .... this is where the fireworks between Scotland and Britain will really break out.

Will Scotland Vote For Independence?

My Comment: I do not live in Scotland .... and I will confess that I am slightly ignorant on the issues that have framed this independence vote. But .... I have experienced and lived through independence votes in the past (Ukraine, Quebec) ... and it is in this context that I am making this analysis. To begin .... I just do not feel that the passion is there for a Yes vote to succeed. There is also a great deal of uncertainty .... especially on economic issues. People want and need to feel reassured that if they vote for a change .... their standard of life will not change .... that life will go on (if not better). Have the Yes side made their case on this critical issue .... maybe .... but from where I am standing I am not getting that guarantee that would be important for me. But that is just me.

In the end ... people will vote Yes because to them it is a new start and a hope that their Scottish cultural identity will be preserved. The ones who will vote No will do so because of economic reasons .... and a loyalty towards the U.K..

My prediction .... the undecided will swing and vote No .... the final result will be 58% No, 42% Yes.

What Will Be The Impact On The U.K. Military If Scotland Votes For Independence

British Military Mulls Implications Of Vote For Scottish Independence -- The Guardian

Much negotiation lies ahead if Scotland leaves the UK, not least a debate about the strategic benefits of nuclear weapons

A vote for Scottish independence would place a question mark over the future of Trident and infuriate the US, the UK defence establishmentand the Royal Navy's top brass in particular. However, the likelihood is that an accommodation would have to be reached over conventional defence issues, such as air defence, maritime surveillance bases, radar stations, and air-sea rescue services and over Trident. The navy's nuclear submarine port at Faslane and nuclear warhead depot at nearby Coulport in western Scotland is the only Trident base in the UK.

Read more ....

More News And Analysis On What Will Be The Impact On The U.K. Military If Scotland Votes For Independence

Naval chiefs: Scottish independence will do 'immense damage' to Forces -- The Telegraph
Hard Times Await UK Armed Forces if Scotland Secedes -- RIA Novosti
If Scots vote for independence, Britain’s nuclear subs might need a new home -- Stars and Stripes
Royal Navy Faced With Tough Sub Choices If Scotland Leaves U.K. -- USNI
UK’s Nuclear Missiles Could Be Headed for the US if Scotland Wins Independence -- Vice News
EXCLUSIVE: Send British nukes to US if Scotland votes Yes say military chiefs -- Express
Farce of part-time air force: Independent Scotland would be forced to run air force that could operate only in office hours, military analysts suggest -- Daily Mail
How easily could Scotland set up its own armed forces? -- The Telegraph
Salmond demands £10bn tartan army: Ships, jets, helicopters, troops...they're all in SNP's sights if Scotland votes Yes -- Daily Mail
Scottish independence: Ex-military warn over 'Yes' vote -- BBC
Scottish independence: 'Heroes, generals and rank-and-file soldiers' appeal to voters to reject separation -- Auslan Cramb, The Telegraph
Scottish Soldiers Join Battle Over Independence -- Newsweek/Reuters
Ex-NATO commander blasts ‘dangerous’ defense plan for independent Scotland -- RT
UK Ex-Military Chiefs Warn Scotland’s Separation to Undermine Common Security -- RIA Novsoti
Scottish independence: Defence is new battleground -- Scotsman
Scotland Warned Armies Don't 'Grow Overnight' -- SKY News
An independent Scotland will need its own army, navy, and air force — and that could be a problem -- Peter Vine, The Week/War Is Boring
Scottish independence will weaken British defence and security - but it'll be worse for Scotland -- Mirror
Scottish independence: You and whose army? -- The Economist
UK Ministry of Defence Has ‘No Contingency Plan’ for Scottish Referendum Split -- Damien Sharkov, Newsweek
Scotland Risks Swiss-Like ‘Hollow Force’ With Separate Military -- Kari Lundgren, Bloomberg Businessweek
Future of Scotland's Defense Enters Debate -- FOX News
Vote for Scottish independence would make 'UK more vulnerable to terror attack' -- Dion Dassanayake, Express
A Scottish 'Yes' Also Means Exit from EU, NATO -- John-Thor Dahlburg, Military.com/AP
Scottish Independence Would Make The Whole UK Vulnerable To Terror Attack, Military Officials Warn -- Huffington post
Scottish independence: how would Scotland defend itself? -- Claire Phipps, The Guardian
Why the Pentagon Should Care About Scotland's Referendum -- Emma Ashford, Foreign Policy
Daily question: What might a Scottish defence force look like? -- Cameron Buttle, BBC
Factbox: How UK and an independent Scotland might split up a nation -- Reuters
How Does The British Military Split With An Independent Scotland? -- Christopher Harress, IBTimes

Scotland Goes To The Polls To Vote On Independence

Scots Vote On Independence, United Kingdom's Fate On Knife-Edge -- Reuters

(Reuters) - Scotland voted on Thursday on whether to stay within the United Kingdom or end the 307-year-old union with England and become an independent nation in a finely balanced referendum with far-reaching consequences.

From remote highlands and islands to the tough city estates of Glasgow, people were almost equally divided over a vote watched closely by Britain's allies, investors and restive regions at home and abroad.

Pre-voting opinion polls gave the "No" campaign - those in favor of remaining in the United Kingdom - a slight edge. But hundreds of thousands of people still making up their minds held the key as polling stations opened.

Read more ....

More News On Scotland Going To The Polls To Vote On Independence

Scottish referendum: Live -- Reuters
Scottish referendum: Scotland decides 'yes' or 'no' to independence - live -- The Guardian
Scottish independence referendum live: Latest news as Scotland decides Yes or No -- Independent
LIVE: As Scots vote on independence from UK, each camp trying to expose other's 'lies' -- Zee News
Scottish independence referendum LIVE UPDATES -- RT

Scottish independence: Voters turn out in droves -- Scotsman
Scottish independence: Voting under way in referendum -- BBC
Scottish independence: decision day arrives with many still undecided -- The Guardian
Scottish independence campaign - live -- The Telegraph
Scots decide whether to declare independence -- AP
Scotland independence referendum: Voters line up to decide fate of U.K. -- CBC/AP
Scotland Heads to the Polls for Independence Vote -- NYT
Scots turn out to vote in independence referendum -- Washington Post
Record Turnout Expected as Scots Vote in Independence Referendum -- NBC
Scotland's voters make their choice in independence referendum -- CNN
Scotland Heads to the Polls to Vote on Independence -- Time
Scotland Votes in Pivotal Independence Referendum -- WSJ
Scotland independence vote underway -- Al Jazeera

Scottish independence: Poll gives No slender lead -- Scotsman
Support for Scotland staying in United Kingdom at 53 percent: Ipsos -- Reuters
Final poll puts No ahead by six percentage points -- Independent
Scotland set to REJECT independence... but only just, as 'No' campaign takes a six point lead over Alex Salmond -- Daily Mail
Scotland 'to Remain in UK' - Last Poll -- Novinite

Enthusiastic Dundee Yes campaigners confident of win -- Irish Times
Voter Intimidation Grips Scotland as It Votes on Independence -- Daily Beast
The man determined to shatter the UK: He is a gambler and former Maoist rabble-rouser who favoured direct action. Whatever else Salmond might lack, it is not self-belief -- Daily Mail
Newspapers mark Scotland's historic day with Burns and banners -- Reuters
Yes or No, Edinburgh hotels and bars win big in Scottish vote -- Reuters
Scottish referendum ballot explained -- RTE

Global Audience Watches as Scots Go to the Polls -- Voice of America
Scottish independence: How the world has reacted -- The Telegraph
Obama weighs in on Scottish independence vote -- CNN
Obama urges UK to remain 'strong robust and united' in last-minute intervention on eve of referendum -- Daily Mail
French split on Scottish independence -- The Telegraph

In pictures: Scotland goes to the polls -- BBC
Scotland decides - in pictures -- The Guardian
Scotland Independence Vote In Photos: Minister Alex Salmond, Alistair Darling Head To The Polls -- IBTimes

What time will we know if it is a Yes or a No win? -- The Telegraph
When will the result be announced -- The Independent

U.K. In Panic Mode With Reports That A Majority Of Scots Now Favor Independence

Supporters Of Scottish Independence Take Narrow Poll Lead For First Time -- Reuters

(Reuters) - Supporters of Scottish independence from Britain have taken their first opinion poll lead since the referendum campaign began, indicating a real possibility that they might win, according to a YouGov survey for the Sunday Times newspaper.

With less than two weeks to go before the Sept. 18 vote, the poll put the "Yes" to independence campaign on 51 percent against "no" camp on 49 percent, overturning a 22-point lead for the unionist campaign in just a month, the Sunday Times said.

YouGov said that the results excluded those who would not vote and those who did not plan to vote or did not know how they would vote. With those groups included, secessionists would be on 47 percent and those championing the United Kingdom would be on 45 percent, it added.

Read more ....

Update #1: Pro-UK parties plan Scottish referendum fightback -- AFP
Update #2: UK In "Full Panic Mode", Rains Brimstone, Bribes On Scotland As "Yes" To Independence Poll Crosses 50% -- Zero Hedge

My Comment: These polls remind me of Quebec's vote for independence from Canada in 1995. At that time (a week before the vote) support for independence was in the majority (for decided voters), but on election day the majority of undecided swung to the NO side making up for the difference in a squeaker of a a vote (51% NO, 49% Yes).

Update: Here are two good articles on the Quebec referendum and what .

Scottish independence: Lessons to be learnt from 1995 Quebec campaign -- The Independent
Neverendum referendum: Voting on independence, Quebec-style -- BBC

What Happens To Britain's Trident Base If Scotland Says Yes To Independence

HMS Astute sailed into the Clyde and up the Gareloch to Faslane. BBC

MoD Fears For Trident Base If Scotland Says Yes To Independence -- The Guardian

Whitehall looking at plan to designate home of nuclear fleet as sovereign United Kingdom territory

The British government is examining plans to designate the Scottish military base that houses the Trident nuclear deterrent as sovereign United Kingdom territory if the people of Scotland vote for independence in next year's referendum.

In a move that sparked an angry reaction from the SNP, which vowed to rid Scotland of nuclear weapons as quickly as possible after a yes vote, the government is looking at ensuring that the Faslane base on Gare Loch in Argyll and Bute could have the same status as the British sovereign military bases in Cyprus.

Read more ....

More News On What Happens To Britain's Trident Base If Scotland Says Yes To Independence

Scottish trident base claims a 'preposterous threat', says SNP deputy -- The Telegraph
Trident submarine base: No 10 disowns MoD's Faslane sovereignty proposal -- The Guardian
Britain mulling sovereignty over Scottish nuke base: report -- FOX News/AFP
Trident sovereign territory in Scotland claim denied -- ITV
George Kerevan: Beware Cyprus repeat at Faslane -- Scotsman
Scottish government says no place for Trident in independent state -- Financial Times
Trident could take a decade to dismantle, says Hammond -- The Guardian

Will Scotttish Independence Force Britain Into “Unilateral Nuclear Disarmament”?

Britain Will Lose Nuclear Capability For 20 Years If Scotland Votes For Independence -- The Telegraph

Britain would lose its nuclear deterrent for two decades if Scotland votes for independence because it would no longer have the capability to house Trident submarines.

Scottish independence will force the remainder of the UK to abandon nuclear weapons for at least two decades, according to report by MPs published today.

The Commons Scottish Affairs select committee said it would be possible to move Trident submarines and their missiles from their base on the Clyde within two weeks of separation.

However, the construction of replacement facilities south of the Border could take up to 20 years, they said, effectively forcing the UK Government into “unilateral nuclear disarmament”.

Read more ....

My Comment: Will this force Britain to give up the Trident submarine .... probably not. They will quickly find some alternative that will be both expensive and hazardous .... but they will find a way. As to the idea of Scottish independence .... like Quebec independence in Canada (where I live) .... it is not going to happen.

An Independent Scotland Will Be Nuclear Free

Photo: Her Majesty's Naval Base (HMNB) Clyde, Scotland. Wikipedia

Independent Scotland Would Ban Nuclear Weapons But Join Nato -- The Telegraph

Alex Salmond has promised SNP members a separate Scotland will have a written constitution banning nuclear weapons if they reverse their decades-long opposition to Nato.

The First Minister said the document would include a clause declaring weapons of mass destruction illegal, meaning the UK’s Trident submarine fleet would have to be moved from its base on the Clyde.

He made the pledge to placate his party members ahead of their conference later this month, at which they will vote to reverse SNP policy on an independent Scotland being part of Nato.

The Nationalists have opposed membership for years because the alliance is based on nuclear weapons, but this stance has severely undermined the credibility of their defence policy in the debate over separation.

Read more ....

More News On Scotland's Position In Regards To Nuclear Weapons And NATO If It Votes For Independence

Scottish independence: We’ll stay in Nato but ban Trident, says Alex Salmond -- Scotsman
Scottish constitution would ban nuclear weapons -- Herald Scotland
SNP to 'ban Trident' in constitution -- Defence Management
First minister's proposal seeks to ban all nuclear weapons from Scotland -- Examiner
Leaders: Constitutional questions go beyond Nato membership -- Scotsman

Scotland To Vote For Independence In 2014

Scottish To Vote On Independence In 2014: Minister -- Reuters

(Reuters) - Scotland will hold a vote in 2014 on independence in what could result in the eventual breakup of Britain, a British government minister said on Tuesday.

The announcement ended months of stalemate between the Westminster government in London and the Scottish devolved administration in Edinburgh.

"What will happen is that Westminster will devolve the power to the Scottish Parliament to hold a single-question referendum on whether Scotland should be in or out of the United Kingdom," Scotland Office minister David Mundell told Sky News.

"We anticipate that happening in autumn 2014."

Read more ....

Update: Scottish independence: Deal struck for single-question referendum in Autumn 2014 -- Scotsman.com

My Comment: I lived in the Soviet Union when it broke it up .... and I now live in the french province of Quebec in Canada .... where we have had our fair share of referendums on independence. If you want to vote for independence .... God bless you .... but prepare for the consequences which I can tell you right now are not going to be pretty.