Letter to Voters in the Scottish Referendum

[Oh dear - a long gap, and then the best I can manage is a straight lift from another blogger - but this from Paul Salvesen seemed worth duplicating....]

I have been asked by my Prime Minister, Mr Cameron, to write to you to say how important our historic link with Scotland is. As an obedient citizen, I must comply with his request and ask you to consider a number of points before casting your vote in the independence referendum on September 14^th.  Scotland has always been a dynamic and progressive force within the UK, producing not only some outstanding politicians (Keir Hardie, John Wheatley and, let’s be fair, Gordon Brown) but writers such as Burns, Scott and Stevenson, painters including ‘The Glasgow boys’ and any number of hugely talented engineers. As far as railways go, you gave us the Forth Bridge, the ‘Cardean’ class of locomotive, and the great locomotive builders of Springburn. And, let’s not forget Scotland’s greatest gift to the world, whisky.

So why leave? Staying within the UK will allow you to enjoy the continuing benefits of London government and its continued attachment to neo-liberal politics. Instead of being left undefended by a reckless nationalist government in Edinburgh, you will have a new generation of Trident submarines to keep you safe. On your occasional visits to London you will have an outstanding transport system to enjoy, as a result of the disproportionate investment going into the capital’s infrastructure. All subjects of the Empire will benefit from this, however infrequently you may chance to visit - and HS2 will allow you get to London far more quickly. The many tunnels will avoid any unpleasant views of derelict industry and decaying housing in the north of England, that may blight your view en route.

By voting for independence you will hasten the demise of ‘Great Britain’ as we know it. An independent Scotland would be free to go its own way and instigate the sort of policies which have resulted in places like Norway, Sweden and Denmark becoming bywords for profligacy, welfare spending and egalitarianism. Public spending has been diverted away from defence into building new railways and improving schools and hospitals. Everyone is forced to cycle. Is this the sort of world you want your children to grow up in? And think about the effect of Scottish independence on the rest of our United Kingdom. Wales will be next, wanting to go its own way ‘within Europe’. Here in the North of England, the 15 million subjects of the crown may get increasingly restless and want their own government. A scenario could open up of a ‘federal’ Britain with the power of London considerably reduced. Is this really what you want? If you prefer things to carry on pretty much as they are, please support our Prime Minister and vote 'No'.