Support for Scottish independence rises after London warns on pound

[MyUserName]

That only a problem for Mrs Scooter. Not the rest of the family. There is no requirement form Westminster, as it stands, for former UK citizens to give up their passport.

Oh, I see. I would guess if she qualifies for a dual passport UK by birth and Scottish by marriage then she would have one unless the Scottish government refuses.

Unless Westminster decide that is the case for those born in Scotland. That would say a lot about out the strong ties we've formed over 300 years, which and independent Scotland would be looking to maintain whilst Westminster would think of Scotland as a foreign country.

This seems like Scotland is trying to wrangle the best of both worlds here. Independent when it suits them and joined when it suits them. If Scotland votes for independence then they should have it IMHO. A clean break into a new separate country with all of the privileges and responsibilities that entails. Once that happens and Scotland is solidified as it's own country we can look into diplomatic relations in the same way we do with any other country.

[doodab]

And if I don't choose? I feel like we've been here before. Will someone choose for me?

Yes, the people who vote in the referendum and perform any subsequent negotiation should it be a "yes" will ultimately decide your fate.

[scooterscot]

You should be ashamed!

Are you aware that, by ridiculing the Holocaust by comparing it to the Scottish cause, you are committing "Holocaustleugnung" and you risk up to 5 years in prison in Germany?

Who mentioned the H word? And why do you not understand what 'persecution' means? Let me help:

"unfair or cruel treatment over a long period of time because of race, religion, or political beliefs"

Help me understand where you read 'mass murder' in there.

[Ticktock]

And if I don't choose? I feel like we've been here before. Will someone choose for me?

Yes (and no).

If you don't choose then you will remain a UK national. Taking up Scottish nationality would be a proactive choice, as would renouncing UK citizenship. The same as just living in Scotland would not automatically make you Scottish or force you to renounce whatever nationality you may already hold.

Unfortunately, what this would probably mean is lots of "ex-pat Scots" choosing to keep UK citizenship for the rights it entails, while clamouring on about "Free Scotland" and wanting the best of both worlds. A bit like Salmond then.

[petergriffin]

Who mentioned the H word? And why do you not understand what 'persecution' means? Let me help:

"unfair or cruel treatment over a long period of time because of race, religion, or political beliefs"

But that was the whole foundation of the British Empire. You Scots actually received preferential treatment. Think of the Irish and the Indians, killed in their hundred of thousands. Think of the concentration camps for the Boeren in SA.

You want to talk about imperialism, fine! But don't use Scotland as an example because you guys really had an easy time.

[scooterscot]

Yes, the people who vote in the referendum and perform any subsequent negotiation should it be a "yes" will ultimately decide your fate.

Well that sucks. I feel belittled, powerless, in receipt of ill treatment because of my race, some might even say.... Oh never mind.

[doodab]

Leaving aside Scooper's nonsense, I expect that everyone would keep their existing (ie UK) citizenship unless they wish to change it to Scottish. Anyone born in Scotland would get Scottish citizenship but would be eligible for UK citizenship through their parents. And obviously Scotland would stop issuing British passports and start issuing British ones, but any current passports would still be valid.

They're not going to do some massive switchover, it'll be phased in as necessary.

That might work within the UK but in the wider world it's hardly going to be an independent country if all it's citizens and ministers continue to travel on a British passport is it. Whose embassy or consulate will they approach in the event of a problem? What about all the rights within the UK that UK citizenship entails?

No doubt a massive switchover would be impractical but I don't think having no plan at all is any better, and that seems to be what they have at the moment.

There is also the question of education. A scot with a UK passport would get the same deal on UK education as a UK citizen as opposed to charges being uncapped as they are for foreign students. Why should that be the case when they already don't give citizens of rUK the same deal as Scots get?

[Bunk]

That might work within the UK but in the wider world it's hardly going to be an independent country if all it's citizens and ministers continue to travel on a British passport is it. Whose embassy or consulate will they approach in the event of a problem? What about all the rights within the UK that UK citizenship entails?

No doubt a massive switchover would be impractical but I don't think having no plan at all is any better, and that seems to be what they have at the moment.

They can't do it based on who voted for independence either though, since that would be anonymous.

[VectraMan]

If you don't choose then you will remain a UK national. Taking up Scottish nationality would be a proactive choice, as would renouncing UK citizenship. The same as just living in Scotland would not automatically make you Scottish or force you to renounce whatever nationality you may already hold.

And what happens to the next generation? And after that? In 100 years time, will Scots still get UK passports just because their great-grandparents didn't give up theirs?

It's almost as if the whole idea is crazy.

[MyUserName]

*scratches head*

Seriously - how the hell is this supposed to actually work?