After a close vote last Thursday, Scottish citizens voted to remain a part of the United Kingdom.
The United Kingdom, made of up of Northern Ireland, Wales, Scotland, and England, united with Scotland in 1603. In 1707, however, The Acts of Union united England and Scotland under one Crown and Parliament. Nearly splitting the population down the middle with a vote of 45-55, the population remains divided and the future of the nation somewhat uncertain.
Upon the announcement of the vote according to an article in The Wall Street Journal, the crowd of divided supporters and oppositionists, gathered in Glasgow’s George Square, erupted in tension and disagreements. Though there were no injuries, authorities were forced to intervene arresting 11 citizens were on counts of public disorder offenses, including vandalism.
According to a CNN article, while many financial markets and governments around the world were reassured by the vote some were unsettled and unhappy about the results of the vote. The significant size of the independent movement, it’s large amount of supporters, and many dissatisfied opinions in regard to the vote in Scotland suggests that there could be another cry for independence within the next decade or two. This cry, according to The New York Times, gives Scottish citizens who want independence for the country a larger platform to press for greater powers and autonomy that British leaders promised during the campaign.
Alex Salmond, Scotland’s first minister and leader of the pro-independence Scottish National Party, announced his resignation, effective in November, shortly after the vote. Though he was proud of the pro-independence movement and its effectiveness, he said it was now time to hold British officials to their promises of greater autonomy for Scotland
UK Prime Minister, David Cameron, however said, “Like millions of other people, I am delighted.” Cameron added that this was an opportunity for the United Kingdom to make some changes and help ease the discontent among those who are unhappy with the current situation. Cameron said “a new and fair settlement” will be created for Scotland and the other countries in the United Kingdom.
Among the many supporters of the Scotland’s decision to stay part of the United Kingdom was Queen Elizabeth II. She said that the outcome will be met with a range of emotions, but is hopeful. She also said, “Now, as we move forward, we should remember that despite the range of views that have been expressed, we have in common an enduring love of Scotland, which is one of the things that helps to unite us all.”
One issue that is yet to be resolved, however, is Scotland’s stance on nuclear weapons. In his campaign for an independent Scotland, Salmond promised that if freed from British rule, Scotland would become a non-nuclear nation within five years of gaining independence. The location of the United Kingdom’s Trident nuclear submarine base in Scotland, which is due for potential renewal in upcoming years, is still the cause for much discussion. Had Scotland voted yes for their independence, plans for the removal of the Trident had been put in place. According to RT, a British news source, a former defence chief warned removing the UK’s Trident nuclear submarine base from an independent Scotland would “add a dangerous period of destabilization” to the UK’s “nuclear defense posture.” While the relocation of the case is very likely, it is causing a stir among British defense leaders due the astronomical price the relocation would cost the United Kingdom. If the need to relocate the Trident were to arise it could cost the nation upwards of billions of dollars and take at least a decade.