[Marxism] Blair says independence for Scotland would be crazy -- so idea must be catching on

["Fred Feldman" <ffeldman@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

And, of course, Mary, Queen of Scots, not to mention Wallace, got what was
coming to them.. 
Everybody should be thanking God they didn't win in the end. Makes me want
to watch Braveheart again. 
Fred Feldman



Independence for Scotland would be crazy, says Blair 
Patrick Wintour and Severin Carrell
Wednesday January 17, 2007
Guardian
Tony Blair yesterday marked the 300th anniversary of the Act of Union by
warning that "it would be crazy for Scotland to be wrenched out of the UK". 

Labour is seeking to focus Scottish voters on the dangers of the
independence route offered by the Scottish National party. Questions were
also raised about the legality of an SNP plan for a referendum on the union
if it holds power after elections on May 3. 

Mr Blair said at Downing Street: "If Scotland ends up with an independence
bill and referendums on Scottish independence, then you are just going to
create a situation of enormous uncertainty and instability." He has sent a
close adviser, John McTernan, to help direct the Labour campaign, largely
based on the consequences of independence, a formula that worked four years
ago. 

The SNP chose the anniversary to unveil a poster campaign saying the union
had been foisted on Scotland. In Edinburgh, the party's leader, Alex
Salmond, likened Mr Blair and Gordon Brown to the "parcel of rogues" who,
according to contested history, agreed to union without the people's consent
- the phrase of Robert Burns alleges Scottish parliamentarians were bribed
with English gold. 

Mr Salmond said: "Those in the London parties who would deny the people
their right to choose are the political reincarnation of the 'parcel of
rogues' of 1707 who sold Scotland away." 

The pledge was undermined by Jim Sillars, the former SNP deputy leader.
Civil service guidance, revealed under freedom of information legislation,
says it would be ultra vires for MSPs to vote for a referendum, as changing
the constitution is reserved for Westminster. 

The Lib Dems said they would not cooperate with a referendum if they were in
a coalition government. A Scotsman poll found 36% for the union and 31%
against, contradicting polls putting support for independence at more than
50%. 
Guardian Unlimited C Guardian News and Media Limited 2007




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