Let's get rid of Scotland

Let's get rid of Scotland

17 Mar 2004

The panel debate the motion ‘Let’s get rid of Scotland’. Chaired by Joan Bakewell.

Arguing in favour of the motion are Alex Salmond, Neal Ascherson, and Kevin Myers.

Alex Salmond states that Scotland and England each have the right to self-determination. He explains how the impotence of the Scottish parliament means that they are unable to forge any kind of enduring change for their country

Neil Ascherson argues that Scottish independence would have many benefits for the English. He suggests that an independent Scotland would offer England the chance to rediscover and redefine 'Englishness'; a chance to wipe away the enduring impression of an Englishman as a football hooligan and a thug.

Kevin Myers begins by launching into a diatribe against the modern state of Scottish society compared to the Scotland of the past. He compares England to the long-suffering parents of an adolescent child. It's about time, Myers suggests, that they showed Scotland the front door and told it to stand on its own two feet.

Arguing against the motion are Helen Liddell, Magnus Linklater, and Jamie McGrigor.

Helen Liddell states that if you vote to get rid of Scotland, you are voting for an end to the United Kingdom – the same United kingdom that is enjoying the lowest unemployment rates in the G7.

Magnus Linklater argues that since the seventeenth century, Scotland has been a beacon of culture, civilisation, and democracy. He believes that, since devolution, Scotland has matured and now has no-one else to blame for its mistakes – perhaps the English should do the same.

Jamie McGrigor argues that the union between England and Scotland created one of the most enduring and successful free-trade zones in the world – why would we want to lose that? He believes that both countries have prospered economically and culturally from the union, and that both the Scottish and the English should be proud of what their countries have achieved together.

First vote: 102 For, 130 Against, 89 Don't know

Final vote: 159 For, 131 Against, 25 Don't know

The motion is passed by 26 votes.