World Security

An Independent Scotland might well not be a weak nation, will not be a poor state but will not gain top table status, especially if run by a centralizing, overspending and smug government.

The United Kingdom, broken up by the independence of Scotland, will doubtless be diminished, certainly in the short and medium term.  And that will have an adverse impact on world security and stability.

Any perception that the UK's break up weakens it, will weaken her impact and influence in NATO, multiplying the effect current force reductions.  The reality of Scottish Independence with the subsequent uncertainty over Trident basing will create a shock wave amongst  the allies, and some mirth to say the least in Putin's front office.

The UK's voice in the UN Security Council may be deemed to be toned down - and perhaps her veto questioned.

Scotland is not a colony growing up to make its own way in the world. Scotland is a partner in a Union that has been a world leader and possible the most successful force for good, security and stability, despite an imperfect past.  Churchill might have said that the Union might not always have been perfect, but it has made a most impressive contribution.

I hope Scots will not follow the narrow inward looking selfishness so smugly exuded by Salmond and his people.

No call for bad mouthing First Minister.

As a former Chairman of UKIP in Scotland, I am appalled at reports that Coburn, a UKIP MEP, speaking in London, called the Scottish First Minister a racist, and I deplore the language and rhetoric used by both Coburn and Thackeray, the current unelected chairman of UKIP in Scotland.  Being “in your face” is not the basis upon which a political party can build a respectable image.

UKIP proper has the right perspective on the key issue of British Sovereignty; the twin objectives of keeping the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland intact, and of regaining the sovereignty we have already lost to the European Union.  Those messages have created the momentum which is seeing the rise of UKIP as a major political party in the UK; indeed, the surge created brought its gain in Scotland too.  

Putting forward a positive message is needed; not the vindictive, puerile personal disparagement of elected government ministers.

A fine example of a positive pro UK message is one which, I have long advocated: That the United Kingdom’s MPs should represent us all both in Parliament in Westminster, and also in four national parliaments

It is as wrong to slate the First Minister as it was for idiots to mob Nigel Farage on the Cannongate in Edinburgh.

Unfortunately, UKIP in Scotland is now gaining a less than palatable reputation; something which UKIP elsewhere has with increasing success combatted.   Little wonder that Better Together are concerned the modus operandi of UKIP in Scotland, and the distraction their rally may cause.