Results of Scottish Independence debate and upcoming events

Last Thursday, we tackled the divisive issue of Scottish independence and whether it would benefit the UK as a whole. Thank you to Alain English (one of the only Scots in the room it should be noted) and Simon Stiel for confidently presenting the case for independence, and to Jason Maude for partnering me on the opposition. As ever the audience Q&A decided the outcome of the debate with 5 people changing their minds over the course of the evening, so thank you to everyone who braved the cold to offer their views too.

You will find a full summary of the debate below, while our next event will be in the same place, same time (Old Cock Tavern at 7.30pm) on Thursday 16th February. Look forward to seeing you all then.

UPCOMING EVENTS THIS WEEK:
Tomorrow night, we will be dropping in our friends at the Sylvans debating society as they discuss the abolition of the monarchy. Join us at the Old Bank of England pub on Fleet Street for a prompt 7pm start. Admission is free for first timers while a small voluntary donation is requested of returning members.


SUMMARY:

This House Believes that the UK would be better off without Scotland

Preliminary vote: For 1, Against 6, Abstentions 5

Key arguments:

Proposition: If Scotland becomes independent it will allow the English to define their own culture more stridently as the Welsh and Northern Irish people can.

Opposition: English culture and how it is defined has nothing to do with the political ties between England and in any case if the purpose of disbanding the UK was to preserve English culture, we would be debating independence for England and not Scotland.

Proposition: Scotland should have the right to determine its own destiny as many other countries and autonomous regions of Europe have got the right to do. Scottish people must be able to choose how they control their own internal economy and politics.

Opposition: In practice, Scotland would still be dependent on the rest of the UK given the size of the national debt it will inherit and the fact that it won't be able to muster a sufficient military force.

Opposition: If Scotland leaves the UK the UK may well lose its seat on the UN security council and its place within the EU.

Proposition: Scotland should have the right to determine its own position on the world stage as a partner with the rest of the UK.

Proposition: If Scotland left England would be able to hold Westminster to account more than it does at present.

Opposition: With the loss of Scotland would come the loss of many Labour MPs. The Parliament would then be dominated by successive Conservative majorities significantly weakening accountability.

Final vote: For 1, Against 11, Abstentions 1

MOTION DEFEATED


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