Should Scotland be an independent country?
Yes, it should leave the UK
Side Score: 1
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No, it should stay in the UK
Side Score: 1
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Back in 2014, more people wanted to remain in the Union than to leave it, but since last year's EU membership referendum (the Scottish voted to remain but the UK as a whole voted to leave) it is likely that more people would support Scottish independence so they don't lose their EU privileges. Potential reasons to leave the UK - Retaining EU privileges - Scottish nationalism; Scotland has its own devolved government but is still controlled by Westminster (England) Potential reasons to stay in the UK - If Scotland left, it would go from being part of a relatively significant country to a small one. However, some of this may be offset by continuing EU membership as this would guarantee it trade - Scotland's economy would rely heavily on oil reserves in the North Sea which are being depleted There are other reasons for both sides; however, these are some of the main ones. Side: Yes, it should leave the UK
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Scotland should Definitely be allowed a second referendum, primarily because one of the main campaign themes of the Stronger Together campaign was that if Scotland went independent their membership of Europe would be in doubt. It's impossible to know what the results of this referendum would have been if it happened today, rather than in 2014, so there should be a second go. However, I think it's better for Scotland to be part of the UK. 1.) Scotland has more power within the UK than it would within Europe (or the world); and with both of them, the UK would have more power in bargaining with Europe and the World with both together. 2.) Scotland, whilst having more of the rapidly depleting north sea oil reserves, is a net recipient of tax income, meaning the chances are good they'd require longer periods of austerity. 3.) The bulk of Scotlands trade is not with Europe, but with the UK (about 4x). If free trade was lost as a result of Brexit, Scotland will have to manage non-free trade with Europe, or stay in europe and manage non-free trade with the UK. The business links between Scotland and England are far more broad and entrenched potentially making the impact of trade changes devastating. Side: No, it should stay in the UK
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