Can Scotland declare independence, like the USA did? - @JulieAir1

SOME 241 years have passed since the USA ceased to be a settlement under British rule. The reasons for the secession are numerous, but include a somewhat amusing story about tax on tea.

The Boston Tea Party of 1773 was a protest against taxation without representation, which saw more than 300 chests of tea destroyed in Boston Harbour.

While this example may seem humorous, it goes some distance to show the extent to which Britain has historically overestimated its importance to the rest of the world. Indeed, the United States would prove to be a successful independent nation, free from the constraints of colonial rule and monarchy.

I must admit that it would be thrilling to be involved in the drafting of a Scottish constitution. After all, if we’re the sexiest nation on Earth, it would be madness to omit this fact from a document delineating the framework of the nation.

Scotland has plenty of reasons to seek independence from the greedy hands of Westminster, and the more boisterous independence supporters may well seek an “indy at all costs” approach.

However, I hope we can achieve the goal of independence through polite negotiations and gentle persuasion of undecideds. Nothing will irritate Westminster more than a victory for independence that is achieved by peaceable means.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Tories listen to the voice of the people ... if it suits them

What’s your take on this week’s Brexit events? – Donald, Aberdeen

IT’S been a dramatic week on the Brexit front. David Davis has been assuring us that he has “huge contingency plans” if no deal is made for Britain leaving the EU. However, only a week ago, he told us that there has been zero economic analysis of a scenario where no such deal is reached.

Other irritating quotes included Theresa May touting Brexit as “a deal so good, you won’t need indyref2”. However, in truth, this was like touting a leap off a cliff as “so good, you won’t need a parachute”. Nigel Farage also claimed he would leave Britain if Brexit is a disaster, which was akin to a man who set fire to his own house saying that he would move next door if it burns down.

Ironically, it was the parties in favour of Brexit that couldn’t stop talking about division this week. Tories were making speeches about the importance of a union on Tuesday, before their boss triggered legislation to leave one on Wednesday.

Thankfully, our sexy ScotRef was given the go-ahead in the Scottish Parliament. However, this wasn’t achieved without aggressive objection from Unionists. At one point, the Presiding Officer had to halt proceedings so that Ruth Davidson’s teddies could be put back in her cot. Moreover, Labour, the LibDems and Tories voted against the Greens’ amendment to give 16 to 17-year-olds, and EU nationals, the vote in indyref2. Worse yet, Tories are now questioning the sovereignty of the Scottish Parliament.

The September 2014 referendum has become the Unionist equivalent of England’s 1966 World Cup win. In their minds, this single vote allows them to discount the fact that Scots elected a pro-indy majority Scottish Parliament to instigate indyref2 in the event of Brexit. Indeed, what alarms me presently is the sheer disregard Unionists have for democracy. Tories might claim the SNP do not represent Scotland. However, by their own logic, this would mean that the Tories do not represent the UK either; the argument undermines democracy.

Furthermore, the Scottish people elect the Scottish Parliament. How can Unionists say that they stand for one but not the other?

The Tories need to learn that the voice of the people does not only apply when convenient to their own agenda. The Conservatives cannot override the ScotRef vote without cutting off the democratic avenue altogether. That is extremely dangerous.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Benidorm belly will feel worse after Brexit

When we lose our EHIC card after Brexit, how much will medical insurance be on top of a £200 holiday to Benidorm? – @aberdeentaxi1

SINCE 2005 or so, the European Health Insurance Card has been an invaluable asset for British holidaymakers and drunken festival attendees alike. Citizens of all 28 EU member states are eligible for this card, which is available free of charge. While it doesn’t act as a substitute for travel insurance, it does at least guarantee Europe-wide access to state-run hospitals for those who carry the card.

Sounds good, no? Well, according to Tory Britain, it’s something we can do without. As the UK prepares to leave the EU, it must also prepare for the loss of several international benefits for its citizens, including this one.

The National:

It is my guess that a trip to Benidorm will involve anything from sunburn to food sickness and alcohol poisoning, as well as any physical injuries sustained while dancing.

Naturally, when ill, you would want to be able to access the closest possible hospital for treatment. Without EHIC, this cannot be guaranteed, meaning that you might end up enduring great pain or discomfort for longer than you would otherwise need to.

So, while I can’t possibly estimate the additional cost of medical insurance or treatment once the EHIC becomes unavailable to you, I can suggest that obtaining treatment may become a more convoluted process for post-Brexit Brits, and this sucks. Naturally, the solution is to move to Scotland, vote Yes in our second referendum and guarantee your place in the European Union!