By Sosamma Samuel-Burnett, J.D.
Founder/President, G.L.O.B.A.L. Justice
“Today of all days as we bring Scotland together, let us not dwell on the distance we have fallen short, let us dwell on the distance we have travelled and have confidence the movement is abroad in Scotland that will take this nation forward,” — Alex Salmond, Scotland’s First Minister.
A major political question has come to close for the United Kingdom, at least for now. Scotland’s referendum on whether to become an independent nation went before the Scottish people yesterday and the results were concrete. With votes in from all 32 council areas , the “No” side won with 2,001,926 (55%) votes and the “Yes” with 1,617,989 (45%).
But what does this “No” victory mean for Scotland going forward? The central questions have revolved around political powers and governing authority. At this juncture, Scotland’s First Minister Alex Salmond seeks unity but also resolution on the issues that generated the call for independence, namely the need for greater powers in governance. UK’s Prime Minister David Cameron is certainly glad for the result but also needs to honor his commitments to those extra powers, including new powers over tax, spending and welfare. But, Cameron also wants a more integrated approach to the affairs of Scotland by the other segments of the UK, namely England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. All of this may indicate continued debate and negotiation for what are the rights and duties of each.
Although these and other political concerns are central, another key issue relates to economics. One of the major concerns that likely influenced the “No” vote is the realities of separating from the UK and its implications in the global market. Despite England’s strained economy, it still serves as a major economic power globally. And while Scotland has functioned quite independently culturally and geographically, the weight of becoming a economic player in the global market may have been too heavy a price for independence. The impact on the Scottish market, at least in the short or medium term, make it difficult to pursue independence without an aggressive and clearly outlined economic strategy.
Lastly, the issue of cultural independence also must be balanced against national security. England continues to have one of the strongest military forces in the world. While Scotland has not been at the center of global conflicts in recent years, the global threats that loom require careful consideration of not only how the Scottish will defend themselves but how they will fund it. The referendum also requires the Scottish to look to their own defense and their role in the defense of the U.K. more broadly.
Despite the economic and security realities, there is a context in which independence can and must be viable. Thomas Jefferson outlined the context in the U.S. Declaration of Independence:
“That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. “
What the result of the 2014 Scottish independence referendum implies is that while there are grievances and sufferings among the Scottish, they may have been offset by the realities of geopolitics and the global market. The Scottish people in essence have voted to not take lightly their connection with the U.K. and to endure unless and until the a “long train of abuses and usurpations” rises to the level of duty. Independence at that point will no longer be a question.