Information Related to "The Scottish Question"
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The Scottish Question |
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Scotland has voted to establish its own national parliament. What does this mean for the future of the United Kingdom? by Darris McNeely |
What would William Wallace-depicted in the blockbuster movie Braveheart-think had he lived to see citizens of Scotland decide by a three-to-one margin to establish a national parliament-in the long run leading to events that could possibly threaten a union with England that has lasted nearly three centuries? Further, would he have been happy to see Scotland united with England in the first place?
On the 700th anniversary of the Battle of Stirling Bridge (1297), where Scottish forces under Wallace's leadership defeated the English and achieved a measure of self-rule, voters took back the legislative power given to England in 1707. It was in that year that the United Kingdom was formed with the union of England, Scotland and Wales. The Scottish parliament was dissolved and merged with the English parliament at Westminster. This came nearly a century after the English and Scottish crowns were united under King James of the house of Stuart.
The United Kingdom-where to and where from
Elections in 1999 will set up a new Scottish legislative body with the authority to enact laws governing many aspects of Scottish life. The new body will have responsibility for most domestic-policy matters including education, health care, housing, transportation and criminal justice. The British government will retain power over the national economy, currency, national defense and foreign policy. Scotland will remain a part of the United Kingdom, but with a new role and new responsibilities.
What this will mean for the future of England is a fiercely debated issue with many unknowns. While some observers in the two countries feel this will strengthen both England and Scotland, others fear it will diminish Britain's already-uncertain position within the greater European community. The role of those Scottish members remaining in Britain's parliament remains to be determined as questions arise over their influence on parliament's policies.
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