Caledonian Craig

I think you may have heard wrong. I saw this and believe he was talking about Tommy Wright at St Johnstone.

The only reasoning behind it that I can see of benefit to the SNP is that it will (according to all polls) give them an extra 10 to 15 seats and a chance to prove they have a mandate from the Scottish people for another independence referendum.

We have went over all of this before - the UK has always been an independent country be it in or out of the EU. Have a look at how Ireland have been left to discuss a Brexit deal with Boris for proof of that. The EU never got involved until Leo Varadkaar was happy that a deal could be reached. Whereas, in reverse, Scotland are having no say in discussions about Brexit whatsoever within the UK.

I agree.

Something identical to what Northern Ireland would get in this deal of Boris's.

Well no. It wouldn't have been for the people they are elected to represent. If that had happened Brexit would have happened by now and no doubt all of those Remain voters in Scotland would feel badly let down which would also impact their vote share in Scotland in the long run.

Right so going back to your original point you are suggesting the SNP should (like Sinn Fein) withdraw their MP's from Parliament?

It might not to you but it does to the people of Scotland.

And the will of the Scottish people is no to Brexit.

Not forgetting amongst people wanting Brexit.

Surely, you cannot despise them as much as the Tories though? Depressingly though opinion poll out today says Tory support now up to 40% with Labour at 24%, Lib Dems at 15% and Brexit Party down to 10%. Looking at those figures if a General Election happened and that poll was correct then Tories would be returned with a majority more than likely and they'd get the type of Brexit they want.

South Africa beat Wales 19-16 in a tight encounter. Wales will kick themselves as they were to play their best rugby earlier in the tournament. Still they dug in really well and almost pulled off a win but in the end South Africa prevailed. The final next weekend will be between South Africa and England. If England reproduce the kind of display that blew away the mighty All Blacks then they will win. I just don't see where South Africa will hurt England.

A great win that elevates his status and level of recognition around the world. A real top quality fight that was closely contested and brutal at times. The pace never really let up but the greater work rate and quality punches came from Taylor. Well done Josh. Another Scots sportsman to be proud of.

Or he could pretend he was a Halloween fan.

https://metro.co.uk/2019/10/15/brexit-fan-gets-october-31-exit-date-tattooed-stomach-10923256/?fbclid=IwAR0XMjXJvlcC3p_zkvYMmX287VxTCFeIiVDqByqViKzippBuHZsIRJwiMa0 Oh dear.

Well that would have been a travesty if New Zealand had won given the way the match went. England were better in every department and looked like a well-oiled machine working to a plan. New Zealand never really got a foot hold in the match and never really looked like they'd win at any point. Full credit to England.

The blueprint here for us is Ireland. How is it that Ireland (once part of the UK) is now independent and doing perfectly well? Also other countries with similar populations and GDP to Scotland such as Norway and Denmark are coping perfectly well as independent nations. If they can we can is my mindset. To suggest we can't is pretty insulting considering we are one of the biggest producers in Europe of renewable energy along with other caveats. As an exporting country we stand at 37th in the world above many other perfectly functionable independent countries such as New Zealand and Portugal etc.

Ignoring calls for an IndyRef 2 is a piece of pish anyway. Hence why there has been one real referendum on it for 300+ years.

I don't see Labour backing it myself. It seems the logical way forward and in itself it will be a referendum on the Brexit deal. If the Tories end up increasing their vote share then I'd say it is proof people back Brexit and his deal. A Labour increase in seats will see them gain power and allows them to do Brexit their way. Seems a possible solution to this almighty mess.

Well one thing that blows this theory of non-independence out of the window if you are in the EU is how this deal progressed. First BJ had to have talks with Irish PM Leo Varradkaar to thrash out a provisional agreement with him. If Ireland had no independence then the Irish government would have been an irrelevance much like the Scottish government is in this union over Brexit.

Blackford does hold a pretty slim majority in his constituency and Westminster parties do tend to target key SNP figure's seats. They did it with Angus Robertson and Alex Salmond so they will probably do the same again. However, the SNP will increase their seat count at the next GE - I am very confident of that.

Economic cases for the unknown is very hard. If IndyRef 2 is to happen then I'd presume then the economic cases would be made. And remember that this deficit you speak of is whilst we are in a union. That is hardly a shining beacon of hope for the union is it? Also Scotland are something like 47th in the world table of highest exporters (or something like that) above other countries that have coped very well as an independent country in this world so I see no reason why we can't.

Sorry but those aren't reasons that Westminster Tories would give a stuff about. After all they have a complete laughing stock as PM. And I am not after independence to give other countries a knock. I am after independence for Scotland's long-term benefit. Anyway you are entitled to vote No and I feel that is how you will always be impelled to vote and that is your choice.

And can I ask you if Scotland is such a liability financially explain why Westminster are fighting tooth and nail to keep hold of it? And it has nothing to do with nostalgia or anything to do with affection. The Tories exist for personal wealth accumulation so a skint Scotland is not the Tories cup of tea.

There are many ways of looking at things though. Look at money raised from Scottish people's taxes that goes to Westminster and gets frittered away on HS2, Westminster refurb, Buckingham Palace refurb etc etc and all of that would no longer happen and be money into the Scottish coffers. What would Westminster do with Trident? They would not want it stored anywhere near London and no doubt would want it kept where it is. That could be arranged but only through a big payment which would help too. There are options out there of that I am sure for raising funds.