The Scottish Referendum

The results for the Scottish referendum are in, and it appears Scotland will remain in the UK (55%). This has been a very interesting campaign that I followed closely out of political curiosity (I wrote my thesis on the nation-state) and personal interest as an EU citizen. This could have set a very interesting precedent. But even though the UK will live on perhaps it sets an important precedent in that national governments will take the concerns of their citizens seriously and implement policies that reflect their values.

The Yes campaign was very clear that they do not want to live in a country of individuals, in it for themselves, with state resources going to those who already have all they need. They want to be a Scandinavian style democracy where the country's wealth (oil and financial) is used to lift all people. A large number of people spoke out against neo-liberal policies championed by London and Washington that see corporations and countries richer than ever and the average citizen struggling more and more. 

So I will continue watching this space to see what tangible reforms are implemented and if the rest of the UK takes notice of what people power can do and demand better from their government as well.