Divided Kingdom?

[jaysay]

Originally Posted by cmonstanley

mancies still upset about a big team entering manchester

Not that big team I was watching last night on BBC 2 Scotland was it Cmonstanley

[shakermaker]

Originally Posted by cmonstanley

mancies still upset about a big team entering manchester

FBK Kaunas who?

[cmonstanley]

i never said good i said big

[Eric]

I don't see the problem ... Scotland and Wales, like Quebec in Canada, are distinct societies within a larger political group. All our provinces have a great deal of political autonomy; all elect provincial govts and elect members to sit in the federal parilament. For many years now, Quebecois have voted federally for the Bloc Quebecois; and yet provincially they have voted for the Liberal party ... it seems confusing, but it works. Although there are many in Quebec who wish for independence, these separatistes are in the minority; and Quebecers are content to remain in Canada as a distinct society.

[West Ender]

Originally Posted by Eric

I don't see the problem ... Scotland and Wales, like Quebec in Canada, are distinct societies within a larger political group. All our provinces have a great deal of political autonomy; all elect provincial govts and elect members to sit in the federal parilament.

That's the problem here, Eric. Scotland and Wales have independent assemblies and also vote in the larger, British, parliament. England has no such local autonomy.

[Eric]

Originally Posted by West Ender

That's the problem here, Eric. Scotland and Wales have independent assemblies and also vote in the larger, British, parliament. England has no such local autonomy.

Now I see what you guys are getting at .... not that it's any of my business, but an independent English assembly seems like a hell of a good idea. If things which primarily affect Scotland can be debated in a Scottish assembly, it only makes sense that things concerning England should be dealt with in an English assembly. Ontario has unique concerns, as does Nunavut and Saskatchewan etc., but areas of general concern are dealt with by the Federal parliament in Ottawa. Seems like Great Britain is heading for a federal system .... don't think it is a bad idea. And why stop with England, Scotland and Wales .... a semi-autonomous Lancashire would be a great idea.

[glasgow guy]

yeah but although the scottish pm vote on stuff up there - it then sometimes goes to westminster for the english to have the final say so..?? you could then ask whats the point of having their parliament ?
and the only good thing the scots pms have came up with of recent is scrapping university fees...
and the flip side could be looked upon in way that many scottish folk proabably thought about for decades...way before holyrood was even thought of...why should english MPs be allowed to make laws for scotland and not in england ?...like the poll tax..poor old maggies biggest boo boo...try it up there and see how it goes...didnt bode well..
at the end of the day you could argue this till they find bin laden and even then you would still have someone who aint happy...

[West Ender]

Originally Posted by glasgow guy

yeah but although the scottish pm vote on stuff up there - it then sometimes goes to westminster for the english to have the final say so..??

But Westminster does not comprise only English MPs so, if Scotland's vote has to go on to Westminster, it is voted on by Britain, not England.

[glasgow guy]

Originally Posted by West Ender

But Westminster does not comprise only English MPs so, if Scotland's vote has to go on to Westminster, it is voted on by Britain, not England.

ok, thanks for clearing that up for me but scotland still doesnt have the overall say in it..it has been said since that eyesore opened in edinburgh that the mp's there are just playing at it...as all the major things go to london..

[West Ender]

Well that annoys me too. Everything in England centres on London. I think we should have a North West regional assembly.

[glasgow guy]

Originally Posted by West Ender

Well that annoys me too. Everything in England centres on London. I think we should have a North West regional assembly.

now theres something...regional assemblys..would probably work pretty well too...however it will never happen as its a good idea...and most good ideas dont get off the ground normally

[cashman]

Originally Posted by glasgow guy

.and most good ideas dont get off the ground normally

yeh got that bang on glasgow guy.