Scottish Referendum; A Year On.My Words Published in Daily Pakistan Observer.

[Tassawur]

SCOTTISH REFERENDUM: A YEAR ON

Tasawar Bosal
— Mandi Bahauddin
Wednesday, September 30, 2015 -

A year ago, in a nail biting referendum, the Scottish electorate decided to remain wed with Great Britain. It was no less than a huge sigh of relief for those having an immense interest in the domestic politics of the Empire and for those who wished ardently that somehow the possible departure of Scotland from the federation could be averted and England remained “The United Kingdom”.

However, after a year is passed, still the fears loom large. Particularly, the clean sweep win of Scottish National Party in Britain’s general elections of 2015 by virtually eliminating the pro-union mainstream Labour and Conservative Parties spoke volumes of the changed mind of the Scottish electorate and further darkened the future of a United Kingdom. However, one still hopes that Cameron’s commitment of extending greater autonomy to Scotland within the ambit of federation, would prove instrumental in keeping the England United. In this regards, the recent change of Guards of Labour Party which has increased the potential of a revival and reinvigoration of the party also bodes well for the cause of keeping Great Britain undivided as Labours have stronger roots than the Cameron’s Conservatives in Scotland and may prevail upon the Scottish electorate.


SCOTTISH REFERENDUM: A YEAR ON