^^|

so what's new? The EU was never really united. Some level of co-operation at the most at times.

BTW when will we have the farewell party ?

^^|

None of your concern anymore. I mean your farewell party

Sounds like the figures Boris Johnson gave us before the Brexit. Of course all this will make the British PM want to get out of the EU as soon as possible. To save money and so as Britain cannot dodge it's obligations till the 'divorce'. Latest news seems to suggest a farewell party mid-2019.

"Vote Leave assured the electorate it would reclaim a supposed £350m Brussels takes from us each week. They knew it was a lie. Between them, they promised to spend £111bn on the NHS, cuts to VAT and council tax, higher pensions, a better transport system and replacements for the EU subsidies to the arts, science, farmers and deprived regions. When boring experts said that, far from being rich, we would face a £40bn hole in our public finances, Vote Leave knew how to fight back. In Johnsonian fashion, it said that the truth tellers were corrupt liars in Brussels’ pocket."

www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/25/boris-johnson-michael-gove-eu-liars

In 2013, later data difficult and/or not complete yet.
"The UK pays more into the EU budget than it receives from it. However, the net balance does not accurately reflect the many benefits of EU membership. Many of them, such as peace, political stability, security and freedom to live, work, study and travel anywhere in the Union cannot be measured. The UK government estimates that the single market brings in between GBP 31 billion and GBP 92 billion a year into the UK economy – or between 5 and 15 times the UK net contribution to the EU budget, which, once the UK’s rebate is taken into account, amounted to about GBP 7.258 billion - EUR 8.641 billion in 2013."

So what is your stance on Scottish Independence as perceived by Sturgeon and Salmond?

A full stand alone status politically, financially, taxation and social security programmes etc, or a dependent stand alone status linked loosely to England and the E U ?

Every nation on earth is dependent on other nations. 

My stance is my stance - I'm not a member of the SNP and never will be. There's more Independent Independent's than SNP members - a concept that too many people cannot grasp. Did you know that, SP? 

Yes, we should stand alone and finance our own services.

Yes, we should be in the EU, NATO, the Commonwealth, and the United Nations. 

If I ever visit a nation called England I'll let you know. Such a nation has not existed since 1707. If you are asking should Scotland have a trading pact with the R.uK then of course it should. 

One of the biggest faults ( a happy fault in my view ) was that the 1706 treaty allowed Scotland to function effectively as a nation within a nation. Then it allwoed the English, Welsh and Irish to kid themselves that their countries still existed. Only Scotland has existed as a separate entity within the Union since day one. 

The inhabitants of England in particular seem to think that Scottish independence is driven by hatred for them - laughable.

The two countries started splitting under Thatcher - her decision to impose the poll tax in Scotland first was a political calamity.

If the sole reason for Independence was hatred for England - I'd vote to stay in the UK.

The reason I want Independence is so that we can take responsibility for ourselves - actually have naval vessels in Scottish waters ( wow, a novel concept ) - an army worthy of it's name - not the rump of 3600 we have now ( seriously, a disgrace ). To retain our air force capability, to have at least one NATO base in Scotland - wouldn't mind a naval base and AF base.

A shift to drone technology to protect Scottish waters from aggressors and fishing pirates.

A reform to our social security system - contrary to opinion, we want to put an end to the scrounger syndrome, not encourage it. 

I want to see a vast increase in state pension- 50% of median earnings minimum. That money would recirculate into creating jobs for the young, an internal stimulus if you like. 

A vast expansion of Universities and University places for foreign students, whose contribution would help us fund Scots going through Uni and boost the economy. ThaiguyinGlasgow has spent near on £40,000 in the past year between fees, accom, and living expenses. All money spent in the Glasgow economy. 

Scottish Trade missions in every ( worthwhile ) country on earth. 

A ban on private individuals owning more than two homes. A ban on private individuals owning second homes in sensitive areas - pricing the locals out of the market. The buy-to-let industry should be operated under company law.  

Dream world? a ban on religion based schooling.

An absolute ban on any form of religious based courts and arbitration.  

The list goes on -