In or Oot, Whit’s it a’ aboot?

I’m conflicted. I feel passionately that I want independence for Scotland from the UK, yet it seems best to remain in the European Union. But why leave one large union yet aim to stay in another larger “union”? Undoubtedly there would be some advantages in leaving the EU, particularly for the fisheries and agricultural industries who have suffered from restrictive practices. But any such benefits would be heavily outweighed, I believe, by the benefits arising from relationships built with other European nations, which surely account, to some extent, for 70 years of peace in Europe? In the event of war with countries outwith the EU, I believe it would be better to be part of the EU as we have forged a relationship with member countries and can count on some kind of support.

A further reason to remain in the EU is the employment protection afforded to our workers by EU legislation. Tory governments, when in power, tend to reduce the power of trade unions and rights of employees. Just look at the zero-hour contracts introduced. These give no protection whatsoever to employees who don’t even receive sick pay if they are ill. Wages, in real terms, have fallen. So currently, the balance of power lies with employers and this is bad news for the younger generation. Yet, I can recall bathing by by candlelight during the miners’ strikes in the 1970s and feeling angry that any union should possess so much power. For a trade union to topple a government meant that too much control was held by employees and, in fact, I grudgingly agreed with some of the legislation introduced by Maggie Thatcher. But now the situation is reversed and big business calls the shots. My fear is that if we leave the EU, the government will have sole control of employment rights and, given that this is not a socialist government, that would be bad news for the poor and the vulnerable as their rights would be further eroded.

The big issue for those in favour of leaving the EU appears to be the fear that we will be over-run with immigrants who will claim our benefits, take our jobs and housing, and take up places in our educational system. The very small percentage of EU members coming to the UK and claiming benefits, perhaps attracted by the higher rates, although concerning, is heavily outnumbered by those coming here to work and pay their taxes into our system. Given our aging population, we need them to contribute to our economy. They also enrich our country by introducing their cultures. So, I see the free movement of labour as a good thing, particularly where they have skills which are in short supply. The Health Service and many care homes, for example, could not function without EU employees.

My reasons for favouring independence for Scotland from rUK will resonate with other SNP supporters. Scotland is a separate country with its own history and a tradition of socialism, with champions such as Robert Owen and Keir Hardie aiming to improve the lot of the poor. The election of 56 SNP seats out of 59 in Westminster suggests that Scottish people want Socialist policies and as the only viable party offering this, SNP has gained the Scots’ support. In recent years, UK governments (even Labour ones) have become increasingly capitalist and self-interested, encouraging an attitude of “look after number 1”. How could they be otherwise when the Prime Minister and her cabinet are millionaires? They think that the poor just have to work harder to be better off and, unfortunately, it’s more complex than that. I have friends and family who have moved to the south-east and I have detected a gradual change in their attitude. Self interest seems to replace any thoughts of collectively caring for the poor and the vulnerable. They seem unconcerned that food banks are multiplying and employers are exploiting youngsters with unpaid internships, low wages and temporary contracts. I’m lucky, having had a secure job with a good pension scheme. But my children’s generation don’t have that, and their future is uncertain. Our Scottish government is at least attempting to alleviate the poverty that is Scotland’s heritage.

Free college and university tuition is vital. I was the only one of 4 children who made it to university. Had fees been payable, I wouldn’t have gone. Like many students today, I supported myself with two part-time jobs. Education was my passport out of poverty.

The question I want to ask unionist supporters is, what has this Tory government done for you? How will this government make life better for you and for those living in poverty?

Scotland wants the government we elect, with socialist policies, not a London-centric privileged, old school tie, private club. When independent, we will make mistakes but they will be our mistakes and our solutions. No doubt, rUK will seek devolution when they see how we fare.