{"product_id":"should-auld-acquaintance-be-forgot-the-great-mistake-of-scottish-independence","title":"Should Auld Acquaintance Be Forgot: The Great Mistake of Scottish Independence","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003eScottish nationalists seek to end the United Kingdom after 300 years of a successful union, but this would lead to a diminished Britain and a perilously insecure Scotland. The European Union is held out as an alternative, but the siren call of secession would lure Scotland into a state of radical instability. John Lloyd's book argues that the Scottish National Party's economic plans are unrealistic, the loss of a subsidy of £10 billion a year would mean large-scale cuts, and the equal provision of health, social services, education, and pensions across the UK would cease. The alternative to independence is a strong devolution settlement and a joint reform of the British union to modernise its age-old structures, reduce the centralisation of power, and boost the ability of all Britain's nations and regions to support and unleash their creative and productive potential. \u003c\/blockquote\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\\n                                                            \u003cstrong\u003eFormat\u003c\/strong\u003e: Paperback \/ softback\u003cbr\u003e\\n                              \u003cstrong\u003eLength\u003c\/strong\u003e: 224 pages\u003cbr\u003e\\n                              \u003cstrong\u003ePublication date\u003c\/strong\u003e: 19 March 2021\u003cbr\u003e\\n                              \u003cstrong\u003ePublisher\u003c\/strong\u003e: Polity Press\u003cbr\u003e\\n                          \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Scottish nationalists have long harbored a desire to break away from the United Kingdom, a union that has lasted for over 300 years. Their aspiration for an independent Scotland is closer to realization than ever before. However, achieving success would have far-reaching consequences. A diminished Britain would result, while Scotland would face significant security risks. The nationalists have portrayed the three centuries of union with England as a harmful and detrimental association for Scotland. They argue that the European Union is a viable alternative and a safeguard for Scotland's future. However, the allure of secession would lead Scotland down a path of radical instability, disrupting vital economic, social, and familial ties. This would result in economic decline, as the EU, already grappling with a downturn in many member states, faces increasing disaffection.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn his insightful and thought-provoking book, journalist John Lloyd challenges the unrealistic economic plans proposed by the Scottish National Party. He highlights the potential loss of a substantial subsidy of up to £10 billion annually from the Treasury, leading to significant cuts that would surpass those implemented by Westminster. The equal provision of health, social services, education, and pensions across the UK would cease, forcing Scotland to recreate these systems on its own. The claim that Scotland would join the ranks is no more than an aspiration, as it faces limited prospects of success.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe alternative to independence lies in a robust devolution settlement and a joint reform of the British union. This reform should aim to modernize the UK's age-old structures, reduce power centralization, and enhance the ability of all Britain's nations and regions to support and unleash their creative and economic potential. By working together, the UK can strengthen its bonds and create a more prosperous future for all its citizens.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\\n                            \u003cstrong\u003eWeight\u003c\/strong\u003e: 270g\\n                            \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimension\u003c\/strong\u003e: 129 x 197 x 27 (mm)\\n                            \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eISBN-13\u003c\/strong\u003e: 9781509542673\\n                            \\n                          \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"John Lloyd","offers":[{"title":"Paperback \/ softback","offer_id":44106000236794,"sku":"9781509542673","price":9.27,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0522\/4297\/2845\/products\/6711a7bcc46e61250ad2bcad3e23eb45.jpg?v=1623478918","url":"https:\/\/shulphink.com\/products\/should-auld-acquaintance-be-forgot-the-great-mistake-of-scottish-independence","provider":"Shulph Ink","version":"1.0","type":"link"}