The Bargain: Why the UK Works So Well for Scotland

Scotland struck a 300-year bargain with England that gave away nominal sovereignty in exchange for economic, political, and cultural gains. A Scottish nationalist campaign has brought the UK to the point of extinction, but this book offers new political ideas and rules to save the Union. It emphasizes that the bargain is not just about money or sentiment but a canny and sophisticated arrangement that benefits all nations of the UK.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 05 May 2022
Publisher: Birlinn General

Three hundred years ago, Scotland struck an extraordinary bargain with its English neighbor. In exchange for a nominal sovereignty, Scotland gained significant economic, political, and cultural advantages. It retained control over key domestic matters. Today, that bargain, updated for the democratic era, is even more advantageous.

However, a Scottish nationalist campaign of remarkable discipline has brought the United Kingdom to the brink of extinction. This book aims to save the Union and offers new political ideas and a clear set of rules to govern the constitutional debate. It emphasizes that the bargain is not just about money or sentiment about a shared past but a clever and sophisticated arrangement that benefits all nations of the UK. It is the foundation of Scotland's success and its unique place in the world.

The book explores the historical context of the Union and the reasons why it has been so successful. It highlights the economic benefits of the Union, including the shared market and the ability to pool resources. It also emphasizes the political benefits of the Union, including the stability and security provided by the United Kingdom.

The book also addresses the concerns of Scottish nationalists and argues that their claims about the Union being unfair or outdated are not supported by the evidence. It points out that the Union has provided Scotland with a greater degree of autonomy than it would have had as an independent nation. It also argues that the Union has been a source of stability and prosperity for Scotland and that it would be detrimental to both Scotland and the United Kingdom to break it up.

The book offers a set of rules to govern the constitutional debate and prevent the United Kingdom from breaking up. It emphasizes the importance of compromise and negotiation and encourages all parties to work towards a solution that benefits everyone. It also suggests that a new constitutional settlement could be based on a federal model, with Scotland retaining a significant degree of autonomy and control over key domestic matters.

In conclusion, this book sets out to save the Union and offers new political ideas and a clear set of rules to govern the constitutional debate. It emphasizes that the bargain is not just about money or sentiment about a shared past but a clever and sophisticated arrangement that benefits all nations of the UK. It urges those who wish to save the Union to explain that the bargain is not just a matter of money, or even sentiment about a shared past, but a canny and sophisticated arrangement that benefits all nations of the UK. It is the foundation of Scotland's success and unique place in the world.

Weight: 190g
Dimension: 129 x 197 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781780277691