Why I would vote YES in Scottish referendum

You would have heard lot of promises from the Yes camp and the No Camp.  What you would not have heard from both camps is that ‘if there is Independence then like many other counties we will have an additional public holiday called ‘Independence day ‘that we don’t have currently.  :-)

I would vote 'Yes' for a simple reason that Scottish Nationalist Party (SNP) has very clearly stated that an Independent Scotland would welcome immigrants.  This has been clearly declared in SNP's blue print 'Scotland's Future'. The document is available online. Libraries carry it. Irrespective of the outcome or your decision on referendum, i would recommend reading it. If not at least get a copy of it. It’s a historic document.  The same immigration friendly attitude has been reinforced by speeches of Scottish parliament ministers as well.

This reason is close my heart. As majority of us are first generation immigrants, we need to think what will be favorable to us. This is the reason close to my heart.  That is good enough for me to vote 'Yes'.

If you would like to understand other reasons (for the head) for voting 'Yes' then continue to read. :-) 

The first time I came to know about Scotland (long before migrating) was through the movie ‘Brave Heart’. So I don’t have any difficultly in seeing Scotland a nation.   It has been an independent nation for a long time. Even under the Roman rule about 2000 years ago, Scotland was not under Roman Empire.  Until 300 years ago, (act of union in 1707) Scotland has been independent.   There is nothing wrong in getting back to that Independent state.

People of Indian Origin, generally don’t like to get stigmatized with being called a Nationalist.  I don’t have that problem with that because even in India, I have always been a Hindu Nationalist. It is a natural choice for me here.  If I had to take another passport than my current Indian passport, I would prefer a Scottish passport than British. It is about personal comfort with identity.

Some general questions / concerns people rise

Would independent Scotland be economically viable? Or Can Scotland survive after Independence.

Yes.  Scotland will not only survive after Independence, but flourish.  

As per today’s revenues, an Independent Scotland will be one of the 20 richest countries in the world.  Moody’s rating agency acknowledges it by saying ‘All possible outcomes point to Scotland being among wealthiest nations’.

Another global rating agency Standard and Poor says ‘Even after excluding North sea output, Scotland will qualify for the highest economic assessment.

What will happen to Currency?

Even after Independence, there is a time frame of about 18 months time to negotiate the terms of Independence.  The currency will be decided at that period.  It is good to keep the options open. The most likely choice will be the keeping pound Sterling with a currency union.

Everyone in Yes denies that possibility because accepting it will only support the ‘Yes’ Camp.

Scottish Nationalist Party (SNP) has already indicated that they will be less willing to take a share of the national debt if there is no currency union.  As of Q1 2013 UK government debt amounted to £1,377 billion, or 88.1% of total GDP. Westminster will not let Scotland walk away without a slice of it.  So currency union most likely thing to happen.   In my humble experience 'You get the best deal, only (i repeat) only if you are ready to walk away from it.'

As an Indian Immigrant, what is beneficial to me?

Scotland has little more than 5 million (i.e. about 50 lacs) population i.e. only half of Chennai.  The vast majority of the population (about 80%) lives in the central belt with about 50 miles wide between Glasgow and Edinburgh.  Scotland needs people. The immigration policies are hurting Scotland.

SNP has very clearly stated that an Independent Scotland would welcome immigrants. This is the single most important reason for me.

Majority of Indians in Edinburgh have a stigma towards the Scottish Independence

This mainly stems from India’s own difficult experience on Partition and other later separatist movements in India.  You need to understand that India’s partition was driven by an intolerant religion that wanted its own identity whereas Scottish independence is driven by Governance and Economics.

 What will happen to Jobs? Will large businesses leave?

Corporations/Businesses do not care about politics.  Businesses will operate in a place where it makes business sense i.e. profitable.   Scotland already has reputed Universities that produce talent.  If Scotland has necessary financial incentives  ( e.g a lower corporation tax  than rest of UK ) then businesses will not only leave but even relocate their business to Scotland.  For your information:  Apple corporation had a subsidiary in Ireland with huge cash reserves because it was tax efficient.

Larger risk: If you vote ‘No’ then after 2 years if UK leaves EU (as the current tories are talking about leaving EU ) Scotland will be at the higher risk.  If UK leaves EU, it will lose its largest trading partner. Scotland will have less deciding power in that referendum (like many things now) because England is more heavily populated compared to Scotland.   If Scotland is independent then it can make a decision on its own about EU.

In simple words ‘A country’s political future will drive its Economics' not the other way around. What kind of future do you want for Scotland? Independent or Dependent?