Scottish independence referendum, 2014

Tomorrow, Scotland is holding a referendum on whether or not to become an independent country. The referendum has come about because in the Scottish Parliament general election of 2011 the Scottish National Party, which is in favour of independence, won a majority in Scotland's parliament and subsequently passed legislation to hold a referendum.

The vote is only being held in Scotland, although the decision will affect the entire United Kingdom. I would vote "No" to Scottish independence if I could participate in the referendum. The main reason is the same reason as to why I would be against any US state becoming an independent country: because I do not want to see the breakup of the nation. Scotland and England have been united for more than 300 years, which is longer than the United States has existed.

I am also concerned about the economic consequences. No one really knows what the effect of Scottish independence would be on both Scotland the remaining United Kingdom. The immediate effect would likely be the pound (the UK's currency) dropping in value. Several businesses have stated that they would pull out of Scotland in the event of a Yes vote, which would lead to job losses in Scotland.

There's also the matter of how Scotland and the remaining United Kingdom would be viewed by the rest of the world. I saw it suggested on the news the other night that the United Kingdom's permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council could be in question, although I don't think this should be an issue given that Russia inherited the Soviet Union's seat after the latter disintegrated. Many nations already view the United Kingdom as an irrelevant ex-empire and an independent Scotland could reinforce that image. Then again, this could be a plus if it meant that Scotland and the United Kingdom wouldn't involve themselves in any more foreign conflicts.

All things considered, I think that Scotland should vote for the status quo: to remain in the United Kingdom. This country's government has promised greater devolution for Scotland were it to vote No tomorrow, so Scotland will have greater autonomy regardless of referendum's result. Great Britain is a small island; I hope the family stays together.