A lot is riding on this May’s elections in Scotland. If First Minister Nicola Sturgeon wins again, she intends to hold a vote that would flout UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson—and buck centuries of history.
The United Kingdom is made up of four distinct countries: England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. These countries are all governed by the British monarchy and parliament. However, each has its own officials, flags, currency, and cultural identity.
After several wars against invading English forces in the 1200s and 1300s, Scotland became a formal part of the United Kingdom since 1707. Scottish citizens mostly accepted their role as part of the UK—and the money and protection that came along with it.
But following World War II, citizens of Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales began taking greater pride in their separate countries. Many political organizations in these states pushed for independence from the United Kingdom.
In 2014, Scotland put independence to a vote. Emotions ran high on both sides of the issue. Citizens elected to remain in the United Kingdom by a small margin. At the time, folks called the vote a “once-in-a-generation event.” But First Minister Sturgeon believes it’s time to revisit the question of Scottish independence.
Sturgeon says that Brexit has changed the situation. She insists Britain has dragged Scotland out of the European Union against its will. After all, when a narrow majority of UK voters opted to leave the EU in 2016, the majority of Scots voted to stay.
A referendum is a vote by citizens on a political question. Ordinarily, such votes are not binding. That is, neither the government nor parliament must accept the outcome. But any referendum pressures lawmakers to listen to the people. Sturgeon hopes to hold a binding referendum—one that must be implemented.
A string of recent opinion polls suggests a small majority supports Scotland’s becoming an independent country. Sturgeon says if her Scottish National Party (SNP) wins a majority in the Scottish Parliament in May, it will pass legislation allowing for a new referendum once the coronavirus pandemic is over.
Opposition parties in Scotland say Sturgeon should be focusing on defeating the coronavirus and supporting the economy, rather than planning for independence.
There is one catch in Sturgeon’s plan: A vote on independence requires the UK government’s approval. The prime minister insists he’ll say no.
To that, Sturgeon says, “Boris Johnson just clearly fears the verdict and the will of the Scottish people.”
1st comment dedicated to mah Scottish Chums up North
Oh my, Scots! We’ve left the EU now - Just accept it for goodness sakes! It has taken us 3 Prime Ministers and nearly 5 years to do it. Are you really gonna just reverse it all now?
@ Mirela
So you are in favor of the Brexit? Is it having a mostly good effect for you? (Sorry. that sounds like I don't like it, because I think it's a pretty good idea.)
At least the United States
At least the United States isn’t the only place with political problems;D
@ Franz
Yeah...
@ Bethy
I don’t really have a opinion about whether to be in it or not, but now that it’s happened, I just think we shouldn’t go back. I haven’t noticed any changes to my life since December 31st (the day we left the EU) so I can’t say it’s had a good or a bad effect on me.
@ Mirela
Oh.
Um....
Is it just me, or does it seem pretty self-centered to have your face pasted on a bus? XD
OH! Also:
My dad's mom's husband's son's wife is Scottish. She is the only person I've ever met that is from Scotland. Her accent is really cool.
Huh?
I don't know what BREXIT is. I'm only a pre-teen.
@ Audrey
I’m British, so I know a lot! XD. Basically Brexit is two words made into one : Britain’s Exit. The UK, for a long time, was part of the EU (European Union) - that’s a group of European counties made to make trade etc, easier. In 2016, there was a referendum so everyone could vote LEAVE or REMAIN in the EU. Your probably thinking why but there were both pros and cons to being in and out but I won’t go into that. The majority, by a very very small difference ( 52% ) voted to leave. That includes some hard work trying to agree with other counties about trade and stuff so that we won’t be effected too much negativity. We finally left on December 31st 2020. That’s it basically. I think. Extra Info: the Prime Minister at the time (2016) - David Cameron - resigned because he said couldn’t do it (dead face emoji), the second - Teresa May - tried (another dead emoji) but the last and current - Boris Johnson - succeeded ( half dead emoji ). BTW all the emoji stuff is just a joke XD
@Above
Hmm. I am not sure what to think because I don't live in Scotland. To me it seems like they are maybe making a big deal out of nothing?
@Franz: Yeah you are right!
@Mirela
Lucky you, get to live in Britain!
I want to really bad because i think Britain's history is very cool.
@ Desarose
The answer to our problems : Swap places! you come here and I’ll go over there!
I really want to go to America! Nothing ever happens here. Are there riots (I’m not saying they are good, just making a point)? No. Are there tornadoes or hurricanes or any natural disasters? No. Are there any interesting leaders? No. Seriously! Ok, ok, maybe the last one was a bit extreme but you get what I mean. Like in the US they have everything, The National bible bee, tons of films/film makers, etc. Sure, there are some different things...like the monarchy. But, it would be nice to have somethings happen here and have some proactive people set things up for us. What do you think? And what bit of our history do you like? (Sorry, maybe I’m complaining too much sorry)
@Mirela
How do you know i'm American? XD (Its a joke...i'm not saying i am or i am not :)
Hmmmmm...hard question. Probably all the legends and stuff like that. I am one to get very exited about legends! Dragons, Camelot, battles, swords, middle ages, horses.... :) idk if i am getting this right or not... i'm not to keen on where i get all this stuff, i just like it a lot. (espeicially all the legends about Camelot! i have no idea why, it just...does catch my attention:)
I have a question...do you get much snow? I would only really survive there if there was snow :) i am very much a snow person:) But yeah, if we could switch places it would be a fun adventure! Just take care of my dogs XD
@ Desarose
I assume everybody here is American and lives in America! Nobody has said otherwise. XD Yeah, the conquests are interesting! How everybody defeated others and the kings and queens. Yes, we have SOME snow. On normal years (before COVID) we had a small amount of snow, maybe once every two or three times a winter. But this year, we have had MUCH MORE. My guess is that since people have been travelling less all the heat from vehicles is reduced, so England is colder resulting in the increase of snow! We had a great amount 8-10 days of snow. We had fun! It may not seem a lot to you (idk) though! So you may or may not survive! Yes, I would definitely take good care of your dogs :-) If I knew you or were in contact with you, I would invite you to visit me! :D
@Mirela
Yeah, that would be fun! (Watch, if i ever visit Britain I'll ask everyone named Mirela if they go on WORLDteen:) XD yes i am American:) I am not so patriotic though...I call myself Alaskan more than American:) I live in a small village in AK. Yeah, i might not survive there though! I need snow a lot. So do my dogs... Watch, if we switch places i'll call every day be like "Are you sure Coal looks fine? Did you walk Maple? Have they eaten today? Watch out for Carhartt...on and on XD
We will meet someday though! And then you have all eternity to tell me all those real awesome legends XD Yeah, i'm sort of obsessed with dragons and knights and..yeah. I really like movies and stories like that. Especially dragons! I literally perk up when someone says 'legend'. :) Thats a really good theory about the snow, i never thought of that! Makes sense though. Have you watched 'Day after Tomorrow?' It got me super paranoid:)
@Mirela hope you don't mind one more question
I never really understood this: is Britain just another word for England? Or are they different?
@ Desarose
Yes, but I you might have to travel far before you find even one Mirela in England. I suggest going further up to the north of England first, to save yourself time XD (It's a Romanian name because I was born there - I'm not from there or anything but my parents were working there when I was born).
XD I'll be saying ''Will you PLEASE stop worrying! I've got this all under control!'' *me trying to find the lost dog and trying to work out where the food for the dogs is* XD
No I haven't watched 'Day after Tomorrow'. What's it about?
So basically, England is the country. There is also Wales and Scotland on the same island as us. Those together are called Britain/Great Britain. Then there is also the United Kingdom or the UK, which is Britain AND Northern Ireland. The whole of the Irish island is two countries - The republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Only the northern part is part of the UK. Does that make sense?
You probably knew this already, but if you didn't - Did You Know that Alaska used to belong to Russia?
@Mirela
XD lol yeah i love those tail chasing rascals!
So, basically, The Day after tomorrow is about that somehow, global warming affected something, and so there was a 2nd Ice Age. It's hard to understand but basically there was this huge flood in New York and then it froze, leaving ice. Snow started falling everywhere and the ice was up past buildings and such. This little group survived in a library (sorry, I'm horrible at explaining things!). I have no idea why its called day after tomarrow...:)
Yeah, i think i get it :)
I did know that! I also know the US purchased it for 2 cents per acre. (i think thats right!)
I like your name a lot! My little sister is MJ too...Meirah Joy. (fun fact)
Do you live in a big city? (sorry all the questions!)
@Desarose
I have some conspiracy-theorist-type-theories about Day After Tomorrow. XD I don't consider myself a conspiracy theorist, but I think global warming is fake.
1- Day After Tomorrow was produced by people on the left
2- Day After Tomorrow is named that because whoever produced it is saying that if we don't clean up our act, that will happen "the day after tomorrow" (figuratively speaking, of course)
3- Day After Tomorrow is intended to scare people into taking better care of the environment.
I don't want to go into a big discussion about global warming because it is all a big, fat, OBESE matter of opinion!!!!!!! (I'm telling you, hardly any of it is based on fact, and you can't prove or disprove someone's opinion.)
@Desarose & Mirela
Both of you live in places that I really want to go to! (Desarose, I see now why you are such a big fan of fish!) (I say 'such a big fan' but you've only said you like fish once or twice XD)
I live in the second best state in the US. Texas is the only one better than us. XD (Not to brag, but the only thing wrong with my state that I can think of is the 6% income tax and our sports teams! XP) Our history isn't just the most interesting, but if you want to know, Johnny Cash is from my state.
@mirela
Have you ever been to America? Or are you just saying you want to live here?
@Addie
Sorry it took me forever to get back to you! This page wouldn't load for forever.....
I am a fan of fish:) It's because i love fresh caught from the river:) Not the storebought kind that much...
I dont think about Global Warming that much, because its scary if it would be true!
You should visit AK!!!!!!! Just don't come in summertime the mosquitoes will gobble you alive.....
@Addie
Sorry it took me forever to get back to you! This page wouldn't load for forever.....
I am a fan of fish:) It's because i love fresh caught from the river:) Not the storebought kind that much...
I dont think about Global Warming that much, because its scary if it would be true!
You should visit AK!!!!!!! Just don't come in summertime the mosquitoes will gobble you alive.....
funny thing
I'm a 'Frozen Chosen' XD
funny thing
I'm a 'Frozen Chosen' XD
@ Desarose
Sorry I took a while to get back! Ohhh that film sounds interesting! That’s cool how your sister has the same initials! Global warming is an interesting subject. To be honest, I’m not THAT concerned about it, but then I think like if it was true, then my children’s children’s children etc might NEVER see snow. It’s probably an exaggeration but that’s the way I see it XD XD
@ Addie
I have never been to America :-( I would really like to visit, I’m not sure about living - I’d have to see if I enjoy it. XD Since you all want to come to the UK, I’ll make a Worldteens (get it? Teens not teen) party at my house and you can all come and it will be great. We will be the WorldTEEN gang. And I can give you a tour and we could go to London and I’d take you to meet the queen!!
@ Desarose and Addie
What do you mean? Frozen Chosen? That’s what me and my mum joke about The Chosen. Two films : Frozen and The Chosen. Have either of you watched The Chosen? They are releasing season two at Easter!!!! I’m so excited!
Fissssshhhh
I’ve never been fishing. We just get fish from the shop. I especially love mackerel! Do you have mackerel over there?
@ Mirela J
Wow, just go to meet the queen, huh? I didn't know it was so easy. But, after all, why not? I mean, it's just a monarch, that's all. It's not like there would be a ton of security or anything. Lol. Jk, no offense meant.
@ Hesperus
Haha! Of course! I have special access to Buckingham Palace and don’t forget how my name rhymes with Cinderella so it must be a sign. And don’t worry there’s only about 100 soldiers guarding the Palace and Windsor Castle XD It will be easy to get in and then all we have to do is to knock on the Elizabeth II lounge room and she will say in a VERY posh voice: “Enter”. Easy as pie! (Joke of course XD)
Hesperus
And why would your comment be offensive? XD I love jokes!
@Mirela
Frozen Chosen, I live in AK, I am a Christian ....XD Sorry I didn't know it was hard to get:) It's actually not so cold here (We do NOT live in igloos! I get so upset when i go downstates and people are all like 'Oh, your Alaskan! Do you live in igloos?' and I'm like NO we live in normal houses!!!' ) it gets very hot in summertime. But winters can get a little cold, the average is -20 But that's considered a 'warm' day. coldest I can remember is -87. That was bad, we lost two dogs who froze to death that night. I went out to feed them and saw........yeah. It was super sad I just stood there shocked for the longest time. Then I fed the rest and went inside, just dazed and sad. It was really bad.
Anyway, going to stop wailing about my problems now, and move on! I haven't seen the Chosen before. I have heard about it though! No, we don't get mackerel here in AK, we get Siifish, Salmon, Pike, Grayling, Trout, Whitefish, and... sometimes mudsharks. Pike are very hard to deal with they might bite you if your swimming!
Uhhh..how are you supposed to act in front of a queen? XD I will be very bad....XD Me and my rebellious streak.....
Loved your joke:)
So....is Britain mostly overrun with people? Or are there like...some quiet places? I'm just wondering...hope it wasn't offensive!
@Desarose
Wow! -87?!?! The coldest I can remember is 2 degrees! That's so sad about your dogs! :( One time a cat froze to death on our driveway. I was probably about seven and I was traumatized.
@ Desarose
I still don’t get the Frozen Chosen thing XD People probably don’t know what it’s like in Alaska that’s why they ask XD I also didn’t understand a single thing that you said about the temps. We have Celcius not Fahrenheit. Right now it’s about 9degrees CELCIUS. 0 degrees is the freezing point. Did you know that at -40 degrees Fahrenheit and Celcius are the same temperature. The thing about the dogs freezing is sad :-( I had salmon for dinner this evening lol. That and trout is the only thing I’ve heard of out of that list - I’m not very knowledgeable on fish XD you must think me pretty dumb.
Umm idk about how to act in front of the queen hehe I could ask you the same about Joe Biden.
I got to go. I’ll answer ur last question later :-)
@Mirela
Well, in front of Biden you could shake his hand (cross your fingers he doesn't fall over XD just kidding, kind of) or you could just wave or you could.... uh... yeah. I think that's about it. My cousin saw Trump in a helicopter while they were in DC, and he waved. He didn't bow or anything or take off his hat.
Have you ever seen the Queen in person?
@Mirela and Addie
UGH!! This page simply will not load!
@Addie
I would be devastated too...:(
@Mirela
so Alaska is a FROZEN land, and my family was CHOSEN to go there as missionaries.. frozen chosen!:) Sorry...I am very bad at explinations. Mybe you should ask somebody else to explain about temperatures ...As you can tell I will not do a good job....XD But -87 is very cold...
Um... Here is some advice on what not to do if you meet Biden:) I had this dream I crossed Canada, and saw him in the white house:) Then...I called him Joey, and got my head chopped off. Yep, amazing dream! XD
@ Desarose
So sorry for taking years to reply! It is a fact that there is a shortage of homes in the UK (which is why there are many of new houses being built on places that used to be just grass) but there are tons and tons of acres of countryside! We live in a smaller town with a population of about 200,000. We don’t have to drive/walk far to reach fields unlike bigger cities where it is very flat and not much green. And also, we have a wood right behind our house, which is quite quiet, so it’s nice to go for walks there. Sorry I’m just chattering on and on now. Frozen chosen! I get it, great! Haha! XD Oh my! That dream is hilarious! It had us laughing our heads off (get it?)
@ Desarose and Addie
@ Addie Nope I’ve never seen her in real life, though I have been to London. What are the most famous landmarks of the US, do you think?
@ Desarose What about the US? Is it quite busy or is it quite in some places there too?
@ Desarose
One more thing, I think a reason for the shortage because there are lots of refugees and foreigners arriving from different countries as well as population growth. My friends from Primary school were from different countries - South Korea and Pakistan. So yeah. Lol
@mirela
I'm thinking that the biggest landmarks of the US would be Mount Rushmore, Niagara Falls, Washington DC (of course), Yellowstone, Yosemite, the Great Lakes, the Rocky Mountains, Hollywood, Las Vegas, The Grand Canyon, Disney World, and the Statue of Liberty.
@Mirela
No it's fine I understand! I mean, look at me taking forever! (This page refuses to load!)
So I have this little thing to help you get the picture of how cold -87 is: If you throw a pot of boiling water into the air, it freezes fully into ice before hitting the ground. (This has been tested!) Thanks for answering my question! And yeah, I get it! XD Laughing our heads off...thats funny!
Um...well...I live in a village, and when I went down to the lower 48 it seemed SUPER busy. But here (in my village) its not bad:)
@Mirela
In answer to the question you asked Desarose, there are waaaaaay more small towns than there are busy cities, but the busy cities can be REALLY crowded. Then you have areas where you travel miles before you get to your neighbors. It really depends on where you are.
@ Desarose and Addie
Woah! That is cold! Fun fact: hot water freezes faster than cold water in some conditions. No idea why but I read it in a book. Sorry I’m getting into a ‘fun fact’ mode here XD
@ Addie and Desarose: I’m doing a project about Tornadoes and I’d appreciate any facts or anything you know about them. Thanks :-)
@ Addie what’s Yellowstone and Yosemite? I’ve never heard of them! Ah ok! So the USA has many different environments. Hehe my neighbour is on the other side of the wall! And I can see about 70 houses from our living room window! Very different to some people who can’t see any neighbours from their house! Do you have deserts in the US?
@Mirela
Ok, so about tornadoes. Do you want info on how they are formed? Like what conditions the weather has to be in, what to watch out for when looking for tornadoes, etc. Or do you want like, what to do during a tornado, what is likely to happen, what damage can be done to your surroundings. In other words, do you want to know about tornadoes themselves, or the effects of tornadoes? (I have info for both of these topics.) Just let me know!
Yellowstone and Yosemite (Yoh-seh-mih-tee)(I just learned recently that that's how you spell it XD) are national parks. They preserve rare wildlife and they are SUPER pretty! I've never actually been to one of them, but I've seen pics.
We do have deserts here. Not like the Sahara, with dunes and stuff, but the Sonoran Desert in Arizona has cacti and hardly any rain. The Great Basin Desert, the Mohave Desert, and the Chihuahuan desert are the others.
I lived in neighborhoods for most of my life, but very quiet ones with few people and now I can't see my neighbors' houses. That's crazy how many people live near you!
@Mirela J
*shrug* lol. Idk. Better safe than sorry?
@ Mirela
Yellowstone has geysers, the most famous ones being Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic, mud pits, you can also see buffalo herds just walking along the street.
Yosemite has mountains and waterfalls.
Another desert we have is Death Valley in California, and I would add like Redwood/Sequoia National Park. the redwood trees are up to 400 years old, redwood are the tallest and Giant Sequoias are the widest. I would also add the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, and the Great Salt Lake.
@ Addie
Addie, thanks for being so willing to help! :-) Well, I’ve done how they are formed and conditions and signs already. I guess the effect would be great to know. It’s due to be completed at 9 am UK time tomorrow (sorry!), so if you see this today please reply. If not, no worries. Yes the effect and what to do would be good to know. Also any mayor, recent or not so recent tornado disasters you know about? Anything, really, would be helpful! Thanks so much, again! I’ll reply to your other topics in a while, when I’m free again - hope you don’t mind! : D
@ Hesperus
Sorry I don’t understand! What were you referring to? : )
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