And lessons in it for Pakistan
After the 1995 Quebec referendum, Scotland has gone through the same process indicating that separatist tendencies are not confined to the developing countries alone but continue to flourish even in advanced democracies. Similarly a satisfactory conclusion of both the referendums shows that the issue of separatism can be resolved peacefully only in democracies.
Scotland had been a part of the United Kingdom for the last three centuries but an emotional longing for independence coupled with a historic antipathy to the English has persisted. Scotland’s distinct history and culture, the belief that its economy would be better run by Scots, were all factors which drove the country toward the exit door. Saying ‘Yes’ was a way of saying ‘No’ to Cameron’s austerity policies, above all his deep cuts in health and welfare spending.
There were however unifying factors too. There were benefits of being a part of a major player in the European Union. What is more, taking note of the straws in the wind Tony Blair’s government set in motion in 1997 the process of devolution. Scotland was allowed to establish its own parliament and take control of some social policies, such as health and education. But key powers such as taxation and welfare remained in the hands of Westminster.
Following an agreement between the Scottish and the United Kingdom governments, the Scottish Independence Referendum Bill, setting out the arrangements for this referendum, was passed by the Scottish Parliament in November 2013. The referendum question was “Should Scotland be an independent country?” Voters could answer only Yes or No. To pass, the independence proposal required a simple majority. Of the 87 per cent Scots who voted, those favouring union with the UK got a little more than 55 per cent votes. Alex Salmond, the Scottish National Party leader, duly accepted his defeat.
Under military rulers in Pakistan demands for autonomy, be these in East Pakistan or Balochistan, were treated as acts of sedition. There is a lot to learn for us from the British handling of the issue of separatism.
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