Investment
The Spectator
Thursday
Spectator letters: In defence of the EU, the Welsh and Mary Wakefield
Breaking the unions Sir: By the time this letter appears we shall know whether the land of my birth has separated from the land of my life. I hope not. But is there not an uncanny parallel between the rise of the Scottish desire to quit England and the English desire to quit Europe? The same arguments about control from a city outside the nation; about elites and technocrats dictating to and imposing upon a sturdy independent people; the belief that outside the union (with England, with European partners) a radiant future beckons; endless columns, pamphlets and books explaining why rule from London/Brussels must be overthrown; and a charismatic, one-liner leader worshipped by his followers and given uncritical support by the BBC and other media.
Portrait of the week | 18 September 2014
Home People living in Scotland voted in a referendum that asked: ‘Should Scotland be an independent country?’ A great deal of ill feeling had been generated as the referendum campaign went on. David Cameron, the Prime Minister, was told by backbench Conservative MPs that he faced a ‘bloodbath’ for joining the United Kingdom leaders of the Liberal Democrats and the Labour party in offering continued high levels of funding for Scotland.
Alex Salmond’s success is just a symptom of our age of rage
In his short and infrequent visits to Scotland this year, the Prime Minister should have found time to speak to those supporting the ‘yes’ campaign. He would have seen and heard precisely the same complaints and exasperation that are driving his other great foe, Ukip. For years, politicians have laughed about voters who are ‘mad as hell, and not going to take it any more’. That joke is no longer funny. People have derided, lamented or lampooned the death of the Tory party’s grass roots. But the independence debate revealed that in Scotland the Labour party has suffered the same fate. The Better Together campaign against Scottish independence was meant to be largely powered by Labour party operatives.
Oscar Pistorius has received a Draconian sentence (yes, really)
Draconian sentence Paralympian athlete Oscar Pistorius was cleared of murder but convicted of culpable homicide, the equivalent of manslaughter in English law. — The concept of a lesser charge of killing without intent was first put forward by 6th century Athenian legislator Draco, popularly known for the harshness of his legal code, which applied the death penalty for the smallest of offences, including stealing a cabbage. — Manslaughter, however, was seen as a relatively minor crime. Had Pistorius been convicted under Draconian law he would have been exiled rather than face the death sentence. The long ride Alan Yentob, the BBC's creative director, has spent £25,000 on taxi fares in the past five years.
Books and arts – 18 September 2014
Scotland rejects independence – as it happened
No has won the referendum. Scotland won't become independent, but it will get new devolved powers, David Cameron promised this morning. Follow the developments on the PM's plans to change the constitution here. 08:13 The final result is in. Highland. Yes: 78,069 No: 87,739. That's 47.1% to 52.9% on a turnout of 87.0% 07.10 am: What are these 'further powers' that Scotland – and indeed the rest of the UK – might be given? If we're getting more powers I want telekinesis #indyref — Craig Rothney (@rothneychild) September 19, 2014 07.05 am: What happens next for the rest of the UK? Here's what Isabel has to say: The Prime Minister will give his response to Scotland's 'No' verdict at 7.10.
Spectator writers on the good, the bad and the ugly moments of the IndyRef
James Forsyth Until that YouGov poll putting Yes ahead, the No camp had steered clear of making an emotional appeal. But in the aftermath of that poll, people—finally—began to speak about Britishness and their pride in it. At the Usher Hall in Edinburgh last Friday night, a sizable crowd had gathered to hear George Galloway, Danny Alexander, Brian Wilson and Professors MacDonald and Tomkins make the case for No. The audience listened attentively as the economic arguments were made. But it was when speakers began to talk about Britain and their pride in our history that the audience became really engaged. Alexander talked movingly about the people who had come from all over the UK to train in the Highlands for the liberation of Europe. Then, Gordon Brown arrived.
The Spectator at war: A heroic little nation
From ‘A review of the war’, The Spectator, 19 September 1914: It is the duty of all English publicists to make people here understand the splendid heroism with which the Servians have fought. They have contributed very greatly to the overthrow of Austria, and their brave Army and nation deserve all the help and encouragement that the Allies can give. We and the French very properly guaranteed a loan to Belgium. We, France, and the Russians ought to do the same by Servia, for the little nation’s finances must by this time be very nearly exhausted.
Podcast: Campaign errors, Scotland turns its back and Anglican wars over women bishops
Scotland goes to the polls today, but whichever way the vote goes, it’s clear who lost the campaign: ‘No’ was outsmarted at every stage of the referendum battle. But how was this allowed to happen? In this week’s podcast, James Forsyth discusses what went wrong with Hugo Rifkind and Alex Massie. If Scotland does become independent, does the rest of Britain owe them anything? And if they stay, should we be forever grateful? In his column this week, Matthew Parris suggests the Spectator’s cover story last week – in which we asked our readers to write to Scots to ask them to stay – was unnecessary. He hopes that there will not be a special ‘Oh thank you, Scotland!
