RSH Talks Politics with Big Maj

A long-form conversation between  @bigmajstudios409  & myself, about Scotland within the British Union, that was recorded at the end of March 2024. This took a wee minute to put together, sorry to those who may have been expecting it sooner. I dithered over whether to make it a 2-parter but decided to keep it whole. I really wanted to get it done before the General Election on July 4^th but didn’t want to skimp on related information & sources. Turns out I shouldn’t have worried about the sources, having more than a few…

Sources

Animosity Between Scotland & England, Prior to the Union – ‘Greenock Telegraph and Clyde Shipping Gazette,’ Monday 2^nd April, 1883. – ‘The Treaty of Union Between England and Scotland with an Historical Introduction,’ Thistledown [Charles Waddie]. – https://randomscottishhistory.com/2019/10/02/collection-of-charles-waddie-aka-thistledowns-correspondence/

Fortifying the Scottish/English Border – ‘Newcastle Chronicle,’ Saturday 28^th August, 1886. – ‘The Flying Squadron,’ N. E. R., Fence Houses. – https://randomscottishhistory.com/2019/10/02/factions-responsible-for-the-incorporating-union/

Alien Act – Eeles, J. (2021), ‘Scotland in the Union,’ Random Scottish History. – How Scotland Came to be United with England. – https://randomscottishhistory.com/2021/12/30/scotland-in-the-union-how-scotland-came-to-be-united-with-england/

Scots Desired a Federal Union – ‘Reynolds’s Newspaper,’ Sunday 5^th August, 1888. – ‘Home Rule for Scotland,’ J. Morrison Davidson. – https://randomscottishhistory.com/2019/10/02/how-the-duke-of-hamilton-helped-scotland-into-a-worse-situation/

List of the Bribed – Waddie, C. (1891), ‘How Scotland Lost Her Parliament and what came of it,’ Edinburgh: Waddie & Co., Ltd. – Chapter III., pp.18-30. – https://randomscottishhistory.com/2020/06/14/chapter-iii-pp-18-30/

Roman Roads in Scotland – Keltie, J. S. (1875), ‘A History of the Scottish Highlands, Highland Clans and Highland Regiments,’ Vols. 1 & 2, London: William Mackenzie. – Chapter I. – B.C. 55-A.D. 446. – https://randomscottishhistory.com/2022/09/04/chapter-i-b-c-55-a-d-446-pp-1-16/

Scotland Joins England in Union – ‘Dublin Weekly Nation,’ Saturday 23^rd July, 1853. – Scottish Independence. Declaration of Rights. – https://randomscottishhistory.com/2019/10/06/scotland-wasnt-conquered-ceded-or-occupied-by-england/

Treaty of Union as Ratified – Waddie, C. (1891), ‘How Scotland Lost Her Parliament and what came of it,’ Edinburgh: Waddie & Co., Ltd. – Note A, pp.103-126. – https://randomscottishhistory.com/2020/06/17/note-a-pp-103-126/

House of Lords Debates to End Union 6yrs Post-Ratification – ‘Scots Magazine,’ Sunday 1^st March, 1891. – ‘Home Rule for Scotland Financial Grievances,’ Harry Gow. – https://randomscottishhistory.com/2019/09/14/financial-cost-to-scotland-of-the-union/

English £20m Debt at the Time of the Union – Eeles, J. (2021), ‘Scotland in the Union,’ Random Scottish History. – How Scotland Came to be United with England. – https://randomscottishhistory.com/2021/12/30/scotland-in-the-union-how-scotland-came-to-be-united-with-england/

Comparison with Ireland – ‘Morning Chronicle,’ 10^th September, 1822. – ‘Hints on the Importance of Scotland, as a Separate Division of the British Empire,’ Sir John Sinclair. – https://randomscottishhistory.com/2019/08/09/articles-1800-1850/

Scots Representation in the House of Commons [Treaty of Union Article XXII] – Waddie, C. (1891), ‘How Scotland Lost Her Parliament and what came of it,’ Edinburgh: Waddie & Co., Ltd. – Note A, pp.103-126. – https://randomscottishhistory.com/2020/06/17/note-a-pp-103-126/

Scots Fight for Representation – ‘ Aberdeen Free Press,’ Saturday 11^th April, 1885. – ‘Address by Sheriff Guthrie Smith.’ – https://randomscottishhistory.com/2019/10/01/short-history-of-events-surrounding-the-treaty-of-union/

The Issues with Under-Representation – ‘Caledonian Mercury,’ Thursday 14^th July, 1853. – ‘National Association for the Vindication of Scottish Rights.’ – https://randomscottishhistory.com/2019/10/05/formation-of-the-national-association-for-the-vindication-of-scottish-rights/

How the Duke of Hamilton Failed Scotland – ‘Reynolds’s Newspaper,’ Sunday 5^th August, 1888. – ‘Home Rule for Scotland,’ J. Morrison Davidson. – https://randomscottishhistory.com/2019/10/02/how-the-duke-of-hamilton-helped-scotland-into-a-worse-situation/

Neglected by Westminster – ‘Cork Examiner,’ Monday 25^th July, 1853. – ‘Justice to Scotland,’ Ian. – https://randomscottishhistory.com/2019/10/05/formation-of-the-national-association-for-the-vindication-of-scottish-rights/

English MPs Voting Against Scottish Motions – Waddie, C. (1891), ‘How Scotland Lost Her Parliament and what came of it,’ Edinburgh: Waddie & Co., Ltd. – Note G, pp.145-146. – https://randomscottishhistory.com/2020/06/17/note-g-pp-145-146/

Underfunding Scotland – ‘Cork Examiner,’ Monday 25^th July, 1853. – ‘Justice to Scotland,’ Ian. – https://randomscottishhistory.com/2019/10/05/formation-of-the-national-association-for-the-vindication-of-scottish-rights/

1^st Class Scots Officers are Paid Less than 2^nd Class English – ‘Caledonian Mercury,’ Monday 6^th February, 1854. – ‘Scottish Grievances – The Customhouse, Leith.’ – https://randomscottishhistory.com/2019/10/05/formation-of-the-national-association-for-the-vindication-of-scottish-rights/

Scots Denied the Ability to Defend Themselves – ‘Caledonian Mercury,’ Monday 31^st March, 1760. – ‘Scots Request a Militia for Home Defence,’ Scoto-Brittanus.- https://randomscottishhistory.com/2019/10/04/scots-request-a-militia-for-home-defence/

Scots Denied the Right to Wear Scottish Clothing – J. F. Campbell (1862), ‘Popular Tales of the West Highlands,’ Vol. 4, Edinburgh: Edmonston & Douglas. – Notes, pp.443-444. – https://randomscottishhistory.com/2019/03/17/notes-pp-443-444/

Scots had to Join the British Army to Defend Themselves – ‘Caledonian Mercury,’ 7^th January, 1793. – ‘Scots Militia.’ – https://randomscottishhistory.com/2019/08/09/articles-1750-1800/

Scots Kidnapped for British Plantations – Waddie, C. (1891), ‘How Scotland Lost Her Parliament and what came of it,’ Edinburgh: Waddie & Co., Ltd. – Chapter VI, pp.48-57. – https://randomscottishhistory.com/2020/06/15/chapter-vi-pp-48-57/

English Tory MP, Lucy Frazer, Sending Scots as Slaves – ‘indy100,’ 9^th June, 2020. ‘Outrage after Tory MPs erupt into laughter over slavery in resurfaced video,’ James Besanvalle. – https://www.indy100.com/news/tory-mps-laugh-slavery-video-9556371

How Scottish Representation was Decided – ‘Dundee People’s Journal,’ Saturday 5^th April, 1884. – ‘The Representation of Scotland.’ – https://randomscottishhistory.com/2019/09/15/articles-1875-1900/

Association for the Vindication of Scotland Formed to Claw Equality from the Union – ‘Caledonian Mercury,’ Monday 17^th October, 1853. – ‘Nemo Me Impune Lacesset!’ – https://randomscottishhistory.com/2019/10/05/formation-of-the-national-association-for-the-vindication-of-scottish-rights/

Tony Blair’s View of Scotland – ‘Constitution Unit,’ 19^th February, 2020. – ‘The history behind Nicola Sturgeon’s call for a Claim of Right for Scotland,’ David Torrance. – https://constitution-unit.com/2020/02/19/the-history-behind-nicola-sturgeons-call-for-a-claim-of-right-for-scotland/

Nicola Sturgeon Outing Brexit Referendum a Year Prior to Scotland’s Referendum – ‘BBC News,’ 27^th January, 2013. – ‘Scottish independence: Nicola Sturgeon in EU commitment pledge.’ – https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-21211931

ScotRail Off-Peak All Day – ‘Going by train is on with Off-Peak fares all day, every day until 27 September 2024,’ 16^th May, 2024. – https://www.scotrail.co.uk/off-peak-fares-all-day-long

Nurses & Midwives in Scotland Accept Pay Offer – ‘The Guardian,’ 20^th March, 2023. – ‘NHS strikes in Scotland averted after nurses and midwives vote to accept pay offer.’ – https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/mar/20/nhs-strikes-in-scotland-averted-after-nurses-and-midwives-vote-to-accept-pay-offer 

Scotland’s System of Income Taxation – ‘Forbes,’ 9^th April, 2024. – ‘Scottish Tax Bands For 2024/25: How Do They Compare With The Rest Of The UK?’ Bethany Garner. – https://www.forbes.com/uk/advisor/personal-finance/scottish-tax-bands/

Social Security in Scotland – ‘Scottish Government,’ 6^th December, 2023. – ‘Building a New Scotland: Social security in an independent Scotland,’ Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice. – https://www.gov.scot/publications/social-security-independent-scotland/pages/8/

GERS & Scotland’s Assigned Deficit – ‘Funding the Future,’ 21^st August, 2019. – ‘The GERS data is ludicrous: Scotland does not generate 60% of the UK’s net fiscal deficit,’ Richard Murphy. – https://www.taxresearch.org.uk/Blog/2019/08/21/the-gers-data-is-ludicrous-scotland-does-not-generate-60-of-the-uks-net-fiscal-deficit/

More on Scotland’s Assigned Deficit & GERS – ‘Funding the Future,’ 15^th March, 2017. – ‘More on why GERS might properly be called crap data,’ Richard Murphy. – https://www.taxresearch.org.uk/Blog/2017/03/15/more-on-why-gers-might-properly-be-called-crap-data/

Scotland’s Assets Post-Self-Determination – ‘YouTube,’ 11^th January, 2014. – ‘Who Owns Big Ben?’ Ian Hamilton QC. – https://youtu.be/yJHYrBLNcog?si=iYKlLpYsQDjZwtIh

Scotch Whisky Exports – ‘Whisky Investment,’ accessed 24^th April, 2024. – ‘Global Scotch Whisky Exports Exceed £5.6 Billion in 2023.’ – https://whiskyinvestments.com/global-scotch-whisky-exports-exceed-5-6-billion-in-2023/

‘Outlander’ Delayed Due to Impending Scottish Referendum – ‘Glasgow Times,’ 20^th April, 2015. – ‘Exclusive: Leaked Sony e-mail speaks of political ‘importance’ of Outlander to Indyref,’ Phil Miller. – https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/13306323.exclusive-leaked-sony-e-mail-speaks-of-political-importance-of-outlander-to-indyref/

SNP’s Initial Holyrood Win (2007) – ‘Parliament and Constitution Centre,’ 20^th June, 2007. – ‘The Scottish Parliamentary elections May 2007: The formation of the Scottish Executive and the election of a Presiding Officer,’ Paul Lester & Oonagh Gay. – https://www.parliament.uk/globalassets/documents/commons/lib/research/briefings/snpc-04372.pdf

UK Overspending from 2020 to 2024 – ‘Assets Nation Builder,’ 31^st May, 2024. – ‘Scandalous spending tracker breakdown,’ Best for Britain. – https://assets.nationbuilder.com/b4b/pages/3036/attachments/original/1717161531/May_2024_-_Scandalous_spending_tracker_Breakdown.pdf?1717161531

Paul Sweeney Suggesting Scotland is Subsidised by Westminster – ‘Novara Media,’ shared on Twitter by @MSM_Monitor, 26^th February, 2024. – https://x.com/msm_monitor/status/1762155182467494213

Westminster Admits Scotland is Not Subsidised – ‘The National,’ 18^th February, 2021. – ‘Westminster forced to admit that England does NOT subsidise Scotland,’ The Jouker. – https://www.thenational.scot/news/19098598.petition-makes-westminster-confirm-england-not-subsidise-scotland/

Westminster not Paying its Debts – ‘Waterford Mail,’ Friday 6^th March, 1863. – ‘The Case of Ireland,’ Joseph Fisher. – https://randomscottishhistory.com/2019/08/14/articles-1850-1875/

National Debt Clock – “The UK national debt grows at a rate of £5,170 per second!” – https://www.nationaldebtclock.co.uk/

Scotland’s Finances after the Union – ‘Scots Magazine,’ Sunday 1^st March, 1891. – ‘Home Rule for Scotland Financial Grievances,’ Harry Gow. – https://randomscottishhistory.com/2019/09/14/financial-cost-to-scotland-of-the-union/

Bank of England’s Inflation Calculator – https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/monetary-policy/inflation/inflation-calculator

Scotland’s Cash Flow to the Westminster Exchequer – The Scots Secretariat (1930), ‘Scotland’s Scrap of Paper,’ Bute Newspapers Ltd., Rothesay. – ‘Contribution of Scotland to the Exchequer,’ p.41. – https://randomscottishhistory.com/2022/03/29/contribution-of-scotland-to-the-exchequer-p-41/

Kezia Dugdale (Labour) Suggests Scots Vote for Tories – ‘Daily Express,’ 22^nd May, 2017. – ‘Scottish Labour leader faces backlash after urging Scots to vote TORY to keep Sturgeon out,’ Chris Campbell – https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/807559/Kezia-Dugdale-Nicola-Sturgeon-SNP-Scottish-independence-poll-Ruth-Davidson

Kezia’s Dad Tells Her Off on Twitter – ‘Independent,’ 5^th April, 2015. – ‘Kezia Dugdale, deputy leader of Scottish Labour Party, pulled up on Twitter by own father over Nicola Sturgeon memo claims,’ Lamiat Sabin. – https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/kezia-dugdale-deputy-leader-of-scottish-labour-party-called-out-on-twitter-by-own-father-over-nicola-sturgeon-claims-made-by-the-telegraph-10156970.html

Migration is Necessary for Scotland to Thrive – ‘Twitter,’ 7^th June, 2024. – “Stephen Flynn gets two rounds of applause in less than 90 seconds by completely debunking 10 years of “race to the bottom” anti-migrant politics,” @PoliticsJOE_UK. – https://x.com/PoliticsJOE_UK/status/1799157951799714022

Working Out Scotland’s Representation – ‘Aberdeen Press and Journal,’ Wednesday 7^th September, 1853. – ‘Scotland Since the Union.’ – https://randomscottishhistory.com/2019/10/05/the-issue-of-centralisation/

Brexit Benefits – ‘BBC News,’ 1^st December, 2022. – ‘Brexit added £210 to household food bills, LSE says,’ Lora Jones. – https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-63821133

Brexit a Detriment to UK Scientists – ‘Independent,’ 25^th August, 2023. – ‘Brexit: UK facing science ‘brain drain’ while locked out of EU Horizon scheme,’ Jon Stone. – https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/brexit-science-eu-horizon-b2398902.html

Scots Grievances Within Westminster – ‘Scots Magazine,’ Sunday 1^st March, 1891. – ‘Home Rule for Scotland Financial Grievances,’ Harry Gow. – https://randomscottishhistory.com/2019/09/14/financial-cost-to-scotland-of-the-union/

Scots Ridiculed at Westminster – ‘Random Scottish History,’ 31^st December, 2021. – ‘Scotland in Union; Thoughts of Home Rule,’ Jenny Eeles. – https://randomscottishhistory.com/2021/12/31/scotland-in-union-thoughts-of-home-rule/

Boris’ Plan to Supply England with Scottish Water – ‘The National,’ 16^th August, 2022. – ‘Tories plot ‘Great Boris Canal’ shipping water from Scotland to England to tackle drought,’ Laura Webster. – https://www.thenational.scot/news/20661722.tories-plot-great-boris-canal-shipping-water-scotland-england-tackle-drought/

English Attempts to Stifle Scottish Trade – Chambers, R. (1885), ‘Domestic Annals of Scotland from the Reformation to the Rebellion of 1745.’, Edinburgh: W. & R. Chambers. – ‘Reign of William the Third,’ 1695-1702, pp.355-378 (Footnote; P. W. J. Riley (1979), ‘The Union of England and Scotland: A Study in Anglo-Scottish Politics of the Eighteenth Century’). – https://randomscottishhistory.com/2018/10/01/reign-of-william-the-third-1695-1702-pp-355-378/

Scotland has no Right to its Oil – ‘Daily Express,’ 13^th April, 2017. – ‘”It BELONGS to US!” Tory MP issues HANDS OFF warning to Sturgeon over North Sea oil,’ Joe Barnes. – https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/791132/Scotland-Sir-Bill-Cash-issues-Nicola-Sturgeon-North-Sea-oil-warning-Scottish-Independence

Rory Stewart Believes England & Scotland are One Country – ‘YouTube,’ 12^th March, 2024. – ‘Being The Only Green MP in Westminster | A Progressive Vision for the UK | Caroline Lucas.’ – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWKSURBbr5o

1616 Education Act (Scotland) & the Attempt to Eradicate the Gaelic Language – Maitland Club (1891), ‘Miscellany of the Maitland Club Consisting of Original Papers Illustrative of the History and Literature of Scotland,’ Vol. 2, Printed at Edinburgh. – ‘Acts of the Parliament and of the Privy Council of Scotland Relative to the Establishing and Maintaining of Schools from the Year MCCCCXCVI to the Year MDCXCVI, pp.22-23. – https://randomscottishhistory.com/2021/12/01/timeline-of-events-between-scotland-england-roman-era-to-1900/

1696 Education Act (Scotland) & the Continued Attempt at Eradicating the Gaelic Language – Random Scottish History Scans Page of J. F. Campbell (1862), ‘Popular Tales of the West Highlands,’ Edinburgh: Edmonston & Douglas. – https://randomscottishhistory.com/2019/01/06/popular-tales-of-the-west-highlands-1890-1893/

Statutes of Iona (Icolmkill) – J. Mackintosh, LL.D. (1895), ‘History of Civilisation in Scotland,’ vol. 3, Paisley: Alexander Gardner, pp.241-243. – https://randomscottishhistory.com/2020/05/09/statutes-of-icolmkill-iona/

Similar Tactics in Use by the British in Other Countries – ‘Glasgow Herald’ (1955), ‘Casual Columns – Glasgow Herald Miscellany. – ‘Pride & Principle,’ J. Leslie, pp.26-27. – https://www.facebook.com/share/p/L4RqekAperXP4egk/

Scottish Gender Recognition Reform Bill Had no Effect on Equality Act – ‘Twitter,’ 17^th January, 2023. – “The Scottish Gender Recognition Reform Bill does not affect the operation of the Equality Act. The government’s decision to block it has nothing to do with ‘protecting women’ and everything to do with fanning the flames of a culture war that’s harming trans people,’ @NadiaWhittomeMP. – https://x.com/NadiaWhittomeMP/status/1615374310662889472

Example of a Scottish Council Under Tory/Labour Coalition – ‘Twitter,’ 1^st March, 2023. – “Labour and The Tories have just voted together in East Renfrewshire on a budget which cuts services and jobs and increases council tax by 6%,” @CllrAireland. – https://x.com/CllrAireland/status/1630932927239290881

Universal Basic Income (Citizen’s Basic Income) – ‘Basic Income Scotland,’ 15^th March, 2021. – ‘ Exploring the feasibility of a Citizens’ Basic Income Pilot in Scotland,’ Julie McLachlan. – https://www.basicincome.scot/news/articles/exploring-the-feasibility-of-a-citizens-basic-income-pilot-in-scotland

The European Union more Democratic than the British Union – ‘YouTube,’ 5^th May, 2024. – ‘Scottish Roast SR6 E16,’ David McGuinness, Political X, Max Robespierre, & Random Scottish History. – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSYZRhHb9h8

Groundskeeper Willie Standing Up for Scotland – ‘YouTube,’ 1^st November, 2016. – ‘The Simpsons – Willie’s Views on Scottish Independence,’ Simpsons Best Moments. – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tEKrZQmbN2I

Owen Jones Ditching his Labour Membership – ‘The Guardian,’ 21^st March, 2024. – ‘The Labour party is in my blood. Here’s why I’ve just cancelled my membership,’ Owen Jones. – https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/mar/21/labour-party-cancelling-membership-policies

Are Labour Thatcher Adherents? – ‘Financial Times,’ 2^nd April, 2024. – ‘Labour warms to Margaret Thatcher in bid to widen UK electoral appeal,’ George Parker & Jim Pickard. – https://www.ft.com/content/3c7554cd-b74e-4b24-8701-dc5a16134153

Labour Party Adopting Austerity – ‘Jacobin,’ 31^st May, 2024. – ‘The Labour Party is Committing Itself to Austerity,’ Grace Blakeley. – https://jacobin.com/2024/05/uk-labour-austerity-ifs-obr-reeves