#StillYes Trends On Social Media Amid Scotland Independence Referendum Anniversary
#StillYes has been tending on various social media sites, as the weekend marks the first anniversary of the Scotland independence referendum. Thousands of people last year voted, with a close figure in the end. The “No” vote won, but there were plenty unhappy with the verdict. Even now, there are still people angry and want to see Scotland break free from the rest of the United Kingdom.
Many wonder whether there will be a second independence referendum in the near future. British Prime Minister David Cameron has ruled that out from happening, but the Scottish National Party (SNP) insist that it could be possible, according to Reuters UK. The party saw a surge of votes in the General Election in May, winning all but three of Scotland’s 59 seats in Westminster.
Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s First Minister, has said that a second referendum will only happen if certain triggers occur. Those triggers will be laid out in the party manifesto ready for the May 2016 elections for the Scottish Parliament. One of the main triggers is likely to be a vote on the European Union. Sturgeon says that if the rest of the U.K. votes to leave but Scotland wants to stay, it would suggest that independence is wanted and required.
Cameron argued that one referendum was agreed between all. Alex Salmond, former First Minister, said that it was a “once in a lifetime” event, and plenty of people accepted that. It was only after the 55-45 vote in favor of staying in the United Kingdom that led to many arguing that another referendum was required. Cameron has agreed to more devolution, which was a promise to those who voted no.
There are still plenty of people in favor of independence, and the #StillYes hashtag definitely shows that. Many on Facebook changed their profile photo to show that they still want independence. However, some have switched to the no side, while some on the no side have switched to the yes. Those who now want to remain part of the U.K. believe that Scotland would fail to gain enough revenue to support itself, as the oil industry is not as sustainable as once believed.
To mark the one-year anniversary, Sturgeon gave a speech that told Cameron he was “living on borrowed time.” According to BBC, she warned the British Prime Minister not to ignore Scotland’s voice. By doing that, it is disrespectful to the voters and will mean more people will believe Westminster cannot deliver anything to Scotland. This would lead to more people wanting a second Scotland independence referendum.
[Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images]
