Post date: May 25, 2012 4:23:39 PM
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND, UNITED KINGDOM (MAY 25, 2012) (ITN (STV) - Supporters of independence for Scotland launched on Friday (May 25) what they say is the biggest grassroots campaign in Scottish history, a move that could result in the demise of a 305-year-old union with England and the breakup of Britain.
Alex Salmond launches Scottish pro-independence campaign that aims to break up Britain.
Seeking to tap into a cocktail of historical rivalry, opposing political tastes, and a perception that the British parliament in London does not nurture Scotland's national interests, the "Yes Scotland" campaign says it wants to win a referendum on independence in 2014 and for the country to become fully independent by 2016.
First Minister Alex Salmond, the feisty leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP), told an audience of around 500 that the people of Scotland should make the decisions that effect the country.
"If the parliament can run education, then why can't it run the economy? If it can be trusted to run the health service, then why can't it represent Scotland internationally? If it can be trusted to protect our old people, then why can't we protect the country, and do so without the obscenity of nuclear weapons?" said Salmond.
Attendees at the launch at a packed cinema in Edinburgh included Scottish actors Alan Cumming and brian Cox as well as Scottish politicians, journalists and trade unionists.
Cumming, the X-Men star who campaigned for the establishment of a Scottish Parliament in 1997, said that Scotland had 'blossomed' since devolution due to its people making their own decisions.
"The evidence is clear. In the past 15 years we have become stronger economically, socially, culturally and globally. The world is waiting for us. I know Scotland is ready," added Cumming.
If successful, Scottish independence could create serious problems for Britain - which comprises England, Scotland and Wales (Britain is in turn part of the United Kingdom which also includes Northern Ireland).
Britain's Trident nuclear submarine fleet is based in Scotland, revenues from Scottish North Sea oil remain important to its coffers, and analysts say Britain would find it harder to maintain its voice at international bodies such as the U.N. Security Council as well as in European Union decision-making.
Opinion polls show that around 40 percent of Scottish people are sympathetic to independence, with around 10 percent undecided and the remaining 50 percent opposed. South of the border in England, polls show people are largely apathetic.
"I think the majority of people in Scotland remain unconvinced and that they believe that we will be better within the strength of the United Kingdom and that frankly there are so many unanswered questions so many risks which especially at this time could actually effect peoples' livelihoods that their not yet convinced," said former Labour Chancellor Alistair Darling.
The British government in London controls foreign policy and defence. Yet Scotland has many of the trappings of an independent nation - its own flag, sports teams, culture and a history of achievements in science and literature.
Salmond wants Scotland to have its own armed forces and foreign policy and rejects a nuclear submarine facility based close to Glasgow.