Interview with Rev. Ricky Yates, Church of England Chaplain of St. Clements’s Anglican Parish

Pearl of Tyburn:  We now have Rev. Ricky Yates coming to us from Prague, Czech Republic. Good evening!

Ricky Yates:  Good evening Pearl!

P.T.:  First, could you tell me a little bit about your background and work?

R.Y.:  I'm British man, born 20 days after H M the Queen came to the throne, so like Her Majesty, I celebrated my Diamond Jubilee in 2012 :) I've been an ordained Anglican priest for nearly 25 years & since September 2008, I've been the resident Anglican Chaplain in Prague.

P.T.:  Do you belong to any political party?

R.Y.:  I used to be a paid up member of the Liberal Democrats, but I have no party affiliation at present. I'm also not currently registered to vote in the UK.

P.T.:  Do you consider yourself more predominately English or British?

R.Y.:  Interesting question! I'm English in that I was born in England of English parents. But particularly here in the Czech Republic, I usually say I'm British, not least because I travel on a British passport & my Czech residency documentation says 'United Kingdom' (in Czech of course), as being my nationality.

P.T.:  So what is your reaction to the prospect of breaking up the union through Scottish independence?

R.Y.:  I think it would be very foolish. I strongly believe in the devolution of powers to Scotland & Wales, but I don't see any reason for complete separation. The SNP might argue otherwise, but the fact is that England subsidies both Scotland and Wales and there would be understandable calls for that financial support to cease should Scotland become independent.

P.T.:  What do you think of the concept of federalization?

R.Y.:  It depends what you mean by federalization. But if you mean each constituent country of the UK being self-governing but with defense, foreign affairs etc being the responsibility of a UK wide federal government, as in the USA or Australia, then I would be in favour of that. At the moment, you have laws for England & sometimes Wales, being voted on by Scottish MPs when English MPs cannot vote on laws relating to Scotland.

P.T.:  Do you consider yourself “European” and how do you feel about the European Union and the future of Scotland/Britain within in, depending upon the outcome of the referendum?

R.Y.:  I certainly regard myself as European - after all, my wife is German & we live in the Czech Republic. Whilst the EU isn't perfect, it has maintained peace post WW2, greatly assisted trade & economic development & made travel so much easier.

The UK would be shooting itself in the foot if it were to leave the EU. And I'm one of about two million British citizens who live in other EU member states & our situation would become very uncertain.

P.T.:  What do you think the difference would be (if any) for an independent Scotland in the EU as opposed to being within the UK?

R.Y.:  There is no guarantee that an independent Scotland would be part of the EU. This is one of the strong arguments against independence. For example, the Spanish would oppose an independent Scotland being allowed to join as it would set a precedent for Catalonia.

P.T.:  Ah. I wonder if Italy feels the same way about Venice, and France about Brittany....

R.Y.:  Exactly! The Spanish have been the most vocal on this matter but there would be similar concerns in Italy & France.

P.T.: How has living in the Czech Republic affected your views on unions and separation?

R.Y.:  What I did want to say is that I live in part of a country that also divided in two on 01/01/1993 when Czechoslovakia divided into the Czech Republic & Slovakia. I've heard from many Czechs & Slovaks as to how much they regret that break up. Relatively few Czechs live in Slovakia whereas many Slovaks live and work in the Czech Republic & in many ways, find themselves at a disadvantage because they are now 'foreigners' in what was previously their own country.

A similar situation would arise if Scotland became independent. Relatively few English people live in Scotland, but many more Scots live & work in England & might be left feeling like Slovaks do here in the Czech Republic.

P.T.:  Do you think there is ever a chance of Czechoslovakia being reunified?

R.Y.:  No - It would be very difficult to put the two countries back together & the same would apply to England and Scotland. Back to one of my very early points. The Czechs, in some measure, financially supported the Slovaks before the Velvet Divorce. That financial support went with the division into two. Slovakia is about the same size as the CR but with less that half the population. It is mainly rural & mountainous. I hope the parallels are clear.

P.T.:  What do you think about the monarchy and how it applies to the national identity and the union? Can you tell me about your experience with Prince Charles and The Duchess of Cornwall?

R.Y.:  My own opinion is that having a constitutional monarchy has served the UK very well, certainly for the past 150 years, & I see no reason to change it. HM the Queen is very strong about being the Queen of the United Kingdom. She is a strong unifying factor. As I'm sure you're aware, Prince Charles is a far less popular character, though attitudes towards him & the Duchess have improved markedly in recent years.

My own experience with meeting C & C and having to preach with them in my congregation was a little nerve racking but equally quite enjoyable. They were in Prague on a Sunday at the time and wanted to be at worship on a Sunday. Prince Charles also wanted it to be seen that he was at worship! You can read more about it here:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/theroyalfamily/7493322/Prince-of-Wales-and-Camilla-join-Prague-worshippers.html

http://www.dukeandduchessofcambridge.org/news-and-diary/trh-attend-church-prague?__utma=1.1299982778.1403553590.1403553590.1403553590.1&__utmb=1.4.10.1403553590&__utmc=1&__utmx=_utmz=1.1403553590.1.1.utmcsr=google|utmccn=%28organic%29|utmcmd=organic|utmctr=%28not%20provided%29&__utmv=-&__utmk=234216990

P.T.:  This is just out of curiosity, but did you just wake one Sunday and someone told you: "Guess what? The prince is coming to church!" Or was this prepared?

R.Y.:  I knew more than two months in advance. See http://rickyyates.com/a-forthcoming-royal-visit/ & my subsequent posts.

P.T.:  Well, I'm sure that saved you a panic attack, lol!

R.Y.:  Indeed!

P.T.:  What do you think of Alex Salmond vs. Alasdair Darling?

R.Y.:  I have to say that, being a little removed from the UK now, I haven't closely followed the debate between these two gentlemen. But I have to confess I am not a fan of Alex Salmond. I have always felt that he's rather full of himself - rather self-important & if I'm honest, not a good advert for Scotland.

P.T.:  What do you think of the way BT is running there campaign?

R.Y.: Their campaign has at times, been a little negative in its approach by only emphasizing the dangers of voting for independence rather that stressing the benefits of the existing union.

P.T.:  What do you think that Alex Salmond and the other high-ranking SNP members hope to gain for themselves in this push for independence? 

R.Y.:  I always think Alex Salmond is far too full of his own self-importance. He obviously wants to gain both power & kudos for himself. Many of those with him, I guess, are drawn by power & greater recognition. Or am I being cynical? :)

P.T.:  Delightfully so!

R.Y.:  LOL!

P.T.:  Among average Scots, do you think that post-imperial regret may have to do with the rise in Nationalism?

R.Y.:  No - it's more to do with the economic downturn & increasing disenchantment with the main political parties.

P.T.:  What do you think about the way that the referendum question is phrased, putting “Yes” for independence and “No” for the Union?

R.Y.:  What ever way the question was phrased, was always going to cause controversy. Hopefully, there has been enough publicity to ensure that only a few idiots will misunderstand & vote the opposite way to their intentions.

P.T.:  Or more or less be encouraged to think "positively" and hence, "YES"!

R.Y.:  No doubt, that's what the SNP hope!

P.T.:  Do you think it would work much?

R.Y.:  No - for the reason I gave a moment ago. By September, the publicity surrounding the referendum should have made it abundantly clear what voting 'Yes' or 'No' will mean.

P.T.:  On another subject, many nationalists claim the British government has abused the land pretty consistently through history, from the clearances to dumping nuclear waste in Scotland. What is your response to this?

R.Y.:  The clearances in the 18th and 19th centuries were usually carried out by wealthy Scots to the detriment of poorer Scots! In so many aspects of life, it is so easy to find a scapegoat, someone else to blame. Blaming a nameless group of people down in London makes an easy scapegoat.

With regard to nuclear waste - all governments look to remote places to store it. Whilst I believe there is some in Scotland, a lot is stored in NW England in Cumbria. In general, they have a somewhat idealistic view of history with very little grip on reality. That may be a little harsh, so I await any brickbats that come in my direction :)

P.T.:  Hey, it happens…;-)

What do you think about Celtic culture and its preservation (linguistically and otherwise) in contrast to nationalism?

R.Y.:  Independence doesn't necessarily help with the preservation of culture & language. The Irish Republic has been independent for nearly 100 years but despite Irish Gaelic being the country's official language, it still is only spoken fluently by between 5 & 10% of the population.

On the other hand, Wales has remained within the UK & with active government support, has seen the number of fluent Welsh speakers rise from 20 to 25% in the past twenty years or so. I think you can very easily preserve different cultures without the need for more small independent nations.

P.T.:  What was your personal experience in Wales and with the Welsh language?

And what practical ways do you think could be made to preserve that sort of culture within the union?

R.Y.:  I spent three years studying for my first degree at a small University College located in a predominantly Welsh-speaking town, even allowing for the College being an anglicising influence :) I enjoyed hearing Welsh being spoken and made some effort to at least understand the basics of the language, particularly how to pronounce it!

All children in Wales are taught Welsh until they are 16, there is a Welsh medium TV channel, both of which are financed by UK government money. The Welsh culture has been preserved within the UK, together with the delegation of powers to the Welsh Assembly just as the current Scottish parliament has it's local law making powers.

P.T.:  As an Englishman, what’s your opinion on David Cameron and his encouraging English people to call their Scottish friends and relatives to urge them to stay in the Union?

R.Y.:  I think he has every right to do so. Why should the Prime Minister of the UK be silent on the issue? He values the union & wants to see it preserved. And he's entitled to say what he has said.

P.T.:  To wrap things up, could you tell me a little big about what you see for yourself in the future, and your interests/hobbies?

R.Y.:  I hope to retire from full time ministry in less than three years time - Easter 2017. I then hope to spend more time writing & possibly undertake another long-distance pilgrimage either to Santiago de Compostela walking from Prague or Prague to Jerusalem!

P.T.:  Well, good luck with all these future endeavors, and thank you for taking the time out for the interview.

R.Y.: My pleasure.

Interview with Dominic Hardwick, Liberal Democrat Candidate for Manchester City Council

Pearl of Tyburn: Coming to us from Manchester, England, we have Mr. Dominic Hardwick, one of this year’s Liberal Democrat Candidates for Manchester City Council. Good evening, Mr. Hardwick.

Dominic Hardwicke: And to you.

P.T.:  What national identities do you see yourself as having? And do you have any ethnic/religious identities to speak of?

D.H.:  Nationally, I see myself as British first. My ancestry is predominantly Anglo-Saxon, but I can trace Celtic, Viking, Irish, French and Jewish roots in my family tree. I would not say that I wasn't English, and I would describe myself as English; but I consider myself a Briton first and foremost.

Ethnically I am an English Catholic. My father was baptized as a Catholic and comes from a Catholic family. My mother was baptized into the Church of England. I was left to make my own decisions about faith and reach my own conclusions, and I came to the conclusion that there must be a god, and I found wisdom in the teachings of Christianity.

I can't believe that a mortal man (i.e. the Pope) is infallible, so I'm not Catholic; I dislike the sexism inherent in the Eastern Orthodox churches; I think that certain oriental sects are weird; American evangelical movements scare me; Jehovah's witnesses seem illogical; I find Mormonism illogical; and I dislike the rejection of ritual and mysticism by more puritanical churches. Therefore I identify as an Anglican Christian.

P.T.:  How did you first become active in politics, within the Liberal Democrat Party in particular?

D.H.:  Well, my parents always voted and were socialists, relishing in the 1997 victory of the Labour government. However, we had a great local Lib Dem councilor called John Leech, who they also voted for. Labour did its level best to earn the contempt of my parents over the years - first they abolished the feeder school system meaning that rather than going to a decent local state school, I was offered schools that were further away and more difficult to get to.

Fortunately, as I was intelligent enough, I was able to pass the entrance exams for my local private school, which is one of the best in the country. But we still resented what Labour had done, especially as our local Labour MP was unaffected by the change because he could afford to put his son through the same private school that I went to.

Then there was the Iraq war, NHS changes and tuition fees, so we got sick of Labour and started supporting John Leech, who was elected in the 2005 general election with the largest swing in the country. My mother was deeply involved in the local residents' association, and so was John, being an interested and involved local councilor and then MP, and so invited us to be his first guests around Parliament.

I started to like the Lib Dems and him, and helped him campaign in the next general election; by which time I had joined university. I joined the Lib Dems at University, and met Henry, who persuaded me of the merits of unionism. I began helping my local Lib Dem councilors by delivering a round of leaflets for them, and got involved in student politics too, campaigning successfully to be elected to the student council in two elections

I enjoyed canvassing, and so I asked my local councilors if I could help them with that. So due to my commitment, I became one of their core activists. I then did two internships with Lib Dem MPs (one of them a government minister) and started helping out in a winnable ward without which had not done much campaigning. I was then selected as a candidate last summer, and ran for the position of Lib Dem councilor this May.

P.T.:  What reasons do you have for being an active Unionist?

D.H.:  Many, but here are my top five:

1) Together England and Scotland are greater than the sum of their parts, we are more prosperous and powerful for our union, and division would make us poorer and weaker.

2) Unity is an essential underpinning of acceptance and understanding of other people. Separatism would make us naturally hostile, and would develop a narrative in Scotland that defined the Scots as being against the English, just as happened in Ireland.

3) We have years of shared history and culture, and we are both richer socially for it. People have fought and died to protect these United Kingdoms, and it would be a slight on their legacy and sacrifice to destroy what they preserved.

4) Nationalism is an evil, corrosive force that lies behind many of the wrongs of the world, we must do everything we can to fight it by integrating our nations and states.

5) A unified set of laws, customs and government systems is cheaper to administer and provides a level playing field for competition between companies. Removing this by separating would make both Britain and Scotland less attractive to businesses and investors.

P.T.:  How do you think most English people, especially in Manchester and the north, view the upcoming Scottish Independence Referendum?

D.H.:  I'd say that very few people understand what drives it, and without understanding, most people wouldn't really have a firm opinion on it. Lots of people understand it only with reference to British and English politics, so seeing it as an issue of right vs. left, or monarchism vs. republicanism.

P.T.:  Do you think UK general opinion will affect Scottish opinion, in lieu of how Canadian opinion effected Quebec during their last independence referendum?

D.H.:  I don't know. I see how it could be effective, but I also see how it could - if manifested in certain forms – be a hindrance. For example, in one of the US presidential elections where George Bush Jr. was the republican candidate, the Guardian (a left-wing UK newspaper) organized a letter-writing operation asking people to send letters to voters in a swing state asking them to vote Gore/Kerry. It had the opposite effect as the voters railed against external interference.

P.T.:  Granted. But that was about electing a candidate, not a referendum regarding the unity of the country.

D.H.:  Indeed, which is why I say I'm not sure.

P.T.:  What do you think about Better Together?

D.H.:  It's a much needed campaign expressing the views of the softly-spoken majority. As a campaign, it seems either weak or powerful but disjointed. Either the campaign group is weak and unitary and not getting its voice across while louder, independent voices stand up for the union, or the campaign is strong and multi-pronged, relying on outside voices to provide its strength.

P.T.:  Which one do you think is more likely? And what would you suggest they should do to present a stronger front?

D.H.: I'm too cynical to be able to tell. I think it might be the latter, but I dread that it may be the former. To present a stronger front, Alistair Darling may need to put himself about more. If he were an MSP that could be helpful....maybe.

P.T.:  What do you think of his personality as it comes across in comparison to Alex Salmond's?

D.H.:  I honestly haven't heard that much of him live. I'm kinda fixated on his eyebrows...

P.T.:  Okay. I guess darling doesn't have an eye-brush comb in his make-up kit?

D.H.:  Yeah, that and the fact that they are black while his hair is white.

P.T.:  The “No” Camp hasn’t really produced any singularly young and dynamic character as of late, have they?

D.H.:  No, but that might be a good thing. Younger politicians are often seen as factory-farmed soulless automata.

P.T.:  And what are guys like Alasdair Darling and Alex Salmond seen as?

D.H.:  More trustworthy because they are older and have held high office without courting scandal. Salmond less so because he's a fatuous nincompoop.

P.T.:  What do you think about Scottish Nats who say, "We are just like Ireland! We the oppressed Celtic peoples of the earth, who were conquered by the Sassenachs....yadda yadda yadda....."

D.H.:  It's pointless, destructive, self-pitying whining by people who seem to be suffering from inferiority complexes trying to cast themselves as victims to give justification to their nasty, petty, small-minded and ultimately xenophobic/racist world view. I really do have very little time for nationalists.

P.T.:  What are your thoughts on “Yes” supporters insisting that Scotland would be “better off weak”? Some of them actually say out loud: "We'd be better off weak; we wouldn't have to fight wars, etc."

D.H.:  Codswallop. Scotland would be irrelevant if weak. They would lack protection as they wouldn't be able to be a part of NATO without contributing to the defense of NATO.

Furthermore, I would argue that we have a duty to people beyond the borders of our country, and deliberately weakening ourselves to get out of our duty to remove genocidal tyrants and protecting the weak against the strong is repugnant cowardice and vile selfishness.

Also, only a fool would say that we had forever banished the scourge of major wars. Every time a major war has broken out, it has been after a period of peace in which people had convinced themselves that war would not return.

P.T.:  What do you think of Scotland and the pound?

D.H.:  If Scotland becomes independent, it can't remain in a currency union with the UK. The UK would have no reason to allow its monetary policy to be in part dictated by a country 1/10 its size.

It could continue to use the pound in the same way that Zimbabwe uses the dollar, but that wouldn't work for long term fiscal stability. It couldn't move to the Euro because the EU would not have an independent Scotland as a member. An independent Scotland would need its own currency.

P.T.:  As a Liberal Democrat, how would you answer the "anti-Tory-ism" that seems to be rampant in Scotland and used as an excuse to seek independence?

D.H.:  Be anti-Tory, that's fine - I don't particularly like them myself. However, trying to use the fact that somebody disagrees with the government of the day as a reason for them to vote for independence is just dishonest of the SNP. Salmond is trying so hard to cast the referendum as a Scotland vs. the Tories thing, and it is repulsive that he is trying to cheapen such an important question.

It's also an issue of trying to make people throw the take their ball and go home if something doesn't go their way. Finally, until 1997 the Tories were a major force in Scottish politics, and many senior Tory politicians are Scots themselves (historically this is true as well). David Cameron is of Scottish ancestry, Lord Strathclyde is pretty evidently a Scot. So too are Michael Gove and Sir Malcolm Rifkind; and so too were Harold MacMilland and Alec Douglas-Hulme.

The anti-Tory argument is also a logical fallacy. If Scotland goes independent, there will be governments with which the majority of Scots disagree, and which they think to be cruel, unjust or incompetent. Being part of the UK or independent will make no difference to that.

P.T.:  I think the same logic applies in the area of governmental budget cuts. If anything, they will have to deal with more of them, not less, if they go independent, since there will be less money on hand in general.

D.H.:  Exactly.

P.T.:  What do you think about this referendum trying to connect with the 700th anniversary of Bannockburn, and how would you answer the charge of “corruption” regarding the Act of Union in 1707?

D.H.:  Well it's a nice coincidence for the Nats that it's the anniversary of some mediaeval battle between England and Scotland where people fought over which line of distant aristocrats would rule them.

But I think that it's a more significant coincidence that it's the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the bloodiest conflict in human history. The outbreak of the war to end all wars, where Britons from across the isles fought and died together not for England, or Scotland, or Ireland - but for Britain.

P.T.:  Also, 2015 marks the 200th anniversary of Waterloo, which is another landmark for British unity.

Speaking of Ireland’s involvement in British military history, as a Liberal Democrat, what do you think of the situation in Northern Ireland?

D.H.:  It's sad that the region is divided politically by religion. I'd like to see the major parties contesting elections there and competing the sectarian parties out of existence.

P.T.:  What do you think of the concept of Ireland being divided in general, especially as it applies to your disapproval of The British Isles being divided?

D.H.:  It's the sad consequence of horrendous mismanagement by a series of vain kings and protectionist governments. Ireland would be better off in the union and should still be better off in the union, but a combination of ignorant racism by other Britons, Protestant kings refusing to grant rights to Catholic Irishmen, and protectionist governments letting the Irish starve during the potato famine rather than repeal the corn laws led to the inevitable ill-feeling and revolt. Those wounds will take a long time to heal, but I hope that they heal and that we reconcile.

P.T.:  What is your opinion on the monarchy, and how do you think it affects unity and the Union?

D.H.:  I am a monarchist. I believe that constitutional monarchy is the best form of government available to a country. I think that monarchy makes many people more likely to vote to keep the union, hence why Salmond is saying that Scotland would keep the queen if independent. However, you still get the odd person who will owe fealty to the Jacobite claimant, "the king over the water".

P.T.:  While I may not agree entirely that constitutional monarchies are “the best form of government available”, I am also a constitutional monarchist in as much as it works well for Britain. Would you ever like to see the queen speak out in favor of the union?

D.H.:  I would like her to speak out in favour of the union, but in her usual understated way.

P.T.:  She did so at her Silver Jubilee, yes?

D.H.:  She may have repeated this at her Diamond Jubilee. I remember that recently she said that she remembers the importance of the fact that she became queen of a united kingdom or something.

P.T.:  If so, more power to her!

What do you think about federalism and “greater powers” for the individual nations in the UK?

D.H.:  I think that federalism is good, but I'd break up nations in a federal system at all costs. So I'd like to see maybe a parliament for southern Scotland and a parliament for the Highlands and Islands with no overall Scottish Parliament. That gives people autonomy locally but may help control separatism. As for “greater powers”, I think they would be fine so long as those powers don't lead to inequality between regions or different laws between regions.

P.T.:  How do you think this referendum is affecting people emotionally, on all spectrums of the debate?

D.H.:  On emotions, it will buoy some people immeasurably for Scotland to be independent - their dreams will be true and their self-esteem and pride in their nation will make them giddy with euphoria. They will (before the referendum) be filled with excitement and anticipation, believing that their time has come.

On the other side, people will be filled with patriotic fervour and a desire to defend their queen and country against separation. They will be grim and determined or giddy with excitement at a chance to defend Britain. Then there will be those who think that the time is not right for a referendum - those who would want to see independence but who think that the timing will make it impossible.

And there will be those who will see the timing as too good, or the mood too hostile for the union, and they will be pessimistic about the future. Some might despair that they can't do enough (or anything) to aid their cause.

P.T.:  What about people with trans-border connections like families, jobs, etc.?

D.H.:  I think that they will all live in fear of the consequences of independence, because it would create a tangible barrier between nations.

P.T.:  Should Yes win, what do you think will happen to the British identity throughout British Isles? Should No win, do you think more people will begin to see themselves as having dual identities?

D.H.:  Should Yes win, the British identity will decline even further - English people will be inclined to stop seeing themselves as British as they won't have a common nationality with the Scots anymore. The Welsh national identity will likely become stronger, and the only people who will still feel British will be ideological unionists.

Should No win, then I'm not sure what changes will happen to identities. I think that, perhaps we will see a strengthening of British identity in Scotland as people will start to reflect how their nation voted.

P.T.:  In general, do you think a general lack of patriotism towards Britain has a lot to do with the way the referendum was able to be launched with any hope of success at all? What do you think the best way is to restore a healthy sense of patriotism to the land?

D.H.:  Yes, I'd say so. In Britain, patriotism is often viewed as vulgar by most people, especially the intellectual elite. As a result, it is unfashionable to be pro-Britain, and in our post-colonial state, it is easy to feel shame about our national identity. It is easier and more fashionable to have a sense of national pride when you can paint your nation as being a bullied victim. People root for underdogs. Also, self-deprecation is part of the British identity.

To restore a healthy sense of patriotism, the country needs to do things of which it can be unashamedly proud - such as hosting successful international events - e.g. the Olympics or Association Football World Cup. Or successful foreign interventions such as Libya or Kosovo.

P.T.:  And somehow, I can't help but add, to become secure within themselves and their past. At the end of the day, who do you predict will win this referendum?

D.H.:  The Unionists, because we have right on our side. I believe most people have voted SNP because it is a popular party that has governed moderately well, not because they want independence. All of the arguments fall on the side of the unionists, and I believe most people in Scotland want to remain in the union.

P.T.:  What do you think of the rise in the polls for the Nats? Does this at all concern you?

D.H.:  No. Individual polls change nothing and indicate little on their own - I know this from bitter experience as a Lib Dem. Significant trends are worth notifying, but not individual polls. People will often say all sorts of things to opinion polls about how they'll vote, and then go and vote completely differently. I only see polls as being broadly indicative if taken as a broad group over a broad period of time.

P.T.:  To wrap things up, what do you foresee for your future, personally and politically?

D.H.:  Future: I hope to one day find a long-term partner and raise a family with her.

I would like success in my business career so that I can have more money than I could ever use on myself and my family - I would like to be a philanthropist, so that I can give away my money to help other people.

I want to be a local councilor so that I can fix my town and my city. I want to achieve real political change for the country in terms of introducing voting reform and other reforms to transport. As the referendum heats up, I will most likely be watching on nervously, unable to help. I would like to perhaps campaign up north a bit, and I probably will in the week or two before the referendum. (The Lib Dem conference is in Glasgow on the week of the referendum).

P.T.:  How about your interests and hobbies?

D.H.:  I'm into computer gaming, history, role-playing games (e.g. Dungeons and Dragons), war-gaming. I'm also into competitive debating, watch Rugby, and have for many years been a martial artist. I spent years doing Judo and Karate.

P.T.:  Well, I wish you all the best, personally and politically. Thank you for doing this interview with me, Mr. Hardwick.

D.H.: You’re welcome. Goodnight!

Interview with Matthew Warwick, Student at The University of Aberystwyth

Pearl of Tyburn.:  Tonight we are speaking with Mr. Matthew Warwick, a native of Hampshire, England, who is currently studying at The University of Aberystwyth in Wales. Good evening, Mr. Warwick.

Matthew Warwick:  Good evening.

P.T.:  Could you tell me something about yourself and your upbringing? Also, do you have any particularly religious affiliation?

M.W.:  Well, I was born into a white middle-class family, and one that is rather nautical. My father is in the Royal Navy and my mother has done various jobs working with children. I have lived in Hampshire in southern England since I was 3 years old.

My Family is not strictly Christian, but we attended church at Christmas and Easter at least, and I consider myself to be both a Christian and have a Christian culture.

P.T.:  How long has your father been in the Royal Navy, and what is his rank? What sort of things does he do on a daily basis?

M.W.:  He's a Captain, and this is his 31st year of service. He joined in 1983, the year he graduated Britannia Royal Naval College. He has a new 'job' every couple of years or so. Depends entirely on his current job. He's done everything from navigating small patrol vessels to commanding a frigate to developing new tactics and running day to day operations.

P.T.:  Has he been involved in any ceremonial events, and have you been able to take part in them?

M.W.:  Sometimes, yep. I’ve been to the Christmas service aboard HMS Victory, most I can recall were when I was younger and father was in command of a frigate. There were several during that time surrounding her deployment and refit. It consists of singing, meeting senior officers, and drinking mulled wine.

P.T.:  Do you ascribe to any political party?

M.W.:  I do not belong to any political party in particular, but I do have a conservative/liberal type mindset, though. Too often these days governments try and tell us what's good for us. I'm more in favour of trusting people to run their own lives, providing you don't give everything to them on a plate. I'm quite traditional, prefer to spend within one's means, hold the idea of personal freedom and free speech very highly, etc.

P.T.:  What do you view yourself as being: British or English first?

M.W.:  I've always seen myself as British first and English second, however university in Wales and meeting more fellow Brits has made me feel more English these days. Still it's nice to have the choice of going to Scottish and Welsh universities and being in the same country. There’s no real difference than if I went to university in North England while I come from the south, for example.

P.T.:  What do you personally see as the main benefits of keeping the Union in tact in lieu of the Scottish Independence Referendum?

M.W.:  I think that the main benefits are cultural more than anything. Arguments can be made all day about the economic benefits or costs of succession, Scotland undoubtedly has more international clout as part of the UK but that is irrelevant if the people of Scotland aren't seeking international influence etc. However, the notion of being British is important in my view because I was brought up as British. Not as an Englishman - as a Brit.

P.T.:  What do you think about diversity within the individual nations?

M.W.:  Yes, both English and Scottish cultures are unique and should be treasured, but together as Britons we have achieved remarkable feats and are continuing to achieve such feats. Being a citizen of this union allows us to keep this extraordinary relationship intact, and allows it to further flourish in the future. The union generally works for both Scotland and England, even if there is some imbalance at Westminster. Scotland gains in many ways the strength of England, and England gains some of the vibrant culture of Scotland.

P.T.:  What are your thoughts about the position of the UK on an international level?

M.W.:  As part of The United Kingdom both Scotland and England have a significant international influence and key role to play in all aspects of international life. It is a case of the whole being greater than the sum of its parts. I admit my case will be easily dismissed by many of those in favour of Scottish independence, but for those such as myself, the idea of the United Kingdom is hugely important.

P.T.:  How do you think the British military benefits from all parts of the union, particularly Scotland and Wales?

M.W.:  Scotland plays a significant role in our military. There are several Scottish battalions all of which have illustrious histories, there are key airbases and radar installations in Scotland, and our nuclear deterrent and larger ship building yards are all Scotland based. As for Wales, some army battalions, air bases and lots of RAF flight training is carried out there. But it is less significant than Scotland by a long way, at least currently.

P.T.:  What about defense?

M.W.:  Scotland faces no threat of invasion, so no worries there. There'd likely be significant cooperation between rUK and Scotland over security issues. In the slim chance that the Scottish government would get everything they stated in their White Paper. They’d probably have enough of a military to maintain their own interest providing they didn't want an overseas deployment option.

P.T.:  I guess the situation would be similar to the Republic of Ireland, which I never really think of as much of a military force to be reckoned with

M.W.:  Scotland would have a stronger military than the RoI, which isn't saying much at all. RoI's military is as close to non-existent as is feasible. Irishmen who wish to see active service join the British army.

P.T.:  With or without the threat of invasion, it sounds like Scotland will be considerably weakened if she “unplugs” herself form the Union. What do you think an independent Scotland will lose without "strength", which some proponents of separation seem perfectly willing to ditch in favor of an imagined Utopia?

M.W.:  International clout of all kinds and financial strength. If an economic crisis were to strike again Scotland would struggle - it would not be able to bail out Scottish banks. As for the international bit, it's their choice if they don't want the influence, but international influence is very useful.

P.T.:  What’s your reaction to the Nationalist antipathy towards nuclear power in Scotland?

M.W.:  I understand why there's reluctance to keep nuclear weapons, even though I think it brings several benefits as well as being strategically important.

P.T.:  What do you think of the currency issue that Scotland faces and the argument over Pound Sterling?

M.W.:  I think that independence while keeping Sterling would not be true independence. Fiscal union requires political to work properly. If Scotland want independence, they can't really expect to keep Sterling - if the other options aren't appealing, then that's just a cost of independence that must be considered.

P.T.:  What do you think about the monarchy, and the unifying role it purports to play?

M.W.:  You will not find a stronger supporter of the monarchy. I will take the embodiment of our history, tradition, values, morals, as well as the advantages of having a completely non-political head of state over an elected one any day.

P.T.:  How do you think Scots feel about the monarchy?

M.W.:  Depends who you ask as always. Less supportive in general than England, but the SNP says it'd like to retain the Queen as head of state.

P.T.:  Do you think they mean that, or just don't want to stir up controversy?

M.W.:  A few years back, I believe the SNP stated it'd prefer a republic. So it's hard to be really sure. Their current pro-Queen stance may just be a way of convincing the Scottish people independence wouldn't change everything about their lives

P.T.:  What do you think about this referendum trying to connect with the 700th anniversary of Bannockburn and charges of “corruption” they use to try and discredit The Act of Union?

M.W.:  Cheap trick to ignite some Scottish patriotism and therefore gain more votes. Don't think it'll have much effect. I don't know enough about the Act of Union to comment properly, but I'd guess its lords and politicians being lords and politicians.

P.T.:  In brief, what do you think of the claim some Scottish nationalists bring up about the current Scottish monarchy being “illegitimate” because the House of Stuart was overthrown back in 17^th century?

M.W.:  I know nothing of such claims, but if we're going to start calling this monarch and that monarch illegitimate, we may as well attempt to trace the House of Wessex and name its eldest living descendant King or Queen. Something that is clearly a bit silly.

P.T.:  What do you think about the way that the referendum question is phrased, putting “Yes” for independence and “No” for the Union?

M.W.:  Another cheap trick to encourage people to vote yes, but I think people are cleverer than politicians realize and again, I doubt it'll have much of an effect.

P.T.:  What do you think about Salmond and the way he is running the “Yes” Campaign?

M.W.:  Salmond can only be described as slimy. I can't trust him at all - he has no chance of being a big fish in a big pond, so he's trying to make the pond smaller. I also suspect he likes the idea of being President Salmond, the man who liberated Scotland from their tyrannical English oppressors. Some of them up there are just a bit deluded.

P.T.:  What’s your opinion on “Better Together” and how they running the “No” campaign? Do you have any suggestions for them in these final months before the vote?

M.W.:  BT hasn't impressed me. It’s been far too negative about things. Scaremongering. My suggestion to them would be to focus more on the positive aspects of union.

P.T.:  As an Englishman, what’s your opinion on David Cameron and his encouraging English people to call their Scottish friends and relatives to urge them to stay in the Union? I know it was sort of controversial.

M.W.:  Well, I've been encouraging my Scottish friends to stay in the union for certain.

P.T.:  I personally applaud you :-)

How do you think people might be affected by emotionally, especially those with families and jobs that transcend the border?

M.W.:  If it were 'full' independence the effect might be more, but so much of what the SNP propose involves things continuing as normal so as not to make it seem too massive. I think it'll definitely leave a scar, nevertheless, and cause a divide in the minds of some people.

P.T.:  What do you think will become of the British identity throughout the UK should the Scots break away? Should the union remain in tact, do you think this experience will engender a deeper sense of unity?

 M.W.:  I think it'd remain intact, but slowly start to wear away over the course of decades providing the political independence remained. I don't think a deeper sense of unity will arise from an independence referendum, no matter the result.

P.T.:  What do you think would engender a deeper sense of unity long-term? Like the states have in the USA under a federal government? Or vaguely similar, you know what I mean!

M.W.:  If a federal system could be made to work, I think that would be a positive. More balance in political decision making and economics, as well as more nation wide events such as those of 2012 would be needed to engender a deeper sense of unity.

P.T.:  What do you think of the fluctuation in the polls, showing the “Yes” vote rising, and who do you think is more likely to win?

M.W.:  I'm slightly concerned about the rise, but not too worried. I still think “No” is more likely to win, especially with the currency issue.

P.T.:  To wrap things up, what are you pursuing in University and what type of career might you be aiming for? Also, what about your personal interests, hobbies, and goals in life?

M.W.:  Well, I'm a student of International Politics and Military History, and the type of career I'm aiming for would involve politics, the foreign office/civil service, or the military.

As for personal interests, I am a keen cricket fan supporting Hampshire and England, I enjoy sailing, reading fantasy, Sci- Fi, and historical fiction, and I take part in medieval reenactment of 12th century Britain. My general interests are reading, current affairs, history and cricket to put it another way. As for my life goals, I'd like to make a difference to my country's future, but if I die having enjoyed life and a nice home with a wife and possibly children I shall die content.

P.T.:  That’s lovely, Mr. Warwick. I hope you will be able to fulfill your goals. Thank you very much for taking the time out for this interview.

M.W.:  My pleasure

Interview with Alistair McConnachie, Founder of “A Force for Good”

Pearl of Tyburn:  Coming to us from Glasgow, Scotland, we have Mr. Alistair McConnachie, founder of the pro-UK project "A Force for Good", involving a Unionist website that publishes regular articles and speeches, an online store, video outreach work, pro-UK graphic creation, and street activism. Hello, Mr. McConnachie.

Alistair McConnachie:  Hello. Thanks for the interview.

P.T.:  You're most welcome. Could you please tell me a little something about your background and outline what national/cultural/religious identities you may have?

A.M.:  I'm British. Family background is Church of Scotland. I love the United Kingdom, and have loved it since my childhood. I'm upset at the extent to which separatism has caught on in Scotland, and I'm doing what I can to keep Britain united for the good of all.

P.T.:  When did you start taking an active role in Unionism, and what was the inspiration behind it? Also, have you had any other involvement in politics?

A.M.:  I began taking an active role in the No to Separation campaign when I launched the website, “A Force for Good”, on 21 March, 2012. I was inspired to do something because the No campaign up to that point did not appear to be happening!

I've been involved in UK politics actively since the General Election in 1997. I've stood for election at European, British, Scottish and Council levels. I also published the only monthly, non-party anti-EU newsletter in the UK - and the only one in Scotland of any kind - for 10 years, 120 consecutive monthly issues. It was called "Sovereignty".

P.T.:  What do you think of the comparison between the Yes and No campaigns? What's your opinion on the way things are progressing in both camps thus far?

A.M.:  The official No Campaign, “Better Together”, does a decent job of getting people onto the street to do stalls, leafleting and canvassing. But I am very concerned at the moment that BT and the Labour and Liberal Democrat politicians associated with it are in danger of winning the short-term battle for a No vote on 18 September, but are likely to provide the means for the separatists to bounce back the very next day. This is because Labour, Lib Dems, and their colleagues in the official BT campaign are obsessing far too much with delivering "more powers" for the Scottish Parliament.

That is exactly what the separatists want. So even if they are defeated, the long term path will have been paved for them by the Labour and Lib Dem parties. This would be catastrophic and will almost certainly see the separatists back for another referendum the very next time they win governing control of the Parliament, which could be in 2016. I wrote about this extensively here: http://www.aforceforgood.org.uk/devo/dm5

P.T.:  Don't you think the Scottish people as a whole will be pretty sick of "neverendums" by 2016 and not eager to start the process again?

A.M.:  That’s not how it works. Politicians in power do what they want, whether the public wants it or not. The nationalists will not sit about "for a generation". They will always grasp any opportunity, without regard for the public's concerns.

P.T.:  What would be your suggestion as a way to prevent this resurgence of separatism and keep nationalist politicians from trying to launch another referendum?

A.M.:  We must concentrate on winning overwhelming. 70-30 at the bare minimum. However, it could be a lot higher than this. The UK is a wonderful product. There is a hard core of separatists, possibly 1 in 5. Their vote should be driven right down to that level. That can be done easily by concentrating on the greatness of Britain and Britishness and by capturing the public's imagination with great policies for the UK.

However, muddling the debate with more constitutional changes will only confuse the public and lose us votes. So the first thing is to win overwhelmingly and we will not be able to do that if we are confusing the debate with "more powers". Once we have won, we want to have created the circumstances where the nationalists should split, fall out, and consume themselves, politically speaking. However, if we offer them more powers, they will regenerate themselves very quickly.

P.T.:  What's your opinion of Alex Salmond and his campaign?

A.M.:  My own feeling is that Salmond never really expected to be in the position he finds himself in now. He runs a very tight ship. All the SNP MSPs obey him. His followers are almost cult-like in adoration. If they lose in September, they could implode badly, which is what we want to see - although as I say, many in the Labour and Lib Dem parties are doing their best to lay out a nice bouncy bed for the SNP to fall onto.

P.T.:  What do you think SNP politicians stand to gain from all this should they win? And what do you think of the Scottish Parliament in general?

A.M.:  Good questions. Nobody will benefit if Scotland breaks away from the rest of the UK. A lot of the people who vote SNP do not really understand the consequences of so doing. They don't understand that a vote for the SNP is not just a vote to try to make the buses run on time, but it is a vote for a party which has a hard core of strongly anti-British people who make the policies and set the social and cultural agenda. They don't have any points which cannot be addressed by good government at a UK level.

Remember, prior to 1999 we did not have a Parliament in Edinburgh. Somehow everybody managed to get on just fine. Houses and new towns were built, trains ran, hospitals worked and education was very good. The whole idea that we even needed "devolution" was actually nonsense - a Labour Party ploy to try to counteract the SNP - yeah, that worked out!

P.T.: How do you think so many people became so "anti-British"? A lot of them claim it's somehow historically based, but Scottish involvement in British history puts paid to that theory. What do you think is the genesis of some of these vitriolic emotions?

A.M.:  I wouldn't say "so many" in the UK are anti-British (can't speak for the USA). Certainly there are quite a few in the SNP who fit that description, though. Historical hang-ups seem to factor heavily if examples on social media are anything to go by. Some of these Scots have also got slightly weird hang-ups about the English too - tied into historical grievance, and classist prejudice.

Some of them cannot make the distinction between "Britain" and "England" either, and they mistakenly conflate England with Britain. I'm on a mission to encourage us all to understand and appreciate our shared British identity - which is a Great identity. I gave a speech about it recently and it already has 1,300 Facebook Likes, which is not insubstantial http://www.aforceforgood.org.uk/shared/british1

P.T.:  That's great, congratulations on your work and the response.

A.M.:  Thanks.

P.T.:  What do you think about this referendum trying to connect with the 700th anniversary of Bannockburn, and how would you answer the charge of “corruption” regarding the Act of Union in 1707?

A.M.:  Separatists are more prone, than people like me, to get excited about a war 700 years ago. Hopefully, though, very few people will base their decision on the rights and wrongs of that period. Similarly, the Act of Union in 1707. The charge of "selling out" has been overplayed.

However, even if the political behaviour of some of the people involved included elements of self-interest, then I can certainly overlook that because it set in motion a train of events which would lead to the creation of the wonderful United Kingdom! Separatists have a tendency to live in the past. They get upset at what happened in 1707 without thinking about the 307 years since then. It is as if those 307 years never happened.

P.T.:  So what would your comments be on the Act of Union in general? Also, in brief, what is your reaction to the claim that the current Scottish monarchy is “illegitimate” because of the Jacobite Rebellions? I’m thinking of Hazel Whyte, folk-singer, in particular!

A.M.:  My comments in general on the Act of Union? As the kids would say, "It was the Shiznit". My reaction to the claim of "illegitimacy" would be, *Rolls Eyes*. Hazel Whyte, never heard of her and by the sound of it I don't want to.

P.T.:  What is "Shiznit"?

A.M.:  You're an American. You've never heard of the expression. I don't think it is anything except a funny phrase.

P.T.:  So.....it was funny?

A.M.:  No, it was Most Excellent, Dude!

P.T.:  Okay, like, supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!

A.M.:  Fandabidozi. By Jove, I think she's got it!

P.T.:  Who do you think are a few important historical characters for Unionists to remember and bring up when the Nationalists claim "Scottishness" and "Britishness" are somehow opposed and always have been?

A.M.:  Admiral Duncan, Nelson's mentor. David Livingstone and Mary Slessor, whose morality found an outlet through the British Empire. David Stirling, the Founder of the SAS. That's four who occur off the top of my head.

P.T.:  With your well-rounded knowledge of British history, do you feel that some motions pictures (such as Braveheart, The Patriot, Rob Roy, The Last of the Mohicans, etc.) have helped bolster the nationalist agenda by vilifying Britain as a whole and creating a false sense of historical identity that some people like to associate themselves with?

A.M.:  I haven't seen any of the films you mention, although I have Braveheart and Rob Roy in my DVD collection and must watch them one day. My impression is that Braveheart has been influential. Certainly, generally speaking, all films are culturally and socially influential in society, and often not in a good way. I am a keen student of film for those reasons. Also, a lot of films are "good" technically but "bad" morally. I'd like to write a lot more on this one day.

P.T.: I completely agree with you about the "good" tech/ "bad" moral elements in films. I would always rather watch a laid-back, heart-felt, middle-to-low budget movie with an excellent plot and full-bodied characters than a glitz-and-glitter epic with cheap stories and characters.

Speaking of films, I've watched quite a few of your own YouTube videos and enjoyed them very much, especially the one about William Wallace and another about the Glasgow RAF pilots.

A.M.:  Thanks, the one on William Wallace has close to 1,400 views now. We wanted to do many more this year, but have not been able to raise the funding so far. Anyone who wants to watch them can go to YouTube/UKaForceForGood.

P.T.:  What inspired you to take up the camcorder and hit the streets? And who do you have helping you with production and filming?

A.M.:  It was a friend of mine who suggested it. I'm very glad he did because it is a great medium. Once I decided to do it, though, it was a big commitment. It required considerable expense to get the (near to) top of the range equipment, as well as to dedicate time to learning the skill, which includes editing the film. The next video is going to be me doing a straight to camera piece. We've acquired the indoor lights and reflectors and are ready to go. I've got so many ideas for short films, I'm glad to say. I won't run out of inspiration.

P.T.:  You mentioned to me previously that you actually shot a film today. What was it about?

A.M.:  A colleague and I took a fabulous Union Jack up a hill outside Glasgow which overlooks Loch Lomond and Ben Lomond. We have made a stand which we peg into the ground. I filmed it - I have a very good prosumer camera - fluttering in the breeze with such beautiful scenery behind it. It looked awesome. Look out for various cuts of the film making an appearance in my YouTube videos. Video work is something I want to get into a lot more, but have been limited to date through lack of funds.

P.T.: Switching topic, what do you think about security and the armed forces, and the future of Scotland without the British army?

A.M.:  The British Armed Forces are one of the ways in which a sense of Britishness is transmitted throughout the United Kingdom. This was especially the case about 35 years ago when there were still many local regiments throughout the United Kingdom, recruited locally. Unfortunately, both Conservative and Labour parties have run down the Armed Forces and much of the local regimental structure has been destroyed. All this has a negative impact upon Britishness.

I believe in spending more on the Armed Forces. I'm especially pleased to see the building of two new aircraft carriers - both of which are being built in Scotland. We need more of this if the UK is to continue to be militarily strong. Relatively speaking, the British Armed Forces, depleted though they are, are still among the world's finest and have the furthest "reach" of any military forces in the world, with the exception of the USA. We have very far-reaching diplomatic links, and bases throughout the world as a consequence of our former Empire. All the remaining "British Overseas Territories" are all very strategically located. A separated Scotland would lose all of this, and for no gain.

P.T.:  Do you have any personal or family connections to the military yourself? My grandfather was an army man, American of course!

A.M.:  I was born to an Army family in Hong Kong, and my father remained in the Army for the first 5 or so years of my life. My grandfather on my father's side was a Captain in the Royal Marines during WW2.

P.T.:  What's your opinion on the monarchy and its relationship with the union? Also, I watched a speech from her Silver Jubilee in which she spoke out in favor of preserving the union. Even though she is officially "apolitical", do you think she might speak out again leading up to September?

A.M.:  I'm a supporter of the British Monarchy. The speech at the Silver Jubilee was only a very subtle mention, and it is arguable if it was deliberate. No, I don't think she will speak out prior to September. I would like to see the next Royal Baby, God Willing, born in Scotland. That would be a wonderful apolitical statement for the United Kingdom. The last Royal to be born in Scotland was Princess Margaret. I have always advocated that Royal Babies should be born in a rota fashion in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales.

P.T.:  What’s your opinion on David Cameron and his encouraging English people to call their Scottish friends and relatives to urge them to stay in the Union?

A.M.:  I'm all for that. Anyone who is British has a stake in this and their voices should and need to be heard, although only people resident and registered to vote in Scotland will be able to vote on the day.

P.T.:  But do you think it might look a bit "forced" or have an opposite effect on people north of the border?

A.M.:  No, not if it is done as just part of their normal activity, whether on Facebook, or friends at work, or speaking to the family on the telephone and so on. What he is saying really, is "This is important. It affects us all. Make sure you get involved." People in the rest of the UK who want to help can also donate money. I would urge them to help my efforts at aForceForGood.org.uk (details on the site).

P.T.:  I think Cameron was also taking the example of Canadians in the last Quebec independence referendum, and their basic “plea” that Quebec would stick it out and stay in the country. What do you think about the continuing strain in Quebec over separation, and what parallels can be drawn with Scotland?

A.M.:  The parallel is not particularly close since British Canada is culturally (and ethnically) distinct from French Canada in a way that Scotland and England is not. I do note, though, that British Canada has not benefited in any way by appeasing them and their language laws. That is a lesson when dealing with these people in Scotland. For separatists "too much is never enough", and is always "too little too late".

P.T.:  What’s your opinion on “Scotland’s Oil”, as well as the Nationalist complaints about the “rape” of Scottish land?

A.M.:  The people who are "raping" Scottish land right now are the so-called SNP government, its supporters, and the people who voted for it, who promote and who have facilitated the mass desecration of the Scottish landscape with wind turbines. That is truly a crime against the environment. As for “Scotland’s Oil”, well, it is Britain's Oil. The idea of hoarding it for "Scotland" is ridiculous and selfish.

P.T.:  How do you think a “Yes” vote might be emotionally affecting for the Scottish people, especially those with familial and business ties that transcend the border? (Sounds a little bit like the plot of Passport to Pimlico!)

A.M.:  Emotionally, separation would be very upsetting for all the people in Scotland who have a British identity, and catastrophic for a few. Here is the thing. Right now, everyone who wants to be as "Scottish" as they want, can be as "Scottish" as they want within the Union. But will those of us who are British be able to be British outside of the Union. In time it would become very hard and eventually almost impossible. We have an historical precedent. It is virtually impossible to express a British identity in the Republic of Ireland today.

Transcending the border is a good point, but mentally and spiritually - not just physically - all British people "transcend the border". Indeed, why is there even a "border" separating Scotland from England? It all goes back to the Romans dividing the country in two with Hadrian's Wall. Without that, we might have been spared this "Scotland" v "England" carry on. There is a good programme on BBC about this right now, with Rory Stewart MP pointing out some of this.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b0404r3t/Border_Country_The_Story_of_Britains_Lost_Middleland_Episode_1/  

P.T.:  Although it must be very hard to make a prediction at this point, which side do you think is likely to win come September? Should the “No” campaign win, do you think more people might come to see themselves as having dual identities? And what do you think will happen to the SNP?

A.M.:  The No side must win, or Scotland will regress. Scotland's destiny is to be part of Britain. Yes, more people will eventually come to see themselves as British. It is inevitable. That is one good thing which is coming out of this campaign. The Britishness of Scots is getting a much-needed airing. The work that I am doing is contributing to that too.

As for the SNP - it depends the extent to which the other Unionist parties attempt to appease them. Appeasement will only make the SNP stronger. Unionist parties should strategise to marginalise the SNP. I've written about that here http://www.aforceforgood.org.uk/devo/dm5

P.T.:  To wrap things up, could you tell us what you plan for your future, personally and politically, especially as the referendum heats up? Also, could you tell us a little about your personal interests, hobbies, and goals in life?

A.M.:  Right now it is all about the Referendum. Politics is what I do, full time. At the same time, I want to develop my efforts at pro-UK film-making. I really enjoy that, I'm good at it, and I want people to come forward and join me in that effort. My contact details are on my website. I need people who will help fund the operation too. Right now, those are the things I'm concentrating upon. Pearl, it has been a pleasure and I've really enjoyed this interview. Thank you.

P.T.:  And thank you for taking out the time to do this. Your country should be proud of you for your efforts.

A.M.:  Thank you, Pearl. Good night and God Bless.

Interview with “Bonnie Lass”, Resident of the Edinburgh Area

Pearl of Tyburn:  This evening we have with us “Bonnie Lass” from the Edinburgh area of Scotland. Thanks so much for taking the time out to do this.

Bonnie Lass:  My pleasure!

P.T.:  First, could you give me a brief overview of your background and what national/cultural/religious identities you might see yourself as having?

B.L.:  I was born in Scotland and have lived in Scotland all my life. I think of myself as Scottish and not British - if I'm filling up forms, for instance, and am asked for nationality, I always put Scottish. I'm a member of the Church of Scotland, but prefer to call myself a Christian.

P.T.:  Do you belong to any particular political party?

B.L.:  I am not a member of any political party, but I have voted Labour for many years now (including today at the European elections).

P.T.:  What was your first impression when the Scottish Independence Referendum was announced?

B.L.:  I wasn't entirely surprised, as I thought it had been on the cards for a while. But when it was announced, I realised this would be a big step, whichever way it went.

P.T.:  As a person who sees herself as primarily Scottish as opposed to British, how will you vote in the referendum come September, and what are your reasons? 

B.L.: Well, although I think of myself as Scottish in all things, I will NOT be voting for independence when the time comes.

It seems to me that the UK is a small enough country as it is without being fragmented further. And there are SO MANY imponderables when it comes to independence. Do we get to keep the pound sterling? What about EU membership, and maybe even the need for passports to cross the border into England?

P.T.: What do you think the result will be now that an independent Scotland may be unable to keep the pound? Also, what’s your opinion on Scotland’s overall financial well-being should she become independent?

B.L.:  Many big companies are talking about relocating in England if we became independent because we may no longer have the pound.

I don't know if we have enough financial resources to 'go it alone'. The big cry has always been (since drilling started in the North Sea) "It's Scotland's oil" - but how long before the oil runs out?

P.T.:  What do you think of the Scottish Parliament and other home rule bodies within the UK? And what’s your answer to the claim that complete independence would make Scotland more of a force to be reckoned with on the world stage?

B.L.:  Well, I was delighted when we got the Scottish Parliament as it meant we were able to concentrate on purely Scottish issues, some of which Westminster doesn't know or doesn't care about. But I don't think that independence would make us more a force to be reckoned with.

Having “home rule” doesn’t necessitate independence from the Union. One alternative which is spoken about is 'devo-max', which seems to mean we would keep the status quo but, that the Scottish Parliament would also be given more powers, perhaps in taxes etc. That could be a good alternative in my opinion.

P.T.:  What are you thoughts on Alex Salmond and his independence campaign?

B.L.:  A lot of us wonder if Alex Salmond has some self-interest at heart. Perhaps if someone different was in charge, I would feel differently about it all, but such is the case. The question is how much are people swayed by personalities?

P.T.:  Do you think that celebrities who outspoken on the issue of Scottish independence are affecting are affecting the opinions of the Scottish people at all?

B.L.:  Is it really supposed to sway us? It doesn't alter my views. It annoys me the way that this host of ‘famous’ people - from film stars to comedians to personalities – are stating their views, for or against. For example, Sean Connery is all for Scottish independence, which, of course, is countered by the fact that he doesn't even live here!

P.T.: Now I hear that his Agent 007 counterpart, Roger Moore, is vouching for the preservation of the UK. The War of the Bonds seems to have begun!

B.L.: Oh, dear!

P.T.: Do you think there is something of a different tone in the Scottish nationalist movement of today and nationalists in past generations?

B.L.:  There was a difference in the nationalist cause back when they 'liberated' the Stone of Scone, and now. Somehow they seemed quite different but can't identify quite exactly how. It was more historically based than politically back then, I think.

P.T.:  What do you think about the way that the referendum question is phrased, putting “Yes” for independence and “No” for the Union?

B.L.:  I think it's quite confusing. Even now, when people ask if I'm going to vote yes or no, I sometimes have to say, er....what's the question again?! It's quite loaded making the positive answer the one for independence, isn't it?

P.T.:  Indeed. In fact, I would think it would be more natural for "yes" to be in favor of the status quo.

B.L.:  You're right! Perhaps that's why I get confused. Also....it's such a long time since it was brought up. Is the question do you want Scotland to be a separate STATE or a separate COUNTRY?

P.T.:  Good point. Or, going further, what's the difference between a "country" and a "nation", as it seems that a lot of people identify Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland as "nations" within the "country" of the UK!

B.L.:  I think they did try out several wordings before they decided. There were also all sorts of 'joke' replacement questions circulating, such as "Do you want these mealy-mouthed, penny pinching Sassenachs to take over the education of our wee bairns?"

P.T.:  In the midst of all this red tape and wild gags, how would you have liked to have seen the referendum question worded?

B.L.:  I think something along the lines of "Do you agree that Scotland would flourish as an independent nation?" or "Do you agree that Scotland would flourish keeping in the union?" Although I suppose that would be two questions instead of one.

P.T.:  Well, it could have been linked thusly: "Do you believe that Scotland would flourish more staying in the union, or becoming an independent nation?"

B.L.:  Yes, that sounds good, although then people couldn't answer just yes or no. Of course, I’m not sure if that’s mandatory.  I’ve never been in a referendum like this before.

P.T.:  What do you think of Salmond giving 16 years olds to right to vote in the referendum?

B.L.:  Many of us are also annoyed (and incredulous) that Salmond has given 16 year olds the vote! I mean, they are not eligible to vote in general elections. I feel that many of them will be influenced by 'Braveheart' and Freeeedommm!

However, I did watch an interview on TV with a group of 16 year olds, and I must say they spoke very sensibly and seemed very clued up about it all. They also had a mix of opinions.

P.T.:  Have you watched any referendum debates, live or on TV? If so, what are you thoughts about them?

B.L.:  There was a televised referendum debate on this week in our area. They are holding them round Scotland. I really only put it on to see if I recognized anyone in the audience, and I didn't know a single soul! I think a lot of folk must have been out-of-towners. It went on for an hour, and it was so BORING, I don't think it would make anyone change their mind.

P.T.:  From you interaction with people in your area, how high is the percentage of undecided voters you encounter now?

B.L.:  I don't know the percentages, but a lot of people I speak to still haven't decided. The 'letters' columns in all the papers are full of people giving their perspectives, but again I don't think people would change their mind because of what other people say (famous or 'ordinary'). Actually a lot of us think we will be heartily fed up with the whole thing by September!

P.T.:  How do you think people might be affected emotionally, since Scotland and England are very much intertwined at this point? What about those with families and jobs that transcend the border?

B.L.:  I don't know. As I said before, there are so many imponderables. Of course, there must be people very close to folk from across the border. You know David Cameron appealed to people in England to phone up their Scottish friends and say "We want you to stay with us!"

P.T.:  What do you think of that method he suggested? Have you or anyone you know received said "calls"?

B.L.:  Well, no one in England has phoned me! I thought it was a bit silly really and counterproductive, trying to force an outpouring of “love” that no one has brought up before now!

P.T.:  I think Mr. C. was trying to imitate something that went on during the Quebec Independence Referendum, when the people of Canada basically pleaded with the people within Quebec to remain a part of the country.

B.L.:  Oh, yes, I think someone else told me that.

P.T.:  I'm not sure if it helped directly, but the result did turn out favorable for them, and Quebec is still part of Canada to everyone's benefit, as time has revealed. But it was quite a close vote!

B.L:  I do wonder what the general English reaction is. I wouldn't be surprised if they think we should just get on and make up our own minds. Or maybe a lot of them would be happy to 'get rid' of us. Have there been any polls in England to ask that?

P.T.: Yes, there have been. Generally, 60% in favor of the union, 20% against it, and the rest not caring either way. Personally, everyone I know in England would be heartily depressed to lose you! So you are "loved" by some “southies”!

B.L:  Well, that's nice!

P.T.:  What do you think about the system allowing only those currently living in Scotland to vote?

B.L.:  It seems a bit odd. After all, I have several friends who were born in Scotland and now live in England, so they can't vote; but people born in England who live and work in Scotland can!

P.T.:  It does sound strange, especially since the "trans-border" commuters have the most to gain from the union in concept and reality. Lots of them have relatives north or south of the “dividing line”, as well job commitments.

They feel very much connected with the place as a part of their "country" and see their Scottish friends and relatives as "compatriots" But this is just one of the many complications in trying to "segregate" people who have been so intermixed by being considered one people for so long!

B.L.:  Yes, I agree. I think there are a whole lot of complications raising their heads now, which originally weren't thought of. The really worrying thing is that, whatever the outcome of the vote, it will (presumably) be irreversible.

P.T.:  Actually, some are predicting that if the pro-independence party loses by a slight margin, they may try to launch another independence referendum in as soon as two years!

On the other hand, should the pro-union party lose by a slight margin, the "Yes" people are insisting that we better shut up and sit down or else be branded as enemies of democracy!

B.L.:  I’ve often thought the worst result would be almost a dead-heat, but I hadn't heard that about another go in two years time...aargh!

P.T.:  The suggested “Round 2” for independence is speculative, mind, but some of the "Yes" people are definitely pushing for it, and the “No” people worrying about it, and most average people just dreading having to go through another neverendum in their lifetimes!

B.L.:  Yes, I don't think I could bear to go through it all again! I think it's important to emphasize that 'we' (I mean my friends and acquaintances) are NOT talking about it all the time! Perhaps come September we will, but at the moment we are just getting on with our lives.

I don't know how strongly people think about it just now. For instance, I know my sister is going to vote yes for independence and has a badge saying so, but she didn't ask me how I’m going to vote, so I didn't say!

P.T.:  What's your random prediction of the outcome in September? My guess, at this point, is that the union will win, but only by a slight margin.

B.L.:  I think marginally that the status quo is the one most people seem to think will win, but that’s just my (uninformed) opinion!

P.T.:  To wrap things up, could you tell us a little about your personal interests, hobbies, and goals in life?

B.L.:  I am passionately interested in local history and in collecting oral history from older people, and have written several books on this and hope to do some more. I would like other people to look back at their own local history roots. One of my immediate goals is to get the book I'm working on (people's memories of their working lives and daily living) finished and out in the public domain. It is SO important all these memories don't get lost when the folk go.

P.T.: I agree. History and heritage is so important to development of culture and all the good things in life.

B.L.:  Yes, that's it. It's very encouraging to me that you (at your age) think like that because more often it's when folk get older that they get interested in their heritage.

P.T.: Thank you for that! In addition to being a preserver of local heritage, do you have any other interests or goals in addition?

B.L.:  Well, I also have a passionate love of cats! In the area of goals, as a great granny, I am grateful to find I am still alive the next morning! My goals SHOULD be to exercise more and leave the car at home but never seem to manage this very well (blame the Scottish weather)!

P.T.:  You have a good enough excuse! Scottish weather blamed, lol! Thank you again for agreeing to let me interview you, “Bonnie Lass”, and I look forward to catching up again in the near future.

B.L.:  Speak again soon!