Alex Salmond: Scotland SHOULD be independent - 5/6 | Oxford Union

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Let auld acquaintance be forgot? Since 1707, Scotland and England have been united under one crown, a relationship that has survived domestic and global crises. However, relations have frayed in recent years and support for Scottish Independence has grown significantly, culminating in the 2014 Scottish Independence referendum. Following dramatic changes in the landscape of British and global politics, a resurgent bid for Scottish Independence has gained support. Should Westminster allow for a second referendum? Is independence a prospect worth supporting?
ABOUT THE OXFORD UNION SOCIETY: The Oxford Union is the world's most prestigious debating society, with an unparalleled reputation for bringing international guests and speakers to Oxford. Since 1823, the Union has been promoting debate and discussion not just in Oxford University, but across the globe.

[@catrionaskivingtonskivingt4819]

Really hope I live to see an independent Scotland.

[@haraldtheyounger5504]

Salvo, the Scottish Constitution, check it out.

[@rooba63]

I don't... because I'm a sensible Scot. Don't want a Mickey Mouse currency, huge taxes, massive cuts in services, no guarantee of EU membership, hard border with England etc, etc

[@ludmilawheeler2001]

I love Scotland.. though I am a foreigner ..something mysteriously beautiful about that land.

[@ganndeber1621]

Good sheep baaaaa

[@enawilson3210]

God's own country 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿❤️

[@ludmilawheeler2001]

@@ganndeber1621 you sound like a sheep to me... if you see only sheep lol

[@ganndeber1621]

@@ludmilawheeler2001 Thinking isnt what you do is it, good sheep babbaaaaaaaaa

[@ClaimOfRightMuso]

@@ganndeber1621 Typically rabid, racist remark, both against the comment and against Scotland - sit down and be quiet.

[@huanlecongquoc957]

I love these civil and respectful debates 💙💙💙

[@joelhall5124]

There's just the right amount of mockery and self-righteousness where it doesn't come across as a personal insult. Very well delivered, but then I've always thought Salmond was a good politician - and I'm an Englishman!

[@robertbaltha3371]

Scottish independence could save my country. Germany. Right now, our green party secretary of economy and energy Habeck, has to beg dictatorships around the world for gas and oil. If the Scots could decide it, we would happily buy everything they can produce the next hundred years. Right next door from lovely people who value mostly the same things we do. Champagne parties in Berlin would be the consequence. Scottish economic development would be guaranteed 👌

[@justonecornetto80]

Sorry old chap but an independent Scotland wouldn`t have as much oil and gas as you think it will. To start with, any international maritime border would likely run on a line from Berwick toward Bergen in Norway, not as the SNP would want which is a line toward Copenhagen. Natural geography and the circumference of the Earth dictate this, not a bunch of SNP lunatics! As a consequence, several major oil fields and half of the gas fields would fall within English maritime waters. You also have to consider the likelihood that Shetland and Orkney would become Crown Dependencies outside the jurisdiction of Scotland which would blow another huge hole in Scottish oil and gas reserves. There is also the inevitable scenario that in any separation negotiation, Scotland would have to concede preferential access of its energy reserves to the rest of the UK in order to remain part of the Common Travel Area. Without doing so, Scotland would have a hard border between it and more than 60% of its entire export market which is infinitely more lucrative than anything Germany could possibly offer. My advice to Germany is to look elsewhere.

[@Greylin91]

Why can't Germany do that now?

[@MrStoneydust]

I hope Scotland's oil days are over, the message has finally clicked that our climate is in extreme peril and it's renewables that will power Scotland, it's neighbour and Europe. There's a new energy bonanza happening and I want Scotland to benefit this time round, for It was the only nation on earth that got poorer after oil was discovered, thanks to the Union.

[@AzulinhoAzulinho]

yes, we informed ones in the independence movement (not the idiots here trying to assert we have hardly any oil or gas) are aware that Germany in particular and the EU in general will be very thirsty for gas and oil. Scotland is currently producing about 3 times the gas it uses for no return. Production could be increased but Scotland can't possibly make up for lost Russian gas and can't even supplt Germany with enough gas. The Netherlands is the EU's #1 gas producer and would remain so were Scotland to join. When it comes to oil, Scotland does have absolutely loads of this and could increase production considerably to supply to our neighbours and friends. On the other hand, you live and die by your foreign policy decisions, and your country has made some horrible stinking ones recently; it is not my country's fault or problem. I do not want to join the EU, but keep it at arm's length like Norway does. You can buy our oil, sure. We can do you a nice deal, ok.

[@banzaighost]

​@@justonecornetto80 😂😂😂 I laugh at the ineptitude and ARROGANCE of you britnatzis on this subject.... you have no claim to UNCLOS line change, see you in the courts etc etc.... Shetland and Orkney, you can't orchestrate them to leave to remain with England, as theirs no such call from its peoples. Again, we'll certainly see England in the courts many years and many times to argue against their inevitable clamour for OUR RESOURCES.... England gets half the oil 😂😂😂😂😂 s.t.f.u 😂😂😂😂 💩🇬🇧🤡🖕

[@ClaimOfRightMuso]

Brilliant orator, respected politician, Salmond's eloquence is a joy to behold. You might not like the dude - but you're here, listening, commenting, threatening and moaning - he clearly has your attention. Oh, btw, Oxford Union seem to concur with my statement.

[@CLARKE176]

That's what they said about Jim Jones, David koresh, Hitler, Mussolini etc.

[@ClaimOfRightMuso]

@@CLARKE176 Godwin oaf. Hmm - war criminals Tony Blair, Churchill etc etc? - lovely people. These are the type of warmongers Scotland's trying to distance itself from. Why are you so concerned about Scotland's ongoing drive for independence? Scotland's 5.5M should pose no threat to the might of the English army - unless you have a problem with us taking all of our resources with us? Now there's a thought; did you know, if we stopped supplying electricity to England Manchester would be plunged into darkness overnight? Did you know that, Clarkie? Lol

[@CLARKE176]

@@ClaimOfRightMuso Tony Blair not only came from a Scottish family , he was born in Scotland case you didn't notice🤦‍♂️. Churchill led Grest Britain, especially Scotland, to victory against the Axis powered who were nationalists like you are and whom the snp were sympathetic to. Also that's an absolute myth about the electricity, why is Westminster sending so much money to Scotland then if she's supposed to be so wealthy on her own? Also you had the referendum in 2014 and you lost. Just got to take it like a grown up not as a ranting spoilt child.

[@rogerbenfield2789]

they concur with any minority , just review there posts on youtube

[@jintsfan]

Respected politician. 😬

[@robertmcgowan4149]

Scottish independence now!!!

[@rogerbenfield2789]

DONT HOLD YOUR BREATH

[@jintsfan]

This aged well. 🙄

[@ggagg123]

Well said Alex. My question to uk nationalists are why is every neighbouring small indy nation (Ireland, Iceland, Norway, Denmark) wealthier, happier and live longer than non-indy Scotland & Wales in Uk? I never get a straight answer. Truth is Uk makes Scotland poorer.

[@jacobcohen9205]

Because they don't smoke and drink as much. Live healthier lifestyles as in far less fried and fatty food, and more exercise. Not to mention drug taking which is out of control in Scotland. It's a personal lifestyle choice, not a state one, bud. There's your straight answer and it wasn't too hard.

[@rabburns1382]

@@jacobcohen9205 shalom

[@jacobcohen9205]

@@rabburns1382 Oh, who would give us the gift that others might see us.

[@rogerbenfield2789]

Scotland's age death rate is the lowest in Europe maybe you should ask Scotland why that is.

[@rabburns1382]

@@rogerbenfield2789 lowest or highest...? whatever...! england has been stealing the wealth of the SCOTTISH citizenry, to build up its own infrastructure, for three hundred years..and it simply has to stop

[@andyrees3525]

Alex for leader, i vote for him again and Scotland

[@boxtradums0073]

Maybe just switch party at this point. I prefer the EFTA route. Or get Joanna Cherry as leader. A lot hate her but she’s the one that got WM reopened, more of an achievement than anything a WM snp no has done.

[@arod9998]

Would the women who worked in Bute House when he was First Minister vote for him?

[@rogerbenfield2789]

plenty of women who wont

[@grey_wind948]

He talks a good game! He can talk his self out of a paper bag

[@jamescarroll3455]

Always a privilege to hear Alex advocate for Scotland.

[@ABC-dw7pe]

He’s a nonce

[@CLARKE176]

Wasn't he accused of sexual misconduct?

[@arod9998]

He doesn’t advocate for Scotland, he advocates for the SNP, the Alba party and his supporters.

[@Albanach-je1nk]

​@@arod9998 Your point being

[@rogerbenfield2789]

@@Albanach-je1nk he made his point , didnt you read it "He doesn’t advocate for Scotland, he advocates for the SNP, the Alba party and his supporters."

[@globaltraveller]

Alex Salmond is just great, a formidable debater. I’m Scottish and agnostic on independence and agnostic on the union. The Scots, whether they support independence or not, have demonstrated that they can be a strong nation without a state. The British on the other hand seem to derive their nation solely from having a state exercising its power over individual free will. The latter is exceptionally unhealthy ideology. But it also shows the utterly weak foundations of Britishness that it couldn’t survive the end of the United Kingdom and needs a state to reinforce it.

[@ganndeber1621]

He is a disgusting hate filled bigot. ENGLANDER RAUS RAUS

[@guntguardian3771]

Scottish are British, what you're saying is self contradictory.

[@globaltraveller]

@@guntguardian3771 no it isn’t, read it again.

[@guntguardian3771]

@@globaltraveller It is, Scottish people are British by definition. Also "Scottish don't need a state" except Scotland has held a special administrative position within the UK and previously Great Britain since the Union in 1707. Seperate legal and educational system, amongst other things. As a non-Scot who has lived in Scotland, it's actually hilarious how self-referential Scotland is. You get a bit of this everywhere, "Full English Breakfast" etc, but in Scotland it is turned up to 11. You're going to sit there, straight faced and tell me that 12 years of a *checks notes* NATIONALIST government had no influence on that? - but yeah, sure there is absolutely no government or state supporting Scottish identity. Well, asides from the avowedly and outspokenly Scottish nationalist Scottish government. lol, lmao even.

[@globaltraveller]

@@guntguardian3771 I’ll ignore the diatribe which detracts from your point. But you’ve eloquently made my own point for me. Yes, Scots are British. But that is only a legality because the constructed British state exercises its free will over people to make that law and construct a British identity. The Scots have never needed a political entity to exercise its free will over them and define what their national identity is for them and that is much healthier. It seems to me that it is a source of annoyance to many that Scotland is not just some kind of northern Yorkshire.

[@itsmedave7815]

Alex 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿👊💪👏👏Powerhouse for Scotland. What a speech🌟👏👏

[@CLARKE176]

That's what they said when Mussolini and Hitler made speeches back then. When it was 1945 well...

[@itsmedave7815]

Ohh myy...what a silly comment. Oh well, how sad, never mind. Go Alex, every feckin thing he said is true. Do you know who won this debate?

[@CLARKE176]

@@itsmedave7815 do you know who won the referendum in 2014?

[@ClaimOfRightMuso]

@@CLARKE176 Do you know democracies permit multiple elections so that folk can cast votes, change minds, elect new leaders to run a country. We want new leaders to run our country - what's your problem with this? "No one's splitting-up 'MY' union".. Lol 🤣🤣

[@CLARKE176]

@@ClaimOfRightMuso Once in a lifetime generation Salmond promised remember? 8 years is not a generation so you'll probably have to wait 30 or 50 years. Maybe 100 if you're still here😉

[@thomasmccafferty8203]

The behaviour and faces being pulled by the young man sitting at the table shows the arrogance Oxford breeds into wee blawbags.

[@jintsfan]

He merely echoes what the majority of people 300 or so miles north of there think.

[@mcdelive]

Wow remarkable ending to the speach 👏

[@beadsy-dl5up]

The English ALWAYS states that they actually have to financially support Scotland when in reality the exact opposite is true

[@Ryan-ix2zx]

Alex has property and investments all over London. Alex wants part of EU so all the Doctors and Engineers come to Scotland. What about the shortage of Doctors and Engineers in the countries these people will have left ?

[@christophermoorhouse8828]

Those trousers...

[@tatata1543]

Haven’t seen wee Eck for a while, he’s been at the pies I see.

[@grahamnicoll6515]

well said alex

[@alexd7029]

Rt. Hon. !! There’s nothing honourable about Alex Salmond.

[@thordrewsean]

Sitting in his home village watching this with pride, super proud of Scotland's true leader.

[@adminsasdefault2366]

This fella bloody loves Scotland - he’s not got a bad word to say about it

[@douglasherron7534]

No; he loves himself, speaking in public, and the "celebrity" of it all. If he loved Scotland he and his SNP/ Alba ilk would have accepted the wishes of the people of Scotland.

[@trotskyite1]

How's he not cancelled for all the crap he did?

[@KizzieWiz]

@@trotskyite1 He was found NOT GUILTY by an almost FEMALE jury? The Scottish Government then had to pay him a large sum of money. There is nothing else that I can think of that you mean but that.

[@KizzieWiz]

@@douglasherron7534 The actual indigenous Scots did vote YES in the Referendum.

[@douglasherron7534]

@@KizzieWiz No, we didn't - or Salmond/ the SNP would have achieved his/their aim.

[@alastair6356]

Interesting debate in the heartland of colonialism. There is no democracy in UK, Ok. The Union is coercive exploitative and not wanted.

[@margaretdundas680]

Brilliant Alex 👏 👏 👏

[@grey_wind948]

He could talk his way out of a paper bag !!

[@rogerbenfield2789]

@@grey_wind948 lets set it up

[@user-cb7ru4yh9x]

Toucher

[@joelhall5124]

I have to admit I find it off he's defended Sturgeon recently, after what her and the SNP have done to him.

[@jacobcohen9205]

Old Alex is trying to persuade people he's a 'statesman', lol. As if.

[@karenhastings8561]

I think salmond screwed sturgeon quite well, metaphorically.

[@ABC-dw7pe]

@@karenhastings8561sturgeons allegedly screwed her way to the top I imagine she would be doing some pegging

[@ganndeber1621]

He is a blood and soil nationalist, he will lie to suit his purpose and his hatred of the English. ENGLANDER RAUS

[@ClaimOfRightMuso]

@@jacobcohen9205 Well, the fact he was invited to speak at Oxford Union kinda suggests he IS a statesman, yes? Oh, it's you again, Jacob? You're all over these comments - you really do have a hardon for Alex, and Scotland's independence, don't you, sonny?

[@Gaudacorte]

Well done Alex its like you never left.

[@rogerbenfield2789]

well he never coming back

[@jacobbnjmn]

I miss Alex Salmond at the top of the Scottish Government. I think the SNP did badly to chuck him aside!

[@rogerbenfield2789]

he resigned then the snp witch hunted him

[@kevinbrown5737]

Same old hot air

[@boxtradums0073]

AS is unbeatable in a debate over independence. Any debate at all really. If he had been leader of labour he’d have been a long serving PM.

[@OneTrueScotsman]

But that would have required him to prioritise another country over Scotland. I don't like his other politics, but I can't doubt him on his loyalty to Scotland.

[@billybeads3328]

A very,very small amount of people were involved in the signing of the union between Scotland and England

[@cymro6537]

At least there _was_ a signing, Wales was simply annexed.

[@martindornan1667]

Rabbie Burns wrote A Parcel of Rogues In A Nation.

[@rogerbenfield2789]

only one could hold the pen at anyone time. LMAO

[@rogerbenfield2789]

@@cymro6537 POOR YOU

[@cymro6537]

@@rogerbenfield2789 Yes, quite literally - Wales would've been considerably richer as an independent country ....

[@nageyebelieday7158]

I am neither Scottish nor English, nonetheless, since the union wasn't forced on either side, and was mutually agreed upon, it's fair to ask who does Scotland want to gain independence from? Instead, it should be more of a separation than an independence. Likewise, if there was no clause stating if, and the manor of separation, then, it's worthwhile if perhaps a clause of separation (if the Union is ever to be broken) be put on referendum first. Secondly, since the Scottish king took up both kingdoms at the beginning of the Union, it's fair to say, the Scots have gained more from the Union than the English.

[@KizzieWiz]

The Union was agreed in Scotland by a group of Nobles who were offered money and land. They had to retreat to a toilet to sign it because the people were rioting. The Scots rioted in the streets for over 6 weeks. They were so against a Union with England. Get your facts straight!

[@scottyfive4319]

Even those that signed the "Treaty" were forced to, look up the English "Alien Act of 1705" a direct attack on the land holders and businesses of Scotland. It was not and never has been "Voluntary." It was always England being the BULLY. The Scottish King was James VI of Scotland invited to be King of England in 1603 1 hundred years before the act of Union 1707.

[@saldjkalskdjasldkja]

The union was quite literally forced. Scotland and their king also took on the English throne, King James I (or James III, depending on where you are from) requested the union with England, of whom, were very much against this. Scottish dynasty brought about the union and nobody else, this was not achieved by subsuming both thrones (Act of Union, 1707) as the original ruler died and his grand children followed his wishes. Scottish monarchs wanted the union because their failed colonisation attempts made them vulnerable to larger nations (Catholic France) and left them bankrupted. Scotland always tried to sweep this part of their history under the rug.

[@scottyfive4319]

@@saldjkalskdjasldkja Well what a load of BOLLOCK's. Scottish government debt early 1700's 160K pounds English government debt early 1700's 20 MILLION pounds, understand the difference??????? By Early 1700's the "King" on the throne was NOT a descendant of James IV/I of 1603, he was chosen by the ENGLISH and forced Scotland to accept their choice.

[@megacrazyt]

be independent and join the EU lol

[@bassistguy13]

I was shocked to hear that was a reason for wanting independence. Granted I’m far removed and ill informed on this debate, but seems so strange to me to hear so ferociously defended the right to self determination only to pass the reins to Brussels.

[@itsmedave7815]

Correct. That comment was never used in 2014. Who cares. Noone apart from those who want to decry Scotlands independence. Give me Independence over England and in among other EU coutries any feckin day

[@davidmcpherson917]

@@bassistguy13 where WE vote or veto where needed.

[@ClaimOfRightMuso]

@@bassistguy13 "I'm far removed and ill informed on this debate" - you should've stopped there, pal.

[@ClaimOfRightMuso]

Yes, be independent and join the EU (or EFTA) where we have a veto. We don't have a veto in the yUK, pal. Maybe it would suit you to have us all chained and shackled, yes? FFS.. LOL! 🤣

[@WhooshFlyingHorse444]

Well said Alex. Onwards and upwards. One day my son, one day! Believe.

[@dennismathieson1140]

No fckn chance

[@nanunanu8745]

Ah there he is... Auld Sleepy Cuddles

[@Henry-vu5sg]

You are a lazy filthy smearer.

[@annemackenzie8417]

I ask why did she go into the bedroom if she didn't want a cuddle. A lot less than goes on in WM

[@nanunanu8745]

@@annemackenzie8417 aw maybe you should give him a cuddle too

[@tommyi6667]

Mr Salmond, the honest truth would have been nice, let me explain, the why not independence is because of our friends across the Atlantic, the SNP have said that all Nuclear subs and weapons were not welcome in Scotland, where would they go? Besides that point the North West Coast of Scotland or between there and I believe Greenland would be wide open for the Russian subs to access all the way to USA and this would jeopardise UK position as a member of NATO. This is the real reason, the weapons for servicing have to be moved at huge security issues, safety, cost by roads from Scotland to the south coast I believe Portsmouth or around this area and after shipped all the way back to the sub bases by road. Or where in England want them, Wales don't, NI is impractical and a bigger vote than Brexit would entail

[@scottyfive4319]

Scotland had no choice when the missiles were foisted on Scotland. In 2014 the NIMBIES were out in force all over ENGLAND saying they would not accept the missiles. There are over 300K people within range of the Missiles in central Scotland only 50K people in Portsmouth yet this is too many for the missiles to be based in Portsmouth.

[@123brownjames]

Whatever you think of Alex Salmond, he is THE most important Scottish politician since Ramsay MacDonald, who genuinely changed British politics for good.

[@tatata1543]

He is a self absorbed fud. It’s all about Eck.

[@robertewing3114]

Why say countries independent from London not the UK, that is talking over Scotland, and that is the worst aspect of the SNP or any nationalist movement, it wants to dictate to everyone, and it is the reason why UK fought WWII, and AB Cunningham and other Scots fought for the better world we live in today. The Irish Senate responded to NS that partition of Britain was a good thing, but it seems that partition of Ireland is the good thing and Scotland will not want to end up the way Irish nationalism is, divided and tyrannical, and a propaganda addict. Call a halt to the divided world, and when peace reigns then begin to talk independence, because only then will the dreams come true. It is the divided world that threatens the planet, because the economic rivalry is on top. Scotlands economy like the Irish economy generated independence objectives, nothing more, all is money and saying London only makes sense in those terms.

[@jintsfan]

The Scottish people considered Salmond’s White Paper from 2013, thought it was complete huff, full of anomalies, and on 18 September 2014 duly voted to remain part of the U.K. Or to put it another way, of the 4,300,000 registered to vote, only 1,600,000, FEWER than 38%, were persuaded, could be bothered, to turn out and back Salmond’s vision for Scotland.

[@OneTrueScotsman]

"The Scottish people considered Salmond’s White Paper from 2013, thought it was complete huff, full of anomalies, and on 18 September 2014 duly voted to remain part of the U.K. " Wrong. The majority of residents in Scotland did vote to stay, but the majority of Scots, those who were born and raised in Scotland, not those who moved there from elsewhere in the union, voted to leave the union. Google it. "The majority of Scots born voted YES 2014"

[@thefastandthedead1769]

Well said Alex!

[@Theplaided1s]

Hear hear!!

[@CLARKE176]

Nay Nay!!

[@jintsfan]

Hands up who has seen Salmond get owned by Channel 4s Jon Snow, and that infamous ‘tail wags dog’ jibe re a Currency Union ?

[@michaelherriott9767]

Trump is a bit of a nationalist so there is some similarity between both Sturgeon and Salmond.

[@perrybelcourt5441]

Senator Bernie Sanders said if Scotland or any country want to be independent should be the people who decide

[@WhooshFlyingHorse444]

Oh what a stupid comparison! Grow up o ye of limited faith!

[@perrybelcourt5441]

@@WhooshFlyingHorse444 please get a educated about history

[@splinterbyrd]

Jock The Ripper

[@johnbuxton6009]

Wheres Alex salmons currency. What's it to be called. His trade and who with.

[@dickyt1318]

his only hope would be to ally the Scottish people to the EU'S federalist cause. So much for independence but if that is what stops them from having a cause to blame the English for all their woes [both real & imaginary] so be it !

[@ClaimOfRightMuso]

@@dickyt1318 That comment is so old-hat it's embarrassing. We're now about 25-30 years beyond that stage; but if you want to continue living in the past then you go right ahead, son.

[@CLARKE176]

@@ClaimOfRightMuso you're the one who's living in a delusion mate. He's got you believing in the false promised land flowing with milk and honey. The reason why Salmond doesn't have these answers is that, like Sturgeon, he doesn't really want independence. Just your vote to stay in power.

[@anujp7554]

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@owenhughes6665]

alex has a duty to unite the independence parties and be leader of the independence movement let whoever is the new first minister run the country that is a big enough job this is how we will get independence nothing can stop us and the tory know this

[@boxtradums0073]

The current crop of candidates are terrible. The only WM snp no to achieve anything is Joanna Cherry but because of her opposition to the GRA she’d never win it. Angus Robertson would be better than the crop we have now.

[@rogerbenfield2789]

well the tories are doing a bloody good job of stopping you , nothing has changed in 8 years not a thing.

[@freesk8]

Freedom!

[@Pastaface]

Freedumb.

[@jacobcohen9205]

From what?

[@craigham93]

Freedom from nothing. Nobody in England is oppressing us. Nobody is stopping us from being Scottish.

[@johndunnburgess6403]

​@@jacobcohen9205 With the resignation of Nicola Sturgont, the Jocks no longer want independence but Scotland can never become independent as we will never allow it as England gives the orders and Scotland must comply or else, if Scotland became independent, Scottish independence means No NHS, No Free University Tuition, No Unemployment welfare benefits etc, Scotland is One if not, the poorest country in Europe plus Scotland is not really a country as it belongs to England, it's time for Scotland and the Jocks to grow up as they are not all that intelligent up there, Scottish independence - Don't make me Laugh 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@CLARKE176]

Quote from an Australian.

[@accessmediaable]

this was wonderfully articulated by Alex Salmond I would like to see him back in mainstream politics in Scotland. will be giving the Alba party a good look at next election

[@Pastaface]

Alex Salmond is a brilliant orator, a highly charismatic presenter - if only his arguments were as convincing as he is.

[@anthonycollins8510]

Alex Salmond is still the man. I hope those who tried to have him jailed on false allegations see justice. #Sturgeon

[@rabburns1382]

thye alphabetti spaghetti women, must never ever ever be identified........Craig Murray was sentenced to prison and porridge, for reporting Eck's trial faithfully......Doune The Rabbit Hole

[@grantcollins3100]

He is slagging the British of saying after the world war there has been about 50 countries becoming independent. It really Hurts me the Scottish saying that we are one island

[@Johnconno]

Christ, he needs to start sharing his food.

[@Scipionic1941]

Highly intelligent, brilliant orator, just wrong. His diction at times is failing, though. His native clear East Coast speech slips into Glaswegian drawling.

[@edlewkowicz]

Well Jog on then

[@alanhorne3338]

Waffle salmond. Cole Hamilton said they respect a result but still would want to rejoin the eu. Difference is they aren't dictators like snp

[@tatata1543]

Salmond isn’t in the SNP.

[@pjmoseley243]

I love all to stories politicians share

[@johnnyrebel7597]

Alex 'I'm not guilty of any criminality ' Salmond...... just a wi bit woo!! a wee bit way hey!! At least he's normal n disny nick aboot wi a dress oan.

[@JohnMainland]

After 30 years plus you'd think he'd have a better line by now. Flag waving and blethering about colonial and imperial history may fit nicely on Russia Today but he's insulting his own and everyone else's intelligence spouting that at the Oxford Union or anywhere else...

[@ClaimOfRightMuso]

But certainly got your attention, pal, eh?

[@jacobcohen9205]

I'm still waiting for Alex's 'positive' argument for Scottish independence. Did I fall asleep?

[@freesk8]

Self determination works better for governance. Once independence from the British Empire is attained, it has NEVER been abandoned by any nation so liberated.

[@dickyt1318]

Perhaps independence might be a more appropriate term as usually rather than 'self determination' which is uually an illusion sold by those hoping to gain power to their particular causes.

[@jacobcohen9205]

@@freesk8 There is no British Empire anymore, fella. Or any other of the several European Empires, for that matter. Nobody alive today has any experience of the British Empire. The only one now is the EU Empire. You're correct in saying 'self-determination' works better for governance, though. That's why we left the EU. and every other democracy in the world outside the EU sees it the same way as the UK does. Scotland is and never has been a colony of any other entity. The Scots asked to become part of the United Kingdom, but they were not forced to. This was over three hundred years ago before most countries today were even countries. Had you any clue of what you speak, you would know this fundamental fact. Unlike any country in the 'New Europa', the Scottish people were given a choice whether they wanted to remain in the 'Great Union'. They chose by a large margin to remain in the United Kingdom. You're welcome.

[@markw4613]

@@jacobcohen9205 lets clear some inaccuracies in your comment shall we: there NEVER was a British Empire as an official entity - there was the United Kingdom and then its colonies, there was never an official empire or emperor. So to say it doesn't exist anymore is not a statement of fact but an opinion. With several crown dependencies and overseas territories across I believe 5 continents, I'd say its reasonable to say that the British Empire does still exist albeit in a much less significant state. You call the EU an empire while seemingly oblivious to the irony of your comments. "The Scots asked to become part of the United Kingdom, but they were not forced to." - completely incorrect. When James VI of Scotland inherited the English throne he started efforts to integrate the two countries politically. Later, the Darian scheme failed in no small part due to the English government and East India Company efforts via trade blockades and forcing 3rd party investors to withdraw - due to its own interests. The financial disaster as a result pushed the debt laden ruling class towards English aid - in return for them supporting the integration and establishment of the union. This was against the wishes of the common Scot and there was a number of protests and riots in response. So for you to say Scots asked to join the union is a pitiful reimagining of history. Anyway, that is history - but I thought it pertinent to point it out given you're assertion that others should "have a clue of what they speak". As for the referendum - a swing of less than 200k votes would give a different outcome, hardly the clear cut majority that you think it was. This in spite of the self titled "project fear", with the threat that we would be out of the EU (lol!), that somehow we wouldn't be able to use our own currency (a free floating internationally traded currency lol!), complete media support for the union and the clear political gymnastics and wrangling around established rules. The most egregious of the latter was the so called 'Vow' which was clearly against the nature of the rules on campaigning in the days before the vote (no published materials were to be issued in this time) - which they got around by stating that the Vow was made not by the UK Government or Better Together but by the heads of the UK political parties. Give me a break! And in any event - the vow has proven to be a joke. Don't get me wrong, there are valid arguments for either side and independence wouldn't be all sunshine and roses and we would have challenges to overcome - but it would be within Scotland's own power to overcome them. By all means, continue to support the union - but don't spout nonsense in KZbin comments attacking others from a place of ignorance.

[@jacobcohen9205]

@@markw4613 There are no; inaccuracies in any of my comments,Mark. The largest 'innaccuricy ' of yours is the assertion that leaving the UK would make Scotland' an independent country. How would joining the EU be compatible with being independent,exactly? I'll wait.

[@TheWalklingPractice]

3:50 isn't inaudable. The question asked is 'What else have you been in court for?'

[@ianmacewan9416]

And what was his answer?

[@FerdiSchwarz]

I think big votes like this (and Brexit) should require more than 50% approval. As he said, the UK is now 58% in favour of rejoining... How dumb is that? Such a massive faff should require an overwhelming majority of support. 2/3 at least.

[@New-ye2fl]

That’s pish, a majority is a majority.

[@FerdiSchwarz]

@@New-ye2fl On what day? Would you marry someone because on one day you were 52% in favour, even though you were against it every year before then and every year after?

[@ClaimOfRightMuso]

Boom! Typical unionist mentality: "We can't have the natives being given a fair fight!" Incidentally Scotland voted AGAINST England's Brexit, but we're still out of the EU. THAT'S why we want our independence back, at 50+1. Jeez, some folks' weans.. 🙄

[@ClaimOfRightMuso]

@@FerdiSchwarz Oh, 'would you marry', ffs.. Be quiet, you're hopeless. 🙄

[@New-ye2fl]

@@FerdiSchwarz on the day voted are cast, that’s how it works, we can all change our minds on any subject at anytime 🤷‍♂️😆

[@rumblefish3290]

Clown🤡

[@monicaahagland8995]

Free Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿!

[@dickyt1318]

I am English and have worked in the past for Scottish businesses & been based in Scotland. The SNP are leftists who's political agenda fits well with those of the EU's federalist leadership, to whom they are prepared to ally the Scottish people to in order to gain power for the SNP. To achieve this aim they are attempting to further, under the guise of Scottish nationalism & the love of one's Counrty [which incidentally we this side of the boarder would be accused of as being zenophobic & bigotted], the blaiming of the English as being the obstruction to the means of the Scots attaining their independant power rather than promote policies which would demonstrate their abilities to make an independent Scotland a success.

[@Clydesider711]

Dear me. Your spelling and grammar is appalling. Perhaps a 'leftist' education system would equip you better, for working with Scottish businesses?

[@sandy7m]

Don't confuse Scottish nationalism with the bigotry. We do not hound foreigners out of our communities niether do ethnic races feel the need to settle in an area of a city just to feel safe. .

[@ClaimOfRightMuso]

Scots have never blamed English people, that's hogwash, in fact, it's parochial Daily Express/Daily Mail hogwash, friend. You need only look to Westminster for any number of reasons why Scotland should govern itself. Westminster won't look after the decent people of England, of which there are a great many, so why would they care a hoot for Scotland? I feel I have to pose this question: Why are you so afraid of Scotland making a success of independence? If we'd be worse off, why would that concern you so? I, too, am English, born in Streatham, my dad from Wolverhampton, you embarrass yourself, friend.

[@doncar9]

Total rubbish, somebody is preventing another rederendum and if it isn't Scotland, who is it?

[@johnscullion7685]

Hi all those young people in that hall are hopping to be future tory ministers in tory goverment and as for salmond he is there to fill his own pockets and him and his micky mouse party will never bring the trou Scott's there independence and remember where that union is in England so I rest my case 😊😊😊😊

[@joeshepherd6159]

Scotlands Cyril Smith!

[@mungoarmstrong4306]

Clown

[@justonecornetto80]

Harsh, very harsh! 🤣🤣

[@pjmoseley243]

speaking is what they excel in to be honest, thats how they earn their money like anyone in the trade of talking.

[@Dean256]

What makes me laugh about all this is if the SNP had won in 2014 would Alex have the same debate that people are allowed to change three mind. Doubt it

[@itsmedave7815]

Yeah, you are a joker. The SNP is NOT the Yes movement. In 2014 there were circa 1.5 million who voted for Independence. There ere 26,000 SNP members. Do the maths. Again, this myth thats perpetuated. The SNP aint all the yes voters.

[@CLARKE176]

@@itsmedave7815 they still lost though and Alex resigned remember?😉

[@ClaimOfRightMuso]

@@CLARKE176 Yes, Scotland voted No, yes Alex resigned, but in a democracy we have the opportunity to vote more than once, yes? And what if he did resign? that doesn't mean he can't still be passionate about Scottish independence - or are you concerned his opinion is still being listened to?

[@ClaimOfRightMuso]

@@itsmedave7815 Well-said, pal. As much as the British media try to keep Scots eyes averted from self-determination, talk of the subject is rife, and the idea of independence - the very normal, discussed and acceptable idea of independence - is now never going away. As you say: the SNP are *not* the movement and there's many approaches to independence that completely bypass the never-never system of SNP. It's only a matter of time before Scotland goes the way of many small nations wishing to self-govern.

[@CLARKE176]

@@ClaimOfRightMuso not at all. Just amused that he's been saying the same rubbish for years now, like a broken record, and of course you nationalists are just swallowing it up. Wouldn't surprise me if Salmond doesn't really believe in what he's saying but has to put on a show for his voters. Also he said it was once in a generation vote so you'll have to wait around 30 or 50 years. Maybe 100.

[@ibellchristian9773]

Alec is a master orator whatever you think of him ,he can turn a debate by his sharp incisive wit and automatically turn the screw on his opponent. Scots have a right to self determination the last referendum was fuelled by misinformation and propaganda - a machine of unionist parties to play on the imaginary power of nightmares. Productivity in Scotland would sky rocket because we're a determined to prove those English bastards wrong. We can prosper as an independent nation. We had the greatest industrialist in the world Andrew Carnegie. He left Scotland because of the unfairness, constraints and poverty that was sent from Westminster Unionists. He then went on to build America into the biggest economy in the world.

[@danmacalpinbruce2555]

Segragation

[@neilburns8869]

I believe in Scottish Independence every bit as much as I believe in Brexit and that is NOT AT ALL. To be completely truthful, I don't really see that there's anything worthwhile to be gained from either SI (Scottish Independence) or BXT (Brexit). Both ideas are simply based on matters of the heart, and both are based on certain influential people and their own deep rooted hatred and intolerance, both movements are led by self-centred, egotistical narcissists who preach extremity and nationalism none of which I have any real time for. And as I say both concepts are based on a distinct level of intolerance and hate. I say, let's have HOPE NOT HATE, let's be INCLUSIVE not exclusive. LOVE NOT WAR. Like the old Roxy Music number...C'mon, C'mon let's stick together!🥰😊✌

[@user-sy3dg1vk4x]

Almighty God will definitely And Ultimately set everything right

[@ianmacewan9416]

Hasnt been doing so well so far has he?

[@TheFluffyDuck]

Scotland end England breaking up would be like 95 year old couple getting divorced, why bother?

[@freesk8]

But nations are not individuals. Nations are partially composed of young people. And they deserve self-determination.

[@dickyt1318]

it might stop them 'bitching' about everyone & everything !

[@karenhastings8561]

If multibillionaire loses Scotland, he is toast.

[@TheFluffyDuck]

@@freesk8 What are you talking about the UK is the origin of modern democracy. You have self determination already.

[@RM-di3ds]

That's a flawed annalogy.. unless you think we are all going to die imminently (like a 95 year old human)

[@indigohammer5732]

The Fat Controller, like Nicola have finally achieved independence.....from their jobs

[@johnnyrebel7597]

The way Sturgeon threw the taxpayers money about like a man wi five arms the only way Scotland could survive is being propped up by the EU ....exactly her wish . Glad she's gone .Get Alex back at least he's good for a laugh .

[@billybeads3328]

Johnny Rebel YOU dont have a scooby doo about Scotland or its finances

[@saldjkalskdjasldkja]

@@billybeads3328 It's literally all available on the public domain, even their monumental fiscal deficit that would prevent them from joining the EU anyway (£21b). Good old transparent finances.

[@adrienneturner8197]

At least she was looking after Scotland and not drinking champagne and breaking the rules imposed on us

[@mikesheridan5218]

Salmond has begun to make his claim for the Alba party and on the day that has seen the beginning of the end for the SNP

[@rabburns1382]

Scotland became a nation in the 9th Century Germany " " " " 1871 ah ha ha ha ha ha ha england ?

[@brunopetit9538]

Salmond is a complete nobody nowadays. Just ignore him and hope he goes away is my advice.

[@ClaimOfRightMuso]

So irrelevant, such a 'nobody' that he seems to have grabbed your interest, sunshine, yes? Lol..

[@justonecornetto80]

@@ClaimOfRightMuso There`s nothing more satisfying than mocking a broken enemy who has no influence anymore. Sturgeon is next when she`s in the dock for presiding over an orgy of SNP corruption for the 9 years.

[@TheThundertaker]

@@ClaimOfRightMuso Yep, he's a nobody now, and Sturgeon is about to be. The whole SNP and nationalist movement is crashing and burning before our eyes and it is glorious to behold it after all these years.

[@ClaimOfRightMuso]

@@TheThundertaker Another account that has so little interest in Salmond that he feels the need to react the minute the great man is given publicity. Lol Keep taking the pills, thunderfck 🤣

[@TheThundertaker]

@@ClaimOfRightMuso Salmond does not interest me in particular, more the nationalist group as a whole. Salmond is yesterday's man in political terms, comprehensively destroyed and reduced to leading a derided and electoral insignificant fringe party by nationalist infighting. I am just enjoying the whole shitshow within the nationalist movement as it tears itself apart. Hopefully Youssless will get in and accelerate the decline even faster but even if its Forbes, well, she is a tartan tory. Let's see how that plays with the ex labour vote that the SNP relied on to get to where they are today.

[@sandraharris3605]

Alex salmond should just except that they lost in 2014 fir independence and it was a once in a lifetime vote

[@hashburystumble8808]

Democracy does not stand still otherwise the UK would still be part of the EU as that was the result of the original referendum.

[@tightnoose5611]

Scotland had the chance to leave the union and the Scot’s voted overwhelmingly to stay.

[@boxtradums0073]

10% margin is not overwhelming at all. Remaining in the EU was more popular than remaining in the UK and look at all the good that has done us.

[@jamesyboy4626]

Why is nothing ever said about the comments made by the Queen and the vow right before the vote when they realised the majority were in favour. Then they didn't keep their vow, they dragged us out of Europe and this link you'll see below proves that there was shady things going on. If this was seen anywhere else there would have been an uproar but because Scotland doesn't have a great big platform we can't make a fuss about it. Regardless, circumstances have clearly changed and we have the right to vote again. England has got to make its mind up, either Scotland costs you money and you would be better off without us or London is a thiefdom and benefits from us, not just Scotland, NI, Wales and England too, London is its own thing they do not care about anyone in the UK. Just look at London compared to the rest of the UK. This to me proves the whole thing was a farce in 2014. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJfMpIaYqpihj6M

[@AzulinhoAzulinho]

The Scots voted for independence at 54%. It was the English population of Scotland more than any other that blew it, voting 3 to 1 against independence like absolute fearful idiots. Hundreds of thousands of them mate.

[@tightnoose5611]

@@AzulinhoAzulinho Bullshite.

[@rogerbenfield2789]

@@AzulinhoAzulinho and what about the thousands of scots who live abroad who weren't allowed to vote, Salmond knew they would vote for the union, so your argument doesnt hold water, Salmond is a sad loser and hasn't accepted the result like you hes a hypocrite

[@embee9607]

Check the snobs out at Oxford 🫣🤮

[@Jesus420.69]

No it shouldn’t haha