Gordon Brown's Better Together speech the day before the Scottish referendum

[@Kopite4life12]

The speech which saved the Union

[@raptorbullets]

Absolutely correct there mate

[@tacobell6826]

Brexit will end the UK.

[@alanreid9385]

a fucking traitor

[@FrozenWillow1980]

Aye, a speech made on nothing but lies. He promised new powers. Google smith commission and search the images and just see what labour voted for Scotland to get - SWEET NAFF ALL! - they said on the powers that should be devolved partly to income tax, no to inheritance tax no to capital gains tax no to national insurance contributions no to Air Passenger Duty No to Corporation Tax No to VAT No to Excise Duties No to Wealth Taxes No to Business Rates In the video above he promised to devolve as much powers to Scotland if we voted no. We voted no and they he said no to the powers. His bums oot the windae. More and more Scottish people can see right through him and his lies.

[@TygerTyger24]

@@FrozenWillow1980 shut up yor gay!

[@curt3494]

I'm not a Labour voter.........but this is Gordon Brown at his best. Did he save the union? Possibly.

[@donkeycheeks]

This is the best speech of the whole campaign.

[@CitizensCooperative]

Was good. but 90% lies, he's a neoliberal.

[@GarthVader449]

***** 90% is much better than 100% lies from the Yes Campaign, they're narrow minded neo-nationalists.

[@Bawitdabadabangdadang]

Someones not watched Tommy Sheridan.

[@Neil-qg9cw]

***** Da fuck? So he could illegally sell off more of our gold?

[@robertmcmillan4340]

Jimmy Jones WTF !!!!

[@danielcronin7077]

Why didn't they send Brown to debate Salmond? He would've cleaned that nationalist's clock.

[@craigdonald551]

Tata England

[@christianround2774]

Why is it that when a politician is actually delivering a heartfelt, emotive and politically honest speech that is actually good, everyone is still so full of their "I hate westminster I'm so clever and indie and cool" bullshit to actually give him any credit. Gordon Brown did not go to a private school, gordon brown never claimed expenses, gordon brown did not want to go to war in Iraq, Gordon Brown's last minute intervention with RBS in 2009 could actually said to have saved our banking system. Gordon Brown is a British and Scottish Patriot who actually cares about society. Sure he's not perfect (scrapping 10p tax rate) and he has zero charisma, but he did a far better job of managing the british economy than any smug youtube commenters ever could. It's become almost the done thing now to think of all politicians as venal, self serving dick dastardly type figures who twirl their mustaches and cackle while crushing the "normal man on the street" (whoever the hell they are) but such a viewpoint is a little too cynical and frankly quite immature. Politicians have to compromise their values and make backhanded deals because that is the nature of the political beast, not because they're satan in a suit. I've never voted labour and probably never will, but lets try and be a little more mature about this please and just appreciate a great speech when its delivered, rather than being snide, which does no one any good whatsoever.

[@oliverabbrown]

Superbly put!

[@MichaelTaplin1st]

oliverabbrown Hear Hear! I need'nt have written my comment if I had seen this first.

[@crispypotatowarrior8704]

@Christian Round Well said. 👍

[@stannisvonhapsburg6883]

Hear hear

[@rafaundisputedgoat2024]

Not a Labour supporter, but he came in at the worst time possible and did a decent job for what it was.

[@Spudst3r]

Will go down in history as one of the best speeches ever given whether you agree with it or not.

[@robertgannon-cx2mm]

No it won't! It will go down, along with every other intervention by him Darling and all the other lying unionists, who got into bed with the tories, during the referendum campaign, as shameful, mendacious, duplicitous acts, any British politician has ever undertaken

[@susancunningham7014]

'Civility and compassion, comradeship and community.' *That* is the Scotland I recognise, and tomorrow I'll vote to protect it and keep it within our United Kingdom. Thank you Gordon Brown.

[@val4xx]

i've never voted labour- but Gordons speech is passionate and honest. Vote NO to save our country

[@DanielMcEwan96]

Yes voters just nervous now so they have to undermine the NO voters (Like me) by calling us "idiots" and "non patriotic". But if a no vote is whats better for scotland than independence, then surely thats patriotic as they dont want their country to go tits up! Great speech from Gordon, id believe him more than Salmond

[@astrogecko1650]

Exactly!

[@Buzwell40k]

No. Better Together has been using the whole "Non-patriotic" ideal against the Yes campaign for long enough, yet all they talk about is how they are true Scots as they want the Union to still hold us by the hand and swat us down at every turn.

[@BritishMilitaryPower]

Well done, Gordon. Vote NO, my Scottish brothers!

[@heathcee4910]

ditto that to the power of 10...

[@samuelholmes3696]

Careful now, or the Yes campaign will have you lynched! (But then as a no campaigner you probably don't care what THEY think)

[@vegetaprinceofdrip663]

What about the sisters ay!? Vote yes all who care for Scotland and its children

[@AndrewWilsonStooshie]

"Vote no" - No thanks.

[@cjmcc5231]

you are no brother of mine

[@MakeMelonade]

A major turning point in the no vote. A terrific speech and I'm proud to not only call myself Scottish but British as well.

[@MeanMachinGun]

And as an English man I want to say I'm proud of you, and every Scottish person this morning, and I give you an internet slap on the back, well done Mate.

[@ThePostbear]

We saw off fascism together and that bond will never broken,,,,,,EVER ....Gordon Brown I salute you Sir-the real voice of the People Of Scotland

[@HarshG26]

If we have this unity,not even God can separate us,we've run the largest empire known to mankind,we've achieved millions of things which I cannot even begin to list,be proud of your regional identity,but when the sun goes down,remember,we're all BRITISH 🇬🇧

[@QRAndrew]

I've never seen Gordon give a speech as passionate as this. Excellent.

[@alexrobinson4802]

+Andrew Finn wow

[@elizabethf1591]

Gordon Brown has made many passionate speeches .

[@alexrobinson4802]

he has

[@AndrewIsbell]

i am an American watching on the sidelines and this speech moved even me

[@excluyousivite]

This was an unbelievable speech. Should be studied.

[@ruthirwin9378]

English teacher here - I teach it as an example of outstanding persuasive language.

[@iwasborn8470]

@@ruthirwin9378 Could you tell us some techniques / how he created such outstanding persuasive language?

[@tomphillips8952]

At last. A passionate, sensible speech from the NO campaign. Smashed it Gordon.

[@WORLD8NSH5KNIGHT1]

This man's initials GB may not be a coincidence!

[@Mister_Kourkoutas]

Wow, Gordon Brown seemed more alive and into it in these 13 minutes than he did in his entire term of office as Prime Minister. I absolutely loathed that man when he was in Downing Street but this is some good speaking from him.

[@mongohotline]

Agreed. A lot of what Brown was lacking was that visible passion, which TBH shouldn't have affected our opinions of him so much. I'd vote for him.

[@johnbull9195]

Yes, my memories of him as Prime Minister was as a weak and ineffective leader on his way out, but at the time of the referendum he returned with presence and authority. He looked more Prime Ministerial here than he did as Prime Minister!

[@domr8796]

The newspapers blinded us all to the great man that he is.

[@towhed123]

People like charming people rather than who really has something in their brain like Gordon brown. That is why we r getting people like boris in downing street

[@Mister_Kourkoutas]

@@towhed123 that’s the major flaw with democracy. Anyone who can give the plebs bread and circuses and say what they want to hear can get into high office on that instead of merit.

[@fasteddyuk]

What a brilliant speech. Like the great statesmen of yesterday rather than the school boys (Clegg, Cameron, Milliband) and used car salesmen (Salmond) of today.

[@harshbutt]

Makes you wonder where this passion was when he was trying to remain PM!

[@raidwipe]

harshbutt stress got to him i assume?

[@guitargirlUK]

harshbutt My thoughts exactly!

[@ubertoaster99]

harshbutt Absolutely! Maybe this means more to him. If so, good on him for having some perspective.

[@Ashitaka255]

harshbutt He didn't really care about being PM I guess.

[@kajavalen9907]

This literally brought me to tears

[@tinarett]

This must be one of the most passionate speeches by Gordon Brown. Vote No and safe the U.K.!

[@MrDJmarkyspider]

I believe Gordon Brown more than Alex Salmond any day.

[@chrisvoiceactingvoiceover1431]

Mark Reeves Not even a contest....

[@crispypotatowarrior8704]

Definitely 👍

[@Thisismyhandle218]

I don't particularly like Gordon Brown, but this has been the best speech given by either party.

[@mattgrant9479]

I am an Englishman but i would die to protect a Scottish family if they were in trouble and needed help. I am very proud of our little island.

[@benjamineckford1718]

If Gordon Brown had shown half this passion as Prime Minister he might’ve had a chance of winning the 2010 election

[@tomwilliamson195]

I disagree with Gordon Brown on everything else. As a Prime Minister he was terrible. But on this, he's in his element. Godspeed Gordon, and Godspeed the United Kingdom.

[@superultrachicken3r3]

This is quite possibly the speech which indirectly saved the United Kingdom. Gordon Brown, even though I am not Labour, you have left a mark on British history forever for you have saved the greatest country in the world from separation. Thank you and GTSQ.

[@navidnamini1169]

Man, get rid of Corbyn, and bring back Brown

[@hakc97again]

Fuck Brown. Terrible Chancellor and utterly hopeless PM

[@iainguthrie4563]

Brown's worse than Corbyn, Corbyn didn't send our young ones to die in illegal wars of weapons of mass destruction lies. Brown along with Blair should be in jail.

[@SCARRIOR]

Wasnt that Tony Blair, Gordon Brown destroyed the economy

[@liukin95]

Brown may be a good talker but he ain't a good walker!

[@asimchillify]

+SCARRIOR There was a world wide economic crisis. That is utter bollocks.

[@theblackcat1978]

Probably the most important, impassionated and decisive speech of the last 50 years. Incredible.

[@iainguthrie4563]

Says the man who wrecked the UK economy and in this speech all passionate about the union he helped to destroy as chancellor and PM...

[@stu19855]

Well done Gordon Brown. You did Scotland and the UK proud!

[@apzoeirutyawzxecrvtb]

Gordon Brown didn't just save the United Kingdom. He did a great job for whole Europe. This referendum was important for nationalism in other states too. It's always better to work together, not just in the context of Great Britain. Congratulations from the continent.

[@MrPolarman20]

Wow! When Gordon Brown was the UK PM he never gave a speech like this. I must say i am thoroughly impressed. If Brown was running for candidate i would definately vote for him. Scotland should vote NO! Why vote against a union which has given us, and the world so much? One of the wealthiest nations on earth, UN security council permanant member, leading member of the EU (part of the EU-3: United Kingdom, Germany, France), member of the G8, leading member of NATO (most powerful military alliance in the world) and second most powerful nation after the United States. Why would you want to leave a nation of such economic and milatary power? Scotland may be a part of the United Kingdom but they will never again be a part of the greater part of the great United Kingdom we all take for granted.

[@MatthewFinnegan]

comments immediately below, lift the lid on nasty Nats. Well done Gordon - speaking for us all

[@BerryTrekkin]

Great speech! Proud to be Scottish AND part of the United Kingdom!

[@Cloingor]

Have never been a Labour supporter nor a particular fan of Gordon Brown but this is one of the best political speeches I've heard in ages. An honest speech delivered with conviction rather than with half an eye to how the media will spin the sound-bites. GB for First Minister?

[@LancashireLad666]

Blimey, never a big fan of Gordon. But that was almost Churchillian!!

[@byounglee3659]

This is one of the LIFE changing address by Gordon Brown. Beautifully delivered and well organized speech ever!! Mr. Brown, I like you!! 20th century, Churchill and 21st century, Brown…who save the Union!! Go Brown, Hasta la Victoria Siempre!!

[@JRizzle86]

Congrats Gordon, that was an inspiring speech of which i will share to my undecided friends. It this doesn't convince them i'm not sure what would.

[@intervlotux9300]

I hope after this referendum you will continue to stay in harmony with the UK... From a french canadian

[@dandohando1242]

My Aunty was the only family left in Scotland, she was Labour (not any more, she can’t support Starmer) but she was seriously looking to vote for independence, because of how much she loathes the Tories but this speech made her realise, the old Scottish Labourite in her, the John Smith loving Labourite made her do her civic duty and she voted to remain in the union.

[@Bristol96]

He and Ruth Davidson have been the stars of the No campaign.

[@geoffp326]

Gordon we are all so so proud of you. Much love to you.

[@WORLD8NSH5KNIGHT1]

A British Prime Minister, a proud Scotsman and a Unionist! ONE UNITED KINGDOM

[@bennystan]

This speech may remain in history, like the speeches of Churchill.

[@standalby6949]

The Scottish independent referendum was stolen by the royalists , I watched recordings of ppl swapping the no votes to the yes votes ! Scottish referendum vote-rigging claims spark calls for recount ... www.theguardian.com › Politics › Scottish independence 22 Sep 2014 - Mary Pitcaithly, chief counting officer in the Scottish referendum, said she was satisfied that all counts were conducted properly. Photograph: ...

[@andrewpollock4599]

+Stan Dalby What planet are you on?? You lost fair and square-just move on,for God's sake!

[@smcnamee002utube]

possibly the most powerful speech he has made. Real passion, he believes in the UK, and I agree with him.

[@ianoian1]

WE HAVE WON - THE UNITED KINGDOM REMAINS GREAT!! Well, done, Gordon!!!

[@rambobambo1111]

Nothing great about it.

[@StephenFiorentini]

Cry more​@@rambobambo1111

[@inayasupian]

can we not have this Gordon Brown leading the labor party? Really, all is forgiven, pls come back!

[@susandick66]

What a great speech Gordon, you hut it on the head, I was told yesterday by my team leader that I was not patriotic because I was voting no.i feel like an outcast and we can't voice our opinion but it's ok for the yes campaign and they cannot give you a straight answer to any of our questions. I just wish a lot of people would think seriously before making that decision that could change our lives and our countries forever.

[@chickenkyiv4999]

We need him again! Bring the corrupt and incompetent SNP's independence ideas crashing down again Gordon.

[@GodfatherXXI]

I am 100% sure this speech is why Scotland voted to say.

[@Noghar]

Such passion! Just want Labour needs. He ought to run for the leadership of the Party.

[@ngai1842]

when Cameron speaks while moving his arms and increasing the volume, doesn't create any extra feeling, it's just normal, but when Gordon does it you know he really means what he's saying, which makes it powerful

[@peterpark4483]

Gordon Brown is better than I ever expected!

[@naksis1102]

Brown literally saved the breakup of the UK with this speech, i just hope he can do it again for the next referendum

[@woofpet]

No he can’t. People trusted Gordon Brown at that time. He lied and and lied. He will never be forgiven for his betrayal of the Scottish people.

[@lambd5578]

Gordon Browns moment of true GLORY. I utterly loathe the current Labour government. Never been a Labour supporter. Blair and Browns government was dire and brought about many of the problems that we struggle with now in my opinion. Gordon Brown was my local MP and I can’t convey adequately how much I personally appreciate this speech. Magnificent piece of oratory that saved the Union and Scotland from the utter destruction of Independence. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇬🇧

[@rai7861]

Best speech of the campaign. What a guy!

[@PlutoPanther]

A lot of fight and heart from Mr Brown there, nice to see.

[@Rasputin4thewin]

I'm not even remotely a Gordon Brown fan. But this speech really is magnificent.

[@seroccoprime2774]

For all his problems as a politician, as a chancellor, as a prime minister, and even as a man, this was pure, unadulterated Gordon Brown. THIS is the real Gordon Brown. And it's a Gordon Brown I prefer to see.

[@brynhendry2899]

Fucking hell who knew it, Gordon Brown can be charismatic.

[@Mpr91]

One of the most passionate speech's I've ever seen. Enormous credit to Gordon Brown.

[@scottc9100]

The speech that saved Scotland from the abyss. He’s a national hero.

[@ChrisHuxy1994]

This speech was fucking amazing, I'm English and soo happy that we stay United with the Scottish, without each other we are nothing the whole world knows us as that red white and blue flag, let's not forget the history together

[@ThePostbear]

I Remembered this speech whilst i was putting my X on the NO option.....no-one will seperate us from our family-no-one Proud Scot Proud Brit......Better Together

[@taylorclark2922]

He may not have been the best PM, but this was a brilliant speech.

[@a.mlockhart9759]

Gordon brown a man for the people with the people Vote no

[@rossiplum50]

Well said Mr Brown ..YOU speak for me and mine.

[@charliedring4092]

10 years later... They don't make speeches like this ❤

[@euanhayton31]

Great Speech Gordon! A passionate Scot! And that is exactly why I'm voting no on September 18th. Because I am not only a proud scot but I am a proud British citizen as we'll!

[@classicalmusic1175]

Why didn't Gordon Brown display great speeches when he was PM? Most of his speeches put me to sleep but this one was really very good.

[@domr8796]

He focused too much on his academic thinking from his lecturing background I think when he was prime minister rather than let his persona come across

[@MicrosoftsourceCode]

somehow I just knew Gordon Brown being involved would fuck it up big time for the Yes voters.

[@FelizNAVIDad293]

Brown should run for PM again, and I consider myself a conservative

[@iainguthrie4563]

God help us, absolutely dreadful PM.

[@Johnsmith-cp3jf]

+Iain Guthrie Not as bad as tony Blair but that's not saying much!

[@iainguthrie4563]

Much of a muchness there, New Labour never again.

[@hakc97again]

John smith I thought you died 20 years ago. Why'd you leave us with Blair?

[@MattDWardell]

@@iainguthrie4563 I'm not a spokesman for new Labour, but I think Brown will actually be viewed relatively favourably by historians (already is).

[@6thsensemedia581]

What a speech, i am sold.

[@tomfrew3552]

This is just superb. Full credit to Gordon Brown - United we stand, divided we fall. Proud to be Scottish, Proud to be British and Proud to be European.

[@dmg8530]

Having been born in Wales, lived in England too, with relatives from England, Ireland and Scotland, I know about differences and the passions that they stoke. But now, having lived in China for 9 years, I can safely say that the beliefs and values that unite the different parts of the UK are much greater than the differences. The UK, and thus by definition Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland, may have been diminishing in the world. But let's fight back together so that Great Britain moves forward together to regain its standing in the world. It's only by staying together that every part of the UK can remain important in a changing world.

[@kakipiidaisuki]

So true and nicely said. We're a country that emphasises diversity and difference, from class to accent to education - we love to pigeon-hole everyone and everything, and the nearer you are to it, the greater the differences seem. Being away enables you to see the this parochialism for what it is. A 'yes' from Scotland is the end of Britain, but may well be the end of all four nations having any kind of power or influence on any international stage.

[@katemcneilly3685]

Outstanding! Never heard GB so passionate or so fluent, all without notes! Bravo.

[@oneilljames5860]

I lived through two referendums in Quebec- Canada. I remember Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau's speech in 1980 and Quebec Liberal Leader and later Premier Jean Charest's in 1995. They made the difference. Gordon Brown just did the same thing, bottom of the ninth, two outs, full count and three runs downs, and Mr Brown hits grand slam home run.

[@Kkardemumma]

Given how many waverers there were and how close (yeah, a 10 percent gap, but how many of us weren't expecting a larger gap before the campaign started?) the vote turned out Gordon Brown's speech deserves recognition and could well be called the speech that saved the union.

[@darrenmcgowan9769]

What a amazing speech just hope that the crazy yes campaign listens and notices no is the way to go.

[@piprod01]

Gordon Brown claims all the souls of dead conscript soldiers for "No".

[@kickpublishing]

At least he never pissed on their willing sacrifice by suggesting that they were all "conscripts" as you just did

[@piprod01]

Here's a tip. Just because I think it's dumb to paint a huge number of people as supporting one political position, doesn't mean I'm painting them as block that support a different position. The soldiers in these wars fought for a whole lot of different reasons, and had a wide range of political positions. But it is exactly because they couldn't find enough people prepared to sacrifice their lives that they had to force though conscription.

[@kickpublishing]

I take it you dont realise that within the forces to be called a "scrip" was a insult - it meant you were only there by force and thus a coward. There is one reason why all the men fought and that was to smash fascism before it spread to their front door. Ironic that the Yes voters are now employing the same tactics of threats, bullying and Nationalist bigotry on those very doorsteps today - blaming the English instead of Jews for all their problems.

[@piprod01]

BerkyBoy Well when refusing to fight for something you don't want to die for would literally have you shot. There wasn't really any choice. Which is kinda a threat and a bit coercive.

[@Neil-qg9cw]

BerkyBoy Westminster ≠ England. We love English people, we hate Westminster. Watch us beat them then follow suit. Comparing people to Nazis helps no ones cause.

[@thomasnorman8369]

I'd take this over Salmond's lies and distortions, Scots. The union isn't exactly repressive as portrayed and we, the English, aren't responsible for imagined problems to real ones. Love ya, we've done so much as the UK and hope it isn't separated now to much disadvantage.

[@royalhero4608]

I'm no fan of his, but this is one of the great speeches in modern British political history

[@ralphmmitchell]

Fantastic speech - "The silent majority are silent no more" :-)

[@berwicklaw]

Please e spread this video to all your contacts now.

[@HouseMDcvb]

Brilliant speech. Get the nationalists telt, Gordon! What unites us is much greater than what divides us.

[@asunciondiezarce1828]

Congratulation to Scottish people and all of the English people .

[@hitchadmirer]

Half - Scottish and fully British! Please stay!

[@chrissyman77]

Towering performance, Gordon Brown's finest moment perhaps, so right. I'm so glad the Scots voted to stay with us, from an Anglo welshie.

[@soosidescott]

"These achievements happened inside the Union" Well said Gordon

[@GarthVader449]

Here here! Unity is the way forward, not division.

[@just_watching_you_tube]

What a legend. He saved us from economic ruin during the global financial crisis caused by the US banking industry, and he saved the Union as seen above. Eventhough his premiership was short, he was the right man, in the right place, at the right time, and I was thankful then and am now that he led our United Kingdom.

[@charliemctruth]

He sold the UK gold reserves on the open market when it was at it's lowest, He was indeed a leg end. 💰

[@jfshpearson]

A speech of passion from a misunderstood man of passion. Bring him back as leader of all of Britain

[@MrsLevinson175]

Fantastic speech Gordon Brown.

[@davidmallinson3068]

The man who saved the Union..

[@DoubleM22]

Well, in case this is the end (which I hope it isn't), I will enjoy every single minute of tomorrow knowing that it could be the last for my beloved ancestral land Scotland in my equally beloved United Kingdom. I am proud to say I am a loyal subject to her Majesty the Queen, and nothing will ever change that. I love both entities, and it would be an absolute shame to see everything positive and amazing that has come out of this Union, and all the wonderful things shared between them (appreciated by many more across the world) destroyed forever. I know a lot of bad things have happened between these two entities in this Union, and before it as well; that caused much sadness and anguish. But the past is the past. There is nothing that we can do to change the past. There is everything we can do to change the future. Tomorrow should mark a new beginning, filled with love and appreciation for each other. No matter what anyone says, you respect and admire each other. You can't live happily without each other, and you need each other in order to move forward to a prosperous and happy future. Please, for the sake of your fellow Scots, and the rest of the UK, Vote no to independence. Start the next chapter and move forward together to tackle an uncertain and tough future with determination and perseverance. Keep the UK together forever!!! Thank you. P.S. This is coming from a proud Canadian and Nova Scotian who cares deeply about the fate of this land.

[@sgeir]

Best speech by any UK politician for at least 20 years. Fire in the belly, a real tour de force.

[@faithhopelove9673]

Stay united, vote NO!

[@hermankatnip]

It gave me goosebumps and I'm not even Scottish. Who would have though that serving as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom will probably be considered his second biggest Achievement behind saving the union. A career defining speech.

[@MrEwant1980]

If the was this passionate and animated when he was an MP he may have won an election!!

[@graemenoble8312]

Fantastic speech Gordon.Thanks for your service in preserving the United Kingdom and thank you to the Scottish people for voting NO

[@samuelallan651]

Why anyone would vote yes after hearing this is beyond me! Makes you proud to be British and Scottish

[@NowFunStarts]

A Brilliant speech by a True Scot..Well done Gordon, We love you.