Does the SNP victory in Glasgow East signal the end of the Union?

Question

Does the SNP victory in Glasgow East signal the end of the Union?

Answer 1

No, it is signalling the end of New Labour

Answer 2

It's a step along the way.  Scottish public opinion has been gradually becoming less pro-Union for at least twenty years.  This result coulld be a sign that a large part of the Scottish population has finally given up on the Labour Party, in the same way as it has already abandoned the Tories.  Once there's no real support for any of the Unionist parties a split becomes more likely.

Answer 3

Not in and of itself - this by-election was used as a stick with which to beat Gordon Brown, mostly.

Answer 4

I don't think it will - I think by-elections are a useful occasion to give the ruling party a bloody nose if it is felt they are not doing a good job. So many Scots were saying that on the television immediately prior to the election itself.

Voting for Independence is a more serious ball game, I don't have a clue how they would vote in a referendum but it would certainly require deep thought, unlike a by-election.

Answer 5

Don't assume that the rest of Scotland are the same as Glasgow East.   If Scotland ditch England, they'd lose the subsidies, they'd lose the oil*, and they'd lose the high percentage of their fellow Scots who live in England.

Answer 6

I hope so ! I am tired of my taxes supporting the tartan pissheads.

Answer 7

No, but its a very bad sign if things continue down this path.

Answer 8

I dont think so. By-elections are used by the public to send a message. At the general Election you will see the SNP decline in vote.