Letters / Good luck to ‘Yes’
WHILST on one of my regular trips south the subject of Scotland’s referendum pops up now and again as my campaigning becomes more widely known. There is no need for me to bring up the subject.
How the issue is viewed from the Garden of England bears no resemblance to the national media’s portrayal and the BBC’s in particular.
One I spoke to was indignant that the chancellor should try to threaten withdrawal of the pound and refuse a currency union citing the huge costs to business south of the border.
Something in common north and south was the news service provided by the BBC and the regurgitation of politicians’ press releases and lack of journalistic examination.
As in Scotland, many are now using online news services to keep informed.
Another who told me he was nearly 100 noted my accent and wanted to know where I was from, and knew of “Lerwick Airport” saying if he’d been living in Scotland he’d vote Yes to “get rid of them all who are ruining the country in Westminster”.
With a twinkle in the eye he added “I’m going to put a vote UKIP poster up in my car!” He was certainly still driving but I feel his voting threat may have been devilment only.
Surrounded by his ancient double-decked railway carriage and wooden coaches covered with vegetation in a Kent yard he shook my hand and said “Good luck Mr Young”.
Hostility, animosity, anger? With regards the referendum only in the minds of the London-controlled national media and Better Together.
There’s certainly strong dissent towards Westminster.
Good luck? It’s the general view I have come across down here so far.
Douglas Young,
Sumburgh
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