Latest update: 16/10/2012 

- David Cameron - independence - Scotland - UK


Scottish independence: could the UK break up in 2014?

British PM David Cameron met Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond on Monday to seal the deal on the Scottish independence vote. Salmond's Nationalist Party wants Scotland to split from the rest of the UK, arguing that Scots would be better off thanks to the country's oil reserves. Salmond has managed to get Westminster to agree to a referendum in 2014, and to allow 16- and 17-year-olds to have their say. But is independence what Scots really want?

By Alix BAYLE / Clementine LOGAN / Yong CHIM
Turkey under pressure after border town bombings
14/05/2013 - TURKEY-SYRIA

Turkey under pressure after border town bombings

Two car bombs in the southern Turkish town of Reyhanli left 51 people dead at the weekend. The Turkish government was quick to blame Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria, this as Syrian refugees in Reyhanli have become the target of abuse from some local residents. France 24 went to Reyhanli to find out more about the situation on the ground.
China's latest food scandal
14/05/2013 - CHINA

China's latest food scandal

A month after 10,000 dead pigs were found floating in a river near Shanghai, 900 people were arrested for selling rat, fox and mink meat as lamb. These, just the latest of a string of food scandals in China, are adding to concerns about the country's food supply chain. Some Chinese are starting to take matters into their own hands, and there are solutions out there for every budget.
More instability following elections in Bulgaria
13/05/2013 - BULGARIA

More instability following elections in Bulgaria

This weekend's parliamentary election in Bulgaria has revealed a nation worn down by poverty and corruption. The party of Boiko Borisov, the former prime minister who resigned in February amid protests over poverty and corruption, won the most votes but did not secure a majority. Political uncertainty in the EU’s poorest country could spell yet more angst.
Spain's royal family falling out of favour
13/05/2013 - SPAIN

Spain's royal family falling out of favour

Spain's King Juan Carlos is under increasing pressure to abdicate in favour of his son, Felipe. Last year's elephant-hunting trip to Botswana did not help improve the King’s ailing popularity, especially at a time when the country’s public purse strings are being tightened. His popularity has slipped further in the wake of allegations linking Princess Cristina and her husband to an embezzlement plot. France 24 reports from Majorca on what the locals think of Spain’s monarchy.
The modern-day slave trade
10/05/2013 - BULGARIA

The modern-day slave trade

Commemorations were held across France on Friday May 10th for "Slavery Remembrance Day". The slave trade in France was officially abolished in 1848, but modern-day slavery still appears alive and well in Europe. We take a look at a report from Bulgaria on the plight of women caught up in the sex trade.

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Scottish Independence

One argument made is that decisons made locally are more often correct. If true, that would mean that voters in Glasgow would not make a decision affecting peole living in Aberdeen. Let's let every city and county in Scotland make their own decision. Smaller can mean more corruption, and fewer resources to combat it. I would bet that if you asked the supporters of independence if they want independence for each city and county, they will say "No." but surely freedom demands that areas that vote to remain part of the England can do so. What else does democracy mean? What right do those seeking "Independence" have to deny citizens independence from their plans for a little country? Maybe they want to be tax shelter, like Monaco or the Cayman islands? Little normanlly means a lack of resources and opportunity.

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