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
Tug of war over Venezuelan election majority
16/04/2013 - VENEZUELA

Tug of war over Venezuelan election majority

At least 7 people have died in clashes in Venezuela. Fighting broke out across the country after late leader Hugo Chavez's anointed heir was declared winner of the presidential election. Nicolas Maduro claimed victory with 50.8% of the vote, a tiny margin ahead of his rival Henrique Capriles. The opposition leader has refused to concede defeat, saying that the results are so close that Maduro does not have a majority.
UK welfare cuts come into effect
16/04/2013 - UNITED KINGDOM

UK welfare cuts come into effect

Since the beginning of April, the UK has put the accelerator on the government's austerity plans. So far, five different social service reforms have been implemented, nearly all at the same time, and the opposition is voicing its disapproval. A week after Margaret Thatcher passed away, many are drawing comparisons between the two conservative leaders.
French ministers ordered to publicly declare private assets
15/04/2013 - FRANCE

French ministers ordered to publicly declare private assets

The first public list of French government ministers' private assets was revealed on Monday. Senior politicians now have to declare what they own, including property, vehicles, shares and other valuables. It comes as President François Hollande tries to reverse his falling popularity and regain voter confidence, after his budget minister Jérôme Cahuzac was forced to admit that he'd lied about having offshore bank accounts.
Religious violence threatens democratic transition in Burma
15/04/2013 - FOCUS

Religious violence threatens democratic transition in Burma

It was long a hermit state cut off from the rest of the world by military junta that controlled its people. Now Burma is opening up to democracy and it has been welcomed into the international community. But inter-ethnic tensions within are threatening the peace and security of thousands. Violence between ethnic Muslim and Buddhist communities has seen many killed and forced thousands to flee their homes.
Cuban dissident begins first world tour after travel ban is lifted
05/04/2013 - CUBA

Cuban dissident begins first world tour after travel ban is lifted

Cuban dissident Yoani Sanchez has begun her first world tour. The author of a blog critical of the Cuban government, the young woman has in just a few years become the leading symbol of Cuban dissidence. This year, for the first time, Sanchez obtained permission to leave the country under a broad relaxation of travel restrictions. She is preparing a tour of Europe and Latin America, but her most anticipated visit was to Miami.

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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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