British Prime Minister David Cameron traveled on Thursday to Edinburgh to meet with the First Minister Alex Solmond. The two discussed Scotland's desire to separate from the United Kingdom. This was the first meeting to discuss the controversial issue. Mr. Cameron pleaded with the Scottish people in a speech to remain in the union for economic and military support. Alex Solmond, leader of the Scottish National Party, hopes to secure a mandate to withdraw from the UK sometime in the next five years.
The United Kingdom acquired Scotland in the 16/17th century through intermarriage of the two royal families. When King James VI of Scotland inherited Ireland and England, he became the king of England. It wasn't until the Treaty of Union in 1706 that the UK was officially formed.
Scotland has always been a distinctive ethnicity in the UK with it's Gaelic heritage and manufacturing based economy. Over the years, executive and legislative powers have been devolved to Scotland's parliament (unicameral legislature). The legislative body has legislative authority over everything concerning Scotland and has a limited power over taxation. The increased devolution (power given from central government to more regional lower level governments) has given Scotland more autonomy. With it's lack of representation in the Westminster Parliament, many Scottish people feel unrepresented and disconnected from the British majority. Talks may continue between the two party leaders to come to an agreement, but until Cameron breaks to Scotland's wish for more autonomy, Scotland soon may be a new state.
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