Monday, January 09, 2012

Will Britain's PM Energize Quebec Sovereigntists?

British PM David Cameron is prepared to roll the dice.  He'll tell the Scots this week they can hold a binding referendum on sovereignty provided, 1) that it be held in the next 18 months, and, 2) that if it fails any future referenda will be advisory only.

Cameron is also ruling out a third option, something akin to "sovereignty association."   The referendum has to be a straight "yes/no" question.   The Scots will have to decide they're either part of the UK or not.

The Scots won't be happy with Cameron's terms.  They wanted the referendum in 2014, the 700th anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn.   They're also chafing at the notion that London could frame the question to be put to the Scottish people.   Sound familiar?

Will a Scottish vote in favour of independence be enough to stir restive sovereigntists in Quebec?  It'll be something to keep an eye on.

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