BACKGROUND
Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond has been pilloried after unveiling a blueprint for Scottish independence that assumes the English would continue to share the UK’s ‘crown jewels’ including the pound and BBC programmes. The First Minister’s long-awaited White Paper on independence promised Scotland "will" retain sterling and would seek to join the EU on the same terms as the UK, including a euro opt-out and a share of Baroness Thatcher’s rebate. A separate Scotland would assume a much lower share of the UK’s national debt than previously thought, spend more on childcare and a new Scottish Broadcasting Service would show the BBC’s output, the document said. Read more >>
THE CARTOON
The cartoon by Adams from the Daily Telegraph shows Scotland' First Minister Alex Salmond sitting at home in an armchair before and after independence (or, perhaps following a 'No' and 'Yes' vote to independence). He's watching 'Strictly Come Dancing' on the BBC, and has a picture of the Queen on the wall. His EU membership badge lies on the floor. The reader is invited to 'Spot The Difference'. Of course, there is hardly any difference at all, except for two things: the Union Jack has been replaced by the Flag of Scotland (aka the St Andrew's Cross), and Salmond's glum expression has changed to a smile. Even the weather is the same - rain of course! Note the Loch Ness Monster on the horizon.
COMMENT
One thing I didn't quite get was why there was a border post in the pre-independence/'No' vote version of the scene on the left. (Of course, there are no border checks at the moment.) Is the cartoonist suggesting that Scotland is already a 'foreign' country? Or perhaps it's just for entry to Salmond's property.
VOCABULARY
To spot means to see or notice a person or thing, especially suddenly or when it is not easy to do so. • I finally spotted my friend in the crowd. • I've just spotted a mistake on the front cover. • Can you spot the difference between these two pictures?
ALSO SEE
• 22 things that we wouldn't have if it weren't for Scotland (The Telegraph)
• Dave Brown cartoon (The Independent)
• Peter Brookes cartoon (The Times)
• Mac cartoon (Mail Online)
