Independence - the facts

The Act of Union 1707 was a pivotal event in British history that united the Kingdom of England and the Kingdom of Scotland into a single Kingdom of Great Britain . This was achieved through two Acts of Parliament, the Union with Scotland Act passed by the English Parliament and the Union with England Act passed by the Scottish Parliament . The Acts established a unified parliament and aimed to create a stronger and more stable political and economic entity

The Acts of Union, while creating Great Britain, also faced opposition and generated several problems . Scots worried about the loss of their national identity and autonomy, fearing domination by the larger England . Economic concerns also existed, with some fearing the impact of English taxes and trade regulations on the Scottish economy . Jacobitism, which sought to restore the Stuart dynasty, also used discontent with the Union as a rallying point.

Current discontent with the Union between Scotland and England stems from various factors, including differing political ideologies, economic disparities, and cultural identity concerns . The desire for complete independence remains, fueled by debates over issues such as Brexit and the management of Scotland's resources

Scotland's First Minister John Swinney, who also heads the Scottish National Party, has vowed to intensify efforts for a second independence referendum, aimed at mobilizing support ahead of the 2026 Scottish Parliament elections. His plan emphasizes building widespread public backing and securing a democratic mandate in Holyrood, Scotland's Parliament.