Northamptonshire and bagpipes: perpectives from Corby on Scottish independence
Post categories: 5 live blog, Chris Mason, Drive, politics
|21:52 UK time, Tuesday, 24 January 2012
We're propping up a bar. McEwans Export is available on draught. Amongst the strong stuff in front of us is Gordons gin and Bells whisky, the bottles hanging upside down in front of two Saltire flags. A picture of Rabbie Burns, variously described as Scotland's favourite son and the nation's best loved poet, hangs proudly on the wall. Rich Scottish accents abound.
So where are we? Peterhead?Wick?Partick? No - Northamptonshire.
We're in the Grampian Association in Corby, a Scottish private members club. There are thousands of Scots here, lured south, ultimately by the prospect of a better life. The steel industry, now a rump of its former self here, was the original magnet, but the attraction remains, and families have settled. Passionate and proud Scots, proud to live in England.
We were keen to explore whether expat Scots feel they should have a say in the referendum on Scottish independence. Click here to have a listen to our first piece for 5 live Drive. In a place like this you have to expect some bagpipes...
But we also wanted to explore what the referendum in Scotland might mean for the majority of people in the UK - those who live in England. Derek Hilling is a brave man. He is the East Midlands Chairman of the English Democrats, and accepted our invitation to venture into the Grampian Association, complete with his St George's flag badge pinned to his jacket. Cue a friendly rhetorical volley of political banter. Derek argues the current devolution arrangement leaves the English short changed, and there should be an English parliament. You can listen here.
You can also read our article for the BBC News website from Corby. Chris Mason is 5 live's Political Reporter. You can follow Chris on Twitter - @ChrisMasonBBC. Chris is travelling with 5 live producer Chris Brindley.
Comment number 1.
At 15:40 27th Jan 2012, Derefeld wrote:Well done to Derek, it’s a shame that the people of England don't understand the issue facing them. If we allow the Unionist parties to negotiate for the England, then we will be sold short.So the question should be asked who is standing up for England. The media are covering Scotlands view, but appear to be ignoring the English view.
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Comment number 2.
At 19:34 1st Feb 2012, Chris Mason wrote:Thanks for your post Derefeld. The implications for people in England, Wales and Northern Ireland of the Scottish independence referendum are important. As with our visit to Corby, we will be aiming to explore this further as part of our coverage on 5 live in the coming months and years.
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