The two sides of the Scottish independence referendum campaigns are neck and neck with less than twelve hours to go before voters head to the polls. The situation has sparked debates across the United Kingdom as global onlookers await the results. East London Lines took to the streets of Hackney and Tower Hamlets to gauge the opinions of local residents.
Monica Matthews Pic: Tosin Oyeniyi
Monica Matthews, 46, personal assistant, Hackney: “I think Scotland should stay. We’ve go a shared legal system. We’ve got the Union Jack…I know it’s not much but it’s a big deal for some people. I think we’re stronger if we stay together…If it’s not working, why not just make what we have, work, and stay a part of the United Kingdom? It would be much more productive than scurrying out on your own.”
Yassin Askar Pic: Tosin Oyeniyi
Yassin Askar, 33, product designer, Dalston: “To be honest, I don’t really have many thoughts on it. I live in the UK, but I’m from Denmark. I haven’t really put my mind into what’s at stake for the UK.”
Stephanie Monty, Pic: Tosin Oyeniyi
Stephanie Monty, 25, a designer working in Hackney: I think it would be a very sad thing if they did leave. I think there are potentially a lot of financial difficulties. A very good point that my colleague brought up, is that a lot of the Labour support comes from up north and that could potentially affect us. I think it’s sad just because we’re not going to be the United Kingdom anymore. It’s a fairly monumental event, I would say.”
Bobby Johnson, Pic: Tosin Oyeniyi
Bobby Johnson, 35, writer, Clapton: “I think the Scottish would be better off being independent because they can look after their own affairs and not keep turning to Westminster and complaining. They don’t need their own army, because no one is going to attack them.”
Kate Forrest, Pic: Tosin Oyeniyi
Kate Forrest, 65, teacher, Tower Hamlets: “I’m a unionist, and I don’t mind nailing my colors to the mast. There’s a lot of history and two world wars. I know we’ve had our differences but I think it’s a recipe for angst on all sides. And I’d rather we stay together.”
Catarina Henriques Pic: Tosin Oyeniyi
Catarina Henriques, 30, architect, Tower Hamlets: “I’m very curious to see a yes coming out of it. I would like to see what happens afterwards. It’s just pure curiosity, it’s not a political opinion…I don’t have enough relations with the UK. I’m very curious how it will affect European politics. I’m from Portugal so that interests me.”
Holly Warburton, Pic: Tosin Oyeniyi
Holly Warburton, 55, artist, Bethnal Green: “I do think we have to think about the Scottish people much more, I feel very strongly about that. What I hope is that we’ll stay together. They need a stronger voice, and I can understand how they get upset when the focus is on London and the south. We need to think about they need- that’s what I hope will come out of it.”
Sadrul Islam, Pic: Tosin Oyeniyi
Sadrul Islam, 40, shop owner on Bethnal Green Road: “I feel sad. It’s the United Kingdom and there’s pride in that that we’re going to lose. I’m not in favour of it, that’s the bottom line. It’s a simple thing- when you break something up, it becomes weaker. Economically and socially.”
