WHO: The finance secretary of Scotland John Swinney
WHAT: The scheduled to visit Norway this upcoming week for a conference on social enterprise which coincides with nation's 200th anniversary of their constitution in which they broke free from the control of Demark. John Swinney is looking at the Norway as a model for social enterprise specially child care which the nation has had huge success with. This comes 7 months before Scotland's independence referendum is set which is highly controversial and leaves the people of Scotland divided.
WHERE: Oslo, Norway
WHEN: This week (February 10th-14th)
WHY: It seems as if the secretary is looking to build allies in nations who have gone through a similar transformation and have been successful. John Swinney is quoted in the article claiming, “We believe that it is possible for us to leapfrog forward from our
current position in Norway, and are excited to think this might be
possible through finding future collaborative projects through which we
can further develop our competence regarding the potential of social
enterprise in the housing sector.” Whats interesting about this is the fact that Norway gained independence 200 years ago and whether or not that can be seen as a model in the 21st century seems wary. This also will be big for NATO relations in the upcoming future I wonder if countries will be for or against the independence movement in Scotland. Its safe to say that Scotland is fostering its relationship with Norway and sees them as a supporter. How do you think this will all pan out as we move closer to the referendum?
source: http://www.scotsman.com/news/politics/top-stories/scottish-independence-john-swinney-hails-norway-1-3300038
Even though we have been saying in class that Scotland is divided on the issue of independence, a move like this makes it seem like they are taking a pretty strong stance on the issue. I think this is a good thing for Scotland if they do end up becoming independent, as Norway is a good country to be aligned with.
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