'You Yes Yet?' Tables May Have Turned in the Scottish Independence Debate

In 2014, during Scotland's heated independence debate, the official campaign against Scottish independence, Better Together, based their arguments on an array of claims about the Scottish economy, the benefits of EU membership, and the looming uncertainty that independence could bring.

Now those arguments have been turned on their head by pro-EU supporters, who are now using the very arguments Better Together used to ask "are you 'Yes' yet?"

EU Membership

The biggest trigger for this shift is the United Kingdom's vote to leave the European Union, which only 38% of people in Scotland voted in favor of.

Scotland, remember better together said our EU membership was safe with a no vote. Are you yes yet? #EUref pic.twitter.com/qYtu1jaSXd

— Alisha Ann. (@alishaann94) June 24, 2016​

The Better Together campaign's official Twitter account told people that voting for independence was a sure fire way to ensure that Scotland left the EU. Now, with Scotland voting to remain in the EU by 62% many are suggesting that independence is the only way to ensure that Scotland can stay in the EU, and polls this week have seen a huge surge in support for independence.

Losing EU membership was one of the main scaremongering tactics used by the no campaign in 2014 and now look at us. Are you yes yet?

— Morag (@MoragOs) June 24, 2016​

AAA Credit Rating

In 2014, the Better Together campaign suggested that an independent Scotland would lose its AAA credit rating. Due to the UK's vote to leave the EU, ratings agencies S&P and Fitch Ratings have now downgraded the UK's rating to AA, and have warned that more downgrades could occur as EU negotiations take place.

Better Together #brokenpromises

Only way to guarantee AAA credit rating is to vote No
Scotland votes No
UK loses its AAA credit rating

— Stewart Maxwell (@Maxwellsnp) June 27, 2016​

The very same year S&P stated that an independent Scotland would likely receive a AAA rating, in a report in February 2014 the ratings agency said that Scotland's GDP even without oil revenues was similar to other credit-worthy nations.

"Even excluding North Sea output and calculating per capita GDP only by looking at onshore income, Scotland would qualify for our highest economic assessment."

The Financial Districts Mass Exodus

A key argument in 2014 was that financial institutions would be forced to move South of the border if Scotland voted to leave the UK. Now, however, some have suggested that an independent Scotland in the EU could provide an attractive home to major financial groups.

@ReggieMiddleton Financial institutions can move to Edinburgh with Scotland in EU. London to become offshore centre for money laundering etc

— Alastair McNeill (@aljola) June 24, 2016​

Cheaper Shopping

2014 Better Together

@Tesco Did u know that 'better together' r quoting in a leaflet you charge 16% more in Ireland than you do in the UK. pic.twitter.com/5SbfMWgI2q

— Liam Kirkbride (@LiamKirkbride1) August 29, 2014​

2016 Post-Brexit

The increase in prices is a direct result in the drop in the value of the pound, and the loss of the AAA credit rating. Though in 2014 Tesco responded to the Better Together leaflet saying that it did not foresee a rise in costs as outlined on their election materials.

@UK_Together Does he shop at Tesco? Quote: 'pro-Union Better Together campaign leaflet "entirely speculative".' pic.twitter.com/mTzWpEPcTr

— European | Scotsman (@scotsman) September 6, 2014​

Boss of @Ocado supermarket says on positive side: no #Brexit effect on sales. On negative side: food prices could rise cos of weakening £

— Chris Ship (@chrisshipitv) June 28, 2016​

You Yes Yet?

Many have taken to Twitter to say that they voted 'No' in 2014, but would vote 'Yes' now.

I'm getting lots of e mails from people who are former No voters who say they now support Scottish independence. I will reply to everyone.

— JOHN NICOLSON M.P. (@MrJohnNicolson) June 25, 2016

I have seen a "political light". I voted No in the first Scottish independence referendum. led down the Westminster path. I'm a Yes man now

— Grandad Robert (@800723cddedd462) June 28, 2016​​

My English wife, previously a No, has now declared for Scottish independence and will be applying for citizenship once it is won.

— Illiam Costain (@CostainMcCade) June 24, 2016​

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said that a second independence referendum is "highly likely" though of course not everyone is really "yes yet."

— Duncan Hothersall (@dhothersall) June 24, 2016

The argument for Scottish independence will free the south of England to make even more money, but it is still a bad idea.

— Dr Deiniol Jones (@deinioljonesGL7) May 3, 2013​​