Concern for the Queen’s health.

[winjim]

To be fair, if they *did* have to pay 40% inheritance tax, that would almost certainly mean that Balmoral and Sandringham would end up in private hands.

They are in private hands.

 

[deptfordmarmoset]

Not disputing that, but at least it would have been something.

The football at the weekend will be more of an issue, affects smaller clubs who rely on match day revenue, local businesses, away fans who've made travel/accommodation plans... It's an absolute farce.

If this was another country we'd be laughing at them.

As current test teams are rarely capable of playing 5 day tests, there was plenty of time for a result in this reign-affected match.

 

[Fab Foodie]

As current test teams are rarely capable of playing 5 day tests, there was plenty of time for a result in this reign-affected match.

Top marks!

 

[winjim]

If we converted Balmoral to a luxury hotel and spa, how much tax would that bring in?

And... say Scotland votes for independence, what are they going to do about the monarchy?

 

[BoldonLad]

If we converted Balmoral to a luxury hotel and spa, how much tax would that bring in?

And... say Scotland votes for independence, what are they going to do about the monarchy?

Well, they are getting plenty of free PR/advertising now, maybe they would want to keep it.

 

[jowwy]

If we converted Balmoral to a luxury hotel and spa, how much tax would that bring in?

And... say Scotland votes for independence, what are they going to do about the monarchy?

surely they are voting to become independent of the UK....the monarchy would still stand in scotland, unless they have another referendum to scrap it

 

[icowden]

And... say Scotland votes for independence, what are they going to do about the monarchy?

The same as all the other countries that have the Queen as their monarch (Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Bahamas, Greneda, Tuvalu, Belize, Saint Lucia, Antigua, Jamaica to name but a few) ?

 

[Bromptonaut]

surely they are voting to become independent of the UK....the monarchy would still stand in scotland, unless they have another referendum to scrap it

If they're independent of the UK then the role of the Monarchy v some other Head of State is part of the debate.

 

[jowwy]

If they're independent of the UK then the role of the Monarchy v some other Head of State is part of the debate.

is it??? i believe the head of state would be totally different debate altogether, you cant just dispose of the monarchy, just because you are no longer part of the UK

 

[winjim]

The same as all the other countries that have the Queen as their monarch (Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Bahamas, Greneda, Tuvalu, Belize, Saint Lucia, Antigua, Jamaica to name but a few) ?

Could be interesting. I was listening to a piece on the radio about the monarch having to give speeches on behalf of countries with differing foreign policies. So the king might have to give speeches saying that Scottish independence is both brilliant and rubbish all at the same time.

 

[winjim]

If they're independent of the UK then the role of the Monarchy v some other Head of State is part of the debate.

That's what I think should be the case. Basically if the English monarch ceases to be head of state of an independent Scotland then they can tax the everliving fark out of Balmoral was the point I was getting at.

Plus some other minor constitutional niggles I'm sure...

 

[Bromptonaut]

is it??? i believe the head of state would be totally different debate altogether, you cant just dispose of the monarchy, just because you are no longer part of the UK

If an independent Scotland is no longer part of the UK then it's outwith the UK's constitutional arrangements. They could retain it on a pro-tem basis as did some former colonies Equally they could leave forthwith with a President or some other arrangement, involving (say) the Presiding Officer of the Parliament.

 

[BoldonLad]

That's what I think should be the case. Basically if the English monarch ceases to be head of state of an independent Scotland then they can tax the everliving fark out of Balmoral was the point I was getting at.

Plus some other minor constitutional niggles I'm sure...

You are right... they could... but, much more likely, in my view that Ms Sturgeon and her successors will use it, as their version of Chequers, and, no delicious tax revenues will be realised.

 

[winjim]

You are right... they could... but, much more likely, in my view that Ms Sturgeon and her successors will use it, as their version of Chequers, and, no delicious tax revenues will be realised.

Are you saying they would seize it? That would be even funnier.

 

[BoldonLad]

Are you saying they would seize it? That would be even funnier.

Perhaps not so amusing for the several hundred people who make a nice little living out of the "Royal Connection".