JOHN ROBINSON REPORTING
BBC NEWS
‘You can see behind me the Union Bridge in it’s raised position. This ability to raise and lower the bridge was only installed a little over a year ago when the Scottish Government decided they needed a get out, a little insurance, should England again vote for Theresa May to be re-elected as Prime Minister.
‘After last night’s results – where a majority of Scots once more voted for Independence-supporting parties in a UK-wide election, while the English voted for a Conservative government – the Scottish Government immediately enacted Article 51. That meant the gates along the new Border Wall were closed and the Union Bridge, for the first time in its 200 year history was raised and the link across the River Tweed between the two countries was cut.
‘Several boats have crossed the river, and we’ve seen some swimmers crossing too, all trying to get from England into Scotland. The Scottish Government has accepted these refugees, although it has recommended that those wishing to get into Scotland, escaping England, should do so through the usual Immigration procedures.’
Written as part of Flash Fiction for Aspiring Writers. The challenge is to write a flash fiction story or poem in around 150 – 175 words, based on the weekly photo prompt. Thanks as always to the challenge host Priceless Joy. For more information visit HERE.
To read other stories based on this week’s prompt, visit HERE.
Nice one Iain.
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Thank you Di – to be fair I’m not sure any of them are any better than the others – the bridge may just as well be raised for Corbyn too… 😉
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It’s a right mess Iain.
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I think entirely possible Iain….well done.
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Thanks Michael, perhaps not physically like this, but politically those walls are being built and bridges are being raised.
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Iain I had the pleasure of visiting Alaska last year aboard a cruise ship and got so much chance to see and appreciate water culture. My home is a quarter day from the nearest coast, so really enjoyed the chance. I imagine having the decision making power in such a case would be real power.
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Thank you Joe – and thanks for helping out PJ to keep the FFfAW on the road! It would be easier if they could physically just split Britain up by moving the 2 countries further apart with a nice sea in between! But in reality it’s another convoluted and drawn out political process that will drag on for decades to come!
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Informative for me!
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Thank you Reena – some truth in it, although I suspect they will only metaphorically ‘raise the bridges’, but politically we seem very close to this scenario in Britain.
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We’d certainly miss you, Iain. 😁
It’s political but it’s a hreat piece.
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I’ll still visit, once the border controls and visa system have been ironed out! 😉
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And you’ll get a nice stamp in your passport. 😀
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I’m going to have to break out my water wings, then? I do hope you’ll keep the border open for those of us who have never voted Tory – never will! – and are part of the 48%. I’d be sorely tempted if I was supporting myself with writing and could move anywhere …
Disturbing but well written story Iain
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Fortunately Scotland doesn’t want to draw up the bridges, and never will. The different views on immigration, the benefits and tolerance in Scotland (and to be fair, I suspect much of England) is one of the things that marks it out as very different to the current UK government. All are welcome here, no swimming required! 🙂
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May tolerance reign long and happily, even if it is only in the minority – at least there will be dissenting voices causing trouble. Now, just to find that writing career and start packing!
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Can they really stop people from moving into Scotland by simply raising a bridge? Simple thinking, really! People will drop from air if they find a right country to move into.
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If only it was that simple, a few governments and right-wing politicians wish they could just raise those bridges and solve all their immigration problems!
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Good one Iain. Though with only the Rock Party and the Hard Place Party to choose between, I suspect most of those living in England (including Scottish ex-pats maybe) would stay put, whoever got in. It seems like every election time, lots of people threaten to emigrate if one party or another wins, but they’re still there next time round. Too many of us belong to the Can’t Be Arsed Party.
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As they say: The more things change, the more they stay the same. However, I do wonder if Brexit and whatever follows may make some fundamental change in the politics.of our countries. It certainly needs it.
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Very informative. I can’t say I am up on your political issues, as there is way too much drama here in the states. Nicely written Iain.
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Seems there is drama everywhere in politics at the moment.
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It will be such a sad day, when I need to show my passport to enter my spiritual home. I enjoyed how you used the prompt
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Thank you Michael. Who knows how it will all unfold. I’m beginning to think maybe nothing will change in our lifetime anyway, just endless negotiations and referendums!
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Very smart use of the prompt. The idea could become a reality. The way things nowadays go with metaphors.
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Thanks Neel – who knows!
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As long as they allow us to visit both England and Scotland on the same Visa, I would be fine with the raising of this bridge 🙂 On a more serious note, the next few months are certainly going to be interesting for you guys, so all the best.
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Interesting indeed 🙂
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