In a press conference with David Cameron in Brussels yesterday, US President Barack Obama weighed in on the question of Scottish independence.
He commented that Scotland’s membership of the UK works “pretty well,” and would like to see the UK remain a “strong, robust, united and effective partner.”
President Barack Obama spoke yesterday in Brussels
His opinion has not been universally appreciated, however.
There are those on Twitter who agree with the President, including Labour’s Douglas Alexander:
I welcome President Obama’s clear statement of support for UK staying together. It will resonate with many of us here in Scotland #indyref — Douglas Alexander (@DAlexanderMP) June 5, 2014
I always liked Obama, like him just that wee bit more now! #indyref — Paul Adamczuk (@PaulAdamczuk) June 5, 2014
President Obama has every right to weigh in on #indyref. The United States has always been, is & will be the United Kingdom’s best friend. — Samir Dwesar (@SamirDwesar) June 5, 2014
Interesting that the cybernats embarked on vitriol against POTUS…he spoke as everyone abroad has done to me, long live UK & Great Britain
— Aline Dobbie (@AlineDobbie) June 6, 2014
Hmm, I’m on the same side of the argument as Obama. #indyref Next I’ll be negotiating with tourists. — Kev Reilly (@KevReillydotcom) June 5, 2014
…and there are others, including ‘Yes’ to independence campaigners, who do not exactly appreciate Obama’s interference:
Obama says Scotland should stay in the UK. Because what Scotland needs is another country’s leader telling them what to do. — Rachel (@RachelvsPublic) June 5, 2014
UK might look like worked well for US Corporate & military Obama represents but theres 100k kids in Scotland living in poverty #imperialism — 500voicesforyes (@500voicesforyes) June 5, 2014
David Cameron will talk #indyref with Obama, Putin and Farage, but not with Scotland’s elected leader. #yesScot — Derek Scott (@DerekScott1984) June 5, 2014
Why is #obama sticking his nose in the affairs of the #ScottishIndependenceVote – it’s for Scottish citizens ONLY! #backup #indyref — Cat McBain-Fox (@CatMcBainFox25) June 6, 2014
I think the people of #Scotland are capable of deciding their own future without the intervention of US Presidents. #indyref #Obama — Symon Hill (@SymonHill) June 6, 2014
The referendum on whether Scotland should be an independent nation is set to take place later this year, on September 18.