Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Steve Coogan joins Scottish independence debate: ‘Insularity isn't good’

The comedian is one of numerous celebrities against Scotland leaving the UK

Ella Alexander
Thursday 03 July 2014 11:03 BST
Comments
Comedian Steve Coogan has described 'The Trip to Italy' as 'an excuse to do impersonations in a postmodern way'
Comedian Steve Coogan has described 'The Trip to Italy' as 'an excuse to do impersonations in a postmodern way' (Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Steve Coogan has said no to Scottish independence.

In an interview with GQ magazine, he told former Labour strategy director Alistair Campbell that "insularity isn't good".

On 18 September, those living in Scotland will vote whether or not the country to stay part of the UK.

Campbell asked the comedian if he cared about the referendum.

"I do," said Coogan. "I don't want them to become independent. The reason I don't like Ukip is because I think we should be pro-European, a more not less cohesive world. Insularity isn't good."

His opinion comes after Mike Myers (and Shrek) joined the debate yesterday (2 June). The Canadian actor said he also hopes that the country “remains part of Britain”.

"I love Scotland, I hope they remain part of Britain, and if they don't, then I'll still love them," he said during an interview on Radio 4’s Today programme.

He was also asked how his Scottish alter-ego Shrek would vote.

"Shrek wants what the will of the Scottish people want," he said ambiguously.

Myers and Coogan are just two of a numerous famous names to have added their voice to the issue:

Those who don’t want Scotland to leave the UK include JK Rowling,Eddie Izzard, David Bowie, Sir Alex Ferguson, John Barrowman, Emma Thompson and Susan Boyle, while those for it include Sean Connery, Frankie Boyle and Alan Cumming.

Also new to the debate is Simon Cowell, who hopes that the country will remain a part of Britain.

"My mother's maiden name was Dalglish," Cowell said. " would feel quite sad if Scotland left the Union, though I would respect the decision.

"I would never tell anyone what to do and I think the referendum is all about having self-expression."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in