Saturday, February 15, 2014

Scotland's currency


Once again, I return to the subject of what currency Scotland will use, if the Scottish people vote Yes in the upcoming referendum.

It is no good expecting an answer from Scottish Nationalist politicians.  Here is a link to a BBC interview with Nicola Sturgeon, the deputy First Minister of Scotland.  Watch and listen to how many times she is asked if there is a Plan B.  http://bbc.in/1lQIVm9

The reason that a Plan B is needed is because all of the leading UK-wide parties have stated their opposition to an independent Scotland entering into a currency union with the rump UK.  Nationalist politicians insist that this is just 'bluster and bullying' from Westminster and so they have no need for a plan to face this potential situation.  However, surely prudence suggests that it would be an idea to have some kind of policy ready just in case it isn't, don't you think?  I realise that the honesty of politicians is usually suspect!  Their keeping of promises is not one of their strongest points.  However, surely the SNP must put something in front of the Scottish people that says 'we do not believe that the rest of the UK will not allow us to enter into a currency union but if that is the case, then this is what we will do......'

Too much to ask?

Of course, this all pre-supposes that an independent Scotland will have the authority to make such a decision, anyway.

The SNP have made a big play of their belief that an independent Scotland will be able to remain or automatically become a member of the European Union.  Let's suppose that this is valid (though the Scottish government refuses to publish the legal advice it has received (presumably received on behalf of the Scottish people?)).  Why would the European Union allow any new member the choice of what currency they can follow?  Does anyone seriously believe that the EU wouldn't simply say, like they do to aspiring members, you must adopt the Euro as your currency?  Why wouldn't they?

I would suggest that no matter what the rump UK says, the EU will demand that Scotland adopt the Euro. The relentless advance of the Euro-project requires this.

I suspect that the EU, while making this an absolute condition, will not set themselves as the 'lender of last resort' for Scotland.  That seems to be what the SNP wants to get from a currency union - the remaining parts of the UK providing a financial guarantee for Scotland's debt.

As the referendum date draws nearer, we can rightly expect to see more and more questions being asked of the Nationalists and answers not being forthcoming, just bluster and bullying.

I am in favour of the Union and opposed to Scotland gaining 'independence' but have become reconciled to the need for a referendum.  However, the post referendum period also needs to be addressed.  If the answer is Yes, then apportion debt and assets between the two countries and separate.  If the answer in No, then no further concessions or granting of additional powers to the devolved government  are to be given.  Also, the independence question needs to be put away for at least 25 years  - enough already!


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