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So does Alexander and Balls apparently. Amazing how they all said this at the same time eh? You'd almost think it was planned as a further effort to put folk off voting yes wouldn't you?
Apparently rUk exports to Scotland were around £59 bilion in 2012- I can't imagine businesses would want the export process to become any more complex or expensive- although those border checkpoints won't pay for themselves eh?
You don't need currency union to use another country's currency.
the most over hyped non event of the century.. the scots will vote but your man salmond will call that a victory , demand more powers and insist on another vote in 5 years...
LEAVE AND LEAVE NOW.... please.
Who me? Or Scotland? It would nice if we do but not sure enough folk will feel the same..
LEAVE AND LEAVE NOW.... please.
Believe me, I'd love to, but it's just not that simple old boy.
hence the referendum 2 days later that is being secretly prepared for England to vote to get rid of Scotland 🙂
That would do!
Maybe, just maybe Scottish Independance is such a daft idea even the muppets at Westminster realise it and for once agree on something. Typical Yes campaign response though, don't like what's being said by the people who have the power, go for the conspiracy theory and ignore any inconvenient facts. Whether they are all in together or not is irrelevant, if they all say no to currency union (and why on earth would they say yes), then there ain't much Salmond can do about it, time for plan B on the currency front maybe.
I for one am glad that this has been said. Whilst it is indeed true that Scotland may use Sterling as a currency in the event of Independence (please vote yes), The UK taxpayers should not be bounced into being the support system for any potential Scottish failure (not that i think that would happen).
Independence should be just that, stand or fall on your own feet and the UK do the same. I would have been demanding a referendum on Currency Union should the vote have been yes in September.
This is not anti-Scottish, i just don't expect my taxes to be going to bail out a foreign Govt/Banking system as the lender of last resort.
I do think Scotland can be successfully Independent - but a Currency Union is not full Independence.
If its a yes vote its going to be horrendous. Cap in hand to EU, etc.
I sincerely hope they stay and Wales holds a referendum of its own. Bye!
LEAVE AND LEAVE NOW.... please.
Is that an AngloSaxon asking Britons to leave Britain by any chance?
Just asking, don't read anything into it...
Scotland leaving the union - economically bad for Scotland and economically bad for England, probably not good in any other way as whatever Britain becomes looses status.
By the way what would Northern Ireland, Wales and England call themselves as there isn't really a United Kingdom any more in that scenario?
As above, nothing to stop Scotland using the pound as a currency.
What's the problem ? 🙂
allthepies - Member
As above, nothing to stop Scotland using the pound as a currency.
In theory, possibly not. In practice there is lots. Another AS smokescreen.
All the major parties are in favour if maintaining the Union, no surprise that they reject AS presumptions re currency union, good to see them being coordinated In their response to the book of dreams, I hope more rebuttals of the nonsense will follow.
The OP headlines is a mischievous as the papers - the real point is how all three parties are delivering a consistent message here IMO.
Sorry to add tinder to another Scotland thread but if the Scots go how much will it cost us the day after independence.
I'm thinking border controls ,changing passport and official paperwork and untold stuff I can't think of.
Is it unreasonable to expect some compensation from the Scots government?
Edit double post
r4 this morning
somebody was whinging about 'politicing' by the chancellor, then ducked about the 'we won't repay the debt if no currency union question' and then said the currency should be regarded as a shared asset - bit like the oil I suppose
"but if the Scots go how much will it cost us the day after independence." - they are apparently going to work it out after it happens, I can't see a problem with that as that's just how I work - bought 3 cars yesterday - now I need to go an decide how much for, same with my house, certainly didn't agree a price on that before I signed and I just love shopping it takes absolutely ages to checkout as we discuss everything - thank heavens I'm arguing on work time and I get generous travelling/hotel/meal etc expenses whilst I'm arguing or otherwise I just wouldn't be able to afford it
what do you call somebody who continually spends more money than they bring in and doesn't go bankrupt - a politician
Cap in hand to EU, etc.
The funny thing is that [u]if[/u] the EU let them in they will be forced to take the Euro, but that might not matter because Spain has said that they would veto membership in order to stop Catalonia from seceding.
I can't wait for the rUK referendum on whether we allow Scotland back in and under what terms. 🙂
Mr O is so popular north of the border that every time he opens his mouth and mentions Scotland - regardless of what he says - the Yes campaign gets more votes.
Why does everyone think that there would be border controls in the event of independance? There aren't any on the UKs other land border so why would there be one on this one?
All 3 parties agree on something. Therefore it must be more English nastiness and propaganda to keep those poor Scots down.
Surely Call Me Dave would love to get rid of all those non-Tory voters? So why is he against it? - Possibly Scottish independence is a stupid and expensive idea?
Why does everyone think that there would be border controls in the event of independance? There aren't any on the UKs other land border so why would there be one on this one?
I don't. Although "no border controls" policy only exist when the bordering nation is a member of the EU.
However, it may be that Scotland will not be a member of the EU....
We've had very limited border controls with Ireland for years and long before the EU travel stuff came in. I even remember flying there without having to use a passport; a driving license was enough.
The more the Tories stick their oar into this debate the better and more chance of Scotland turning round and saying **** you to the Tories. So carry on George any more comments you have would be most welcome. Maybe you can talk your leader into parting with some of his wisdom too? Perhaps in a televised debate?
I'm eagerly waiting for Osborne to explain why the Isle of Man and the Channel Isles can't use the pound.
The annoying (from a Scottish viewpoint) discussion about this is the assumption that the pound isn't ours already. Sterling is based equally on the contributions of everyone in England, Scotland, Wales, NI etc, yet the discussion always seems to be about Scotland wanting to use "England's" currency.
Anyhow, the love bombing didn't last long, did it? We had Project Fear which started to get silly (you won't be able to watch Eastenders after independence), then we had Love Bombing where everyone in England is meant to phone Scotland and tell us you love us - that backfired when lots of sensible English people said "run for your lives, get out while you can, and can I come after independence?". Now we're back to Project Fear with bells on.
If you want independence, vote for it and go and set up your own nation state.
With your own currency
How come all the independence people can't see that sharing a currency will mean that many key economic decisions would still be outside Scottish control? You wouldn't be independent.
Last week: You can't be truly independent with a currency union
This week: You can't have a currency union.
Are they trying to tell us something?
How come all the independence people can't see that sharing a currency will mean that many key economic decisions would still be outside Scottish control? You wouldn't be independent.
Try telling France that they're not independent from Germany because they share a currency.
The nations of the British Isles share a lot of trade, it makes sense to conduct that trade with a shared currency. It'll make it easier for England to buy Scottish oil and renewables, for a start.
Try telling France that they're not independent from Germany because they share a currency.
Try telling Greece.
Seosamh - feel free to ignore the cross party consensus here.
So if AS proposes nonsense that could harm Scotland AND rUK it's ok and to respond is either bullying, being negative or described as project fear!!! He certainly wins the propaganda war even if he loses the political, economic and common sense one.
Why love home when you have an idiot talking about technical default on debt which then affects rUK. We should respond and do so vigorously. The rUK are not innocent bystanders here. If AS wants a fight about self interest let him have one. The no campaign is far too passive.
Try telling France that they're not independent from Germany because they share a currency.
Both France and Germany have to adhere to the Stability and Growth Pact, which they both agreed to, prior to entering the Euro.
I'm eagerly waiting for Osborne to explain why the Isle of Man and the Channel Isles can't use the pound.
Ben - I thought you wanted independence not to be a Crown Dependency? 🙂
Do people understand why shared currency (rather than just choosing to use sterling for example) means that the remainder of the UK wouldn't accept Scotland being able to set its own taxes (or at least not all of them)? If not you really need to read up on it and you'll see that it's nothing to do with being anti-Scottish.
As has been pointed out, for it to work you need a model like that in Europe where individual countries are tied in to a framework of taxes, interest rates and so on so that it works across the whole group. In this instance, that would mean that Scotland wouldn't really be completely independent.
I'm waiting for the announcement that English taxpayers will have to put up with unpredictable and fluctuating oil and energy prices (even more so than the moment) just because Osborne is ruling out a currency union.
Talk about cutting off your nose to spite your face, it could cost English taxpayers quite a bit if English oil and utility companies suddenly have to start buying in a foreign currency.
Last week: You can't be truly independent with a currency unionThis week: You can't have a currency union.
Are they trying to tell us something?
Maybe they are showing that even the most swivel-eyed nats seem to want anything but actual, real total independence ?
There seems to be a Kevin The Teenager attitude in some Scots who continually want to kick off about how things are unfair, blah, blah, they still want mummy and daddy down south to be a lender of last resort when all the pocket money is gone.
If you want your Mel Gibson moment, then off you f*ck, no takey-backsies, no ah buts, no "but we didn't mean the pound".
Yes Ben, heaven forfend that the oil companies were forced to trade in US dollars : oops :
it could cost English taxpayers quite a bit if English oil and utility companies suddenly have to start buying in a foreign currency.
Not as much as subsidising the Book of Dreams.
Surely if this is such a factor then you would be better off in the Euro anyway?
And what about the risk to Scotland needing to export to a different currency zone. Same coin, two sides.Talk about cutting off your nose to spite your face, it could cost English taxpayers quite a bit if English oil and utility companies suddenly have to start buying in a foreign currency
And what about the risk to Scotland needing to export to a different currency zone. Same coin, two sides.
Yup. Which is why, after independence, I'm sure it'll all be negotiated by sensible people. We can safely ignore all the willy-waving at the moment, everyone sensible (the banks, Carney etc) say it's workable with negotiation on both sides.
Not as much as subsidising the Book of Dreams.
At the moment Scotland subsidises the rest of the UK - we contribute 9.9% of the taxes but get back 9.2% of the spending.
But we're not subsidising a book of dreams, we're helping to prop up a ConDem book of dystopian nightmares. Spending billions on nuclear weapons and fancy fighter jets while people need food banks - it's the kind of thing we used to complain about African dictators doing,
everyone sensible (the banks, Carney etc)
Those trusty bankers, they never mess things up do they?
Which is the problem. We're expected to vote Y or N to a deal yet to be negotiated and we're assuming the people will be sensible. I don't say Y to deals I haven't read the small print on - this is like writing politicians a blank cheque with your future.Yup. Which is why, after independence, I'm sure it'll all be negotiated by sensible people
At the moment Scotland subsidises the rest of the UK - we contribute 9.9% of the taxes but get back 9.2% of the spending.
Not this shit again!
I vote for the Republic of Grampian and the Free City of London!
Which is the problem. We're expected to vote Y or N to a deal yet to be negotiated and we're assuming the people will be sensible. I don't say Y to deals I haven't read the small print on - this is like writing politicians a blank cheque with your future.
It'll be negotiated as competitors on the global market, the best interests of both parties bit will only come into play by happy coincidence.
everyone sensible (the banks, Carney etc) say it's workable with negotiation on both sides.
Of course it's workable. But workable means that the UK would need some control over Scottish taxes/etc otherwise the UK would never sign up to currency union. Same as we see with the Euro. Given that the goal of Scottish independence is independence (at least as I understand it) then that seems like an odd way to go about it.
It's pretty simple TBH- what you're getting is the pre-referendum message from assorted partisan sources. It's just a mistake to think that what they say now bears any resemblance to what will actually happen. Right now it's expedient for the UK government to say it won't happen based purely on today's politics. Post referendum a different agenda takes over, that of actually running a country not a campaign.
Ye Gods. Really? And this is democracy?It's just a mistake to think that what they say now bears any resemblance to what will actually happen.
Given that the goal of Scottish independence is independence (at least as I understand it) then that seems like an odd way to go about it.
Talking with some friends whom are very active with the Yes campaign. It's more about setting off in what they believe to be the right direction. There's no belief that they'll wake up one morning to find themselves in some wondrous socialist leaning utopia totally free from the influence of Westminster.
At the moment Scotland subsidises the rest of the UK - we contribute 9.9% of the taxes but get back 9.2% of the spending.
People keep quoting this figure - according to More or Less it's highly debatable and if there is any 'subsidy' either way it's negligible.
It seems a bit pathetic the way [s]nationalists[/s] people keep banging on about it TBH.
Mr O is so popular north of the border that every time he opens his mouth and mentions Scotland - regardless of what he says - the Yes campaign gets more votes.
Indeed. I actually physically cringed when I heard Daves appeal to the Scottish for a no vote the other day. It felt like an elderly headmaster trying to ask the 16 year olds not to get drunk at their school leaving do. Pathetic!
They should have had a live swing-o-meter on telly to show the yes vote rocketing up with every fist-bitingly embarrassing, clipped, Eton-intoned word of it
Scottish folk -if you do vote for independence (and if it was me, I'd definitely be voting yes) could you please please please take us with you. Lots of love from the North of England
I dont envy the Scots on this one, on the one hand they have been historically marginalised )but the same can be said of anyone north of north of Northampton) and want more power. On the other hand they would be putting that power in the hands of Salmond....
Yes, please take binners 🙂 But make sure to tax him extra... 😉
Haha, this is absolutely hilarious. Those 'chip on the shoulder' Scots that want independence, the freeedoooooommm to create a new country but at the same expect the UK to give them exactly all the bits of the current Union that they want but at the same time taking no responsibility for their share of the national debt? Pie in the sky Scotlanders!
Good on George Osbourne I say. If Scots want independence either do it properly or STFU! The Scots can't reject the Union, but then expect to be supported by the Union!
One thing for sure if Scotland do vote YES is it's going to be a right horrible mess to sort out, with the rest of the UK holding all of the cards. Even without taking on their share of the UK debt, the restructuring will cost Scotland billions and billions. Where will that money come from? Yes you've guessed it - more borrowing. Enough debt to saddle the Scots with an un-maneagable burden for generations to come. Scotland's credit rating would almost certainly be on a par with a third world country shortly after independence. Ever wondered the real reason why the SNP want to keep monetary union?
Still, I say go for it - if that's what you want 😆
I vote for the Republic of Grampian
While that is clearly meant as a joke, there has been a big row between the Aberdeen council and Alex Salmond for ages now. If he can't keep his 3rd major city (and cash-cow) on side before independence, than god knows what it would be like after.
I'd be amazed if the Scottish independence vote was based upon sound knowledge and fact. Last time I was in Scotland speaking to firends in Linlithgow the fear was that facts and knowledge on what would be best for Sctoland would for the majority be obscured by a golden opportunity to say FU to England 🙂
grum - MemberIt seems a bit pathetic the way nationalists people keep banging on about it TBH.
You do realise winston_dog raised the issue in the first place? Who's banging on about it exactly?
This is a good thing, when Scotland get independence they will be a 3rd world country inside of 5 years, we don't want them dragging Great Britain down with them!
I would welcome that F.U.
Thanks bye, don't come back.
the fear was that facts and knowledge on what would be best for Sctoland would for the majority be obscured by a golden opportunity to say FU to England
Indeed. Sadly there are stupid/ignorant people on both sides of the 'debate' as has been demonstrated recently on this thread (and just about every other Scottish independence one...)
You do realise winston_dog raised the issue in the first place? Who's banging on about it exactly?
No I didn't. I was on about a currency union post Independence.
The issue that was raised by ben was about the current situation.
The Book of Dreams only applies if Scotland are independent, it appears that a lot of what is in there is pie in the sky and I don't want a currency union with an unsupportable economy.
teamhurtmore - Member
Seosamh - feel free to ignore the cross party consensus here.
I am, don't you worry! 😀 Cross part consensus means nothing to me, not does keeping the pound to be honest(we'll sell you our 9% share in Sterling, then it can really be as english as you all think it is.), I just want cameron and osborne involved in the debate as much as they dare.
at the same expect the UK to give them exactly all the bits of the current Union that they want but at the same time taking no responsibility for their share of the national debt?
Whereas Osborne wants us to take a share of the debt, but not a share of the assets.
It's like moving out of the family house and still paying the mortgage.
I'd be amazed if the Scottish independence vote was based upon sound knowledge and fact.
On the contrary, as opinion polls show the more people learn about independence, the more they're likely to vote Yes. Whereas the No argument is basically "when Scotland get independence they will be a 3rd world country inside of 5 years".
You do realise winston_dog raised the issue in the first place? Who's banging on about it exactly?
Well I'm pretty sure both you and bencooper (and others) have mentioned it several times on here.
If other people make spurious points about Scotland being subsidised do you think it's best to come back with your own spurious point about how it's actually the other way round?
True Winston, but they also know that making trade more complex and expensive isnt a good thing. Anything that's a barrier to making more money and all that..
Does anyone else think that a yes vote is lookjng a bit more like devo max? Still rather have a Yes vote with shared pound and other things than the status quo.
And it is that "FU England" attitude that tires me out. It may only be a minority, but it is that voice we hear the most down here. Because of that many people i know firmly want Scotland gone simply to put an end to it. The prospect of this occurring year after year is draining, just vote Yes and be gone.
Does anyone else think that a yes vote is lookjng a bit more like devo max?
Depending on how "max" devo max is, I'd be all for that instead of independence. But Cameron ruled out a third option on the ballot.
The worrying bit for me is what happens after a No vote. It won't be devo max. It won't even be business as usual. It'll be worse. It's already been indicated that the Barnett formula won't last much longer, spending will be "based on need". And as I'm sure the people of Somerset will tell you, the government is very selective about where it sees "need".
grum - MemberIf other people make spurious points about Scotland being subsidised do you think it's best to come back with your own spurious point about how it's actually the other way round?
I think failing to counter misinformation is a pretty bad idea, yeah.
I've posted quite a lot of detail on it in the past and there's huge amounts in the public domain so people can go and get informed if they want but it's daft to complain at Bencooper or the Yes campaign for responding to someone else! Take it up with winstondog.
I think failing to counter lies and misinformation is a pretty bad idea, yeah.
Countering it with different lies and misinformation isn't the way forward.
It's funny - I always think of you and bencooper as being some of the more sensible, intelligent people on STW, but you both appear to lose your sense of perspective when it comes to Scottish independence.
And this is speaking as someone who is broadly in favour.
If other people make spurious points about Scotland being subsidised do you think it's best to come back with your own spurious point about how it's actually the other way round?
When did I say it was the other way round? AFAIK it is a very difficult thing to measure with any accuracy.
The point I was making and have done on several occasions,is that it is a pointless argument, the vast majority of Countries have areas that produce a larger % of GDP, in the UK London produces a huge amount of our wealth but is only 10% of the population. Go to Italy and the North "carries" a very poor Southern area. It's how countries work.
An iSCotland would have Aberdeen producing far more per head than even the Central Belt. So what?
What may be an issue is the amount of public sector dependent jobs that Scotland currently have, particularly regarding the military which will disappear if they vote "Yes".
grum - MemberCountering it with different lies and misinformation isn't the way forward.
But is that what he did? I don't believe it to be so, the financial case is certainly much stronger in one direction than the other. And the financial case that scotland will be a "third world country within 5 years" or any of the other rubbish in this thread is nonexistant.
TBF I don't really understand why you're complaining about Bencooper but not all that drivel.
winston_dog - Memberparticularly regarding the military which will disappear if they vote "Yes".
It really won't.
But is that what he did? I don't believe it to be so, the financial case is certainly much stronger in one direction than the other.
It's highly debatable whether there is any 'subsidy' either way - it depends on how you look at a whole host of factors.
Confidently stating 'At the moment Scotland subsidises the rest of the UK' as if it's an unequivocal fact is exactly the kind of hyperbolic claim you'd be moaning like hell about if it was the other way round.
I wish that would be true, but it won't. It'll be different, but it won't disappear.the military which will disappear if they vote "Yes".
It really won't.
So your keeping the nukes then?
You keeping the all the RAF bases and the aircraft?
You keeping all those soldiers who are in Scottish regiments?
You going to keep building warships on the Clyde?
Sorry Grum, I edited on you there
Winston_dog, none of those things support what you're claiming, sorry.
Nae bother.
TBF I don't really understand why you're complaining about Bencooper but not all that drivel.
Because the stuff about Scotland becoming a third world country is obviously trolly crap - whereas I expect better from you and bencooper.
That's a bit of 'whataboutery' as well TBH.
Sorry but I don't think you can blame people for trying to counter troll-ey crap like Winston_dog. All that's required for crap to win...
It's just stooping to their level when you make unsubstantiated claims as if they are undisputed facts.
So your keeping the nukes then?You keeping the all the RAF bases and the aircraft?
You keeping all those soldiers who are in Scottish regiments?
You going to keep building warships on the Clyde?
Those are all things that cost more money than they generate and lose more jobs than they create. Ditching the subsidy junkie arms industry would be a weight off the economy's shoulders.
Winston_dog, none of those things support what you're claiming, sorry.
I am not "claiming" anything.Some things are already quite clear and are declared policies both sides of the border.
If you vote "Yes" then it is quite clear the nuclear subs will have to be based elsewhere. That is not for debate. This will basically mean a much reduced Faslane Naval Base. Loss of a lot of jobs.
BAE is kept alive by building RN warships, the UK will not give that work to a Foreign country. That is not for debate. The yard will close. Loss of a lot of jobs.
Those are all things that cost more money than they generate and lose more jobs than they create.
Thanks for that. I didn't realise that nuclear subs didn't carry many fare paying passengers.
How do they "lose more jobs than they create"?
It's like moving out of the family house and still paying the mortgage.
No it isn't. It's like moving out and taking part of that house with you.