If the SNP were to get its way and Scotland left the union to become an independent state: Would the independent Scotland automatically become an EU member state or would they have to apply to join [would they want to]? What currency would they use? If they continue with Bank of Scotland Pound notes: Would Bank of England notes be refused by businesses? Would Scottish notes be refused south of the boarder? What about coins? Aren't they the same throughout the UK? Would the Scottish govt fix the rate at 1:1 with Sterling or would it float [meaning they'd have to mint their own coins]? If not: Would they apply to join the Euro? Would they create a brand new currency? Would the Scottish monarchy be re-introduced [who would be King or Queen?] or would the First Minister become 'President of the Republic of Scotland'? I don't know if any of these questions have been answered by any of the politicians [on either side of the argument] in Scotland, but I don't recall seeing any of it reported or discussed. Just interested that's all
Alex Salmon has already stated that if they become independant that they would set up a new currency with suggesting the currency could be called the Oob and Nip and that square coins would be used. Supposedly cheaper to make than round coins. "Gis 20 Lambert, the Daily Sport and wan o those battles o bucky" "Certainly sir, that's 14 oob 79 nip"
If Scotland gains independence, Alex Salmond will **** himself to death, caring nothing for the consequences
The joke was actually trying to convince someone about a bit of bullshit, not the way Scotchies talk.
The currency issue is a good question as keeping the pound means Scotland will still be tied to England's economy. Maybe it means a new "Scottish Pound"?
It's a bit selfish isn't it "A better Scotland" Why not strive for a better UK? It is just Nats being power hungry and greedy...I have more in common with a labourer from Sheffield than with a fat Hearts supporting suit...but no, I should cut myself off from good people because their ancestors never played the bagpipes
I quite like the assumption that an independent Scotland will join the EU. Firstly the people would have to vote in favour - and there's certainly no guarantee of that. Second, the 28 exisiting Member States would have to approve an application - if the rest of the UK felt like it they could always say no! More to the point the likes of Spain and Belgium would probably be a bit concered because of the implications for Flanders, Catalonia etc. As it happens I think there might be quite an attraction in having UK in and scotland out (they'd be offered EEA membership like a shot and probably take it) as we could both use it to our mutual advantage.
Nope, interest rates will still be set at the Bank of England until we have a referendum to join the Euro which might not happen until the 2020s. It's what happens when countries become independent Ireland (kept the pound for seven years), the balkan countries etc. You can also use the Euro in some countries without being part of the Eurozone and, in cases like Kosovo, when it's a new country, the Euro can be used as the indigineous currency without being in the Eurozone. We would need to apply to become members of the EU but given the proliferation of Scots members of the European Parliament in the past, that could well be fast-tracked. We would remain part of the Commonwealth meaning we would keep the medieval constitution stuff like Canada and Australia. ^^ This is a pragmatist thing by the SNP - voting on Scotland becoming an independent republic is two issues at the same time, heavily diluting the vote. If we become independent, we'll have a referendum on becoming civilised, I'm sure. Until then, it's God-appointed head of state nonsense.
There was one comment where the currency would remain as Sterling and the interest rate would be set by the Bank of England independently of the remaining Union. When asked about it the Bank replied they hadn't ever been consulted on this and had no response. The currency is just one aspect. The nuclear fleet at Faslane and Defence in general hasn't been addressed. The SNP are strongly anti-Nuclear so membership of NATO is not a given either. The fate RAF/Army bases and resources present in Scotland and what would happen to Scots soldiers in UK regiments have yet to be fully addressed. Border controls between Scotland and England haven't been addressed either. At the moment there are so many unanswered questions and the SNP have no real policies post-Independence.
It's things like this which convince me that privately they want to get the absolute maximum devolution powers possible rather than independence. Pragmatically, it's a much more attractive option for Scotland
The NATO stuff has been all over the news recently Border controls? Seriously? Have you gone from Northern Ireland to the Republic any time in the past ten years?
