Scottish independence: 'Yes' vote means leaving pound, says Osborne.

Well, the biggest part is the

"We dont get the pound? You dont get our share of the debt"

In which Osborne addressed by stating that the rest of the UK would pick up what they dont pay off which would then automatically give Scotland a big default, the EU wouldnt take them on until they pulled themselves out of it. Then what? Recover from debt and join the EU? Losing more power to another state.

Also if they continued to use the pound and bad things happen (for example - bank going under). It would be down to both the rest of the UK and an Independent Scotland to pay for it so the UK loses out on bailing out another country in the same currency union - one major reason we kept the Pound over the Euro.

You keep the pound you live by the rest of the UK's rules, you cant have another set of rules for yourselves.

An interesting example of how money etc can cause damage:

Scotland becomes independent - exporting oil at high prices and supporting itself properly; one day BAM, oil drums drop $20 a barrel. Estimated 11,000 jobs per $20 drop lost for Scotland, but it stays in the UK - very VERY few lost as the loss is absorbed by everyone else.

I understand the need for independence but at the same time, a short term win could lead to a massive downfall.

reply to post by iRoyalty


The way I read it, yes that's exactly what it is! Salmond knows how to wind up Westminister, and they fall for it every time. Technically, he's right - Scotland had the pound before the Act of Union, and so we should keep it. I don't think anyone else in Scotland is arguing that though.
This is political aggravation at it's best, really - in my opinion.

reply to post by beansidhe


Well Scottish independence will either be a momentous moment in Scotland's history, or it will be a lesson hard learned, and one there's no coming back from.

I don't pretend to be an economic forecaster, so I don't pretend to know what will become of Scotland. All I know is it's always better to be prepared for the worst and the best to happen, rather than preparing for the best and the worst to happen.

reply to post by beansidhe

Alex Salmond should not be confused with Scotland, he is the first minister. He does not speak for everyone in Scotland.

Agreed - but he thinks he does and that is the lie he is trying to project to everyone, both inside Scotland and outside.....and looking from the outside in it seems as if he is succeeding.

If the agreement with the treasury is that we go back to using our pound, so be it.

There will be no agreement with the Treasury, in the event of Scottish independence Scotland will have a choice of introducing its own currency, be it the Scottish Pound or whatever you choose to call it, or adopting the Euro.
Any independent currency will be under written and supported etc from within Scotland itself and will have to reach agreement of exchange rates with every other currency including Sterling.

Alex Salmond loves to antagonise Westminister, and you have to take what he says with a knowledge of the man.

So the independence vote is reduced to antagonizing, winding up and provoking?
And as a result are you surprised that the rest of the UK are increasingly thinking 'crack on Scotland and get on with it just don't expect any support or assistance from us'?

The arrogance of England, however, is to assume that it is their pound and not a shared currency.

I'm sorry my friend, its not English arrogance and we don't assume its 'our' currency - its the UK's currency - and an independent Scotland would not be part of the UK.

The SNP are demanding independence on their terms only - that will not happen.
Just as Scotland will seek to get the best deal for Scotland it also follows that the UK will seek to look after its own interests first, why wouldn't they? - that's not arrogance, that's life and to expect anything other is naïve to the extreme.

This is the point which Alex Salmond is provoking.

No its not, its Salmond talking absolute bollocks and being an arse as usual - and like it or not that is the image the rest of the world are getting of Scotland.
The man is doing an excellent job of alienating Scotland.

As you are aware I have enormous regard and respect for both Scotland and the Scottish people and whatever they vote for I wish them well.
But independence will not be all on their terms alone.

reply to post by Freeborn


Hi Freeborn!

So the independence vote is reduced to antagonizing, winding up and provoking?

What else would you call the persistent demands to have a 'head to head' with Cameron? It's not to sort out the finer points of an independent Scotland.

No its not, its Salmond talking absolute bollocks and being an arse as usual - and like it or not that is the image the rest of the world are getting of Scotland.
The man is doing an excellent job of alienating Scotland.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again, it is my opinion that if we lose the Yes vote the blame can be put squarely on Salmond's shoulders. I don't like how he's carrying out the campaign one little bit, and it is embarrassing at times. I don't want to derail this thread with my opinions of fat Alex, though, and the media sensationalising the stupider points is hugely detrimental to the amount of work that many, many others have done to evaluate the pros and cons of independence.

reply to post by boymonkey74


The POUND is underwritten by THE BANK OF ENGLAND

The clue is in the name.

reply to post by beansidhe


Well whatever way it goes beansidhe, I wish you and your fellow Scots the best, I only hope it works out well for the both of us.

Also, I love your new avatar pic, it's pretty badass

reply to post by beansidhe


What would you have done different from "Fat alex" lol?
Oh and please you are not going off topic really

reply to post by boymonkey74


Well, where do you want to start?
Think about Donald Dewar, though and the road to devolution. He showed respect, determination and intelligence. Now think about Alex..

reply to post by iRoyalty


That's like the inside of my mind lol!!

reply to post by beansidhe


Yeah you can keep the scotish pound but just dont expect it to be tied to the English pound!

It will be the same as USD and Canadian dollers.

Now my question (not pound related) comes down to immigration, with a Independent Scotland would that make any member of the UK living in Scotland already a citizen? Or will they need to take a test and apply. As it wouldnt be part of the EU; visa's will be needed for travel causing more issues.

Although one big advantage is going to Scotland on holiday if voted yes. Because then it truly is another country instead of part of the UK...

I will use that excuse on my partner

reply to post by beansidhe

Hi Freeborn!

Greetings to you as well my friend.

What else would you call the persistent demands to have a 'head to head' with Cameron? It's not to sort out the finer points of an independent Scotland.

Of course not.
But it shouldn't be about provoking and antagonising, it should be about discussing the issues and details.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again, it is my opinion that if we lose the Yes vote the blame can be put squarely on Salmond's shoulders.

Not too sure about that. Of course he must shoulder most of the 'blame' - I guess that depends on your individual viewpoint - but maybe the Scottish people may just decide that they'd prefer to stay within the UK.
I dislike the way those involved in the 'Yes' campaign are trying to portray anyone who doesn't support independence as somehow unpatriotic - that's nonsense.

I don't like how he's carrying out the campaign one little bit,....

I'm sure you recall that I've been saying for a long time now that Salmond could prove to be the best advert for the 'Better Together' campaign.

..... and it is embarrassing at times.

I'm sure it must be.....consider how he is viewed throughout the rest of the UK?
He is the public perception of an independent Scotland.
His blatant politicisation of any given situation regardless of appropriateness is hugely embarrassing for anyone to observe.

...... and the media sensationalising the stupider points is hugely detrimental to the amount of work that many, many others have done to evaluate the pros and cons of independence.

But that is the agenda Salmond and his cronies are deliberately setting.
Their constant insistence on peddling outright lies and half truths are making him, and by association the 'Yes' campaign, thoroughly disliked and lacking any credibility on the international stage.
The currency issue is one such instance.

As you are aware I firmly believe we have a better chance of achieving effective positive change remaining together but I do understand why some would be attraced to the independence option.
Salmond and the SNP in general are doing none of us any favours.

So if Scotland separates from the UK, will Britain have to change the Union Jack? Afterall what good will the cross of St. Andrew be? Maybe Scotland will do the smart thing and actually back its currency with something...like gold perhaps? William Wallace on a bill?

reply to post by HUMBLEONE


Here are some designs.



So yes we would.

Think we should hold a vote if the "Yes" is passed.


My vote is for 3. Clean, crisp... very gentlemanly

reply to post by boymonkey74


I'm hoping they do leave now so we can have Number 3.

reply to post by thekaboose


I kinda like the rainbow one lol.

boymonkey74
reply to post by thekaboose

 

I kinda like the rainbow one lol.

Could you imagine attempting to draw it at primary school though?? I struggled enough with the English one, I kept drawing the danish flag hahaha



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