I can understand the arguments for Scotland's independence. They are a proud nation and for too long the politics of Westminster has polarized opinion. I agree with Salmond that if Scotland vote for independence then we will have to work with it. But whether they can be part of a single currency union if they vote for independence shouldn't be a matter for voters in Scotland alone. Such a union would affect all people in the United Kingdom. It is reasonable therefore for the British government to state now that it would not be possible, or at least it would not be possible without some kind of political union.
It seems that the SNP want to have their independence cake without true economic independence. They want the benefits of being part of the UK economic community without the political responsibility. That is not true independence. It would hand more of their sovereignty to Westminster whilst removing any influence on policies. It is crazy, and it is clear this has not been thought through by the SNP.
Postscript
News that José Manuel Barroso, president of the European Commission, has said that an independent Scotland would have to apply for membership of the EU is a further blow to the position taken by the SNP. Once again the SNP dismiss it as 'preposterous' saying that Scotland has been a member of the EU for 40 years. Yes but not as an independent country. It is the UK that holds membership.
The SNP should concentrate on the arguments for independence. Their assessment of monetary union and EU membership are at best questionable and at worst clearly wrong. They should be arguing that the undoubted costs of independence would be outweighed by the advantages of being independent. This they are not doing. They are trying to argue that little if anything would change. They cannot have it both ways. Independence without pain isn't an option. They would be better arguing that the pain would be worth it for the freedom to control their own destiny.
It seems that the SNP want to have their independence cake without true economic independence. They want the benefits of being part of the UK economic community without the political responsibility. That is not true independence. It would hand more of their sovereignty to Westminster whilst removing any influence on policies. It is crazy, and it is clear this has not been thought through by the SNP.
Postscript
News that José Manuel Barroso, president of the European Commission, has said that an independent Scotland would have to apply for membership of the EU is a further blow to the position taken by the SNP. Once again the SNP dismiss it as 'preposterous' saying that Scotland has been a member of the EU for 40 years. Yes but not as an independent country. It is the UK that holds membership.
The SNP should concentrate on the arguments for independence. Their assessment of monetary union and EU membership are at best questionable and at worst clearly wrong. They should be arguing that the undoubted costs of independence would be outweighed by the advantages of being independent. This they are not doing. They are trying to argue that little if anything would change. They cannot have it both ways. Independence without pain isn't an option. They would be better arguing that the pain would be worth it for the freedom to control their own destiny.
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