Alex Salmond, leader of the Scottish National Party is pushing for
a referendum in 2014, as David Cameron looks to act quickly. Polls show that
43% of Scottish people wish to remain in the union of the United Kingdom.
The debate of whether or not the union is likely to split will run
for a long time. It is therefore important to look at some key issues that
would be affected if a split were to happen, economically, politically and
socially.
If Scotland were to gain its independence from the United Kingdom
they would wish to keep the British Sterling as their currency, claims Salmond.
Economically, this would mean that the Bank of England would still tightly
control their monetary policy.
A lack for economic independence proved to be the downfall of
Irish, Greek and Portuguese economies over the last few years and Scotland
would put themselves in a similar situation if they were to follow this route.
The other economic alternative would be to join the Euro, though this would
mean that Scotland would adopt the same debt of many Eurozone countries and
would be obligated to contribute to Greek recovery.
One thing going for Scotland is that it controls the North Sea oil
rigs which give it vital capital to trade in Europe and across the world. This
is something the people of Scotland believe would help economic stability if
they were to break from the United Kingdom.
The separation of the United Kingdom could also lead to further
alienation between the people of both countries. The separation of friends and
families would make it more difficult to visit one another if independence was
given to Scotland.
Scotland’s interests are protected by the British armed forces,
though independence would mean funding an entirely new defense program. All
weaponry from the Navy, Army and Air Force will still belong to the United
Kingdom of England, Northern Ireland and Wales. It would also mean that a new
network would be created for a foreign ambassador for every country in the
world.
Scotland’s borders would also come under fire, if it chooses to
sign up to the Schengen Agreement in Europe, its borders will be open to the 25
other European countries for free movement and immigration. If it does not sign
up to the agreement, Scotland will find itself isolated from the single market.
Scottish people would require a passport if they were crossing southern
boarders, due to the UK’s opt out from the Schengen agreement in 1995.
Whatever Scotland decides to do when they come to vote on their
independence, they must look at both the short-term and the long-term impacts
on their economy and society.
Personally I believe the United Kingdom should stay as one, we are
better and stronger together on all things socially and economically. It’s been
300 years; lets make it another 300 years.
Written by: Nicholas Donnelly
WSU International Student
United Kingdom
