Should Scotland be an independent country?

How much credit should be given to the "if we can't have the pound then we'll take no debt" stance currently being adopted?

could we let scotland leave, then veto their entry into the EU just to piss them off?

^^Being deeply cynical!

At the end of it all, the outcome really only depends on political will. Do the Scots want 'freedom' and are the EU prepared to lose a significant territory? If the answer to point 1 is 'yes', then the favourite sweet food of all politicians will come into play: fudge.

I've just googled a bit, and it seems like whilst they would be required to join the Euro as soon as the economic and legal conditions are met, that's a huge get-out clause, and Scotland may be able to deliberately not meet those economic and legal criteria. In which case, they might want to keep that debt after all.

One possible way of solving England's economic troubles would be to invade a small, poorly armed, oil-rich country.

So it's lucky that Scotland may just be about to become available.

It's not like we don't have prior form for invading them. We could probably cobble together some ancient claim of sovereignty over them as well.

Nearly Spring, time for a clean-out. How about a nice Highland Clearance?

The alternative would be to remove the freedom of movement for goods and labour, in which case there would be an EU wide shortage of park bench alcoholics.

And Tunnocks Tea Cakes.

We can't allow that to happen.

I don't understand what all the controversy is about. There was never a question of Scotland using the pound in the first place. They'll just carry on using the poond as they've always done.

Should Scotland go independent, and set up their own currency, what should they call it?

The Sporran would be my choice.

The Pie
The Jakey
The Buckfast

And Tunnocks Tea Cakes.

We can't allow that to happen.

they do Dark Chocolate Tea Cakes and Caramel Logs noo

I know.

Fuck the North Sea gas I'd just invade the Glasgow industrial estate they're made on.

How much credit should be given to the "if we can't have the pound then we'll take no debt" stance currently being adopted?

I'm not sure. This is the interesting stage, where both sides start getting more tactical.

My cynical side says that any statements made by either party at this stage are 100% designed to influence the voters only. They will have absolutely zero relation* to negotiation if Scotland becomes independent.

*obviously the same arguments will come into play.

Here's an argument for using the pound without England's permission;

www.adamsmith.org/news/press-releases/comment-an-independent-scotland-would-better-off-using-the-pound-without

Horatio, you are ostensibly right.

^can't read it.

Are you related to Snotty Otter (condolences if you are)?

It's interesting, try this link: http://www.adamsmith.org/news/press-releases/comment-an-independent-scotland-would-be-better-off-using-the-pound-without

It IS interesting! Effectively, Cameron can't take his ball away, most amusing!

ref. the 'new' scottish economy, are there any assurances that the multi-national oil co's won't divert profits to 3rd party states?

Here's an argument for using the pound without England's permission;

www.adamsmith.org/news/press-releases/comment-an-independent-scotland-would-better-off-using-the-pound-without

Horatio, you are ostensibly right.

Stop using big words.

Horatio, you are right.

Better?

(Even if it all political posturing before the real business is done after the possible 'yes' vote).

ref. the 'new' scottish economy, are there any assurances that the multi-national oil co's won't divert profits to 3rd party states?

Salmond could nationalise all the oil platforms, the refinary infrastructure etc.

That'd go down well I am sure.

scotland have got a few bargaining tools with the dons in westminster .

1. snp want trident nuclear submarines out of the clyde , but there is nowhere else it can go i believe as the waters are not deep enough ?
   
2. share of uk debt if we split from uk
   
3. other military bases in scotland
   
4. oil industry border splits ?
   

1, Nah, they could live at Portsmouth- they were put in Faslane due to proximity to the areas in the North Atlantic where they were expected to patrol

1. This is really interesting- does Scotland have a choice here, or if they say no would it be counted as a default on day one?
   
2. I think the SNP want them- they certainly want a very flash Scottish airforce of fast jets
   
3. They'd get the tax revenue on oil landed in Aberdeen I would guess- the oil industry could land it elsewhere though I suppose?
   

1. we shall stop exports of tunnocks products to the rest of the uk !
   

i believe there are traditional sea borders where the oil is extracted , and scotland owns 95% england 5% .apparently .