Scotland Decides Its Future Via the Ballot Box: Should They Stay or Should They Go?

Over the centuries various countries and civilizations have fought for their independence by way of war or protest.  In what is anticipated to be a historic event tomorrow, Scotland will pursue a bid for independence.  In democratic fashion, the Scottish people will head to the ballot box and vote “yes” or “no” on a referendum as to whether to stay united with the United Kingdom or break free.

If the referendum passes, Scotland will officially declare independence on March 24, 2020.  This will mark the first time since 1986 (Hong Kong not withstanding) that the British Empire has lost a territory.  An independent Scotland would also be the first new country to enter the world stage since 2011.

The campaign for an independent Scotland is not new, but the push to pursue independence now has raised interesting topics and questions for those living in both the UK and around the world.  The following are some things to consider as our allies across the pond head to the polls.

• Scotland has a rich history that is shared by many around the world.  North America alone is home to 5 million Scottish decedents.
• While the vote is open to non-Scottish residents, Scottish citizens living outside Scotland will not be allowed to vote in Thursday’s referendum.
• Despite being a parliamentary constitutional monarchy, the United Kingdom does not actually have a single written constitution. Instead its constitution is made up of a set of laws, court judgments and treaties.
• The “Yes Scotland” Campaign has vowed to write a constitution upon winning, and ensured residents and citizens that they would be better stewards of taxpayer dollars.  One of the complaints supporters of a free Scotland have is they feel the government in London does not do enough to support social services or the wishes of Scottish residents.
• The Bank of Scotland, created in 1695, is one of the oldest and longest surviving banks in Europe. It is also the first bank in Europe to print its own bank notes, but since Scotland uses the Pound the bank’s ability to print money could be in jeopardy if Scotland votes for independence. As one of the few hold outs on adopting the Euro as a common currency, the UK remains staunchly in opposition to relinquishing control of its currency.  Leaders have made it known that if Scotland breaks away they will not guarantee the new country’s ability to circulate the Sterling Pound as official currency.
• Another economic concern is that an independent Scotland is not guaranteed admittance into the EU.  Without the Pound or Euro, and all the trading benefits that accompany EU membership, Scotland would likely look westward for economic support and trade.  This could be beneficial to the US in that investors would have an additional economy with shared history with which to invest.
• One of the biggest concerns outside world leaders have when discussing a free Scotland is that their support will be seen by other countries as a red light for succession
• As a member of the United Kingdom, Scotland currently enjoys the benefits of NATO and UN members. If they succeed in winning independence, their memberships will no longer exist. They will have to apply to both organizations under new nation status, bring back the issue of whether their succession is good or bad on the world stage.
• Last, but not least, the UK currently stores its nuclear arsenal at the Clyde Naval base in Scotland; one of the first priorities of a free Scotland is to remove all nuclear weapons.  This is important to defense issues on two fronts.  First the nuclear weapons stored at Clyde are on loan from the US.  With no other facility in England currently capable of storing them, the warheads would need to be transported back to a US naval base in Georgia.  This would not only cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, but could also be a security risk as the warheads travel the approximately 3500 mile journey.  Second, these nuclear weapons are part of NATO’s defense system in Europe.  If Scotland succeeds and the weapons are moved back to the US the only nuclear deterrent left in Europe would be from the French.

Image courtesy of “All That’s Left”