WHEN the UK Government’s Immigration Minister Kevin Foster spoke out last week claiming independence would mean “a great wall of Gretna” he probably didn’t realise the controversy he was going to cause.
He also probably did not realise that he was going to get the dander up of a determined group of Yes campaigners whose area includes Gretna.
Dumfries and Galloway Pensioners for Independence (DGPI) immediately set out to put together a leaflet that was published yesterday.
The National has been given an exclusive look at the leaflet which comprehensively debunks the hard border myth.
Ian Richmond of DGPI said: “Interestingly it was prompted by comments from the Indy side but is equally effective in debunking the Unionist Great Wall of Gretna fantasy.”
READ MORE: Expert says Wall of Gretna claim is ‘mischievous exaggeration’ by Tory
Here is the Q and A section of the leaflet: “Why impose a hard border at all?
“There is no benefit to either side in imposing restrictions at the border. That’s not how modern borders work. What is a modern border? A border is just a line on a map which identifies a nation’s jurisdiction.
“The border with England is 96 miles long with over 30 road crossings and three rail crossings.
“At no time in its history has it been a barrier to trade or free movement of people.
“What is the Common Travel Area (CTA) and how does it work?
“The Common Travel Area (CTA) was established in 1923 between Scotland, England, Wales and Ireland.
“The UK and Irish governments agreed in May 2019 to maintain the CTA, and the associated rights and privileges, in all circumstances.
“The CTA pre-dates both British and Irish membership of the EU and is not dependent on it.
“Citizens living in the CTA, can move freely and enjoy rights and privileges in either country.
“You can travel freely within the CTA.
“You do not need any form of residence permit or employment permit.
“You can work in any country in the CTA.
“You have the right of access to all levels of education.
“You can access benefits and entitlements, including pensions.
“You have the right to access health care.”
On Scotland’s border, the leaflet asks: “Will there be customs posts?
“Physical borders are changing towards ‘smart borders’.
“Across the developed world borders are not a fixed location but rather wherever the government performs border functions.
“How are borders managed between other countries?
“International borders are now very flexible. For example Norway and Sweden only have sporadic checks along the border.”
There’s also information for local people: “Will I still be able to go to visit relatives in Carlisle? The Common Travel Area guarantees your right to travel freely to all nations of the former UK and the Republic of Ireland.
“Will I still be able to work in Carlisle? The Common Travel Area guarantees your right to work anywhere within the CTA.”
If you or your Yes group would like a copy of the DGPI leaflet then please e-mail Ian Richmond on richmoi@yahoo.co.uk
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