I REFER to Hamish Morrison’s piece “Scotland could re-join the EU just four years after indy” (Aug 12).
Up to now, leading public figures – in political office and out, in this party or that party or no party at all – have got away with blank denial, as if feigning ignorance, of a matter which is both central to re-joining the EU, or to joining the European Free Trade Association (Efta), and to independence itself, namely the currency question. Whether they are clinically “in denial” or just economical with the truth, this must now stop.
The undated report, released through a freedom of information request, about which Hamish Morrison wrote on Saturday, lets this cat peek gingerly out of the bag in which it has been detained.
READ MORE: Bute House deal is the biggest asset to securing Scottish independence
Discussing key issues mentioned in the report that might affect any application to join the EU, Hamish writes: “These included the currency policy pursued by Scotland after independence. It is widely expected the EU would maintain its current policy and not allow Scotland to join while it is using sterling after independence, until a new currency is set up.” (my italics) Aha, out you come “kitty-kitty”, out you come.
Hamish continues: “The advice said: ‘While some commentators have suggested it could take three to four years to negotiate accession, it is important to remember that Scotland will be in a unique position having already been in the EU and therefore complying with most of the acquis. On the other hand this timing will also depend on how the Scottish Government approaches other policy issues, including the question of an independent currency’.” (my italics)
READ MORE: Ian Blackford refuses to rule out running as MSP in future
This is no revelation to many who take a passing interest in such matters. Yet, in the political arena and in wider Scottish society, there are enthusiasts for the EU who continue to talk as if joining the EU was like ordering a pizza. I dread the pro-EU/indy rally in Edinburgh on September 2, because the same blithe nonsense is likely to be peddled there.
The reality is that no country has ever joined the EU without already having several years’ experience of running its own economy through the mechanism of a central bank and an independent currency (issued by said bank).
A central bank and a currency are basic requirements to apply to join the EU, and then there are several years’ delay before possible accession. Equally, a central bank and a currency are basic requirements to join Efta/the European Economic Community, the alternative route back to Europe, but as I understand this can be achieved more quickly, giving us most of the benefits of the EU while awaiting full accession some years later.
READ MORE: Scottish cringe is a result of more than 300 years of indoctrination
Either way, we cannot discuss a return to Europe without first planning a central bank and a currency, which require to be set up as soon as possible after Independence Day. The Scottish Currency Group envisions two years between a Yes vote and Independence Day. The foundations of the new country, including the central bank, can be laid during those two years, and given the forward planning is also undertaken ahead of time, the new currency could be issued by the central bank within four months after Independence Day.
Only then, when the central bank has issued the new currency, can we start to talk seriously about applying to the EU and/or Efta. In the meantime, build the central bank and the currency into the forward planning for both independence and re-joining Europe.
Let’s hear EU enthusiasts and speakers talk about this. Let there be no more denial.
Norman Easton
via email
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel