So, no share of national debt for an independent Scotland then..

[ItsAllGoingToBeFine]

Uk treasury has recently announced that it will guarantee the entire debt in the event of independence.

Osborne is to definitively announce there will be no monetary union (or will he?)

Scottish Government has already pointed out that if the UK takes this position there would be no reason for them to take on a share of the national debt.

But surely Osborne et al are cutting off their noses to spite their faces? Just one example - rUK gets loads of oil/gas from Scotland, surely they would have to pay more if it were in a different currency?

Although in NZ there is generally little need to use prerogative powers as it's safer and easier to pass an act of parliament.

I don't think Scotland would be much worse off, although it would lose the advantages of being part of a significant world player. I don't think people realise the extent to which small countries can get mucked about.

My main objection to nationalism is that it panders to bigotry. Scottish nationalism is no exception, as the 'see no evil' tendency demonstrated on this thread shows why.

That's right because Norway and Iceland are really mucked about...

I speak from experience of living in one. You?

Come to think of it, the Scot Nat answer is 'yes', isn't it?

No I'm not happy to accept the protection and I don't want to be a target either. I dont want WMD in Scotland and that's what nuclear subs ARE despite what you say.

The horrible patronising arguements displayed on this thread are helping the yes campaign so please carry on :)

"The horrible patronising arguements displayed on this thread are helping the yes campaign so please carry on "

Agree with you here bideyinn.

You are in total denial about the lazy anti-English racism that spouts from the mouth of practically every Scot north of the border

You want an example of racism/xenophobia? Take a look at what you just wrote, flatpack. To brand the majority of a country as racists is disgusting. I'm not a nationalist, I'm undecided re: the referendum, but that's a vile thing to say.

And I'd condemn you for saying most Italians/English/Irish/Nigerians/Ukrainians were racist too. Nothing to do with Scottish independence.

"Take a look at what you just wrote, flatpack."

Exactly. This same poster has already be spouting other similar statements upthread.

Totally vile flatpack, you should be ashamed of yourself.

I do understand the fiscal and economic consequences, I just don't agree with you. The people of Scotland will decide their fate and I will be happy whatever the outcome. I want independence (and this thread and the attidudes displayed on it have strengthened my resolve) but if the vote is no at least we have been able to decide for ourselves. I am by no means a natural SNP supporter but this vote is not for the SNP, it's for whether we split from the rest of the UK. There is a lot of support for this from all the parties here.

And Toad you have totally misquoted me

I am English . Frequently out in glasgow after dark. I wrk with Glaswegians. Being English doesn't seem to be a problem. Many colleagues have worked in London or around, they have family in England. No one seems bothered that I am English. And I don't give a fuck what any indigenous Scots think- I pay my taxes, I raise my children here, I have as much right to be here as anyone else. Academics? Meh, they don't see to function I the real work anyway.

I was wondering - lots of countries use the euro, are they not independent countries?

And also

So many former Soviet Union counties were allowed to join the EU in 2004, no big deal, why not scotland?

"Frequently out in glasgow after dark."

F*ck, you're brave!

Ha ha

Only on my way to nightshift

By the way
My passport is a UK passport, I am an EU citizen, will I be stripped of my citizenship? Is there a process for this? Is it in anyone's interests for Scotland to be barred from the EU?

The UK has no objection to its citizens being dual nationals, and I don't think the plans for an iScotland include forcible repatriation of non-Scottish nationals. So I can't see why you couldn't hold dual nationality or live as an expat in Scotland.

It will be up to the EU to decide how a newly independent country can seek admission. Unless they announce special provision, then the current rules would apply.

bideyinn

How did I misquote you?

I'm rather sorry I missed what flatpack said, but if it was as racist as I imagine, well that's what happens when politicians spend a few decades stirring up nationalism for votes. The infection has long since crossed the border southwards, alas. Even if the nationalists lose the referendum (as I suspect they will) the damage has already been done.

I distrust nationalism, and while I accept that this referendum will be decided very much with economic arguments in mind, the truth is that without national sentiment, it would be happening in the first place. I hope that Scotland remains in the UK, and the UK remains in the EU, and we can all just get along.

Ubik

Whether it is in anyone's interest for Scotland to be barred from the EU is a matter of high politics. I don't think anyone can say for sure that Spain, for example, would veto entry. Neither can anyone - including Salmond or Sturgeon - say that Scotland would have things arranged to her convenience to the extent that she would "never leave".

The point is that we don't really know.

However, I will make the point that it is no good Salmond complaining about Barroso's intervention. All he has said is what everyone (bar the SNP) has said: that Scotland by default would be outside the EU, and all the existing member states including the rUK would have to unanimously agree to its entry (the same applies to various other treaty organisations such as NATO and so on).

Scotland would be a small country on the international stage, and other countries will bear in mind their own interest when it comes to dealing with Scotland. It will probably have to adopt a foreign policy like NZ, e.g. working in very close concert with bigger neighbours and, to an extent, following their lead - including fighting their wars.