Scotland - Should part or better together?

Scotland - Should part or better together?

September 18, 2014 is an important day for Scotland as the residents will vote on, “whether Scotland should be an independent country or not?” It is becoming a vociferous debate as the date of Scottish Referendum is approaching near. The Yes campaign supporters and the NO campaign supporters have their own set of valid arguments. The opinion polls are indicating that Scottish independence can be a real possibility this time. If the referendum votes favor the split, it will happen most likely in March, 2016. What is your opinion on the matter? Scotland – Should part or is better together?

Should part

• Scotland owns huge oil reserves that it can be used for its own benefit. The North Sea is a source of 30 to 40 years of oil revenues which can be used by Scotland to build its economic independence.

• Scotland is the home of laws which are formulated and passed in England. These laws do not pay any consideration to the needs of Scottish people. The example is of winter allowance for pensioners which is same in both for Scotland as well as England. The winters are much harsh in Scotland compared to England.

• If Scotland becomes independent, it can integrate with Europe and can make relations with Nordic countries. The political model followed in Nordic countries will be beneficial for Scotland.

• Scotland can follow the democratic system and make its own decision on several matters like tax rates, control over oil reserves, investment options and many others.

• As an independent country, Scotland can get rid of nuclear weapons. The party has made it clear that in event of Scottish independence, the nuclear weapons will be shifted to England by 2020.

• Scotland can adapt to its individual political identity which is different from the rest of the UK. As of now, it is still represented by Conservative party.

Better together

• The first major problem is of currency. Scottish want to use the pound as their official currency whereas London politicians are against it. The conflict can result in economic turmoil. Also, Scottish politicians are still searching for alternatives.

• As a part of the UK, Scotland is an influential and rich state which can lose its global presence and influence after independence.

• The population of Scotland is older in comparison to that of British average which calls for heavy expenses on healthcare needs and low productivity.

• There has been a lot of reliance on North Sea oil but the reserves are falling down everyday.

• The new state will have to incur heavy expenses on infrastructure and welfare system as well. These will further weaken the economy.

• An independent Scotland has to reapply for becoming a member of the European Union. The approval will be next to impossible as the European governments are busy solving their own separatist problems.

• It will become tough for Scotland to repay a part of huge debt owned by Britain to foreign countries.

• An independent Scotland will find it tough to retain businesses as it has to face problems like fluctuations in currency, no EU membership, weaning off British subsidies etc.

• After independence Scotland’s economy will work on oil reserves which means it will be highly impacted by oil's price fluctuation.

Conclusion

Independence comes for a price, and it is the same case with Scotland. It has to face several problems after independence. The most severe problem is of currency that will result in many other problems. It will be tough for Scottish party to achieve economic stability after independence. However, if it gets control over key issues like currency and EU membership, it can start on a strong note as an independent country.