Sturgeon’s numbers game
Nicola Sturgeon has stated that she wants an independent Scotland that she can take into the EU.
What she has failed to tell anyone is the cost of independence and then the additional cost of joining the EU.
The Westminster government at the last independence referendum stated that, should Scotland decide on independence, then the military bases in Scotland would be closed and transferred to British sites with a loss including the civilian staff of around 20,000 jobs.
The Westminster government offices based in Scotland would be closed and another job losses of approximately 5000 made. Major banks and industries have also stated that they would close their outlets meaning another 5000 jobs lost. Scotland would also be responsible for the infrastructure which is currently maintained by the Westminster government.
Just how does the Scottish Government intend to support these workers and the local economy that will also suffer. There is little shipbuilding, steel and coal industries left in Scotland and North Sea Oil and gas will not last much longer than 20-25 years. Then there is the cost of joining the EU. Scotland’s contribution is currently part of the £350million per week that is paid into the EU. An independent Scotland would have to find £25m per week, accept the Euro as its currency with all the associated costs involved by changing every ATM, cash register, etc.
Scotland would also have to accept open borders allowing any EU citizen to come and work, all the current and any new regulations as they are produced.
This is assuming that the current 26 and soon to be 30 counties decide to allow Scotland to join after Scotland has spent 10-15 years in negotiations.
Sturgeon needs to stop and think before making promises that she will be unable to deliver unless she wishes to bankrupt the country.
Let her answer these questions with a straight answer if possible.