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This year sees the
launching of a Ferry from Rosyth to the continent. It will allow Scottish
travellers direct services to Europe ending the absurdity of having Hull
as the Nations principal port. The service is not a Nationalist totem but
recognition of the needs and wants of the Scottish economy in the C21.
Straight into the heart of Europe at Zeebrugge the Euro Ferry bypasses the
congested arteries of the A1 and M6. It recognises the fact that Euroland
is our single biggest export market.
 As
with the Euro ferry so with the Euro currency. Also launched this year it
too offers Scotland a direct link into the European Union. Membership of
the Euro has been debated widely. The arguments have been predominately
economic. Manufacturing and tourism sectors see membership not only as
beneficial but essential. There are counter arguments and the rate of
exchange at which you join is fundamental. However, the Euro will happen.
Commerce will dictate that and membership is about when not if. Neither
King Canute nor the Conservatives can stem the incoming tide.
The argument, though, is
not solely economic but political. Arguably the political ramifications
are greater than the economic effects. To date the political argument has
been from a London perspective. The loss of sovereignty causing angst and
anger to many. From fulsome and thoughtful reflections on citizens or
subjects to absurd declarations regarding the Queens head on the pound the
debate has ignored matters from a Scottish viewpoint. Its simply been
assumed that Scottish and British interests are one and the same. Leaving
aside economic arguments relating to the different structures of the
economies there are political advantages for Euro membership for Scotland.
As the Ferry offers a continental Link so the Euro offers a route to
Independence.
As with membership of any
club there is an admission fee. To be members of the European Union
Scotland can seek parity with the likes of Ireland and Finland. It should
certainly accept no less. However, preferential treatment will not be
granted. Whilst non-membership is currently acceptable for existing
members pressure is likely to mount as others join. In these circumstances
real politick if nothing else will dictate that membership will be not
only be advantageous but compulsory.
However, membership of the
Euro should not be viewed grudgingly. The economic arguments are
substantial and the political case overwhelming. It offers two important
opportunities.
Firstly, it ends the
achilles heel of differential currencies and the effect on pensions for
example. Every Independence campaigner will testify to the fact that one
of the most difficult questions flung at them is the effect on pensions.
Explaining to a pensioner with a company or pension fund based outwith
Scotland what the effect of constitutional change would be is problematic
if not impossible. Moreover, political scaremongering by opponents is
easily whipped up. However, the fears and difficulties are resolved by
pointing out that though there will be constitutional change there will be
no effect on the value of their hard earned pension. Membership of the
Euro provides protection for that particular achilles heel. Similarly
amongst the important business sector of the electorate the worries of the
effect upon trade are negated. Not only is there no premium to be attached
but arguably many advantages to be gained. In one fell swoop the unionist
scaremongering of "Divorce being an expensive business" is nullified in
crucial sectors of the electorate?
Secondly, as well as
offering protection from the negative campaigns of the opposition it
allows a positive push to be made in others. Leave aside spurious nonsense
about surrendering sovereignty to Frankfurt rather than London, as
Scotland has no independence to sell. Far from exchanging one empire for
another it is about moving from a devolved basis within the UK to being an
independent nation within the EU. That status of independence will be no
greater than that of the likes of Ireland or Finland but nor will it be
less. The current status within the UK is not one of independence but
dependence. Moreover independence is a relative concept. What was
perceived as being the criteria for a nation state in 1314 was akin to one
crown, one faith, one flag. As the centuries passed the definition has
varied and been ameliorated. By 1707 and the Union it had further receded.
Now it’s a new millennium and a global age. No nation not even the most
powerful the world has ever known is truly independent. Nation states both
big and small are now both independent and interdependent.
However, that is not an
argument for remaining in the UK Union. But one for maximising the
benefits of independent representation within the evolving European Union.
The benefit of individuality within the common wealth. There are cogent
arguments that indicate the benefits available to small nations in being
able to react quicker and deal with matters more speedily and efficiently.
The Celtic Tiger across the Irish Sea and Finland in the Baltic and on the
extremity of Europe are living testimony to what can be achieved. Moreover
it can be pointed out that their achievements were made starting from a
lower base than industrial Scotland and without the boon of North Sea Oil.
 With
EU and Euro membership not only is there a diminution of the perceived
down side to independence but an opportunity to actively and positively
sell independence within Europe.This is the chance to show that we are
neither Little Scotlanders or North Britishers but Scottish Europeans.We
do not seek to isolate ourselves from the world but integrate and play a
full part not a bit part. To be participants not spectators in all matters
ongoing at European level that effect not just us in our small land but
all humanity. Moreover, that in doing so within a larger union we will
free ourselves from the hegemony and suffocation that occurs at the hands
of our larger neighbour accidental or not. Exactly the same as European
Union membership has ended the drift of Ireland towards becoming West
Britain so to will the EU and Euro membership kill off any lingering North
British trend.
Much of the divide over
Euro membership is generational. Those who lived through wars have been
left scarred by them. The Europe they see now is also tarnished by
memories of it aflame and the source of conflict and unrest. A younger
generation growing up with everything from package holidays to inter rail
sees Europe in a different light. The MTV generation are not 51st
Staters but European. They see a kindred spirit where although there is a
language divide the thoughts and attitudes are more in harmony. They are
as likely to take a cheap flight to Dublin or Amsterdam as London. They
have grown up with the EEC and see Euro membership as the natural
progression. This is an opportunity to pitch to the younger generation
currently becoming alienated and disengaged from the body politic.
In addition another
sizeable and growing sector exists in Scottish society namely the Anglo-
Scots. People from the South who have come to live and work North of the
Border are suspicious of Independence for a variety of factors some
economic and some social and cultural. The arrival of the Euro and the
emphasis on being Scottish Europeans allows a bridge to be built for them
to cross. Fears of Border posts have already receded with or without
Schengen. Euro membership emphasises the inclusivity not the exclusivity
of Independence in Europe.Its an opportunity for them to hoist their
colours to the Independence Banner. To feel part of a new Scotland without
feeling that they are either excluded or rejecting much of their past and
heritage. Exactly the same as modern Scotland has adapted to and been
enriched by Irish immigration so to must it adapt to and adopt Anglo-
Scots. Far from fearing assimilation Scotland should see the benefits that
they can and will provide. After all many come not because they wish to
change Scotland into being a carbon copy of the South but precisely
because they don’t. Common cause for a New Scotland in Europe can be made.
 For
those reasons the Euro is not only important economically but politically.
Exactly as in Ireland it will allow the two Irelands one Island concept to
take root so too on the British mainland. Here it will be two Nations one
Island and that too can take hold. My apologies to the Welsh but we have
no land frontier with them. The inclusivity and opportunities of Europe
and the Euro can overshadow the exclusivity and isolation of Independence.
No Nation can be an
economic island. The roundabouts on political sovereignty meet the swings
on economic sovereignty. Euro membership is economic protection allied to
political opportunity. Individual recognition within the commonwealth. The
Euro is the route to Scottish Independence in Europe. That is why Scotland
should welcome the Euro. |
