Scottish independence referendum: Benefits of UK are clear
The benefits of the UK are clear, the plans for independence are not says Scottish Secretary Alistair Carmichael.
The positives of the UK are striking, have served us well and will continue to serve Scotland well in the years ahead the Scottish Secretary Alistair Carmichael has said.
Mr Carmichael made the comments as a new 24 page booklet is published setting out the wide range of UK benefits - such as the UK pound, the single UK domestic market, a vibrant and secure financial sector, institutions like the BBC and the National Lottery, and devolution with a powerful Scottish Parliament that makes decisions on issues affecting everyday life like schools, childcare, healthcare, justice and policing.
It is the latest information pack designed to provide voters with clear and accurate information to help them make an informed decision ahead of the Scottish independence referendum in September 2014. It will be shared with people and organisations across Scotland.
Denouncing the sustained pro-independence campaigns attack on the UK and calling on the Scottish Government to produce a credible currency plan and credible oil and gas forecasts, Mr Carmichael said:
As this booklet emphasises, being part of the UK – the greatest political and economic union the world has ever known - gives Scotland the best of both worlds. We have stability and certainty, jobs and opportunities. The benefits of the UK are striking, it has served us well and will continue to serve us well in the years ahead.
The booklet outlines the positives and the case for remaining in the UK is going from strength to strength. Meanwhile the Scottish Government are spending more and more time attacking and denouncing the UK whilst glossing over their lack of answers to questions that individuals, businesses and communities are asking on currency, on jobs, on the economy.
Their proposed currency union has no friends, it has been rejected by business and political parties alike in Scotland as well as the rest of the UK. The Scottish Government’s economic and fiscal plans are totally threadbare and their oil numbers have no credibility.
In the next few weeks the UK Government will publish the most detailed analysis of an independent Scotland’s public finances. It will make clear the fiscal benefits to Scotland of remaining part of the UK.
It is clear to everyone the White Paper was not the blueprint for independence. Whilst we continue to work provide the detail and the positives for why being part of the UK is best for our country, the Scottish Government must stop treating the people of Scotland like fools and get cracking with publishing a credible currency plan and credible oil and gas forecasts.