Scottish referendum: independence offers uncertain future
With six months to go until the referendum, the Scottish Secretary asks why anyone would gamble with Scotland's place in the UK
Voters go to the polls in the Scottish independence referendum on September 18. With just six months to go, Scottish Secretary Alistair Carmichael says voters need to remember that a yes vote would be irreversible.
Mr Carmichael said:
With just six months to go until voters make their choice in the Scottish independence referendum, voters need to remember that a referendum is not like an election. You cannot change your mind in five years’ time if you do not like the choice you make. Once the union with England, Wales and Northern Ireland has been unpicked there will be no going back.
The UK has been the most successful social, political and economic union that the world has ever seen. The decision to end it is not one that any sensible person would want to take lightly.
It’s important to realise that a vote for independence is a gamble - there are simply too many unanswered questions, particularly regarding currency, pensions and the economy. Why would anyone want to leave a successful union – which has helped Scotland prosper for generations – for such an uncertain future?
That’s why, as a Scot, I appeal to all voters to get the facts and consider what is best for our future. And we also need to remember that it’s not just our future which is at stake – what kind of Scotland do we want our children and grandchildren to inherit?