There’s now less than a year to go until voters in Scotland get the chance to have their say about the nation’s future. In fact, it’s just 300 days until we’ll be going to the polls and making our momentous decision.
But with time fast running out I think it’s important to ensure we’ve got the facts we need to make an informed choice. That’s why I’m determined to make sure as much information as possible is readily available for people.
Since becoming Scottish Secretary I’ve taken every opportunity I can to promote the case for Scotland remaining as part of the UK. At events as varied as business breakfasts, factory tours and media interviews, I’ve been extolling the virtues of making sure that Scotland has the best of both worlds – enjoying the benefits of devolution alongside the security and stability of being part of the UK.
I make no apology for this and have taken part in many healthy debates already. I’m sure there will be many more to come. I certainly hope so because voting for independence is not something to do lightly – and it’s certainly not something to do on the back of whimsical, romantic notions about Braveheart, saltires and tartan.
There are many issues that need to be considered before we should consider severing our ties with the rest of the UK. What would our currency be? Would we remain part of Europe? How would we pay for pensions? And for vital services like hospitals and schools?
But, above all, the one thing we all need to remember is that we cannot try before we buy. A yes vote on September 18 next year will be irreversible. That’s why everyone has a duty to weigh up all the options carefully as they consider how to cast their vote.
41 comments
Comment by Sean McCafferty posted on
Condescending assumptions that Braveheart and tartan will be anywhere near the thoughts of Yes voters will get you absolutely nowhere. Stick to outlining the positive case for the union and leave the fearmongering out of it. also, probably important for readers to keep in mind that you will be out of a job if independence goes through so your opinion can pretty much be written off as partisan and irrelevant immediately.
Comment by Patrick Roden posted on
Hi Alistair, My daughter studied law, so I asked her about the Public International laws that state the Scots would be barred from using the Pound.
She looked at me like I was daft and said ' Oh shut up Dad'
I think she thought I was trying to tell her a silly Joke or something.
Please help me prove her wrong (for once) and give me a link to the laws that you mentioned.
Thanks, you big honest thing you!
Comment by marionmackay posted on
This is what was being referred to in that interview: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/scotland-analysis-devolution-and-the-implications-of-scottish-independence
Comment by Jimbo posted on
Isn't this the paper that condescendingly and arrogantly states: "For the purpose of this advice, it is not necessary to decide between these two views of the union of 1707. Whether or not England was also extinguished by the union, Scotland certainly was extinguished as a matter of international law, by merger either into an enlarged and renamed England or into an entirely new state."
Comment by James Coleman posted on
One of your "legal experts" is a Professor at the University of Cambridge. WTF does he know about Scotland. He is part of Pollyannaland in SE England.
Comment by callum posted on
The Crawford and Boyle "Annex A" Paper on international aspects of indepependence doesn't cover currency... Indeed Part II section 12 specifically says that mastters relating to currency will be part of ongoing work by the UK government to inform the public.
So referring to this advice on the subject of currency, is circular and not entirely helpful for the debate.
Comment by David W posted on
Sorry Marion but directing readers to a taxpayer funded opinion piece just isn't good enough, particularly when said opinion has been discredited and found wanting by the authors' peer group.
If a Secretary of State of HMG is going to appear on nation public services broadcaster and quote 'international law', he must, of necessity, quote chapter and verse of that said law. Failure to support such ascertains brings the whole Parliament into disrepute.
Could you therefore provide the legislative reference which Mr Carmichael relies upon, or publicly retract this statement.
Comment by David Wilson posted on
The reports being linked to here are all opinion. Yes they have been written by respected Professors in their field but nevertheless, they are opinion.
Mr Carmichael stated clearly that it was 'public international law' that would stop Scotland using sterling, so with that in mind, can you please direct us to the relevant statute book that clearly defines this and not to the opinions of a couple of UK government paid Professors.
Many thanks.
Comment by Andy-B posted on
Just read your comments to the Spanish newspaper El Pais, where you said Qutoe: "If Scotland becomes an independent country we'll treat it as a foreign country" unquote. What exactly do you mean by we, aren't you the Secretary of State FOR Scotland, Oh thats right you'll lose your job if scotland becomes independent, no wonder you're so hostile towards independence, another mindboggling quote from you on the Andrew Marr show, has you stating that Scotland can't use the pound due to "Public International Law" when infact the REAL truth is, Westminster can't refuse ANYONE, the use of the pound. You're way out of your depth Mr Carmichael, and on Wednesday night Nicola Sturgeon, will show this to all asunder.
Comment by Paul Martin posted on
Mr Carmichael has been busy at Westminster ensuring ConDem austerity and welfare-cut policy is enacted UK-wide. Now Orkney sees the effect with the opening of a foodbank in Kirkwall two weeks ago. http://orkney.foodbank.org.uk/
Aye, foodbanks in Orkney, a shameful disgrace. The cuts of the "Better Together" LibDems and Conservatives, have served only to make his own most disadvantaged constituents even poorer and hungrier.
This is an abomination, one that happened on Mr Carmichael's watch, and something an independent Scotland simply wouldn't tolerate.
Comment by James Parker posted on
Blair McDougall of Better Together stated that their Blueprint(s) would be available far in advance of the referendum. You'll find it here at around 22:20 and later in the broadcast.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-21300901
How can we "weigh up the options" if you have not told us what these options will be? You have just said you would ensure "as much information as possible is readily available for people". I think you need to get these papers out soon so that they can be scrutinised.
Comment by marionmackay posted on
The Scotland Office has already published a series of Scotland analysis papers and there are further documents to come in advance of the referendum. You can find them all here: http://www.gov.uk/scottishreferendum
Comment by James Coleman posted on
All of them absolute rubbish full of lies and smears against Scots and Scotland.
Comment by cynicalHighlander posted on
Could you please point out in that document where this is stated as per Mr CARMICHAEL says in regard to Sterling: It is, as long as we are part of the United Kingdom. But in fact public international law is very clear on this – if you remove yourself from the United Kingdom then you remove yourself from all sorts of institutions, and yes, the pound would be one of them.
Sterling is a tradeable currency not an institution and as such anyone in the World can use it just like Ireland did after became independent.
Comment by ed posted on
But in fact public international law is very clear on this – if you remove yourself from the United Kingdom then you remove yourself from all sorts of institutions, and yes, the pound would be one of them."
Public international law very clear on this, mmm. If scotland chose to to leave the UK and chose to use the pound in the rare situation that the treasury westminter refused to deal. Then what would the remedy be, scotland decide if in breach if indeed this breach? although may have to leave insutions a traded currecny that a counrties chooses to sell on open market does this qualifiy as an insution, Has Zimbabwe got united states permison or may be the united states lacks the infuence to use this claimed clear public international law?
I also have a dollar in my pocket here in scotland i did not asked united states permison for it nor will i ask how i choose to spend it.
To suggested that public international law clear a seris of agreements. To suggest clear on that current an insution that cant use? Where is this information. If this was infact that case which mmm then next consideration is where is the remedy.
The EU have a lot more clear in respect to prisoner votes in the UK. There is instracture and mechism and yet have not heard of prisoners having votes.
This public international law clear, which in this context has inference of some mechinism of application would consider is mis represetation. First where is it clear, second what mechism of applying.
It does not fufil both critiera is little more suprious in a real context. Sure we like this surpious or point. I often talk about laws broken for interest so if was a breach be interested but if no mechism or realist remedy then still surpious.
I see this chap has some background in law otherwise ad homin may be dismised as a crack pot. However even if background in law even if this correct with no mechism of remedy then would still be surpious for this debate.
Also from way it would it maye be making assumption of insution is useing a public traded currency. The private sale of currency , does china use American insintions in clear breach of internationial public law?
I dont mean to be rude but to be fair i barly even need to look up references consider it likly that this worthy addion to the debate, As even passing understanding of international relations or vague notion would mean horse tradingand interntiol bodies evenolved power bases this public interntional law is unlikly to prevent to pounds
Comment by Lothian Sky posted on
You're on the wrong side of the fence, Carmichael! And not just in the pic
Comment by Jimbo posted on
<i>"There are many issues that need to be considered before we should consider severing our ties with the rest of the UK. What would our currency be? Would we remain part of Europe? How would we pay for pensions? And for vital services like hospitals and schools?"</i>
Our currency will be Sterling until we decide we no longer want to use it. Unless, of course, you can point us to the article in Public International Law that states that Scotland will be barred from using an international tradable currency.
Why would we not be part of Europe? How do we pay for pensions right now? How do we pay for hospitals and schools right now?
Why do you imply that, of all the countries in the world, Scotland's people are unique in being unable to run their own affairs competently? Why the condescending Braveheart, saltires and tartan comments. That kind of stupid comment might earn you kudos in the Westminster bubble, but up here we are getting heartily sick of it.
Tell us, why should anyone take anything you have to say seriously, when for you and your ilk it's all about preserving your own interests and privileges?
Comment by X_Sticks posted on
Where to begin?
"I’m determined to make sure as much information as possible is readily available"
That doesn't seem to be true. You youself pose a couple of questions that you could answer, but won't.
"What would our currency be?"
"Would we remain part of Europe?"
You could answer both of these questions. You could state the position of the rUK over currency. But you won't. You'd rather the people of Scotland DIDN'T know the answer, even although you already know that the rUK would have little or no choice in the matter because without oil and whisky underpinning the UK's credit rating the rUK would be on a sticky wicket.
You could ask the EU about the status of Scotland if there is a Yes vote, but you WON'T. Why don't you want the people of Scotland to have certainty regarding the EU? Scared that the answer might not be to your liking?
"How would we pay for pensions?"
Another canard that you already know the answer to but won't admit it. Th rUK would be responsible for all people of pensionable age before independence. It's EU law after all. People who have paid National Insurance will be entitled to at least part of their pension from the rUK. Scotland would be paying part pensions of anyone who retires after independence but has paid into the UK National Insurance. Only anyone who begins to contribute after independence will have a pension from the Scottish government. Hopefully they will actually set up a proper pension fund unlike the UK.
"And for vital services like hospitals and schools?"
You mean the hospitals and schools that we pay for right now? They don't come free and they are not provided by the UK. They are paid for out of Scotland's meagre block grant from westminster. Without Scotland subsidising the UK we could afford better schools and hospitals. One "vital service" we in Scotland could save a lot of money on is westminster politicians, lords and civil servants all on vastly over-inflated salaries. Like yourself.
"I’m determined to make sure as much information as possible is readily available"
Yeah, right Mr Carmichael. Pull the other one.
Comment by Les Wilson posted on
An utter disgrace to Scotland, the Secretary of State for Portsmouth is more appropriate, AND true. I have seen or heard nothing that would make any Scot think anything different. I wish Rabbie Burns was here now !
What do your constituents think? ever asked them, hmm thought not !
Comment by I Alexander posted on
Portsmouth FC have sacked manager Guy Whittingham.
No doubt, that's the fault of the separatist Jocks.
Well, what you waiting for, Mr Carmichael? Go give them your total support.
Comment by jimbob posted on
When will the UK government be seeking and publishing EU advice on scotlands position post yes vote?
Comment by Andrew Morton posted on
Like Better Together, Mr Carmichael's dearest wish is that Scotland should be a fact free zone. Why would they want the Scottish electorate to make an informed choice? The BBC and most of the newspapers seem uninterested in the facts either.
Comment by Wee Jonny posted on
The secret of freedom lies in educating the people, whereas the secret of tyranny is in keeping them ignorant
Comment by Kendomacaroonbar posted on
I assumed your priorities and loyalties were to the citizens of Scotland. I see now that I was mistaken.
Comment by Bobby Mckail posted on
Tick tock tick tock tick..................................Yes
Comment by Tris posted on
I can't believe you didn't know that our hospitals, and schools (and a lot of other things) were paid for by Holyrood...
When will you give us a positive case for the union?
You know, one that doesn't involve scaremongering or telling us how much clout we have.
What is the point of having clout in the world when you are queuing at a food bank.
Outline to us what life will be like for us in the UK?
More of what Cameron is dishing out to us now? More of what IDS is doing to our sick people and our disabled? More idiots like Damian Grieve inciting riots by calling people of Pakistani origin corrupt. (Oh I know he said sorry, but way too late. We now know what the government thinks of Pakistanis). More hate against the EU? More privatisations? More nuclear weapons, more of America's wars? More blackouts because no one in England has done anything about bringing electricity generation into the 21st century?
Please god I doubt I can take another 3 years of that never mind 30.
I was intrigued too to see that you used the third person when talking about Scotland. Does this mean that you no longer consider yourself to be Scottish and in the event of a Yes vote will stay in England in the expectation of a seat in the House of Lords?
Comment by cynicalHighlander posted on
As all of our MSM in Scotland is against independence and all that is portrayed is the negative spin emanating from your office and Westminster both of which have a heavy bias to the continuation of the union is not good for democracy anywhere within these isles.
Let's take the EU which you and others question Scotland's continuation of our membership'
http://www.businessforscotland.co.uk/no-campaign-eu-membership-myth-falls-apart/
Pensions!
http://www.businessforscotland.co.uk/category/pensions/
It's just a pity that we don't have an MSM that we can have any trust in at all anymore in Scotland.
Comment by David Wilson posted on
Dear Mr Carmichael.
Some questions I would like you to answer as you are a UK government minister.
Can you guarantee that pensions will rise in the UK above the rate of inflation for the next 20 years ?
Can you guarantee that the UK will still be in Europe beyond 2017 ?
Will tuition fees in UK universities (outside Scotland of course) ever be reversed by the Lib Dems or are they here to stay forever ?
Can you guarantee that a living age will be introduced in the UK that goes beyond a minimum wage and actually allows people a chance to feed themselves properly ?
Can you guarantee that the UK government will properly reform the banks by splitting retail and commercial banking activities appropriately ?
Can you guarantee that all personal UK taxes will not increase over the next 20 years ?
As the US Government (Federal Reserve) has now been fully repaid it's total £600bn emergency bail out loans of UK banks (kept very quiet in the UK media) can you confirm that UK taxpayers will be reimbursed fully for our £70bn bail out ?
Can you guarantee that the vanity project HS2 will not cost anymore than the ridiculous £50bn now being estimated ?
Can you guarantee that the Trident replacement will not cost the UK taxpayer more than the £100bn in total costs during it's lifetime ?
What will happen to the Barnett Formula if a 'No' vote is returned in next years Scottish referendum and will you lay out this clearly to Scottish tax payers before the vote takes place ?
Why have Scottish farmers been swindled out of ten's of million's of pounds in European funding that will see Scottish farmers have the lowest subsidies in the whole of Europe, and even below the rates given for other UK nations ?
How do you plan to pay off the National Debt, currently rocketing towards £1.5T, or £20k for every man, woman and child of these islands ?
With HMS Illustrious on duty in the Philippines and HMS Ocean in dock for a refit, the UK currently has not aircraft carriers currently on active duty to protect our shores. Why are you putting our security at risk especially when you government colleagues are weekly telling us in Scotland of the great military threats to our nation ?
Why do you keep referring to Scotland as 'they' or 'she' during media interviews ? Is it important for you to disassociate yourself from your constituency and a wider Scotland ?
Are the LIb Dems planning to release a comprehensive 'Home Rule' document for Scotland that will clearly outline the steps and measures you will take in the event of a 'No' vote in the referendum that clearly outlines your position on tax raising powers, welfare, business and so on before the referendum ? Or do we have to wait another century ?
It seems only fair that as you ask similar questions of the SNP and Yes campaign in Scotland, that you as a current UK government minister would only be too happy to respond similar questions.
I look forward to your detailed and comprehensive answers.
Comment by Douglas posted on
Having seen what has become of the Liberal Democrats, I am ashamed to say that I voted for you and your party when I lived in Orkney.
Please read the white paper when it comes out tomorrow.
If you disagree with the Independence prospectus, please tell us what the positive case for the union is.
I don't want to hear more phantom scares about how doomed we are (but will apparently be marginally less doomed if we stay ruled by the Westminster elite).
I want to hear how on earth you can hope to improve the lives of Scots under this Westminster system when Barnett is axed (cross party support makes this a near certainty).
I believe that underneath it all you do care, but Westminster has done something odd to you.
There is still time to redeem yourself,
Comment by jdman posted on
Hivin a wee laugh tae yersel Mr Carmichael?
Braveheart? ahm gettin aw misty eyed here bwhaaaaaahahahahhaha,
you loser, yer jist a wee man wi a wee joab by yer own assertion shouldn't exist, an you want people tae listen tae you? yea'll be back in yer wee but an ben soon enough, thats if yer ain folk'll will waant onythin tae dea we ye ya treacherous wee man
Comment by Davy posted on
I was lucky enough to see your media interview with Andrew Marr last Sunday, I am sure you are going to be very familer with the words "OOPS and Banana skin" and you certainly will be wanting to forget (public international law), we won't.
Comment by Rob Roy posted on
I notice that the coat of arms displayed at the bottom of the page is that of England. Please replace with the correct Scottish arms at the top of the page(in their rightful honourable station). Thank you
Comment by Malc posted on
Enlightening that so far not one person has been fooled by your lies and propaganda and supported your negative viewpoint. Looks like people have really awoken to the facts.
Comment by Call me Dave posted on
Lots of sensible questions here to be answered. It seems that I, along with others, see no future in a NO vote. Project Fear isn't going to work and you have no credibility with the electorate in Scotland especially after your inept performances in the defence of the union.
(public international law. . .Aye right!)
Comment by CapnAndy posted on
The Photo at the top of the blog is very appropriate as you are undoubtedly standing on the wrong side of the fence.
Comment by rob posted on
C'mon Mr Carmichael, you or your colleagues come out directly and state unequivocally that you will bar a currency union. C'mon, you know you want to do it, don't you? Quit all this stalling about "highly unlikely" "won't work" and all that nonsense. Stake your reputation on it. Go on, you can do it...
Comment by Andrew McKenzie posted on
You have a limited time left as the Viceroy of Scotlandshire.
Will you be appointed the Viceroy of Portsmouth on 19th September 2014?
Comment by Patrick Roden posted on
I watched 'That' debate, with your good self and Nicola Sturgeon.
I'm sure I don't have to tell you Alistair that it has been both a game changer and a name changer up here in Scotland.
You are no longer referred to as the 'Big Westminster Bruiser' that has replaced the more 'Gentlemanly Michael More', so that you could come up to Scotland and sort out the Nationalists. you are now roundly ridiculed as a big softy that went bubbling to Rona, as well as the minister who lacked the whit and intelligence to be able to give reasonable answers to a number of questions Nicola sideswiped you with.
You didn't give a single answer you big daft lump and if that's not bad enough, you looked stunned that she had asked you the questions and you facial expressions made it look like you were speaking internally while desperately trying to remember what you had been told to say.
Way out your depth Alistair.
Comment by Kate Meyer posted on
This blog states it intends to keep people up-to-date with referendum issues. Yet it is over a month since any postings have been entered. A bit shabby to say the least.
Comment by Sheila Ritchie posted on
Ummm, no. You're just not linked to the home page for the blog
Comment by Louise posted on
Also worth considering is that should Scotland split away from the UK, an EU directive states that banks would have to make their 'Head Office' in the region where they generate the most business. So in the case of Lloyds and RBS, their head office would have to operate out of London. This could potentially complicate matters going forward.