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Piccadilly Pulse: Should an independent Scotland be allowed to keep the pound?

By Tom Belger

Scots will go to the polls on September 18 to decide whether to break away from Great Britain.

If they vote yes one of the key questions will be whether they will be allowed to keep the pound as their currency?

Governor of the Bank of England, Mark Carney, this week held talks with Scotland’s First Minister, Alex Salmond, to discuss a plan of action if they choose to become independent.

Currently, only British territories use the pound and Mr Carney stated his fears that if proper foundations are not in place us could see a repeat of the Eurozone crisis.

So as politicians and economist discuss a strategy for Scotland using the pound MM took to the streets to find out if they should be allowed to keep the currency?

Options

Results

Yes

46%

No

54%


David Slattery, 46, a retail manager from Bury, said: “If they want to become a separate country they should come up with their own currency if they can’t then don’t choose the leave the UK.”

Steven Ainsworth, 23, a student from Levenshulme, agreed: “Scotland will be a mess when they become independent they have a lack of strategy and letting them keep our pound will affect us negatively.”

Alan Carter, 35, a security guard from Trafford, disagreed: “It is much easier to let them keep the pound it will be such a hassle for people who regularly travel between both countries.”

Susan Thomas, 32, a secretary living in Rusholme, concurred: “Scotland has had the pound for as long as us and its part of their history so we should let them keep it.”

Sarah Litten, 21, a student living on Oxford Road, said they should compromise: “Why not let them control their own currency and call it the Scottish pound?”

Danny Jackson, 34, an electrician from Rochdale, had a similar view: “They already have their own notes surely they can sort out their own economy.”

Katie Fitton, 27, a sales assistant from Poynton, agreed: “The only real sign of independence is to be in full control of your country and having control of your own currency is vital.”

Rebecca Velasco, 19, a Student living in Fallowfield, felt allowing Scotland to keep the pound wasn’t a problem: “It works in Europe most of the time surely it could work here.”

Temmor Alabi, 31, a sales assistant from Sale, agreed: “It will just mean more hassle for those who live near Scotland and who have to make regular journey’s there it works between France and Germany so we could do the same.”

James Clough, 26, who is unemployed and lives in Ancoats, had the final say: “As long as there’s a detailed plan which won’t end up with the pound crashing like the Euro it shouldn’t be a problem letting them keep the pound.” 

Image courtesy of BBC News via YouTube, with thanks.

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