Altfish wrote:I'm still not sure what will actually happen if Scotland goes independent.
Yes, that's a big question! So far, Salmond seems to be just dangling carrots in front of Scots, with extra spending.
e.g.
Will they have an embassy in London?
If they are a seperate country, then yes,
What happens to BBC?
It will be divided in two, and Scotland will have to pay for all the imported programmes from England, instead of sharing them.
Passports? If I go to France I show it, but if I go France to Belgium I don't.
I would expect that there would be some sort of "mini-Shengen", so passports will not be required.
They plan to stick with the pound (I think) but won't they risk getting into a Spain/Greece scenario with the Euro; ie they could do with it being devalued against the stronger currencies. If London booms, Scotland could find exchange rates with Euro/dollar that don't suit.
There's some argument about whether they would be obliged to join the Euro if the have to re-apply for EU membership (though I think they'd fudge it somehow). Also, I think you are right to be concerned that Scotland would have no ability to devalue against sterling, but have no voice in making the decisions over its interest rates and other matters. That is a huge part of the problem for the Club Med countries. IMO, the UK represents an optimum currency area, as besides a voice at the table, the UK is also prepared to make financial transfers from one part of the UK to another. Unlike Germany to Greece.
Trains: I assume Virgin and the like keep running to Glasgow
Yes; trains run across Europe.
Newspapers, ok some already have Scottish versions, but Guardian/Independent don't, I'm sure there are more.
You can buy foreign newspapers if you want to.
What happens with Europe, are Scotland going to have to apply to join EU?
Yes or No, depending on who you ask!
Is there a date for when independence happens?
I think there is one in Salmond's bill, but I can't remember when...
I assume there must be as all Scottish MPs and Lords will have to clear off from Westminster
Indeed.