Alex Salmond argues that Westminster is bluffing or scaremongering every time the currency debate is raised, but even if the Coalition may have overstated the argument that an independent Scotland could be allowed to retain sterling only by giving up the right to formulation of economic policy without consultation, it is time for the Yes campaign to provide a specific assurance to Scots.
We need a promise that no-one in Scotland will be disadvantaged by the introduction of any new currency; that savings and earnings will retain their value in real terms; that employers and lenders based outside Scotland will be prevented from taking advantage of any exchange rate; and that the debt burden of any Scottish resident who suffers as a result of Westminster decisions about currency will be supported either by government or by a government-sponsored bank or other lender in Scotland.
Please, Mr Salmond, don't tell me I am scaremongering, because if one person can think it, so can lots of others, and some of them won't care about the Scots, or Scottish independence. What will Scotland do if an England-based bank or building society tells its Scottish borrowers that it is contrary to policy to lend in non-sterling areas, and asks for immediate repayment?
James Bell
Glasgow
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