Scottish independence: UK government has no back-up plan

The UK government has no contingency plan to deal with a “yes” vote on 18 September, according a spokesman for Prime Minister David Cameron.

 

The FT reports that the spokesman said UK officials have no precise plan for what they would do if Scotland chose independence on 18 September. 

 

“No such work (is being) undertaken,” he replied when asked whether the government had produced a contingency plan for such an outcome. “The government’s entire focus is on making the case for the UK staying together.”

 

Angus Robertson, leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP) in Westminster, criticised the government for this. “This is extraordinary complacency from Westminster with less than three weeks to go to the vote – they are doing a disservice to people north and south of the border,” he said.

 

“Westminster politicians are only interested in scare stories and negativity – not making sensible decisions and plans in the very likely event of a Yes vote.”

 

With just three weeks to go before the referendum, one of the main points of contention is whether or not Scotland should continue to use the pound. While Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond is pressing for its continued use in the country, the UK government is arguing the opposite. 

 

But Bank of England governor Mark Carney has said that the central bank is prepared for the possibility of a Yes vote. “Whatever happens in the vote, the Bank of England will be the continuing authority for financial stability for some period of time, certainly over the interim period, and we will look to discharge our responsibilities accordingly,” he said. 

 

“We have contingency plans we develop . . . I would underscore in terms of our responsibilities for financial stability we have a wide range of tools and plans.”