Thursday 30 January 2014

You can’t keep the pound that easily


In his first speech regarding Scottish independence, BoE Governor Carney outlined the potential issues that could arise if the Scottish kept the pound as part of a currency union. The Governor referred to the eurozone as an example of the significant steps that would need to be taken to support a monetary union. Carney said the Scottish government would have to give up some of its sovereignty over fiscal policy, and there would also need to be fiscal risk-sharing and solid banking arrangements.

The UK treasury has said it is highly unlikely that a currency union will be agreed and the Scottish government needs a plan B. The SNP have so far failed to come up with a “plan B” and despite this being a point of weakness, it is unlikely to hinder the campaign.

Sasha Nugent
Currency Analsyt