Letters / Not set in stone
Gordon Harmer, in his letter (An abundance of wool; SN 12/09/14), suggests I am trying to deceive people in order to influence how they vote in the forthcoming referendum.
Given that I haven’t decided how I will vote yet, that is an absurd charge.
Gordon asks: “If during the negotiations Salmond uses Faslane as a bargaining chip and gains a currency union by allowing the nuclear base to stay in Scotland and the UK government gain 50 per cent of all oil revenues through an international court, just how will we be able to change this and other negotiated agreements through the democratic process?”
It is inconceivable the team representing Scotland would agree to nuclear arms remaining permanently at Faslane in order to secure a currency union. If it did the Scottish Government would lose all credibility as it has stated its intention to remove them in the Scotland’s Future White Paper.
If, hypothetically, such a deal were to be reached, it would be a key issue at the first Scottish Parliament general election.
Many candidates would likely pledge to renegotiate such a deal. If a majority of them were elected that is what the first independent Scottish Government would seek to do.
The negotiating teams can’t sign an agreement tying Scotland to maintaining a nuclear base for all eternity.
I accept the people of Scotland will be able to do little about some of what is negotiated (such as asset and debt division). Other parts of what is agreed during negotiations will not be set in stone.
Kennedy Stewart
Framgord
Scalloway
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.