British Foreign Secretary William Hague has entered the referendum debate in Edinburgh, warning that the independent Scotland cannot operate economically without support mechanisms from the UK.
In an attempt to prevent the growing support for a go-it-alone Scotland, Hague claimed that Scotland is Å“safer in the UK” and that a Scottish exit from Britain would have potential expenses for Scottish taxpayer.
Scotland could face Å“inconvenience and tremendous burden of having to start again in world affairs” if it becomes independent, Hague said, adding that the country currently benefits from Londonâ„¢s political links.
Hague’s remarks, however, were criticized by pro-independence campaigners as “insulting and patronizing”.
A spokesman for Scotland’s External Affairs Minister Humza Yousaf said, Å“There is huge goodwill towards Scotland across Europe and around the globe, and an independent Scotland will be warmly welcomed onto the international stage.”
Moreover, Professor John Kay, a former economic adviser to Scotland’s First Minister Alex Salmond, noted earlier that Scotland would flourish after a yes vote with Edinburgh acting as its Å“dominant” economic centre.
Kay said Scotland is the wealthiest part of the UK outside London and the south-east of England and that there is not much difference between Scotland and the UK as a whole as far as economy is concerned.
Scotland will hold an independence referendum on September 18, 2014, on whether to stay in the UK or become an independent country.
The referendum will take place in the 700th anniversary year of a military victory by Scots over the English at Bannockburn.
A single question to be asked from voters is: Å“Should Scotland be an independent country?”
Scotlandâ„¢s 2014 independence referendum could result in breaking up of the UK after 305 years.
BGH/MOS/HE
This article originally appeared on: Press TV