Inside The Room: The Scottish Independence Referendum (Part 2: The unanswerable question)

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Dec 2, 2024

Nicola Sturgeon, the former First Minister of Scotland, shares her insights on the complex dynamics of the Scottish independence referendum. She discusses the 'yes' campaign's emotional appeals versus the rationality of the 'no' side. Nicola reveals key moments of uncertainty that nearly derailed the movement, and how George Osborne’s role became pivotal. Ed Balls adds depth by detailing the currency concerns that plagued the debate, highlighting the legacy of 'Project Fear' and its impact on public perception.

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INSIGHT

Currency Union Mistake

The SNP's biggest mistake was believing they could share the pound post-independence.
This gave the "No" campaign control over a crucial economic aspect.

ANECDOTE

Currency Union Challenges

Nicola Sturgeon admits currency was the most difficult issue.
Choosing a currency union gave Westminster politicians a veto.

INSIGHT

Scotland's Unique Position

Scotland's situation differed from other European countries joining the Euro.
Scotland was leaving a union, raising doubts about future cooperation.

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A decade ago, the Scottish people went to the polls for a referendum vote to make a choice: should the country break free of the United Kingdom? Ultimately, they voted to stay by a resounding margin – crushing the hopes of the Scottish National Party and soothing the fears of the British government of the day. But the issue of Independence continues to divide, and in this special miniseries, George Osborne and Ed Balls are joined by the former First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon to take a fresh, forensic look at the forces, decisions and party politics that drove the independence movement.

As the independence vote approached, the question of finances and currency began to plague the ‘Yes’ campaign. In episode two of this special miniseries, Nicola Sturgeon, Ed Balls and George Osborne reflect on the decisions, mistakes and motives that may have tilted public perceptions around Scotland's departure from the UK. We go inside Cameron government’s so-called Project Fear – was it all just scaremongering? Nicola reveals the moment she thought it was all going to collapse, and why George played part. And Ed lifts the lid on the machinations that led him to say Scotland would have to join the Euro if it were to leave the UK.

Part 3 of 'Inside The Room: The Scottish Independence Referendum' is available to listen to NOW for subscribers to Political Currency Gold, as well as Ed and George's exclusive debrief.

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