On the other hand, a coordinated European response would likely have strengthened the Nats case, but we can only see the world as it is, not how it would have been. So we'll never know. However, a key question becomes whether the extended response is at the national level. Or if there is a European response as this thing drags on?
And as for the models of small nations making their own way, Salmond seems particularly taken with Norway. It's not just the oil. It the idea of a green energy export to the rest of the UK. Scotland has a lot of green power potential. The rest of the UK isn't so great.
Wave power in Wales. A bit of wind in Northern Ireland, and offshore in waters controlled by the Crown Estate. But nothing like the potential of Scotland. And Scotland has a much higher per capita potential, meaning that export for profit becomes a strong possibility. And I'll give my consent to any government that does not deny a man a living wage-Billy Bragg
It's one of those things where I don't think you can have a halfway house. As much as you try to preserve national autonomy, it necessarily fractures if you try to make the guarantee workable. You can either have the current situation where national treasuries guarantee the banks, leaving small economies vulnerable, or you move to a situation where the ECB must centrally legislate how banks relate for its own self-protection. And that's a real can of worms.
Personally I'm in favour of it, but I cannot see too many governments voting for Christmas on that one. keep to the Fen Causeway
