SNP and the euro

The SNP’s position on the euro is well established, in that an independent Scotland would continue to operate within the sterling system until a decision to join the euro in a referendum is made when the economic conditions are right.

Those such as Labour MEP Catherine Stihler (your report, 16 September) effectively shoot themselves in the foot by declaring that as a new member state an independent Scotland “would have no choice but to the adopt the euro”.

By Ms Stihler’s warped logic this would also see what remains of the UK being in exactly the same boat as Scotland. It was the UK that joined the-then EEC in 1973, and Scottish independence would see the dissolution of that entity. Using Ms Stihler’s thinking, what remained of the UK would therefore also be viewed as a new member state, compelled to join the euro.

It is quite clear that on independence both Scotland and what remained of the UK would continue to be members of the European Union, so let’s stop this blatant scaremongering and have an open and honest debate on the matter.

Alex Orr

Leamington Terrace

Edinburgh