UNITED KINGDOM Scotland the Brave?

摘要

There may not be much of "ae fond kiss, and then we sever" if Scotland decides to vote for independence in next week's referendum, but cutting loose" the mesh of economic ties that links Edinburgh to London would be a very complex process. In a departure from the official government line, the UK Treasury admitted this week it is readying a team to respond to market turmoil in the event of a vote in favor of secession on Sep. 18. The admission came after the pound fell sharply and borrowing costs rose following a weekend opinion poll showing the pro-independence camp taking the lead for the first time. The surge of support caused shock and panic, prompting all three main UK political party leaders to make emergency trips to Scotland on Wednesday.