Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Scotland Office

Oral Answers to Questions

Lord Campbell of Pittenweem Excerpts
Wednesday 7th May 2014

(10 years, 6 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Alistair Carmichael Portrait Mr Carmichael
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The hon. Gentleman invites me to look into the future and make a prediction, which is never an easy prospect—it is an unwise prospect for anyone in politics. The truth of the matter is that all these things are uncertain, and they bring enormous risks in areas where we do very well as a result of being part of the United Kingdom.

Lord Campbell of Pittenweem Portrait Sir Menzies Campbell (North East Fife) (LD)
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To echo the hon. Member for Moray (Angus Robertson), what could be more demeaning and insulting than to lead the Scottish people to believe that there are no risks in independence, and that a currency union is a foregone conclusion?

Alistair Carmichael Portrait Mr Carmichael
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The only foregone conclusion about a currency union is that it will not happen. It will not happen because that is the advice that has been given by the permanent secretary to the Chancellor of the Exchequer. That advice is not going to change, and the outcome of that advice is not going to change.