Former President Bill Clinton made a last-minute appeal to Scotland to keep the status quo and stand tall with the European Union.
Vote “no” on secession, he pleaded, flip-flopping his previous decision to stay out of the Scotland-EU debate, The Independent reported.
Previously, Mr. Clinton said he wasn’t going to weigh in on the looming Thursday vote, believing the decision was “Scots alone to make,” he said in a statement released to the pro-EU group, Better Together, The Independent reported.
But he’s apparently changed his mind, overcome by concerns about the currency and the need to keep Great Britain solid, the newspaper reported.
A unified European Union sends “a powerful message to a world torn by identity conflicts that it is possible to respect our differences,” Mr. Clinton said, The Independent. “Because the independence vote is a decision for the Scots alone to make, and because Scots are already legendary for their independence of mind, I have been reluctant to express my views on the matter. I hope my decision to do so will be received in the spirit of friendship with which it is offered.”
He then went on to say that “with so much turmoil and division across the globe, I hope the Scots will inspire the world with a high turnout and a powerful message of both identity and inclusion,” his Better Together statement read.
Mr. Clinton expressed sympathy for those who desire independence — but then said they should squelch those desires.
“I hope the Scots people will vote to remain in the U.K. for several reasons: The proposal to keep the pound as its currency without the support that U.K. membership provides carries substantial risks,” he said. “Separation will require a long complex negotiating process with considerable uncertainty and potential to weaken the Scottish economy.”
And, he continued, the “increased autonomy” that Scotland’s already been promised by the United Kingdom gives the country a win, as it “provides most of the benefits of independence” absent any risks, his statement said, The Independent reported.
Scotland is due to vote on secession by referendum on Thursday.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.