Borders

How to manage Scotland's borders

Stephen Richard — Thu, 28 Oct 2021 15:14:35 +0000

How to manage Scotland's borders Stephen Richard Thu, 10/28/2021 - 16:14

Author or Creator

Common Weal

What will happen at Scotland's borders?

Will there be a hard border after independence?

First of all, there is no such thing as a hard border and there is no such thing as a soft border. All borders are varying degrees of 'hard' and 'soft' depending on who and what is crossing them, how they are crossing them and when they are crossing them. Think of borders as about degrees of friction. At the moment the border between Scotland and England doesn't have much friction at all (the laws changes, some regulations alter, but not much more than that). After independence that border will generate more friction, so the question is how to minimise it.

So will there be border checks?

A 'border check' is about identifying whether goods or people comply with rule changes at either side of a border. If Scotland has different rules for the regulation of products or different customs arrangements (let's say we wanted to regulate pesticides differently than the UK or join a European customs union) then making sure that imports meet those rules will require checks. Remember, even when Britain was a member of the European Union people and goods would arrive through borders from outside the EU and they all had to be checked.

Do border checks mean queues of lorries at the border?

It isn't right to call them 'border checks'. For goods they are customs checks and for people they are immigration or passport checks. No-one does customs checks at the border – there are stop-off points where checks are done well away from the border and some of them may be at the final destination. For example, it used to be the case that the customs and duty checks for the whisky industry were done at the distilleries where there were permanent customs offices. Generally there is only a sample of goods taken and this is handled with modern technology such as number plate recognition. Much of the regulation of goods is monitored at final destinations. So no, no queues at the border.

What about people?

It is almost certain that both Scotland and the UK will want to negotiate a UK free travel zone and so there is likely to be next to no friction on cross-border travel. Naturally there will be border checks at international ports and airports but on the Scotland-England border there will be 'smart border' arrangements to enable people to move freely.

But won't this mean each country could create a 'back door immigration route' to the other?

It is likely that an independent Scotland would soon have different immigration rules from the rest of the UK. But the political sensitivity about immigration is the right to housing, social security benefits, public services and to work. None of these are border issues and so the UK safeguards on all of these issues will remain in place (for example, the legal right to work monitored by employers). Immigration routes will be at the international ports and those will have a full passport check system.

So how do we go about proper customs checks?

This should be seen as a major opportunity – the UK is currently very lax on customs and the Customs and Excise Service has been run down over many years (in favour of immigration controls). Scotland needs a proper Customs and Excise Service and this will need to be built up. This service serves a number of functions – to make sure taxes and duties are being paid, to prevent smuggling, to make sure product standards are being maintained, to tackle organised crime and to prevent human trafficking. Building this service will mean a series of specialised offices across the country, hiring and training staff and building a fleet of intercept ships to police Scotland's water (working closely with both the police and the Scottish Defence Force). This is the norm around the world and Scotland will simply be catching up with good practice.

Keywords

Security in an Independent Scotland

Stephen Richard — Thu, 28 Oct 2021 14:42:14 +0000

Security in an Independent Scotland Stephen Richard Thu, 10/28/2021 - 15:42

Author or Creator

Common Weal

How do we ensure national security in an independent Scotland?

Is Scotland going to be safe after independence?

Every country in the world faces potential threats to domestic security and an independent Scotland will be no different. It is important that Scotland is properly prepared to deal with those threats if they arise and so an effective national security plan should be established during the transition period.

So what are the threats and how do we deal with them?

The biggest threats to national security are not military threats. Cyber attacks are much, much more likely than military attacks and so cyber security is a priority. The threat from criminal activity or terrorism (both domestic and international) is also significantly greater than the military threat. And potentially greatest among them all is the threat of serious damage to key national infrastructure from climate change and environmental crisis. Of course Scotland must be able to defend its borders but the threat of a direct territorial threat is minimal. From there it is a matter of the choices of governments subsequently elected, but it seems unlikely that Scotland will want to develop an aggressive offensive military position like that of the UK, meaning direct military operations overseas would be limited to participating in UN peacekeeping initiatives. A strategy for each is needed.

How do we deal with cyber security, crime and terrorism?

These are primarily criminal issues and should be the remit of a Scottish Security and Intelligence Agency, which would be located in the police service. This would be the primary means of monitoring organised crime, cyber attacks and, working closely with the Borders and Customs Agency, incursions into Scotland's territory (such as smuggling). It would have units dealing with all the different forms of intelligence-gathering but would be under civilian oversight. It would immediately seek to develop positive sharing relationships with the intelligence agencies of other countries. It would also house a National Cyber Security Agency, a specialist body dealing with cyber crime, including cyber attacks from foreign governments.

If the intelligence agency is monitoring threats, how do we counter them?

Much of the threat is from organised crime or is in the form of other illegal activity. The Scottish Security and Intelligence Agency would be housed in the police service and it would be a police matter to intervene and enforce in most occasions. Where the activity is offshore it would be the Borders and Customs agency, properly equipped with intercept ships, which would take action. Political decisions and strategy would be made in a Department of National Security and it would all be overseen by a National Security Committee of the Scottish Parliament.

But we'll need armed forces, right?

Yes, a nation has to be able to defend its borders and Scotland will want to be able to contribute to UN peacekeeping initiatives. But that is not the only role an armed forces might have; the other big threat (climate change) can create civil emergencies which may need a response and deploying an army may be a key contributor to that. It is unlikely, however, that Scotland will want to fight offensive wars. This means that defence spending is likely to be significantly lower than the UK. But building up an army is not something you can do overnight – in fact, it is the one major task which cannot be completed within the three-year transition period and will probably take about ten years to build up what would be known as the Scottish Defence Force.

So how do we build an army?

It may be that Scottish service men and women currently serving in the British Armed Forces may want to transfer to a Scottish Defence Force but this certainly can't be taken for granted. These will be quite different services with quite different cultures and Scotland's focus on domestic defence and civilian contributions may not appeal to or be too great a culture shift for those used to the UK's aggressive overseas stance. The UK will have a wide range of military assets but it is also unlikely that Scotland will want to take a pro-rata share of these since, again, they are orientated towards an offensive position. For example, neither aircraft carriers nor fast jets are much use for territorial defence so 'inheriting' them from the UK would have little point. Scotland would be better to recruit and train the personnel and build up tailored military assets for a Scottish Defence Force over time and thereby get the military we actually need. This would be done over ten years using the annual defence budget and much of it could be procured from Scotland.

What about Scotland's defence in the interim?

It is worth repeating that there is no imminent military threat to Scotland's territory. It is also clear that the rest of the UK will not want any foreign powers to make incursions into Scotland's territory – so as part of negotiations a phased transition deal would be sought. Joining Nato would commit Scotland to military spending higher than it would otherwise be likely to commit (and would change Scotland's defensive posture) so should be a political decision for after independence. But Nato has a programme called Partnership for Peace of which countries like Ireland, Sweden and Finland are members and which offers collective defence. This is a non-controversial step that should be taken during the three year transition period.

Keywords

Defence

Scottish Defence Force

Defence and security requirements for an Independent Scotland

Stephen Richard — Wed, 27 Oct 2021 15:35:08 +0000

Defence and security requirements for an Independent Scotland Stephen Richard Wed, 10/27/2021 - 16:35

Author or Creator

Scottish Independence Convention

Cyber security issues are clearly emerging as a priority.

Coastal protection is a high priority for Scotland It has been neglected and requires an increase in off-shore patrol vessels and personnel.

The proposed SDF should be designed for flexibility with a modest core capability that can be adapted to changed circumstances. The SDF's cost will be substantially less than that assigned to Scotland currently by the UK Government.

Nuclear weapons will be a major challenge in transition negotiations.

Keywords

How will borders with England be determined?

Stephen Richard — Fri, 22 Oct 2021 21:41:51 +0000

How will borders with England be determined? Stephen Richard Fri, 10/22/2021 - 22:41

Author or Creator

The Ferret

In an analysis published in March, the Institute for Government said it would not be possible to replicate the Northern Ireland protocol arrangement for an independent Scotland, because Scotland would be a full member of the EU, although Nicola Sturgeon has said the protocol could “offer some template” for how an independent Scotland could deal with its land border with England.

It is not known what arrangements the Scottish Government envisages putting in place should the issue of an Anglo-Scottish border ever become a reality. Detailed proposals for how the border would work in practice have not been drawn up as yet.

We cannot say how the border between Scotland and England would work, as there has yet to be a plan developed for trading with the rest of the UK if Scotland became independent.

It is likely that trade friction would be caused if Scotland joined the European Union and the European single market. There would be fewer barriers to trade between Scotland and the EU than in the post-Brexit UK, while trade with the UK nations would be harder.

Keywords

Borders

European Union

Northern Ireland

Shared Border Shared Future

Vicky Fairley — Sat, 06 Nov 2021 08:38:08 +0000

Shared Border Shared Future

Primary Author or Creator

Scotland's Gateways

Vicky Fairley Sat, 11/06/2021 - 08:38

Publisher

Scotland's Gateways

Category

National Borders

Type of Resource

website

Fast Facts

Whatever form our border between Scotland and England takes in the future, it will bring opportunities for all.

Shared Border, Shared Future is a resource for the many aspects of the Scotland/England Border, with a view to Scotland being a normal, independent country.

More details

This website covers cross border travel and agreements; opportunities for the local economy; currency; trade; employment; education; health; pensions; legal issues; driving licence with links to more detailed discussion on agriculture, health and business.

In general, most of what we think might be different in everyday life near the border after independence, is in fact something we are already doing. We already have the vast majority of agreements in place, to ensure that our day to day lives carry on easily.

Whether as a trading post, a business hub or a tourist attraction, our shared, international border has a very positive future. All that remains, is for us to take up the opportunities it will bring.

Keywords

Borders

Independent Scotland

Language English

Scottish independence: Here's the truth about borders after a Yes vote. Open minds on independence #22

Stephen Richard — Sun, 10 Oct 2021 17:11:46 +0000

Scottish independence: Here's the truth about borders after a Yes vote. Open minds on independence #22

Primary Author or Creator

The National

Stephen Richard Sun, 10/10/2021 - 18:11

Additional Author(s) / Creators

Believe in Scotland

Date Published

Wed, 04/28/2021 - 12:00

Category

National Borders

Type of Resource

News Media

Fast Facts

Trading in sterling for a transitional period would mean goods from Scotland will avoid currency exchange issues. If the UK doesn’t sort its borders with the EU, the resulting fall in the value of sterling will mean that trade with the rest of the UK increases, not decreases. Scotland will be the only nation from which rUK can afford to import. Where else would the rUK get the oil, electricity and food it needs from? It will be cheaper and just as easy to import from Scotland.

Resource Address (URL)

https://www.thenational.scot/news/19263234.scottish-independence-truth-borders-…

Keywords

International trade

Borders

Tariffs

Language English

Scottish independence trading costs calculated

Stephen Richard — Tue, 05 Oct 2021 11:32:47 +0000

Scottish independence trading costs calculated

Primary Author or Creator

Douglas Fraser

Stephen Richard Tue, 10/05/2021 - 12:32

Additional Author(s) / Creators

BBC

Date Published

Wed, 02/03/2021 - 12:00

Category

Economy

Type of Resource

web page

Fast Facts

There may be significant economic costs resulting from independence. However, there is no reason Scotland cannot prosper as other small nations have. This report looks at the cumulative effect over 15 years.

Resource Address (URL)

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-55921961

Keywords

Brexit

International trade

Borders

Language English

Why Brexit has made Scottish independence virtually impossible

Stephen Richard — Tue, 05 Oct 2021 09:47:59 +0000

Why Brexit has made Scottish independence virtually impossible

Primary Author or Creator

Sean O'Grady

Stephen Richard Tue, 10/05/2021 - 10:47

Additional Author(s) / Creators

The Independent

Date Published

Mon, 02/08/2021 - 12:00

Category

Sovereignty

Independence

Type of Resource

News Media

Fast Facts

Independence, then, might be inevitable, but it has to be contemplated with some sense of reality. The reality of Brexit in front of our eyes. Scotland’s freedom from unending Tory rule from London may well be unavoidable. The constitutional position is simply unsustainable. It is intolerable to most of the Scottish people. Can they face another five, 10, 15 years of English Tory rule, even with devolution? Probably not, and they might hope for the best from “global Scotland” as it seizes unnamed exciting new opportunities.

Resource Address (URL)

https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/brexit-scotland-independence-eu-b1799092.h…

Keywords

Language English

Scoxit?

Stephen Richard — Tue, 05 Oct 2021 08:53:09 +0000

Scoxit?

Primary Author or Creator

David Hearne

Stephen Richard Tue, 10/05/2021 - 09:53

Additional Author(s) / Creators

Centre for Brexit Studies, Birmingham City University

Alternative Published Date

2019

Category

Sovereignty

Independence

Type of Resource

Blog

Fast Facts

Decisions on independence are balanced between a few elements:

A rebalancing of relations with England outside the EU.

Independence with the objective to join the EU, creating a hard border with England.

Independence outside the EU and some trading arrangement with England.

Independence with membership of EFTA and a softer border with England.

Resource Address (URL)

http://www.open-access.bcu.ac.uk/10959/1/Scoxit.pdf

Keywords

Borders

Brexit

Language English

The Economics of Scotland-rUK Border

Stephen Richard — Sun, 03 Oct 2021 20:08:03 +0000

The Economics of Scotland-rUK Border

Primary Author or Creator

David Bell

Stephen Richard Sun, 10/03/2021 - 21:08

Additional Author(s) / Creators

Centre on Constitutional Change

Date Published

Mon, 04/06/2020 - 12:00

Category

Sovereignty

Type of Resource

Assessment report

Fast Facts

An independent Scotland within the EU would be part of the EU’s single market: England and Wales would be outside. The border checks may be quite significant. Ireland's experience shows it is clearly possible for a small country to succeed economically in a similar situation to that which would confront an independent Scotland within the EU and establishing a new border.

Resource Address (URL)

https://www.centreonconstitutionalchange.ac.uk/news-and-opinion/economics-scotl…

Keywords

European Union

Borders

International trade

Language English