Washington waits as the Scots mull independence
- 10 years ago
As the debate rages over Scottish independence the issue has been largely ignored across the Atlantic.
However the US wants Britain, a key ally, to continue to play a robust global role and anything,which detracts from that will be of concern in Washington:
Marie Harf, is spokesperson for the US State Department: “We have a deep interest in making sure that one of the closest allies that we will ever have, the United Kingdom, remains strong, robust, united and an effective partner. Obviously, ultimately these decisions need to be made by the people of Scotland.”
The entire UK nuclear deterrent is based in Scotland and a ‘Yes’ vote will mean relocation for Britain’s nuclear bases and missile systems.
Jeremy Shapiro, is from the Brookings Institution a Washington think-tank: “The Trident issue reflects directly on US security and on the role that the UK plays in overall security of the west, NATO and the nuclear deterrent. So it’s of particular interest. There are specific technical issues which would need to be resolved which the United States obviously has a direct interest in.”
The White House will be watching the implications of a Scottish vote for independence on other important European allies such as Spain and Italy
Euronews correspondent in Washington is Stefan Grobe:
“If Scots vote ‘Yes’ next Thursday, the Obama administration will only reluctantly accept the outcome. It’s like seeing two of its closest friends having a divorce. Moving on will be painful – and the beginning of a different story.”
However the US wants Britain, a key ally, to continue to play a robust global role and anything,which detracts from that will be of concern in Washington:
Marie Harf, is spokesperson for the US State Department: “We have a deep interest in making sure that one of the closest allies that we will ever have, the United Kingdom, remains strong, robust, united and an effective partner. Obviously, ultimately these decisions need to be made by the people of Scotland.”
The entire UK nuclear deterrent is based in Scotland and a ‘Yes’ vote will mean relocation for Britain’s nuclear bases and missile systems.
Jeremy Shapiro, is from the Brookings Institution a Washington think-tank: “The Trident issue reflects directly on US security and on the role that the UK plays in overall security of the west, NATO and the nuclear deterrent. So it’s of particular interest. There are specific technical issues which would need to be resolved which the United States obviously has a direct interest in.”
The White House will be watching the implications of a Scottish vote for independence on other important European allies such as Spain and Italy
Euronews correspondent in Washington is Stefan Grobe:
“If Scots vote ‘Yes’ next Thursday, the Obama administration will only reluctantly accept the outcome. It’s like seeing two of its closest friends having a divorce. Moving on will be painful – and the beginning of a different story.”