A CONFERENCE dedicated to exploring currency in an independent Scotland is set to take place this weekend, with organisers saying the Yes movement has waited 10 years for a credible plan.
The Scottish Currency Group conference, taking place in Dunfermline on Saturday and Sunday, will bring together international experts to explore a range of issues, from currency in an independent Scotland to creating a Scottish pound.
The conference will be opened by an introduction from Dr Tim Rideout, convener of the Scottish Currency Group, as well as a speech by Douglas Chapman, the former SNP MP for Dunfermline.
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National contributors Robin McAlpine, Dr Robbie Mochrie, and Professor Richard Murphy are also set to speak at the conference.
The conference also aims to showcase international examples to highlight how a similar approach can be achieved in Scotland, with notable speakers including Dr Jon Egilsson, former chair of the Icelandic Central Bank, and Malan Johansen, the CEO of the Faeroese Landsbanki.
The full list of speakers is below.
- Dr Tim Rideout, convener of Scottish Currency Group
- Ian Stewart, convener of Scottish Currency Group banking and finance committee
- Lynne Copland, convener of Scottish Currency Group campaign committee
- Andrew Murray, Scottish Currency Group
- Robin McAlpine, Commonweal
- Rory Hamilton, Commonweal
- David Clarke, European Movement in Scotland
- Luke Bates, former head of financial risk at Tesco Bank
- Malan Johansen, CEO of Faeorese Landsbanki
- Dr Jon Egilsson, former chair of Icelandic Central Bank
- Dr Robbie Mochrie, Heriot Watt University
- Dr Thibault Laurentjoye, Aalborg University
- Dr Craig Dalzell
- Professor Danny Blanchflower, Dartmouth College
- Professor Richard Murphy
- Roger Mullin
- Karin van Sweden
Events will be chaired by Rideout, Chapman, Mochrie, journalist and National columnist Lesley Riddoch, Alba MSP Ash Regan, and Simon Forrest.
Whilst focusing on independence, the conference will also consider what can be done within the current devolution settlement.
‘We simply won’t wait any longer’
Rideout (below) said that as the consequences of the new Labour Government’s “austerity agenda” becomes clearer, it is important for independence supporters to “develop clear, pragmatic currency proposals that can offer Scotland a way out of the current fiscal trajectory”.
He added: “Currency was a hot topic during debates marking the 10th anniversary of the independence referendum, and it will continue to be a live issue for as long as Scottish independence is the supported by such a large proportion of Scotland’s people.
“This is a tremendously exciting line up of speakers. By design, the conference programme is non-party political, prioritising speakers with practical experience of finance, currency, and policy ambition.
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“The independence movement has waited for ten years for a credible, ambitious currency proposal from the SNP. We simply won’t wait any longer.
“If independence is ever to become more than electioneering slogan, the currency question needs to be answered clearly and confidently. This conference is the start of that process.”
In addition to the discussion sessions, a host of exhibitors will also be at the conference, including Independence Forum Scotland, the Scottish Independence Foundation, and Common Weal.
Attendees can even try out the process of exchanging GBP into Scottish pounds, which they will then be able to use at the bar.
The Scottish Currency Group conference will take place at the Carnegie Conference Centre in Dunfermline on September 21 and 22. In-person tickets cost £30 and livestream tickets are £10.
For more information and to buy tickets, click here.
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