Would an Independent Scotland Have a Hard Border with England?

Assuming Scotland declared its independence, would it share a hard border with England? While some imagine a wild and untamed border, the reality is more complex and influenced by historical, political, and economic factors.

Historical and Contemporary Context

The notion of border controls between Scotland and England is not new. Right now, the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland serves as an example of what a soft border can look like. However, the issue is complicated by the impact of Brexit and the desire of many Scots to rejoin the European Union (EU).

During the Brexit negotiations, border issues became highly contentious, demonstrating how difficult it can be to establish effective controls. Westminster's approach to borders is often influenced by political maneuvering, as evidenced by the complications surrounding the UK's exit from the EU.

The Implications of Scottish Independence

Should Scotland gain independence, there would be a significant debate over the nature of the border with England. If Scotland joins the EU, there might be a need for an arrangement similar to the one between Ireland and Northern Ireland. However, such an arrangement is typically seen with regions within the EU and not with neighboring non-EU nations.

If Scotland were to remain in the EU while the rest of the UK did not, a hard border would almost certainly be required. Free trade and the free movement of people are mutually exclusive when dealing with separate customs and immigration policies.

The Reality of Border Controls

Given the historical close relationship and trade ties between Scotland and the rest of the UK, it's reasonable to assume that initial border controls would be heavily focused on people rather than goods. This would involve significant logistical challenges, including larger, manned checkpoints at major crossings and extensive paperwork for travelers and goods.

However, there are historical precedents that could lessen the burden. For instance, Wales does not have a border with Scotland and maintains free movement of people and goods. England and Wales also share borders but have relatively smooth crossing points for both citizens and goods. Thus, the model for a border between Scotland and England would likely be shaped by these precedents.

Conclusion

In the immediate aftermath of an independent Scotland, a hard border with England would indeed be a reality. The desire to join the EU and the complex negotiations with the rest of the UK would necessitate stringent border controls. However, this scenario is subject to change, and a balanced approach that maintains close trade and cultural ties would be in the best interest of both countries.

Without the EU, Scotland's economy would significantly benefit from maintaining open trade with the UK, which accounts for four times as much trade as it would with the EU. Hence, the key to achieving an acceptable balance would be finding a common ground between Scottish nationalism and economic pragmatism.