今日のテキスト POUND CONTROVERSY

One of the biggest political events scheduled for the months ahead is causing a heated debate in the UK. Leaders in Britain and Scotland are exchanging strong words over a matter of shared concern. They're arguing over whether Scotland should be allowed to keep using the pound if it wins independence at a referendum.

(George Osborne / British Chancellor of the Exchequer)
"The pound isn't an asset to be divided up between two countries after a break-up. If Scotland walks away from the UK, it walks away from the pound."

Osborne said Scotland will become a burden if it keeps using the pound and falls into an economic crisis. The first minister of Scotland, Alex Salmond, has fired back. He says his country has every right to keep using the currency.

(Alex Salmond / Scottish First Minister)
"To be told that we have no rights to assets jointly built up is as insulting as it is demeaning."

Salmond has vowed to stabilize the Scottish economy with revenue from North Sea oil fields. A top official from the European Union has warned that it will be very difficult for Scotland to gain membership, but Salmond has played down the comment. He said the EU and Scotland share the same democratic values.

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