Post-independence prospects
Discuss issues related to the politics of the UK, such as the actions of any MP, any current or potential law, or any other factor affecting the British political system.
| Announcements | Posted on | |
|---|---|---|
-
- Reputation:
- Thread Starter
- Banned
- Posts: 30
- Warning points: 1000
Post-independence prospectsWhy do some Scots crow on about how well Scotland can do after independence?
How does compare to having:
- a world class capital city
- noted global educational institutions
- one of the world's largest economies
The Scots may have oil, but so what? Which advanced economy bases its economy solely on oil? I'm sure Scotland could do well as a sovereign state, but knock positive traits that an independent England can rely on.
-
- Reputation:
- Vengeful, Imperial Overlord of The Student Room
- Location: London
- Posts: 4,078
Re: Post-independence prospectsOne problem Scotland will face is the fact that regardless of what Alex Salmond says, you won't be able to invest all the oil money Norway style, because Scotland has a much larger public sector to sustain. It's even highly debatable whether or not Scotland is actually making an overall budget surplus now.
-
- Reputation:
- I vow to thee my country....
- Location: Leamington Spa/ Cheylesmore
- Posts: 8,930
Re: Post-independence prospectsWho can forget Salmond's 'Arc of prosperity...'(Original post by pol pot noodles)
One problem Scotland will face is the fact that regardless of what Alex Salmond says, you won't be able to invest all the oil money Norway style, because Scotland has a much larger public sector to sustain. It's even highly debatable whether or not Scotland is actually making an overall budget surplus now. -
- Reputation:
- TSR Deity
Re: Post-independence prospectsWhat an abusively-put little thread. Utterly obnoxious.
I don't really think it is debatable: Scotland is in a considerable deficit at the moment. So's the UK, of course. But your point is correct.(Original post by pol pot noodles)
One problem Scotland will face is the fact that regardless of what Alex Salmond says, you won't be able to invest all the oil money Norway style, because Scotland has a much larger public sector to sustain. It's even highly debatable whether or not Scotland is actually making an overall budget surplus now. -
- Reputation:
- Vengeful, Imperial Overlord of The Student Room
- Location: London
- Posts: 4,078
Re: Post-independence prospectsWell im not an expert in Scottish affairs, but from what I gather the SNP are insistent that they are making a surplus, which is where any debate would arise from.(Original post by L i b)
What an abusively-put little thread. Utterly obnoxious.
I don't really think it is debatable: Scotland is in a considerable deficit at the moment. So's the UK, of course. But your point is correct. -
- Reputation:
- Exalted and Worshipped Member
- Posts: 1,224
Re: Post-independence prospectsWho's "crowing" on? Frankly I find it offensive that you think Scotland doesn't have a world class capital city of its own. Edinburgh - in my view - is a far more beautiful city than London. London has nothing which can compare to Edinburgh Castle.(Original post by sao desi)
Why do some Scots crow on about how well Scotland can do after independence?
How does compare to having:
- a world class capital city
- noted global educational institutions
- one of the world's largest economies
The Scots may have oil, but so what? Which advanced economy bases its economy solely on oil? I'm sure Scotland could do well as a sovereign state, but knock positive traits that an independent England can rely on.
Scotland also has good educational insititutions. Name any other country with a population of 5-6 million which has three universities in the World's top 100.
The size of the economy is not what's important. Prosperity per head is what's important, and Scotland is more prosperous per head of population than England. Most smaller populations do well in this regard.
-
- Reputation:
- Exalted and Worshipped Member
- Posts: 1,224
Re: Post-independence prospectsSo? It doesn't matter whether you like Alex Salmond or not, the fact remains that he is by far the best First Minister that Scotland has seen.(Original post by Agenda Suicide)
I really, really, really dislike Alex Salmond.
-
- Reputation:
- TSR Demigod
- Location: Anratcitca Raescrh Stiaton
- Posts: 5,271
Re: Post-independence prospectsIt will be awful. Look how Ireland turned out. This is coming from an Irish nationalist also.
I suspect the free uni fees will not be around much longer if so, or at least of the EU students who alone cost 75mil a year. -
- Reputation:
- Vengeful, Imperial Overlord of The Student Room
- Location: London
- Posts: 4,078
Re: Post-independence prospectsNo, England has a higher GDP per capita.(Original post by Tycho)
The size of the economy is not what's important. Prosperity per head is what's important, and Scotland is more prosperous per head of population than England. Most smaller populations do well in this regard.
-
- Reputation:
- Exalted and Worshipped Member
- Posts: 1,224
Re: Post-independence prospectsIreland doesn't have oil.(Original post by bestofyou)
It will be awful. Look how Ireland turned out. This is coming from an Irish nationalist also.
I suspect the free uni fees will not be around much longer if so, or at least of the EU students who alone cost 75mil a year. -
- Reputation:
- TSR Demigod
- Location: Anratcitca Raescrh Stiaton
- Posts: 5,271
Re: Post-independence prospectsIt did however have one the worlds fastest growing construction industry, look at it now, ghost towns all over the place, entire estates vaccant etc(Original post by Tycho)
Ireland doesn't have oil.
oil oil oil oil oil
All we seem to hear from these pro-independence scotts.
Do you know what kind of oil it is?
Do you know how much is left?
Do you know what types of oil are needed for everyday living? -
- Reputation:
- Exalted and Worshipped Member
- Posts: 1,224
Re: Post-independence prospects(Original post by bestofyou)
oil oil oil oil oil
All we seem to hear from these pro-independence scotts.
Do you know what kind of oil it is?
Do you know how much is left?
Do you know what types of oil are needed for everyday living?
It's crude oil.
There is a LOT left.
It can be refined into petrol, diesel, kerosine etc...
Your point? -
- Reputation:
- Respected Member
- Location: Aberdeen, Scotland
- Posts: 237
Re: Post-independence prospectsScotland gives more to the tax office than it takes back in public spending, so there's one thing.
I particularly support independence because I feel like we don't have a voice in the UK. The governments largest party is Conservatives, with 300 odd seats, only 1 or 2 of which are in Scotland. That gives a geographical area with 6 million people with no affiliation with the largest party.
People say Alex Salmond is stupid for suggesting we adopt the 'Scandinavian Structure'. Why not? It's worked exceptionally well for countries such as Norway and Sweden, who have excellent public sectors, and an exceptional standard of living. The current Scottish government is doing its best to counteract the actions in westminster which are generally opposed by the majority of Scots. The purpose of our parliament is to have our own voice. The fact the SNP won a majority shows how us Scots are not necessarily voting for independence, but taking a stand against the UK government.
I fully support the SNP and have registered as a member, not just due to independence prospects, but their environmental promises. Greener, brighter future. No nuclear is important to me. It is just a mess. Scotland holds a potential 25% of all of Europe's renewable energy.
I don't feel that any of the main UK parties represent me, and my views as well as the SNP does. It is a shame that they cannot have more of a UK presence. -
- Reputation:
- Junior Member
- Location: Edinburgh
- Posts: 61
Re: Post-independence prospectsI'm one of the staunchest Unionists you'll meet but we already have these two things.(Original post by sao desi)
Why do some Scots crow on about how well Scotland can do after independence?
How does compare to having:
- a world class capital city
- noted global educational institutions- one of the world's largest economies
The Scots may have oil, but so what? Which advanced economy bases its economy solely on oil? I'm sure Scotland could do well as a sovereign state, but knock positive traits that an independent England can rely on.
SNP lies. Next you'll be telling me that we wouldn't have to join the Eurozone and that free speech is a bad idea.(Original post by Belaruce)
Scotland gives more to the tax office than it takes back in public spending, so there's one thing.Last edited by andrew17; 31-05-2012 at 00:52. -
- Reputation:
- Respected Member
- Location: Aberdeen, Scotland
- Posts: 237
Re: Post-independence prospectsEven if they are lying, what argument do have for a positive union? I don't feel in any way represented in westminster, and would much prefer Devo Max solution before independence. Not as a safety net, so that we could adjust to the new regime. Scottish Issues, Scottish Solutions.(Original post by andrew17)
SNP lies. Next you'll be telling me that we wouldn't have to join the Eurozone and that free speech is a bad idea. -
- Reputation:
- Junior Member
- Location: Edinburgh
- Posts: 61
Re: Post-independence prospectsThe problem is it's not Scotland's, it's Shetland's.(Original post by Tycho)
It's crude oil.
There is a LOT left.
It can be refined into petrol, diesel, kerosine etc...
Your point?
