wait a moment. a highly centralised nation like the UK generates a hefty chunk of its GDP in its capital region? stop the presses!

Those "certain individuals" are still powerful families, and something being profitable for individuals means that wealth still flowed into the country and contributed to its prosperity even if it didn't create tax revenue directly.

The UK then gives an extra 15% of that generated income back to Scotland, so I'm not sure what you're getting at

Scotland also runs deficits of 7-8% of GDP which is 6% higher than the rest of the UK and would be unsustainable as an independent nation. You'd have to save a lot on the toilet cleaning in Westminster to make up the gap

Since I'm hijacking this thread let's talk trident.

Cost to the UK of replacing its nuclear deterrent? Which let's remember, is based in Scotlands most highly populated region.

The cost could be as high as £200 billion. Let's assume Scottish peoples taxes will account for 8% of that amount. Under the withheld spending rules.

So around £16 billion of taxes taken from Scotland, to pay for something that the Scottish government doesn't have control over (Defence)in the current UK setup.

Starting to see a pattern emerging here.
Taxes being taken without accountability.

Let's invest that £16 billion in improving the quality of life of Scotlands poorest citizens.
Let's remember that food poverty is a real issue in Scotland under the current UK system.
The system that so generously subsidises Scotland.

Let's invest in renewable tech and make Scotland a centre for a renewable future. One that is inevitable based on current trends.

Let's detach our economy from the financial sector and its.boom and bust mentality.
Or is it boom and boom mentality since 2008? Because the UK government will borrow on our behalf to bail them out anyway.

Let us create a country that is open and full of opportunity. Not follow a path of protectionism and class war we see ourself heading for under the Tories.

Let Scotland be the example and perhaps northern england can join us. Let London become it's own country. Let it continue to invade sovereign countries, support racist monarchies, sell arms to countries with shocking human rights records and drinking its own reconstituted and recycled urine.

We"ll let you keep Gordon Ramsay, he sounds english now anyway

@bold - That simply isn't true.

Take London out of your "rest of the UK" is it still 6% higher?

Also consider how many companies operate in Scotland but they are based in London.
With indy those companies if they want to continue operating in scotland, which believe me they do. They will have to register and pay tax to Edinburgh.

The may be even more incentivised if Scotland decides to set lower corporate tax rates than London.

Queue the exodus from babylon.
We will welcome the multi-nationals with open arms.

This post was edited by Prox1m1ty on Mar 20 2021 01:37pm

Back on topic, I think this report sums up the confusion of the EU leaders approach on the subject