Scotland’s future

Democratic Fairness

For

• PEE

Supporters of independence argue that it is up to the people of Scotland to decide our future. Many point to recent election results and the fact that there is a democratic right to hold another referendum.

One of the most convincing arguments around fairness is the 2021 Scottish Parliament election, where pro-independence parties won the majority of the seats.

Democratic Fairness

For

• Analysis

As a result, many people require another fair referendum to confirm that the majority of Scotland supports the idea of Scotland being independent, as it is up to people how Scotland's future will look like. Furthermore, the SNP have won the most votes and most seats in every election in both Scottish and UK elections since 2016.

Democratic Fairness

For

• Supporting PEE

Their supporters argued that this continues to prove the Scottish people want independence or at least a chance to vote for it, and there is a clear mandate to allow them to decide their future.

Many people have become dissatisfied with the outcome of general elections in Scotland, with the Conservatives within very few seats, while the SNP continued to dominate politics in Scotland, with the final result does not reflect this.

For example, in 2019, the Conservatives won just 6 seats in Scotland and the SNP won 48, however, due to the electoral system in the UK, Scotland is under the control of a Conservative government, and this is not what the people voted for. Therefore, an independent Scotland would have elections that give the people the right to choose who runs this country.

Democratic Fairness

Against

• PEE

However, in response, Unionists have repeatedly pointed out that Scotland held an independence referendum in 2014, and the result clearly settled the matter. They argue that Nicola Sturgeon and the Scottish Government should accept the will of the people instead of ignoring democracy.

The 2014 quote by Nicola Sturgeon and then First Minister Alex Salmond was used against them when Boris Johnson rejected the appeal for a second referendum vote in 2020, stating: 'You…made a personal promise that the 2014 independence referendum was a 'once in a generation' vote. The people of Scotland voted decisively on that promise to keep our United Kingdom together.'

Democratic Fairness

Against

• Supporting PEE

Furthermore, when the Scottish Government announced plans for a second referendum in 2023, the Scotsman newspaper survey found that 53% of people said it shouldn't happen.

This is supported by a YouGov poll in 2022, which found the Scottish people put issues such as the economy, NHS and education as far more important to the country than holding another referendum, and the government should focus on this.

Democratic Fairness

Conclusion

Overall, all the evidence shows that even though many people are calling for another referendum regarding Scottish independence and the SNP has won in both elections, the referendum in 2014 already decided Scotland's future. Recent surveys reflect the Scottish people's positive attitude toward the idea of remaining part of the UK, due to the problematic economy, education, and healthcare in Scotland.

The economy

For

• PEE

Many voters would like to see Scotland as an independent country and argue it would flourish if it had full control over its own economy.

Currently, many tax-raising and borrowing powers are still controlled by the UK Parliament, so the Scottish Government argues that they could design an economy and tax system that is much fairer and stronger if it were an independent country.

They also point to the fact that Scotland currently has access to much of the UK’s natural resources, such as wind power and fresh water.

The 2022 government research paper has claimed that if Scotland was independent, it would, 'build a greener economy with lower energy prices and expand our onshore wind resources, which is worth over £22 billion to the Scottish economy.'

The economy

For

• Analysis

As a result, Scotland's government is convinced that Scotland's economy would be strengthened if Scotland gained independence, as it would also have access to many UK resources.

The economy

For

• Supporting PEE

Furthermore, if independent, Scotland could also apply to rejoin the EU. This would mean that Scotland would be part of the EU single market and customs union and avoid the financial pain the rest of the UK is going to suffer.

According to the SNP, Brexit will shrink Scotland’s economy by 6% over the next decade. This is literally billions of pounds being lost that could be spent tackling poverty, health or education inequality.

The economy

For

• Supporting Analysis

Re-joining the EU would also open up Scottish goods, services and trade to the EU market, with some of the richest countries in the world like Germany and France.

As a result of Scotland re-joining the EU, it would have a positive effect on Scotland's economy and would add to the budget to provide for health, education services, and tackling inequalities by trading with the EU market.

The economy

Against

• PEE

However, critics of independence have argued that Scotland is considerably better off as part of the UK and would face financial ruin if it chose to run it alone.

It has been calculated that Scotland spends far more money on public services than it actually raises in tax, and being part of the UK stops this from turning into an economic disaster.

For example, it is calculated the gap between income and expenditure is £23bn, and this would need to be fixed by making hard choices such as raising taxes or slashing popular but free services such as school meals and prescriptions.

The economy

Against

• Analysis

As a result, Scotland’s independence may lead itself to an economic crisis, due to a black financial hole left by excessive expenses on public services, which will be hard to cover. Moreover, raising taxes and getting rid of support services will be necessary. Meaning, staying as part of the UK for Scotland is the best option.

The economy

Against

• Supporting PEE

Furthermore, research from economic groups has also added to the arguments against independence.

It is claimed that Scotland’s economy would shrink by at least £11bn a year if it became independent, more than doubling the damaging impacts of Brexit.

Which is due to dealing with expensive issues such as setting up new trade and tax laws, as well as the cost of repaying debts and borrowing more.

The economy

Conclusion

Overall, in conclusion, if independent, Scotland might face significant financial challenges due to expenses spent on public services, and setting up new trade, tax laws, and debts repay, which are the damaging impacts of Brexit.