Independence referendum: Top economists spell out 13 ways a Yes vote will hit us in the pocket

Daily Record ^ | 15th September 2014 | Torcuil Crichton

[the scotsman]

THIRTEEN experts have written a joint letter to the Daily Record explaining exactly why they fear Scotland will not be richer or fairer after a vote for independence.

'A BAKER’S dozen of top economists have listed 13 reasons why the people of Scotland will be worse off if there is a Yes vote.

Academics from universities across the country joined forces to spell out why they believe independence would be a “big mistake”.

The 13 experts include the heads of economics at Edinburgh and Glasgow universities.

They warn a Yes vote would require more austerity and harsher cuts than those planned by the Westminster government – a threat that would see the poor bear the brunt.

In a joint letter issued to the Daily Record, the economists say: “Our main contention is that Scotland is unlikely to be richer and fairer if there is a Yes vote in the referendum.

“The irony is that within the Union, Scotland has a higher level of income per person than the UK.”

The academics add: “When we add up these 13 reasons not to vote for independence, we are extremely concerned that to do otherwise would be to gamble with the economic prospects of the present generation.

“As experienced and respected economists, we would urge you to vote No on September 18.” '

[ConservativeMind]

And here is some reasoning and hope for the split to likely help Scotland, in the end.

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/3204063/posts

I will also help England get on its own feet. These two “semi-countries” are holding each other down.

[Gay State Conservative]

Is it my imagination or Alex Salmon one of he filthiest.most loathsome creatures to have even drawn breath?

I can ask this because I'm part Scot (two generations back).

[RightOnTheBorder]

Perhaps I don’t have a good grasp on the issues but it seems to me that both sides claim to legitimacy is that they will provide more government “benefits.” Basically it appears that both sides are argueing who will redistribute more wealth. Neither position seems like a recipe for success.

[MadMitch]

Who is Alex Salmon? Alex Salmond the SNP leader is a positive genius compared to the the fud in the White House.

[armydawg505]

I have a strong Scottish heritage that I am very proud of. However, my family left Scotland in the 1700s and I am 100% American. With that, I would vote NO to independence. They can’t imagine the fiscal and foreign problems they will have if this happens. Not to mention a hard core leftist government, even more so than in London. Vote NO.

[Organic Panic]

Women and minorities hardest hit.

[tumblindice]

Acchh, won’t anyone think of the wee bairns?

[ConservativeMind]

I can’t agree more.

We’ve had six years of someone actively trying to tear down our country.

Alex at least isn’t trying to hurt Scotland.

[Apogee]

A point was made a few weeks ago on the John Batchelor show (I believe it was) that Great Britain would have to get rid of its nuclear capabilities if the break was successful.
Considering the influx of radical Muslims (/reduntancy) into the Kingdom, a little reflection makes me think that removing them would be a good thing.
No need to have an Islamic State which inherits a decent nuclear force.
Of course, the talk now is to move them to a country which has its own problems with Muslims in the highest places...

[SunkenCiv]

> They warn a Yes vote would require more austerity and harsher cuts than those planned by the Westminster government — a threat that would see the poor bear the brunt... “The irony is that within the Union, Scotland has a higher level of income per person than the UK.”

Occupy! Occupy! /s

Thanks the scotsman.