Salmond "We can take Scotland in two weeks"

[minestrone]

And if Scotland becomes like the Norway of those isles? High taxes, much wealth, amazing standard of living, it's going to put some pressure on those living in the south.

We are going to have to raise income tax by 10% just to keep the same standard of living.

[scooterscot]

Until 2008 Iceland usually ran at a surplus, they are running at a 1.7% deficit right now.

Scotland is running at 8.3% just now and that will go up as we lose business and oil revenue drops.

Scotland does not have as strong an economy as Iceland.

Did you make the crass assumption the public sector would remain the same size in a iScotland?

[centurian]

Truly frightening that they can get away with saying this over and over and that so many people believe it.

One of the oldest tricks in politics - keep repeating something enough - and no matter how bonkers it is, people believe it - especially if it is something they want to hear.

Tony Blair won the 2005 election because of it - "Labour investment vs Tory cuts"

The Tories weren't intending to do any cuts at all in 2005 - they were going to let spending increase - just not as much as Labour were.

Hence Labour claimed the Tory spending (increase) plans were a "cut" - and after they had said it enough times, most people believed the Tories manifesto meant a cut in spending.

[scooterscot]

Oh yes, that is a real vote winner!! Where do I sign up for high taxes and a pint of beer at £5+ ?

Yes, taxes need to be higher on those that can afford it. That might be confusing to someone living on a pittance.

[minestrone]

Did you make the crass assumption the public sector would remain the same size in a iScotland?

It will grow, of that I am certain.

[scooterscot]

We are going to have to raise income tax by 10% just to keep the same standard of living.

I imagine a drop in taxes to attract business. Imagine the pressure on those businesses across the border.

[scooterscot]

It will grow, of that I am certain.

Well then we're screwed if it does. Could thing we'll have a currency union. BoE can save the day with their Epson stylus 840.

[minestrone]

I imagine a drop in taxes to attract business. Imagine the pressure on those businesses across the border.

You can just go to Ireland where corporation tax in 12.5%

Scotland is going to get nothing out of having 3% lower CT

[centurian]

I imagine a drop in taxes to attract business. Imagine the pressure on those businesses across the border.

A terrible thing happened this morning. George Galloway was on TV and said something - and I actually f#&%$ agreed with him

He said that when Salmond dropped corp tax - his economic silver bullet - rUK would basically track them down - and however far Salmond went down - rUK would follow - they would have to - to prevent business leaking North.

Net result would be a race to the bottom - big business would love it - rUK and Scotland would both be worse off, but Scotland probably worse as rUK could probably absorb the hit in the short term - and Salmond's silver bullet will turn out to be a blank.

That's the problem with many of the SNP plans - they assume that rUK just simply sit back and take it on the chin.

To be fair, they are the only politicians that do that. Tax avoidance clampdowns never yield the amount of tax quoted, because they assume the tax avoiders don't try alternative strategies.

But even so, most of the SNP economic policy is about encouraging business to Scotland through lower taxation.

[shaunbhoy]

Yes, taxes need to be higher on those that can afford it. That might be confusing to someone living on a pittance.

Always assuming those on higher salaries do not take 100% of their skills south of the border of course.