Independent Scotland

[centurian]

What we'll also have is a cash surplus that 'may' allow us to reduce Corp tax when compared to somewhere like, oh I don't know, England?

This is basically the SNP's master plan, but I wonder whether it would actually work because it makes one key assumption - that the UK would sit back and not react. If the rest of the UK drops corp tax as well, there will be no exodus.

This will basically become a price war for corp tax (which is happening to a lesser extent globally anyway).

Both countries will be worse off - and only big business will benefit. As cutting the tax without any benefit will mean more cuts to public services (while handing the money to big business), I wonder which government would have the political capability to do it. I get the impression that Scotland is more left wing than England - I don't think handing more money to big business will go down that well, regardless of how much it seems like a good idea now.

[Waldorf]

If Scotland does vote for independence (which I hope they do), whilst they can keep their oil and whisky, will they also take the debt associated with bailing out their Scottish banks?

Sorry to hear that Cameron will campaign against independence, although from what I hear, this will play into the SNP's hand, as Cameron is probably not too popular north of the border.

Salmond is probably betting on the cuts in public spending will hit Scotland and he will play it as an English government not elected by the Scots dictating what happens in Scotland. In 3-4 years he will be hoping that the support for going it alone will be that much greater.

I agree that a separate Scotland will take away loads of labour MP's so bring it on.

[gingerjedi]

Unlike the English, the Scottish have enough balls to vote for a patriotic nationalist party.

Where's the ENP then?

[gingerjedi]

If the Scott's realised that most English would love nothing more than an independent Scotland then maybe they wouldn't be so keen on the idea.

Are Scott's genuinely proud of this:



£414M for a something that looks like a shanty town themed Ibis hotel, I'd be worried about where my tax was going to be spent if this is the shape of things to come.

[scooterscot]

will they also take the debt associated with bailing out their Scottish banks?

If we did we'd end up owning half of your tulip wimpy homes the cost of which would be offset by an increase in energy supplies south of the border.

The bank did not force you to borrow you know, you got greedy.

[scooterscot]

I think they're more proud of this at the moment. when they spoke with one voice. Whatever you're views, an amazing result.

[Moscow Mule]

Which means England would lose your IBMs, your HPs, your Dells, etc.

Not until Scotland has a world class air hub.

On another point, how are Scotland going to afford the £20B Trident upgrade?

[scooterscot]

On another point, how are Scotland going to afford the £20B Trident upgrade?

Since when did a population of 5 million need a nuclear deterrent

The deterrent is needed for our warmongering neighbours. Period.

Some harsh words and a glasgow kiss is about all we need in our defence budget.

[scooterscot]

Not until Scotland has a world class air hub.

I hope you're not suggesting heathrow is a world class air hub. That's taking the liberty. There's wire hanging out of the ceiling and all sorts. Only the holideck has me respect for a restbite, even then it's a tiresome affair.

There's daily flights to the US from Edinburgh and most of Europe, it's small, easy to get too, I can be on a flight 45 minutes after arriving at the airport.

[Moscow Mule]

Since when did a population of 5 million need a nuclear deterrent

The deterrent is needed for our warmongering neighbours. Period.

Indeed. That will be £2B for the Faslane decommissioning then please!

Some harsh words and a glasgow kiss is about all we need in our defence budget.

That will be all the Norwegians nicking your fish then.