Given that 70% of Scotland’s trade is with the UK, in what way has it been badly affected by Brexit?My view. The BREXIT vote demonstrated that people give little weight to economic arguments. It was very clear, and has been subsequently demonstrated that BREXIT will have significant harm on the economy, yet the majority still voted for it, and given the recent results most still believe the Tory spin machine.
So all of those who are saying the Scots would be bust, broke etc - well you didn’t listen to those arguments against BREXIT, so would the Scots listen to the same arguments.
I have no doubt that Scotland could be a perfectly viable little country if it was on its own. For one thing there would be much less of a brain and talent drain Southwards. Some of the best, Ruth Davidson, Rory Stewart etc and worst, Michael Gove of Scotland’s politicians aren’t in Scotland, instead prefer Westminster - their talent would be in Scotland.
As for getting back in the EU - it would take its time, but its already clear that being part the Customs Union and free trade area would not really be an issue. Besides Northern Ireland is already there.
UK has a lot of challenges going forward, lack of investment for one. And comparing notes with colleagues in Amsterdam we are well left behind - thats my view based on day to day conversations with those involved in the next generation of technologies. UK was the leader in Europe, it really is not any longer. And Gunboat politics really doesn’t help.
Scotland is still just pro-union - I think, but it’s very much not in favour of Westminster and the direction of travel of the Westminster government. I think the union is really in the gift of Westminster. At the moment we are not seeing any benefits of BREXIT, nor any sign of sunlit uplands. Scotland has been badly affected by BREXIT. If Westminster can re establish the fantastic trading and international relationships it promised and the Scots could benefit then perhaps the views will swing pro-union, but on its current course - no chance.
Would the SNP remain in power post independence. One would like to think not. But who knows.
The 30% that goes to Europe - fishing, agriculture, whisky, all financial services - a lot of Edinburghs financial distract was the back office for major European operations - those are all now in Amsterdam.Given that 70% of Scotland’s trade is with the UK, in what way has it been badly affected by Brexit?
.....the land of milk & honey.View attachment 205191
It might come as a surprise that people like you fuel the fire in some Scots hearts.Let them have their bloody vote with the caveats that from day x the money tap gets turned off if you vote leave. Oh and btw people born in Scotland will now need visa to work in the UK and have the right number of points same as anyone else. The next to immediate brain drain will have Scotland on its knees in no time and they will be so desperate for cash we might get some cut price stalking and fishing out of it.
Oh and rebuild Hadrian’s wall just as a point of principle.
Do you not think many of those businesses would have been prone towards relocation to mainland Europe if the prospect of Scottish Independence became more of a reality ?The 30% that goes to Europe - fishing, agriculture, whisky, all financial services - a lot of Edinburghs financial distract was the back office for major European operations - those are all now in Amsterdam.
And all the tech and life science companies are setting up European operations as that is where all their major markets, investment and talent can be found.
All the latter effects are not captured in the numbers - but are real lost opportunities.
It might come as a surprise that people like you fuel the fire in some Scots hearts.
Catch 22, if there wasn't so much bile spewed out by the SNP on behalf of the Scots (even those of us who are happy to remain in the Union), then the English would not tire of it and be driven to such feelings on the matter.It might come as a surprise that people like you fuel the fire in some Scots hearts.