THE GERS figures do not provide a conclusive projection of the prospects for future public finances were Scotland to become independent. As Fraser of Allander notes, GERS reflects “if an independent Scotland would bring about structural changes to the economy and society, the figures in GERS say little about the long-term finances of an independent Scotland.”
Were Scotland to become independent, its approach to public finances would change to accommodate a new set of powers and economic levers.
GERS generates tedious political point-scoring, with threats of austerity in an independent Scotland. First, if the last decade in the UK has taught us anything, it is that austerity is a political choice and that alternatives exist.
READ MORE: Former Unionist dog food seller clashes with Andrew Wilson over GERS figures
Second, the narrow nature of this debate squeezes the space for generating fresh ideas around the future of Scotland’s economy. How could Scotland steward key sectors to allow a sustainable economy to flourish? How could Scotland’s tax system operate to redistribute wealth and alleviate climate breakdown? How could the labour market be restructured to work for people and communities?
These are the questions we should be focusing on.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
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