Seeing through fantasy figures
First it was delayed, then it was trailed, previewed and hyped, until finally we had publication of the SNP’s Growth Commission report on the economics of an independent Scotland.
It can’t really be what the SNP hoped for as it reveals the inescapable truths of independence, which perhaps explains why we are now seeing increasing divisions in the SNP and amongst the Yes movement.
The currency of an independent Scotland is still a difficult argument for the SNP to win, with the report arguing that we would keep the pound for at least a decade.
Of course, during this time, we would have no control over interest rates or be able to influence the value of the pound, with our economy having to accept the monetary policy of the Bank of England. Meanwhile, during this time, the report argues we would have an annual deficit of six per cent and the focus would be on halving the deficit.
So, austerity measures or higher taxes, possible both, are on the agenda of an independent Scotland. At least this time, the SNP are being more honest, and admitting that the rosetinted economics of the first independence debate do not stand up to scrutiny.
If, as they claim, the SNP is serious about fixing Scotland’s economy and want to have a mature debate over how to do so, then they must start by providing stability and engaging with other parties. They can do this by simply taking the prospect of another referendum off the table. Until then, their fantasy economics will not help families struggling across the country.
Introducing a more focused economic strategy, increasing support to get unemployed people into work, supporting businesses to increase their exports, can all by achieved right now by Holyroodwithout the increased austerity as a consequence of independence. A reality which the SNP can now not get away from.
Whilst the SNP are arguing amongst themselves about the currency and scale of cuts that would face an independent Scotland, Scottish Labour are continuing to stand up for voters in communities across Scotland.
If there is one thing that can rival the Growth Commission delays, it is the delays facing passengers daily as they use ScotRail to travel around Scotland.
From delays to cancellations, station skipping to lack of carriages and inflated prices that see Scots on average spend 17% of their salary on fares, complaints about ScotRail is an issue that has regularly filled my inbox since I was first elected.
That is why earlier this year I went to ScotRail’s headquarters in Glasgow to quiz them live on Facebook about their services. I encouraged constituents to write in with their concerns and questions in advance, and during the live chat, and put them directly to ScotRail’s chief operating officer and to their head of integrated control.
I was clear during that chat that more had to be done to improve the services facing commuters. As someone who regularly uses the train to get from my where I live in the region to Parliament, I know first-hand the issues commuters face.
That is why Scottish Labour is campaigning for a rail service in Scotland that meets the needs of commuters, not shareholders, and why we are fighting to ensure that the ScotRail franchise is brought back into public ownership so we can invest in an asset to everyone’s benefit.