‘Bold and ambitious report with a modest goal’

Blair Jenkins

This is a bold and ambitious report in many respects, but I think one of its key objectives is a relatively modest one – simply to encourage people to approach the independence debate with fresh eyes and an open mind.

Much of the document focuses on one of the strongest economic arguments in favour of Scottish independence – small countries perform better than larger ones.

The keys to economic success are seen to lie in growing the 3 “Ps” – productivity, population and participation. Of these, the strongest focus is on population growth and the importance of migration to Scotland.

There is a very welcome demonstration of the benefits Scotland already enjoys from the economic activity of residents who were born overseas. The Polish-born community alone is a net contributor of around £250 million per year.

The report also correctly highlights the importance of tone and message in encouraging and welcoming the best overseas talent to Scotland. In doing so, the Growth Commission reminds us all of the important point that (as in 2014) the debate about Scottish independence is not really one about national identity, but is much more about what sort of country and society we wish to be.

A lot of attention will focus on the Commission’s currency recommendation that Scotland should continue to use the pound for a transitional period after independence.

The independence vision here is one of a fairer, more tolerant country, achieving economic prosperity but also so much more besides.

In producing this positive and realistic contribution to the debate, Andrew Wilson and his colleagues have done a great service, not just to the Yes movement but to the country as a whole.