Scotland has much to learn from countries cited in Growth Commission report
When trying to improve, it seems natural to seek to learn from those who already have the desired skills or characteristics. That is what the SNP’S Growth Commission sets out to do – to learn lessons from countries which are similar in size yet tend to be healthier, wealthier and happier than Scotland.
So what I find striking is not the SNP’S desire to learn from countries with similarities to us, but the response from the Tories. Their deputy leader, Jackson Carlaw, said: “The SNP can pluck out any number of fanciful examples, but it won’t change the fact Scotland is far more prosperous and secure as part of the UK.”
This is surely a bizarre response. Mr Carlaw doesn’t appear to challenge the proposition that these 12 countries, many of which are close neighbours, are better off in many ways than us, but simply refuses to engage in any debate about why that might be. And despite the UK lagging behind these smaller, independent nations on most measures of economic and social success, it is, according to Mr Carlaw, simply a “fact” that Scotland is better off in the Union.
Having spent time in ten of the 12 countries involved, it seems obvious to me that we do indeed have much to learn from their approaches, and from their ability as small independent countries to tailor their policies to their own needs and priorities. Mr Carlaw reminds me of the person who sits stubbornly in the corner and tries to teach him or herself a new skill, rather than watching how others do it.
C HEGARTY
Glenorchy Road, North Berwick
If the growth commission report does not include a “what if?” scenario then it’s a waste of time.
Any serious business plan includes possible downsides. If we had a “What if oil drops to $40?” in the 2014 white paper we could have cancellled the referendum.
LEWIS FINNIE
Larkfield Gardens, Edinburgh
Even in stable times economic forecasts of a few years ahead tend to “gang aft agley”. How, then, does the non-achieving SNP expect us to believe that they can forecast 25 years ahead during what would certainly prove to be some of the most chaotic and unpredictable of times?
It is unlikely that I will be around in 25 years but I do have great concerns for the generations to come.
KEN CURRIE
Liberton Drive, Edinburgh