David Bell
Letter to indy Scotland’s first finance minister
“And even though, with Scotland as an independent country, your policy options would be much greater, you have to be constantly aware of the trade-offs involved and the limitations on your power to influence the…
Scottish food, US-UK trade and GM
‘GM will provide another test of intergovernmental relations within the UK. A key challenge will be how far the UK government is prepared to defend Scotland’s commercial interests through its ban on GM in the…
Impact of Brexit “no deal” on Scotland
‘ It is difficult to escape the conclusion that the effects of a chaotic Brexit would be much worse for poorer Scots, who spend more of their income on goods that will attract higher tariffs…
Indy Scotland can’t bet on low bond yields
“Caution might suggest this would be a risky strategy given that we have no idea how long these ‘abnormal’ conditions will persist. Some supporters of independence will no doubt believe that it is a risk…
Brexit odds: #indyref1 precedent poor
The 2014 independence referendum in Scotland proves a useful guide to how the bookies’ odds on #Brexit have changed – and may go on changing. Remain and Leave may be neck-and-neck in the polls but…
Scotland’s economy in the EU
Scottish voters will supposedly deliver a resounding vote for Remain in the June 23 referendum on UK membership of the EU. Yet, a leading economist reveals, the country’s economy is not as positively integrated in…
Delaying the fiscal crunch
The Scottish Government emerged from the tortuous talks with the Treasury on the fiscal framework with a relatively generous settlement. But it is one that kicks the can down the road towards renewed acrimony in…
Osbo’s traps for Sturgeon and Swinney
The Chancellor’s humiliating u-turn over tax credits and his shadow’s gaffe over Mao grabbed the headlines but the autumn statement had plenty of stings in the tail for the Scottish Government, report two prominent Stirling…
SNP fiscal plans could unite the UK – against Scotland
The publication of the SNP’s 2015 general election manifesto marked a huge change for the party. This manifesto – unlike its predecessors – sets its sights beyond the Scottish border. It seeks to promote “positive…
Smith Commission welfare powers don’t imply more spending
Great play was made of the devolution of aspects of UK welfare provision to the Scottish Parliament as part of the Smith process. However this may not be as simple or as significant as its…