THE prize for this week’s least surprising news story goes to the reaction to the publication of the annual GERS report. Every year the figures…
GERS figures don't show the reality of an independent Scotland -but we still have to make the economic case, writes Richard Walker
The trouble is that all these arguments are so well rehearsed that it’s impossible to imagine them convincing anyone to change their minds on the constitutional issue.Those bitterly opposed to independence will continue to rant about the dangers posed by a so-called “deficit”. Those who want to end the Union will continue to make the case that GERS tells us nothing useful about how an independent Scotland’swould perform.
This year’s GERS report is actually less gloomy than previous years, and almost giddy with happiness compared to last year’s dark picture. In 2022-23, Scotland’s “fiscal balance” fell from 12.8% of GDP the previous year to 9%. That was hugely better than the 23.4% recorded at the height of the pandemic in 2020-21.So, good news, right? Well, that depends on who is reporting it.
He added: “An independent Scotland would have the powers to make different choices, with different budgetary results, to best serve Scotland’s interests’’. The Scottish Government can insist it relies on on estimates which are based on … well, guesswork, really. Then the Fraser of Allander Institute admits to some reliance on estimates in GERS but adds that is commonplace in economics and no reason to “dismiss the figures as ‘made up’”.The truth is that the GERS figures in their current form can ONLY provide ammunition for those opposed to independence.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Richard Murphy: GERS shows us what a mess Westminster makes in ScotlandGERSday turns up every August, like the proverbial bad penny. Unionists will, no doubt, and as ever, come out with all their usual nonsense about…
Read more »
Kate Forbes calls out 'mistruths' from pro-UK think tank boss in GERS rowFORMER finance secretary Kate Forbes has torn into “ridiculous mistruths” from the chief executive of a pro-Union think tank ...
Read more »
Craig Dalzell: The hidden story in GERS is a positive one for ScotlandIF I could name three people who have been prominently influential in the public discussion around GERS it’d be statistical stalwarts Jim and…
Read more »
'My boyfriend gets me pregnant every single year so I never have a period'She hopes to have between eight or 10 kids with her partner.
Read more »
'My boyfriend gets me pregnant every single year so I never have a period'She hopes to have between eight or 10 kids with her partner.
Read more »
Every General Election should be a de facto referendum, says Pete WishartPETE Wishart has insisted the SNP must make every General Election going forward a de facto independence referendum until the UK Government engages…
Read more »