Greece shows the importance of Scotland issuing its own currency
The experience of Greece provides an another example of the importance of Scotland issuing its own currency One of the scare stories we hear about Scottish independence is that Greece's economic and social troubles in the early 2010s should be taken as warning for an independent Scotland. The truth is that Greece's story strongly points us in one direction, away from using Sterling and taking advantage of the significant control offered by issuing your own currency. An institutional approach It is exceptionally important that we learn the right lessons as we plan for Scotland to become independent again. It is [...]
Scotland’s Fight Against UK Fiscal Austerity
The Scottish Government call it 'Social Security'. It is 'Welfare' in Westminster. Clear Blue Water: Scotland's Fight Against UK Fiscal Austerity It’s rare indeed to be able to match the words of a politician with their actions. The proposed 2025/26 Scottish budget listed eradicating child poverty as one of its four priorities. In a budget speech earlier this month, John Swinney went further, “Eradicating child poverty is my top priority because I do not wish to condemn any young Scot to a life of disadvantage simply because of where they were born.” Turning words into action, the Scottish Government will [...]
Austerity in the UK – A Policy Framework
Austerity in the UK - A Policy Framework. Suppose you want to understand the stickiness of austerity policies in the UK. In that case, you must take an institutional approach to the policy framework at the heart of UK policymaking. This post will explain why austerity is baked into the UK. Austerity seems to be the end destination regardless of which party takes office. This post is in part a call for commentators and politicians who consider themselves part of the ‘anti-austerity alliance’ to take some time to properly understand the scope of austerity in the UK and then start [...]