HC 504 - The Implications of Scottish Independence on Business; Higher Education and Research; and Postal Services
HC 504 - The Implications of Scottish Independence on Business; Higher Education and Research; and Postal Services

Author: Great Britain: Parliament: House of Commons: Business, Innovation and Skills Committee

Publisher: The Stationery Office

Published: 2014-08-08

Total Pages: 116

ISBN-13: 0215075781

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A 'Yes' vote for independence will break up the UK single market and in the short-term could leave Scottish businesses uncertain of their position in Europe, says the Business, Innovation and Skills Committee in this report. A protracted Scottish negotiation over EU membership, and the uncertain investment environment arising from a 'Yes' vote, will have a damaging impact on businesses in Scotland, as well as other parts of the UK. The Committee raises serious concerns that a 'Yes' vote may also leave Scotland facing a currency 'limbo' and in the short term unable to join a sterling currency union and without the prospect of adopting the Euro. Also, the Scottish Government's stated intention to renationalise the Royal Mail upon achieving independence is an un-costed aspiration, bereft of any detail of how it is to be paid for or how it would be done. The Committee also fears for the future of the Universal Postal Obligation in an independent Scotland with its continued survival likely to be secured only at significant additional cost. On higher education, the Committee explored the topics of student fees and UK research collaboration. The central plank of the Scottish Government's HE policy, to charge tuition fees to students from other parts of the UK, was likely to be illegal under EU law. The Committee also expressed concerns this policy would result in Scottish universities facing a financial shortfall, given the significant income currently received for non-domiciled UK students.

Scotland Analysis
Scotland Analysis

Author: Great Britain: Scotland Office

Publisher: The Stationery Office

Published: 2013-02-11

Total Pages: 114

ISBN-13: 9780101855426

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The UK Government is undertaking a major cross-government programme of analysis prior to the referendum on Scottish independence in 2014. The aim is to provide a comprehensive and detailed analysis of Scotland's place in the UK. This paper, the first of a series to be published in 2013 and 2014, examines the UK's constitutional set-up and the legal implications of independence. The UK Government is convinced that the current devolution offers the best for Scotland: the Scottish Parliament and Government are empowered to take decisions on a range of domestic policy areas - such as health, education, policing - while Scotland continues to benefit from decisions made for the UK as a whole - defence and security, foreign representation, economic affairs. Independence is very different to devolution. Based on independent expert opinion (published as Annex A), the paper concludes that if there were to be a vote in favour of leaving the UK, Scotland would become an entirely new state whilst the remainder of the UK would continue as before, retaining the rights and obligations of the UK as it currently stands. Any separation would have to be negotiated between both governments. Legal and practical implications of independence, both at home and abroad, are addressed. An independent Scotland would have to apply to and/or negotiate to become a member of whichever international organisations it wished to join, including the EU and NATO. Scotland would also have to work through its positions on thousands of international treaties to which the UK is currently party.

Nation to Nation
Nation to Nation

Author: Stephen Gethins

Publisher: Luath Press Ltd

Published: 2021-03-17

Total Pages: 275

ISBN-13: 1910022519

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Scotland has a distinctive place in the world. Nation to Nation explores how this unique relationship with the rest of the world has developed over the years and how it manifests itself today. In this book Stephen Gethins combines his knowledge from years of work in the field - from the conflict zones of the former Soviet Union to the corridors of power in Westminster and Brussels - with insights from political, cultural and academic figures who have been at the heart of foreign policy in Scotland, the UK, Europe and North America. Gethins looks at Scotland's foreign policy to better inform the debate about our country's future and its relationships with its neighbours near and far.

Scotland's Choices
Scotland's Choices

Author: Iain McLean

Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

Published: 2014-05-30

Total Pages: 240

ISBN-13: 0748696393

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Scotland faces its biggest choice since the 1707 union that made the United Kingdom - should Scotland be an independent country? The Yes and No campaigns are well under way but with the vote looming closer the information available to the public is still limited. What will happen after the referendum? What are the international implications? What about the UK's nuclear deterrant, currently housed in Scotland? What happens if the vote is 'No'? Is it even clear what independence will mean? What about the oil? What will the currency be? What will happen to the Old Age Pension pot if the UK splits? Scotland's Choices, now fully revised for the critical last few months before the referendum, does just that. Written by one former civil servant, one academic and one think-tanker - one a resident Scot, one a Scot living in England and one an Englishman - the authors clearly explain the issues you may not have considered and detail how each of the options would be put into place after the referendum.

Scottish Independence
Scottish Independence

Author: Jo E. Murkens

Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

Published: 2019-08-06

Total Pages: 337

ISBN-13: 1474471196

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Independence is ever-present on the Scottish political agenda. This book is the first serious study of the likely road to independence, and the consequences for the Scottish people and the Scottish economy.

Scottish Independence
Scottish Independence

Author: Gavin McCrone

Publisher: Birlinn Publishers

Published: 2013

Total Pages: 160

ISBN-13: 9781780271590

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In autumn 2014 those living in Scotland will face the most important political decision of a lifetime. Whether Scotland becomes an independent state once again, as it was before 1707, or remains within the United Kingdom will have profound consequences for everyone in Britain. There are many issues involved in this important choice, but a key part of the debate centres around the question of whether Scotland would prosper more or less after independence. How well off are we? Would we have a faster or slower growing economy if we were independent? What currency would we use - the pound, the euro or a new currency of our own? What should our energy policy be? There are those who would like to see a more egalitarian society, like Scandinavia, with a reduction in poverty and deprivation; would we be likely to achieve that? Would we continue to be in the European Union but with Scotland becoming a member in its own right? Is that right for Scotland and what problems might that involve? In this impartial, clearly expressed and thought-provoking book, economist Gavin McCrone addresses these, and many other, questions which are of vital importance in the run up to the referendum.

Why Scotland Should Become An Independent Country
Why Scotland Should Become An Independent Country

Author: James Hosie

Publisher: Independently Published

Published: 2023-11-24

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13:

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Embark on a thought-provoking exploration of the multifaceted case for Scottish independence. This comprehensive journey unfolds across diverse realms, delving into the potential impact on self-governance, cultural identity, and economic control. Discover how an independent Scotland could shape its destiny in resource management, social policies, and international relations. From language preservation to strategic considerations in tourism, transportation, and digital infrastructure, this narrative paints a vivid picture of a nation crafting its path. Engage with the vision of a Scotland committed to social equality, strengthened local governance, and a prominent role in global cultural diplomacy. This exploration is a compelling guide, meticulously weaving together the myriad reasons, possibilities, and aspirations that underpin the call for Scottish independence. Whether you are a passionate advocate or a curious observer, delve into the rich complexities of the debate and contemplate the future of this nation.