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Glenrothes by-election: Cameron defends Union on visit to Fife



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Published Date: 23 October 2008
By DAVID GUNN
CONSERVATIVE leader David Cameron admitted today that Scotland could "stand alone" – but pledged to fight for the survival of the Union.
He vowed to challenge any argument for independence during a by-election campaign visit to Glenrothes in Fife.

Mr Cameron accepted the Conservatives had little chance of winning the Westminster seat in a hotly-contested race between Labour and the SNP but pinned hopes on securing Unionist votes.

He said: "Of course it is possible that Scotland can stand alone – that is true.

"I just think it would be better off in the United Kingdom. Better off for all of us.

"I don't think we'd ever succeed in saving the Union by frightening Scots to say you couldn't possibly make it on your own.

"That's not the way I approach it. The Union to me is about generosity – we're stronger together because we share so much together.

"I think we'll win it. We'll win the case for the Union through taking a generous attitude rather than a small-minded one."

He also vowed to work with the First Minister of Scotland if the Tories win power at Westminster.

Mr Cameron said: "The very first thing I'd do would be to get straight to whoever the First Minister of Scotland is and say 'I want to keep the Union together'.

"I will work with anyone in the Scottish Parliament and administration who wants to further the benefits and conditions for the people of Scotland."

Mr Cameron visited the Fife town with Tory candidate Maurice Golden and Scottish Tory leader Annabel Goldie.

The Glenrothes seat was made vacant by the death of John MacDougall, a Labour MP who won a majority of more than 10,600 at the last election.

The Tory leader used his visit to meet local business representatives.
Mr Cameron said there was a range of concerns, including over-regulation and taxation, as well as "anxiety" as the economy slows down in Britain.

He said: "We've got to keep burdens down on business, we've got to recognise that small and medium enterprises are the lifeblood of the economy."

Tory plans include delaying VAT bills by six months and cutting national insurance for companies with fewer than five employees.

Asked if his wife would campaign in the town, as Gordon Brown's wife did yesterday, Mr Cameron said: "Don't hold your breath."

Labour today brought Work and Pensions Secretary James Purnell to its Glenrothes campaign.

He said: "David Cameron's visit to Scotland today just highlights the stark difference between Labour and the Tories.

"The Tory government abandoned pensioners in the last economic downturn and was happy to use unemployment as an economic tool.

"We are helping pensioners, and helping people get back to work."

Mr Purnell highlighted the looming rise in the winter fuel allowance to £250 for pensioner households.

"Labour introduced the winter fuel payment in winter 1997 to make sure people like the pensioners I met today can stay warm in the winter," he said.

"The £50 extra this winter will help cover the increased costs of fuel.

"It's vital that we help pensioners this winter, and that's why Labour's decision to give free insulation to all pensioners aged over 65 is so important."

SNP candidate Peter Grant highlighted free bus travel for the elderly and called on Westminster to bring in a fuel duty regulator to stabilise petrol prices.

"More and more people are using the bus as an alternative to paying high petrol prices," he said.

"While the SNP is expanding free travel services, Labour are looking to increase taxes on those who have to drive.

"Instead of helping ease the burden of bills as the SNP is doing, Labour look set to pile the pressure onto Fife families."

Mr Grant went on: "The SNP is the only party that has put forward serious proposals to bring fuel taxes under control with a fuel duty regulator – a policy all other parties failed to support.

"In Glasgow East the prospect of an SNP win brought a freeze on fuel duty.

"In Glenrothes an SNP victory will help keep fuel duty down."

The Liberal Democrat campaign took former party leader Charles Kennedy to a bagpipe manufacturer, JT Shepherd and Son, in Cardenden.

"The SNP are full of hot air and Labour have run out of puff," said candidate Harry Wills.

Mr Kennedy said: "I'm very pleased to be joining Harry today, with just two weeks left until the people of Glenrothes choose their new MP.

"It is increasingly clear they face a choice between an MP, in Harry, who will fight for Fife, and an MP who is more concerned with the petty squabbling of Labour and the SNP."

The full article contains 791 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
Page 1 of 1

 
1

Calum10,

23/10/2008 15:24:42
"CONSERVATIVE leader David Cameron admitted today that Scotland could "stand alone""

That is a HUGE admission by the Tories.

2

First Minister,

Markinch 23/10/2008 15:25:11
"I just think it would be better off in the United Kingdom. Better off for all of us.
Aye, we know that, Scotland sent £18 Billion more the The Treasury than we receieved back during the Tory Years, as was proven in a Parliamentry Answer.
£250 Thousand Million is what Scottish Oil has given to the Treasury since it was discovered. Where is the union Dividend? Do we have a fully integrated Modern Transport System? The Highest State Pension In Europe?, OAP's looked after? Sport Centre's in every Town? Motorway System? Excellent Health Stats? Good Wages? Fabulous Council Housing?
No, we have none of the above, where is the union Dividend?
3

Happy Hibee,

23/10/2008 15:35:52
We would be just like Iceland !!!

Get you head out of the sand!
4

The Master,

23/10/2008 15:37:37
Dear Dave

I know that, as a former PR man, you instinctively know that it's a mistake to be seen to frightening people about the dangers of Salmond's separation policy, but the problem is that its consequences would be just that: frightening.

Supernat's assertion that a separatist Scotland would get by on North Sea oil reserves is nothing short of as silly, given the volatility of oil prices. And, as for his ploy to set up a Norwegian-style oil fund, that particular duck's been shot by the Norwegians themselves, who say that Scotland couldn't afford it.

So, Dave, how on earth is it possible to explain the pure folly of the separation policy without being frightening? Its very essence is frightening, for crying out loud! Above all, it's frightening for anyone who cares about vital public services in Scotland and the future of generations to come. Tell me again how this isn't frightening, Dave.

Yours The Master

PS I can assure you that, while I sometimes post as "The Dark Side", I am not a front for the Prince of Darkness himself who, coincidentally, is also known to senior Tories, such as your good self, as "the Master".
5

mike3,

Midlands 23/10/2008 15:42:54
#2 Scotland has been governed locally by locally elected Scots Labour for many years. Westminster doesn't control everything that goes on. There can be change locally without bringing the house down.
6

The Federalist (the poster formerly know as NAUON),

23/10/2008 15:44:09
#1 & #2 The key word here is "COULD" - much depends on who would be in power in a post-independence Scotland and the policies they would implement.

Given that this would likely to be the SNP then it is their policies that should be assessed when examining a possible post-independence Scotland. As it stands I honestly believe that the SNP's prsent economic policies are best vague/wooly and at worst disingenious and dishonest. They avoid all the tough policy decisions. That is not a criticism of independence - but a criticism of SNP economic policy.

I have long held the view that with the correct economic policies an independent Scotland would (not could) be a successful entity. My objections to independence are much more in the social and political arena.

I am no fan of independence, but if we were to go that route I sure as hell want it worked out beforehand - not try and find a path in a fog of uncertainty. If the SNP are serious about winning independence they have got an awful lot of convincing to shift the sceptics/agnostics in the electorate.
7

Cpt Incredible,

Edinburgh 23/10/2008 15:46:28
#3 and #4 Try reading some facts instead of Labour propoganda.
The facts are that Scotland would be either the richest country in Europe or second richest after Norway.It has all been stated in the McCrone report,as well as various other independant assesments of Scotlands economic viability.
People like you that are frightenedof your own shadow need to read a bit more.
8

ExpatBackinScotland,

Carnoustie 23/10/2008 15:47:44
Finally, a Unionist politician has admitted and said what we all know before SCOTLAND IS CAPABLE OF GOING IT ALONE.

Now, examine the next sentence

"But I think it would be better for them to be in the Union, BETTER FOR ALL OF US!!!"

Yes thats right, the BEST reason he came up with for us being in the union is that ENGLAND WALES AND N.IRELAND would be BETTER OFF".

He candidly admits that the truth is scotland can run her own affairs.
Cheers for that, Dave.

AN independent Scotland would not be "frightening". We would not wake up the next day and be Zimbabwe.

The OIL plan is to make use of it TEMPORARILY whiile its still there and NOT base all economic plans on it. Thats not what the plan is.

As for the oil fund, well of course we cant do it, partly because the government have saved £0.00 of the revenue.

We would end up with a token fund that wouldnt be as effective as Norways.

However, it would be a start. And there are plenty of independent nations that DONT have ANY oil.

So stick you doomsday scenario where the sun dont shine.

We CAN we SHOULD and we WILL be a Soverign Nation again.
9

Calum10,

23/10/2008 15:57:12
Unionists arguing with Unionists on whether Scotland can "stand alone."

Now that is something you don't see every day.

The Unionist ploy of frightening Scots to stay in the Union has been blown out of the water by David Cameron.



10

Alan B,

23/10/2008 16:19:09
Atleast Cameron does not insult scotland in the same way Brown does.

But questions to Cameron:

1)Why has the union failed Scotland so badly over the last 30/40yrs and how would you rectify that situation?

2)What specific policies would you implement to address Scotlands poor economic performance?

3)Economically the euro would be far better than sterling for the scottish economy due to interest rates being set to control inflation in the high growing south. How can you reconsile your anti euro stance with what is good for scotland?

4)Would you seriously address the north south economic divide? how?
11

kipstrange,

Shotts 23/10/2008 16:21:01
David Cameron is the first English politician to tell the truth about Scotland.As much as i hate unionists thanks for that Dave. At least he is being honest and can smell the revolution.The fact is that Zanu Labour are scared, very scared.They know that if we win a referendum on independence and vote yes they are history for ever. Why not be independent? The Scots are fed up being a colony.Go for it.I'm sure we can work something out with our English neighbours.
12

Pocket Dictionary,

23/10/2008 16:37:13
According to some residents, the Big Hitters are not door knocking in the socially deprived Macedonia estate in Glenrothes.
13

Calvinist,

23/10/2008 16:45:05
SNP candidate Peter Grant highlighted free bus travel for the elderly and called on Westminster to bring in a fuel duty regulator to stabilise petrol prices.

Ummm..... petrol prices are going down. Does he want to raise them?

# 10 I agree with you on this one, but the person who insults the intelligence of the Scottish people more than all others is a man called Alexander Elliot Anderson Salmond.
14

1stEdinburgh,

Scotland 23/10/2008 16:50:42
Cameron should be applauded for his comments. I hope he gets elected and puts some of his ideas into practice. Regarding Scotland, he should support the SNP for all the good things they've done so far and if he wants to trade independence for a better standard of living, enhanced financial and manufacturing base north of the border, support an an independent HBOS, then the SNP should work with him, however he can only delay the inevitable by a few more years.
Eventually, all Scots wil have to make an informed choice, rightly based on the pros and cons of going it alone and not out of fear.
Where is Mr Brown by the way? I thought he would come to campaign with his new friend 'Lord' Mandelson. Maybe they had second thoughts.
15

Mercian,

UK 23/10/2008 16:59:13
This is a sensible tact to take by Cameron; he has gone up in my estimation by presenting a positive campaign. It is perfectly fine for supporters of the Union to argue the UK is stronger together than alone, whether referring to Scotlnd, Northern Ireland, Wales or England. Yet I do think it is self-defeating and foolish -- especially in Scotland -- for politicians to give an impression of knocking their home country; this simply plays into SNP hands. This is because I believe the Independence question is to a large extent an emotive one.
16

European Scot,

23/10/2008 17:03:52
'Mr Cameron admitted the Conservatives have little chance of winning at the Glenrothes election.'

Mr Campbell, the Tories have little chance of winning anywhere in Scotland.

"We'll win the case for the Union through taking a generous attitude rather than a small minded one."

Mr Campbell you are not an idiot, that is for sure, but can you not see a connection between your two comments above ?

A third comment you made :-

"Of course Scotland can stand alone."

This last comment speaks volumes about your Party's problems North of the border.
If there was a non Unionist, truly Scottish Conservative Party, then you would see a significant difference in the number of votes which your Party could gain.
After Independence, Scotland will inevitably have cross Party support.
The case for Independence is no longer a question of viability, it's now down to the thinking, and strategy of each political party, before the event.
The case for the Union is a dead duck, and ideas of 'Federalism' would simply leave Scotland as a 'State', or 'Region', of the 'UK', which is just more of the same.
It really is time to update individual Party ideology North of the border.
Mr Campbell if your Party wants votes in Scotland, then it's time to change Tory strategy, to one of supporting an Independent Scotland.
Supporting Unionism in Scotland is politically a loser. Think on Annabel !
17

Calum10,

23/10/2008 17:04:00
David Cameron's comments make it virutually impossible for Gordon Brown to campaign in Glenrothes. If he does Brown will be quizzed continually on whether Scotland can "stand alone."
18

ochone,

Sauchie, Clack's 23/10/2008 17:23:32
Of course it's by no means the first time some prominant unionist had admitted the Scotland could stand on it's own to feet,even the daily record has said in an editorial that it's not a case of could we but should we.
19

Christina, Aberdeen,

23/10/2008 17:36:33
A future Tory government would treat Scotland like a colony to be exploited. Scotland's wealth would be pillaged, without any investment in infrastructure.

The Tories would do quite openly what Labour are currently doing by stealth.

At least Cameron, unlike Brown, is quite honest about his plans for Scotland.


20

Stuntman Mike,

23/10/2008 17:41:42
#17 European Scot: "If there was a non Unionist, truly Scottish Conservative Party, then you would see a significant difference in the number of votes which your Party could gain."

What's this all about? Many of us are of the opinion that such a party already exists and that it's lead by one Alex Salmond. If you want evidence, then look no further than the freeze on CT (which has led to cuts in services), the calls for a "Celtic Lion" pro business separatist Scotland and poll tax 2. Am I right or am I right!

Btw, I think you'll find that Alastair Campbell is not commonly associated with the Tories, whatever your beef with him.
21

Luigiana,

Aberdeen 23/10/2008 17:42:54
At last, something positive said by a true unionist. Please note the positive nature of these sentences - completely lacking in negativity, unlike Maggie Broon's basket full of demeaning, negative statments (cannot, couldn't afford, weaker, divorce etc etc etc).

It looks as though David Cameron is positioning himself to deal with a massive swing to the SNP. Pity Gordon Brown still refuses to face reality. It is about to slap him in the face (Glenrothes).
22

Draco Was a Wimp,

Edinburgh 23/10/2008 17:47:51
Most Unionists (like me) have no doubt Scotland could go it completely alone but prefer not to. There's a word for those who think otherwise but choose to stay nonetheless and that's parasite.
23

brownlie,

23/10/2008 17:50:20
6 The Fed

Your view of politics always fascinates me.

Are you in favour of Scotland as a federation under the umbrella of the United Kingdom?

That being the case are you quite happy with the way the United Kindom is being currently governed?

Are you in favour, for instance, of items that the majority of Scots do not want such as the hugely expensive Trident Replacement Scheme and the invasions of countries that do not pose a threat?

These are all part and parcel of the "union dividend" which the majority of Scots are powerless to influence under a UK Government.
24

boudica,

Glasgow 23/10/2008 17:55:03
19....it seems it is only those in the SNP who have problms with selfworth as I have no problem with mine as most of the scottish People ..we have always known our worth and we dont need a jump up wee nyaff and his bunch of ignorant kalashnikoff waving supporters to tell us we aint worth anything without Independence and first he writes to Iran and Zimbabwe on Nuclear matters ...then he goes running to a dodgy Middle East regime to borrow cash to pay for things he promised to do ...so we wont depend on The UK ..well just depend on the Middle East or any Dodgy Dictatorships ( he`ll have to try and persuade OPEC not to raise the price of Oil.. boy do the Sheep give him way to much credit or not) is that why he gave the his pal the cash for his impotent talking shop SIF? you know paving the way for a Loan ? he has done more to damage Scotland abroad ..he has shown that his natz party is just like all the others Natz parties past and present ....
25

Cpt Incredible,

Edinburgh 23/10/2008 18:06:36
#26 boudica
I take it English wasn't your strong point at School.
Having said that,logic and sense are very apparently lacking as well.
26

Cpt Incredible,

Edinburgh 23/10/2008 18:11:12



An excellent post from another thread which deserves to be repeated here.

For the love of God. For the love of Equality.

It makes me weep at what is happening to Scotland…again. What Brown, and more importantly the Establishment Civil Service, is doing to Scotland is nothing short of economic rape.
Is there anything the pro-Unionists won’t do to prevent Scotland leaving the Union?
Is there anything the Establishment and their lachies won’t do to destabalise the Scottish Economy?
Even on websites like this there are a number of posters, whoever they work for, intent on mischief and misinformation.
There is only one reason why Westminster will push through the HBOS takeover and that is to ensure that HBOS becomes a company registered in England rather than in Scotland. It is a systematic attempt to ensure that the bargaining power of those wishing to end the Union is reduced. And it is a systematic attempt to ensure that once again the people living in Scotland will have to go cap in hand to Westminster.
These people in Westminster have no care for Scotland. We have become a resource for another country rather than a resource for ourselves.
So why oh why, immaterial of one’s political persuasion can some not see what is happening. The fall-out will affect real people, real jobs, real education and real children. Our children!
I am no ‘N’ationalist but for hundred of years the people of Scotland have voted through fear. It is time for that mind set to change. Most people in Scotland want to move forward and we want to do it on our own.
This is not a political statement it is an aspiration; an aspiration to govern ourselves and to determine our own future. I care not for political parties but there is only one person I will be voting for in Glenrothes and it won’t be Labour. Why would I vote for a party who instils fear and rules by economic coercion? Why would any enlightened soul want to do that?
Obviously I care deeply for Scotland and its futur
27

Cpt Incredible,

Edinburgh 23/10/2008 18:13:46
Obviously I care deeply for Scotland and its future but I rather take a step into the unknown than be subjected to being treated as pawn and a work horse to supplement another country’s economy.
So to those Pro-Unionists and employees of UK ‘organisations’ who are preparing to mock and abuse this post…Spare me. I’ve read it all before.
For the love of God, reach deep inside yourself and ask just two questions. Do you enjoy being a patsy for others? Do you enjoy contributing to the wealth of others who care nothing for you?
If the answer is No then please have a heart. Have some dignity.
I have hope, I have faith and I have dreams. Scotland is my country. It is your country
28

European Scot,

23/10/2008 18:14:52
22 Stuntman Mike

" Btw, I think you'll find that Alastair Campbell is not commonly associated with the Tories, whatever your beef with him."

Apologies for the error, the name should of course have remained as the opening line stated, Cameron.
I somehow couldn't equate the SNP, which stands up for Scotland, and its future Independence, as being like the Union supporting Conservative Party.
The mistaken use of Campbell is not disconnected with dear Alastair who has been brought back into mind recently, along with the resurrection of Mandleson.
I can only apologise to David Cameron too for such an error.
Fancy mixing up Cameron with Campbell. Tut tut, not good enough !
Less wine at lunch tomorrow !
29

Stuntman Mike,

23/10/2008 18:27:57
Surely the way to stand up for Scotland is to maintain the current constitutional position. Even Nats know deep down that Salmond's agenda is based on "songs and heroes" rather than sound economic principles.

It can't be said too often this was as all too graphically exposed by the collapse of his "vision" of how Scotland, with the strong financial centre of Edinburgh at its driving force, would boom under his business friendly (Tory!) policies, and the economy would grow like Ireland, Norway

or Iceland.
30

Lianachan,

Highlands 23/10/2008 18:32:09
Sorry David Cameron, but the only way I would ever vote for any of your lot would be if you guaranteed independence for Scotland. That is, after all, the only reason I vote SNP (easiest route to independence, despite a few policies I disagree with).
31

Mercian,

UK 23/10/2008 18:33:09
#29 "Do you enjoy contributing to the wealth of others who care nothing for you?"

Who are these people who you refer to? The English, Northern Irish, or Welsh? The umemployed? Those on sick benefits? Spivs and speculators?
32

clan_mackay,

23/10/2008 18:53:17
Which party would you like to see win the Glenrothes by-election


Poll Ends: Friday, 7th November, 2008 12:30, the results so far are:

Labour Party 7.2%


Scottish National Party 61.8%


Liberal Democrat Party 27.8%


Conservative Party 1.3%


Scottish Socialist Party 0.3%


UK Independence Party 0.5%


Solidarity 0.3%


Scottish Senior Citizens Unity Party 0.8%
33

brownlie,

23/10/2008 19:52:24
39 Salem

If a referendum is "what the SNP fear most" why have they stated their intention of having a referendum in 2010?

For your theory to be correct i.e. that they only wish to secure their jobs then there would have been no necessity to mention the independence referendum in their manifesto.

As for your other contention regarding the SNP being left of centre, it is precisely because Scots are becoming increasingly aware that New Labour has drifted so far right of centre that traditional Labour voters will desert them in their droves in the same manner that they have, previously, rejected the Tories.
34

Lianachan,

Highlands 23/10/2008 19:53:41
What I forgot to say in #32 is that David Cameron has risen in my estimations today. Not only has a leading UK political figure finally admitted that Scotland as an independant country is completely viable, but he had the gumption to come to Glenrothes personally despite knowing full well it's a seat his party have no realistic chance of winning. A vastly better showing than that by Labour yesterday.
35

brownlie,

23/10/2008 20:13:05
42 bring them on

Very good - "contempt" is a word usually evocative of your postings.
36

Miss H,

23/10/2008 20:16:03
David Cameron knows that the Tories are not going to win a majority in Scotland. Therefore he can afford to tell the truth because it doesn't matter. Indeed, the best chance conservatives have of influencing the political agenda in Scotland is if it was independent and they had jettisoned the baggage of their Tory inheritance.
37

Miss H,

23/10/2008 20:17:37
39 You are going to be quite surprised when the referendum happens.
38

arc of insolvency,

23/10/2008 20:38:36
2010 is a non starter because of Salmonds endless Westminster bashing that doesn't win anybody over. He has managed to reduce the support for indpendence, while increase the SNP support!! He's a diddy
39

,

23/10/2008 20:38:43
Comment Removed By Administrator
Reason:
40

brownlie,

23/10/2008 21:05:23
51 Salem

"Got it!" - not you as well!!
41

vimto,

23/10/2008 21:17:25
David Cameron is one of the "good guys",but his remark about scotland being able to stand alone was not only wrong but dangerously wrong, without the help of the UK government over the last few weeks scotlands financial services would have gone to the wall,oil prices are falling fast and scotlands GDP is at it's lowest for some time.
42

Braes of Glenmiller,

23/10/2008 21:26:27
#38

Local Income Tax is a small progressive tax. Of course if you earn more, you pay more in cash terms, but not in relative terms.

It is a socially inclusive tax because it allows higher earners to contribute to local services without penalising them any more than any other person.

As incomes usually go up, the tax would bring in increased revenue every year to help meet rising costs.

In Scotland over the last 10 years, income has risen faster than inflation, therefore LIT would have paid for more services above inflationary costs.

Quite a fair and inclusive model.

Unless you're a greedy right wing barsteward who doesn't care about society.
43

Phil C,

23/10/2008 21:27:42
Cameron- "Twaddle, some sense, nonsense"
Purnell- "Tripe, idiocy, numptyness"
Grant- "Common sense, hope, answers"

Wake up Glenrothes, wake up Scotland!

#54 Fizzy sweet stuff - Says Who???
44

Thomas1,

// 23/10/2008 21:33:46
I hope none of you lot think for one second that
David Cameron wants Labour to win,that would be like shooting himself in the foot.
45

danielrober,

23/10/2008 22:00:48
Reads like David Cameron is a younger politician with the energy to put the effort into addressing problems. Far too many issues across Scotland/UK are been treated less than they should due to a lack of 'time'.

I hope David Cameron's words are backed up by his party, able to address problems rather than quoting the past all the time - we can all do that. Its tomorrow that counts, seeing new opportunities are made available and old bills are paid. That's the strength of democracy renewal.

Interesting.
46

Alan Reid,

Tralee 23/10/2008 22:24:43
So instead of lies to scare the Scots into voteing for Unionists parties, Tory lad thinks he can chummy with us , "lets all stay together, it's for the best for everyone" Bull@hit! Westminster are cr@pping it if Scotland leaves the Union, their gravy train is leaving the station, and who will bail out England then.

4 The Master, Scotland would get by very well, and it wouldn't need just oil, we have barely 9% of the total UK population, why should we keep propping up the Black hole that is England?

7 Cpt Incredible, Spot on.
47

john z,

edinburgh 23/10/2008 23:23:01
The economy has crashed whilst in the union.

The banking sector has been trashed whilst in the union.

The union has failed Scotland.

Gordon Brown has failed Scotland.

Vote for change, vote SNP.
48

john z,

edinburgh 23/10/2008 23:25:42
Is Sarah Brown the Scottish Sarah Palin, now she has been forced onto the streets (so to speak), and is refusing to answer questions??
49

john z,

edinburgh 23/10/2008 23:37:23
Number 54

seems you have swallowed some Labour 'spin'. Let's do a reality check.

Has the Scottish economy just failed in or out of the union?

Which chancellor and prime minister has over the last eleven years produced an economy that survives on debt, and debt alone.

Which Government leader and chancellor has created an economic environment where lending has remained completely unchecked, ensuring that the average level of personal debt in the UK is the highest in the world, and the highest per capita of any major industrialised nation. Ever? Which means that the recession will be harder and longer for everyone in this country. It's only just started. things are going to get very,very bad.

Had Scotland been independent, it could have done exactly what Brown did, and borrowed billions to re capitalise the markets. The London Government was not unique in its ability to borrow money from the IMF.

Gordon Brown has made a piggin mess of the economy. Ever wondered why Banco Santander from Spain can buy british banks right now?? Several years ago some Spanish Banks became insolvent, and since then they have been more heavily regulated by the Spanish Government. Gordon Brown has had eleven years to make similar changes, and has done nothing. The English Government led by Brown has failed Scotland (and england too)

The reality is, the economy has failed inside the union. Maybe it's time for Scotland to do what any other country would do, start running its own affairs.
50

Marky Bhoy,

Dunfermline 23/10/2008 23:49:36

Reading the flustered Unionist comments above all I can think of is three words

Hornets nest and stick

Yes Scotland can stand alone the big point for debate is should we

I say yes for economic reasons Oil Gas Whiskey and lets not forget Water and Electricity

Which Scotland has in abundance so without ya boo politics tell me why a country with our resources is better of sharing these things with a neighbour instead of selling them and making hard cash
51

Marky Bhoy,

Dunfermline 24/10/2008 00:00:43
64

Is that really the best you can do

on a score of one to ten you score absoloute zero which with my rough physics is about minus two hundered and forty two
52

suchaparcelofrogues,

Scotland 24/10/2008 11:53:59
4

Nobody asserts that Scotland will "get by" because of N S oil assets Scotland will "get by" without oil assets it will "get by" MUCH BETTER with oil assets.
53

suchaparcelofrogues,

Scotland 24/10/2008 11:57:24
6

And can you back up your "OPINION" with anything of substance? what factors bring you to your conclusions?
How is it possible for example for a Scottish government not to be able to govern better with full control of all of its assets and income than only having partial control over very few of its own assets and income?
54

vimto,

24/10/2008 19:54:07
60 says "vote for change,vote snp", the only change you'll get is a broken,deralict,and bankrupt scotland. Vote for anyone but the snp.
55

,

24/10/2008 21:45:43
Comment Removed By Administrator
Reason:
56

,

24/10/2008 21:49:59
Comment Removed By Administrator
Reason:
57

JoeMiddleton,

Edinburgh 25/10/2008 00:12:18
Tories, Labour, is there any actual difference?

 

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