logo
The truth is that Scotland does not need England

The truth is that Scotland does not need England

The National21 hours ago
In accepting the positive contribution Scotland has made to world progress, I know that an international perspective would be welcomed from a fully independent Scotland.
READ MORE: Would a Scottish sovereign wealth fund be possible after independence?
England is desperate to hold the Union together, since the revenue from energy resources and much more from Scotland that flows into the London Treasury each year far outweighs the money Westminster pays out to a constricted devolved Scottish Parliament.
In truth, Scotland does not need England; it is precisely the opposite. Indeed, working together as independent nations would greatly benefit both countries.
Grant Frazer
Newtonmore
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Minister vows ‘improvements' to Internal Market Act
Minister vows ‘improvements' to Internal Market Act

Leader Live

time33 minutes ago

  • Leader Live

Minister vows ‘improvements' to Internal Market Act

Mr Alexander however made clear that ministers have not considered scrapping the Internal Market Act (IMA), with the Scottish Government branding the results of the Westminster review 'completely unacceptable'. Angus Robertson, the Scottish Government's Constitution Secretary, insisted the legislation – which Holyrood has twice voted against – 'undermines' the Scottish Parliament. Mr Alexander however said the UK Government has 'been explicit about the need for businesses to have certainty', saying this is 'why the review has not considered repeal of the Act or any of its provisions'. He said the UK Government has instead 'pledged to explore improvements in the way the Act's provisions operate', adding 'very real concerns' have been raised. Following the UK's departure from the European Union, the then Tory UK government introduced the IMA in order to create a single market across the four nations of the UK. The legislation however caused difficulties for the Scottish Government when it attempted to introduce a deposit return scheme for empty cans and bottles ahead of the rest of the UK. In the wake of the review, the UK Government is promising changes, including the introduction of exclusions to the legislation, that have been agreed by all governments within a common framework. As well as considering economic impacts, issues of environmental protection and public health will also be looked at for exclusions – with the UK Government saying this ensures a 'balance of factors is considered'. Mr Alexander stressed the importance of having a 'well-functioning UK internal market' as part of the Government's 'ambition to improve economic growth for the benefit of businesses and people in all parts of our country'. He added: 'Latest figures show that trade between the four nations of the UK is valued at £129 billion and that it is particularly important to the economies of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.' But Mr Robertson insisted the IMA had been introduced by the previous Conservative government 'without the consent of any devolved government or Parliament'. Speaking about the legislation, he added: 'It undermines the ability of the Scottish Parliament to use its powers to pursue devolved social and economic objectives in Scotland for the people to which it is accountable. 'It introduces radical new uncertainty as to the effect of laws passed by the Scottish Parliament and effectively provides a veto to UK ministers. 'Nothing set out in the UK Government's response to the review changes this position, which is completely unacceptable. 'The conclusion of the review falls well short of our stated position of repeal and replace the Internal Market Act, and indeed short of the legislative change required to mitigate the most damaging aspects of the operation of the IMA. 'It is important also to note that the Scottish Parliament has twice voted to repeal the Act – since it is fundamentally misconceived and incompatible with devolution.' While he said the Scottish Government welcomes the UK Government's intention 'to address some of the most egregious issues with the function of the IMA exclusions process', he added that SNP ministers 'remain concerned that there is no clear vehicle to give meaningful effect to these changes, which work against our shared interests to promote growth, protect jobs and ensure seamless trade across the UK nations'.

Minister vows ‘improvements' to Internal Market Act
Minister vows ‘improvements' to Internal Market Act

South Wales Guardian

time36 minutes ago

  • South Wales Guardian

Minister vows ‘improvements' to Internal Market Act

Mr Alexander however made clear that ministers have not considered scrapping the Internal Market Act (IMA), with the Scottish Government branding the results of the Westminster review 'completely unacceptable'. Angus Robertson, the Scottish Government's Constitution Secretary, insisted the legislation – which Holyrood has twice voted against – 'undermines' the Scottish Parliament. Mr Alexander however said the UK Government has 'been explicit about the need for businesses to have certainty', saying this is 'why the review has not considered repeal of the Act or any of its provisions'. He said the UK Government has instead 'pledged to explore improvements in the way the Act's provisions operate', adding 'very real concerns' have been raised. Following the UK's departure from the European Union, the then Tory UK government introduced the IMA in order to create a single market across the four nations of the UK. The legislation however caused difficulties for the Scottish Government when it attempted to introduce a deposit return scheme for empty cans and bottles ahead of the rest of the UK. In the wake of the review, the UK Government is promising changes, including the introduction of exclusions to the legislation, that have been agreed by all governments within a common framework. As well as considering economic impacts, issues of environmental protection and public health will also be looked at for exclusions – with the UK Government saying this ensures a 'balance of factors is considered'. Mr Alexander stressed the importance of having a 'well-functioning UK internal market' as part of the Government's 'ambition to improve economic growth for the benefit of businesses and people in all parts of our country'. He added: 'Latest figures show that trade between the four nations of the UK is valued at £129 billion and that it is particularly important to the economies of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.' But Mr Robertson insisted the IMA had been introduced by the previous Conservative government 'without the consent of any devolved government or Parliament'. Speaking about the legislation, he added: 'It undermines the ability of the Scottish Parliament to use its powers to pursue devolved social and economic objectives in Scotland for the people to which it is accountable. 'It introduces radical new uncertainty as to the effect of laws passed by the Scottish Parliament and effectively provides a veto to UK ministers. 'Nothing set out in the UK Government's response to the review changes this position, which is completely unacceptable. 'The conclusion of the review falls well short of our stated position of repeal and replace the Internal Market Act, and indeed short of the legislative change required to mitigate the most damaging aspects of the operation of the IMA. 'It is important also to note that the Scottish Parliament has twice voted to repeal the Act – since it is fundamentally misconceived and incompatible with devolution.' While he said the Scottish Government welcomes the UK Government's intention 'to address some of the most egregious issues with the function of the IMA exclusions process', he added that SNP ministers 'remain concerned that there is no clear vehicle to give meaningful effect to these changes, which work against our shared interests to promote growth, protect jobs and ensure seamless trade across the UK nations'.

Football club thanks fans after successful alcohol selling pilot
Football club thanks fans after successful alcohol selling pilot

STV News

timean hour ago

  • STV News

Football club thanks fans after successful alcohol selling pilot

A Scottish football club have thanked supporters after an initial pilot to sell alcohol at their stadium passed successfully. The League Two side were defeated by Hamilton Academical at Forthbank in the group stages of the League Cup on Saturday. Alcohol was available to those with general sale match tickets for the first time in over 40 years in Scotland following a blanket ban that has been in force since 1981. Beer was also on sale to fans attending the Arbroath v St Mirren game at Gayfield in the same competition at the weekend. On Tuesday night, Partick Thistle fans will be able to enjoy an alcoholic drink at their game against Stranraer at Firhill. It comes after seven Scottish clubs were granted permission to sell alcohol as part of an initiative bidding to show that relaxing the long-enforced ban can 'enhance the fan experience'. Up until last weekend, the only supporters permitted to have an alcoholic drink inside the stadium were those who had paid extra for hospitality tickets. Stirling Albion were one of the first to be granted a licence and on Tuesday they revealed it had been an overall success. Binos supporters were offered the opportunity to purchase an alcoholic drink in a concourse area behind the south terrace pre-match. And the club is pleased with how well the event went, as they received positive messages from fans regarding their experience. Fraser McIntyre, commercial director of Stirling Albion, said: 'We'd like to thank our supporters who attended the fan zone at Forthbank on Saturday. 'The feedback from fans who came on has been really encouraging — particularly around how the option to enjoy a pre-match drink enhanced their overall attendance of the game. 'The weather was excellent, which certainly helped, and we also launched our new kit on the day, so it was an extremely positive afternoon. 'We always believed the event would be well-received, and it was great to see everyone enjoying themselves and acting responsibly throughout the day. 'We're also grateful to the various parties who helped make this event happen, including the SPFL, Stirling Council, the Scottish FA, and Police Scotland.' Ayr United have also been granted an alcohol license for two League Cup games, with around 60 fans being offered the chance to have a beer before and at half-time of their game against Arbroath at Somerset Park this coming Saturday. As part of their initiative, a select number of tickets are available for £35, which includes four pints of Moretti before the game and one at half-time. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store