Union dividend

The Union dividend is a term used by British unionists to describe the financial benefits which they believe that Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland derive from being countries of the United Kingdom. Politicians who argue for the existence of a Union dividend include Tony Blair,[1] Gordon Brown,[2] Jim Murphy,[3] Ian Davidson,[4] Jack McConnell,[5][6] Wendy Alexander,[7] Iain Gray[3] and Jackie Baillie.[8]

The idea saw increased discussion in the leadup to the 2014 Scottish independence referendum. In May 2014, the UK Government said in an analysis paper that there was a "UK dividend" worth £1,400 to each person in Scotland.[9] This estimate was mainly based upon there being higher public spending in Scotland.[9] The Scottish Government said that Scots would be £1,000 better off by 2030 if Scotland became an independent state, due to greater productivity and higher tax revenues.[9] The difference between the two figures was mainly due to differing forecasts of revenue from North Sea oil.[10]

See also

References

  1. ^ Blair, Tony (16 March 2007). "We'd all be losers if the Union fell". Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
  2. ^ Macwhirter, Iain (1 April 2007). "Labour seem determined to giftwrap the Scottish elections for the SNP". Sunday Herald.
  3. ^ a b Cochrane, Alan (28 September 2009). "Downgrading the British Army's presence in Scotland plays into the nationalists' hands". Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
  4. ^ Macleod, Angus (7 July 2009). "Fears over Clyde yards put aside as work begins on carriers". The Times. Archived from the original on 20 September 2011. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
  5. ^ Dinwoodie, Robbie (23 October 2006). "McConnell rejects any constitutional tinkering and defends the 'union dividend'". The Herald.
  6. ^ McConnell, Jack (16 January 2007). "We achieve more and are stronger together rather than on our own". Daily Record. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
  7. ^ Alexander, Wendy (13 December 2007). "The Case For Union". Financial Times. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
  8. ^ "Nuclear sub fleet moved to Clyde". BBC News. 6 May 2009. Retrieved 24 October 2010.
  9. ^ a b c "Scottish independence: Rivals both say Scots 'better off with us'". BBC News. BBC. 28 May 2014. Retrieved 28 May 2014.
  10. ^ "Asking the experts: What are economists saying about indyref figures?". BBC News. BBC. 28 May 2014. Retrieved 28 May 2014.