After Brexit: The Economics of Scottish Independence

The pressure for independence in Scotland has increased since the 2014 referendum, with 60% of Scottish voters voting to remain in the EU in the 2016 Brexit referendum. This new analysis considers economic factors such as deficit, debt, currency, energy, pensions, mortgages, and the financial sector to weigh the advantages of rejoining the EU single market versus the disadvantages of a hard border with the UK. Independence would bring opportunities but also challenges for the Scottish government and people.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 03 March 2022
Publisher: Birlinn General

The desire for independence in Scotland remains a powerful and enduring force, although the arguments in favor of it have undergone significant transformation since the historic referendum of 2014. In the pivotal Brexit referendum of 2016, a remarkable 60 percent of the Scottish electorate chose to remain part of the European Union, standing as the sole region within the United Kingdom to unequivocally reject the notion of Brexit. This groundbreaking analysis, encompassing a wide range of economic considerations, delves into critical issues such as budget deficits, debt, currency, energy (including the North Sea oil and gas sector), pensions, mortgages, and the financial sector. It carefully weighs the merits and demerits of rejoining the EU's single market, either as a full member or as a participant in the EEA. While independence would undoubtedly bring about new opportunities, it would also necessitate the Scottish government and the Scottish people to grapple with a host of complex and challenging issues. These include the potential establishment of a hard border with the rest of the UK, the implications for trade and commerce, the management of national resources, and the resolution of territorial disputes. It is a multifaceted and intricate debate that requires careful consideration and thoughtful deliberation.

Weight: 188g
Dimension: 131 x 197 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781780277622