Scotland 'likely to be worse off after independence' Daily Telegraph

Economic think tank Fiscal Affairs Scotland draws the conclusion after analysing oil and debt figures produced by both the UK and Scottish Governments.

Scotland is far likelier to be worse off as a separate country, according to an impartial analysis published today as the man who hired Fred Goodwin at RBS accused Westminster of scaremongering over the country’s banks.

Fiscal Affairs Scotland said the wide range of estimates for oil revenue and national debt provided by the UK and Scottish Governments made it impossible to predict exactly what would happen following a Yes vote.

But the economic think tank said that for Scotland to be wealthier, it would have to strike a deal with Westminster to repay only half of its population share of the UK’s national debt while receiving almost twice the predicted income from the North Sea.

If Scotland inherited its full population share of the UK’s national debt, as expected, then oil revenues would have to meet the First Minister’s most optimistic possible forecast if it was not to be poorer.

The analysis was conducted in the wake of the Treasury’s claim the Union is worth £1,400 annually for every Scot, while Mr Salmond claimed independence could be worth £1,000 per person after 15 years.

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Further Reading:

Alex Salmond's borrowing plans 'prove currency union won't happen'

“Fiscal Affairs Scotland’s independent analysis demonstrates again that the Scottish Government’s fantasy figures do not stand up to scrutiny. A separate Scotland means higher taxes and less money to spend on vital public services.”

Independent Scotland's debt 'would force spending cuts or tax rises'

Scots to to set their own income tax if they reject independence, under deal between Cameron, Clegg and Miliband. Daily Mail

  Joint declaration promises more financial powers if independence is blocked

  David Cameron, Ed Miliband and Nick Clegg have backed the deal

  Comes on the day of a TV debate between Alex Salmond and Alistair Darling

  Scotland currently raises 15 per cent of its £30billion budget

David Cameron, Ed Miliband and Nick Clegg have signed a joint declaration that promises more financial powers for Scotland if it rejects independence.

The move by the leaders of the three main parties is an attempt to rubbish claims by Alex Salmond that Westminster will not deliver more devolution if Scots vote ‘no’.

It comes ahead of tonight's TV debate between Scottish First Minister Mr Salmond and Alistair Darling, the former Labour Chancellor who fronts the pro-union Better Together campaign.

There are just over six weeks to go until voters in Scotland decide whether to remain in the UK or become an independent nation in the September 18 referendum.

Polls have so far failed to show a majority in favour of independence, but both campaigns are hoping to receive a boost as a result of tonight’s TV debate. The six leaders’ declaration states: ‘We support a strong Scottish Parliament in a strong United Kingdom.

‘We now pledge to strengthen further the powers of the Scottish Parliament, in particular in the areas of fiscal responsibility and social security.’

Currently, control over council tax and business rates means the Scottish Government raises about 15 per cent of its £30billion budget, with the majority of public spending funded by a block grant from the UK Treasury.

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Scottish Independence, a Vehicle for Alex Salmond's Grandiose Ego ?

Calais immigration chief's plans to solve border crisis? Free ferry tickets to Britain and move the French boundary to Dover - as immigrants jump into lorries stuck in traffic to get across the Channel, Daily Mail

  Philippe Mignonet warns the French town is under 'serious pressure

  Wants Britain to share burden of migration so it 'understands problem'

  Predicts up to 5,000 people could be camped in Calais by end of year

  Police delay raids on Jungle 2 camp after tensions erupt into clashes

Migrants massing in Calais should be put on a ferry and sent to Britain, the port’s immigration chief said last night.

Warning that the French town was under ‘serious pressure’ as 1,000 Africans gathered at an illegal camp, Philippe Mignonet also called for the border to be moved from Calais to Dover.

He said he wants Britain to share the burden of migration so it ‘understands how difficult the problem is’.

Last night Mr Mignonet said his town was struggling to cope and predicted that up to 5,000 people could be camped out in Calais by the end of the year.

‘What we want to do is buy the migrants ferry tickets to Britain and let them deal with the problem,’ he said, adding that more than 30 already make their way across the Channel every day.

‘We want the border to be moved from Calais to Dover and Folkestone for one month so Britain understands how difficult the problem is.’

The comments came as the area’s police chief delayed raids on the camp, known as Jungle 2, after tensions erupted into clashes between migrant groups the night before.

Jungle 2 and another camp had been ‘due to be dismantled’ after court orders to evacuate expired yesterday.

Comment:

I don’t understand why the French insist that these ill-legal immigrants should move to the UK, surely the  French or any other European Government that these poor people pass through,  should take  the responsibility to care, support and provide financial assistance for these unfortunate people, why should the British Tax Payer be responsible?

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