If scotland were to declare independence

[Dom Tuk]

How would Scotland breakaway from the UK so that they form a separate country. There is always talk about how the oil wealth of scotland would make it a very rich country. Is this true. Can they survive as an independent country and be able to maintain their standard of living or even raise it. How will England react to it?

[camille79]

This is quite an interesting question and it depends who you ask.  Some of us Scots like to think that we would do pretty well if we became independent and others say that we would collapse without the support of the rest of the UK.  However, what is clear is that Scotland does have substantial natural resources (oil and, perhaps more importantly, water!) as well as a thriving tourism industry.  Despite this, even the most optimistic Scottish nationalists admit that Scotland would suffer in the shortterm (5-10 years) as money would flood out of the country and its economic stability would be under question, and few people would be willing to tolerate short-term discomfort for long-term prosperity.  Oh yes, and the current Scottish Executive are, for the most part, so laughably incompetent that few Scots would put their faith in them to run the country independently!

[hopalong]

Of course Scotland can survive we are not stupid

[blue virgin]

I was under the impression (probably incorrectly) that the natural gas and oil around Scotland now belongs to the petroleum companies, a la BP, Shell etc. Does this not mean that they receive the money from these resources? After all, I'm sure they did the exploration to find it in the first place. I was under the impression the Iron Lady sold them all off in the early days.

Also, Scotland has had a few big businesses move away to the north of England in recent years. One of the ideas being banded about by the SNP not too long ago was to increase tax on business, and reduce it for the average man in the street. Do they not think even more business would move a few miles down the road to avoid paying more tax? I guess the average Joe would indeed end up paying less tax. None infact, as I don't believe you have to pay tax on your dole money.....