Scotland referendum

Scotland is taxing itself to death
Heilan coo © iStockphotos
Economy

Scotland is taxing itself to death

The authorities in Scotland are undermining the economy’s appeal. They had better watch out, says Matthew Lynn.
20 Oct 2019
How Brexit will save the United Kingdom
Princes Street Gardens and Edinburgh Castle
Economy

How Brexit will save the United Kingdom

Leaving the EU should strengthen the United Kingdom – a multinational union Europe can only aspire to. Alex Carew, a London-based fund manager and eco…
25 Jul 2019
Will the British public support a “Norwegian solution” for Brexit?
170330-norway-b
Scotland referendum

Will the British public support a “Norwegian solution” for Brexit?

Many experts think that a Norwegian-style deal with the EU would be the least worst version of Brexit. But would the public support that? Matthew Part…
29 Mar 2017
Betting on politics: A second Scottish referendum
17-3-17-Sturgeon-2-1200
Economy

Betting on politics: A second Scottish referendum

Political betting expert Matthew Partridge weighs up the odds of Scotland holding another referendum on independence.
17 Mar 2017
Will Brexit lead to Scoxit?
17-3-17-Sturgeon-1200
Economy

Will Brexit lead to Scoxit?

The looming Brexit negotiations has breathed new life into the SNP's bid for Scottish independence. Matthew Partridge reports.
17 Mar 2017
Nicola Sturgeon’s shady Chinese deals give the wrong impression of Scotland
UK Economy

Nicola Sturgeon’s shady Chinese deals give the wrong impression of Scotland

The SNP’s secretive backroom deals with shady Chinese companies do not give the impression that Scotland is a modern, transaparent economy that is ope…
8 Nov 2016
Scotland wants it all – it isn't going to get it
Brexit

Scotland wants it all – it isn't going to get it

Nicola Sturgeon has suggested that Scotland could remain part of the EU while still being a part of the UK. That’s not going to happen, says Merryn So…
27 Jun 2016
Cover of MoneyWeek magazine issue no 1022, Friday 23 October 2020

Subscribe to MoneyWeek and get your first six issues FREE

Subscribe to MoneyWeek now and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE
Bad government is holding back Scotland’s economy
UK Economy

Bad government is holding back Scotland’s economy

Low oil prices and the prospect of another independence referendum are damaging Scotland's economy. But there is another problem, says Merryn Somerset…
6 Jun 2016
Nicola Sturgeon’s £6m baby box is a pointless gimmick
UK Economy

Nicola Sturgeon’s £6m baby box is a pointless gimmick

The SNP’s “baby box” scheme is an idiotic idea that is designed to make it look like they’re doing something for everyone. But it’s pointless waste of…
18 Apr 2016
It's not just Scotland's rich who will feel the pinch
UK Economy

It's not just Scotland's rich who will feel the pinch

Nicola Sturgeon's income tax plans won't endear her to middle Scotland, says Merryn Somerset Webb.
31 Mar 2016
A hole in the plans of Scotland's 'tax the rich' brigade
UK Economy

A hole in the plans of Scotland's 'tax the rich' brigade

It won't take many of Scotland's top-rate tax payers to leave to blow a hole in the tax take, says Merryn Somerset Webb.
30 Mar 2016
Why Scotland's nationalists should give every “no” voter a kiss
Economy

Why Scotland's nationalists should give every “no” voter a kiss

Scotland has dodged a bullet, says Merryn Somerset Webb. The economic case for independence has collapsed into the North Sea with the oil price.
28 Mar 2016
Tax competition – that would be something to thank the Scots for
Economy

Tax competition – that would be something to thank the Scots for

No obvious economic good has come from the devolution of powers to the Scottish parliament thus far, says Matthew Lynn. That could change with the int…
14 Feb 2016
Scottish devolution: a vow fulfilled?
UK Economy

Scottish devolution: a vow fulfilled?

Panicked unionist parties made a “vow” of more devolved powers to voters during Scotland’s independence referendum. A new bill promises to deliver. Wi…
13 Feb 2016
Don’t be fooled: the EU referendum will be nothing like Scotland’s
Economy

Don’t be fooled: the EU referendum will be nothing like Scotland’s

Those who compare the Scottish referendum to the EU referendum are wrong. John Stepek explains why.
13 Nov 2015
The City should woo Scottish banks fleeing the 'perma-frendum'
UK Economy

The City should woo Scottish banks fleeing the 'perma-frendum'

The uncertainty of yet another independence referendum is bad for Scotland's financial sector, says Matthew Lynn. The City should roll out the welcome…
2 Aug 2015
The lottery election
UK Economy

The lottery election

Merryn Somerset Webb explains how one couple's lottery win could change British history.
6 May 2015
Election 2015: why Scotland could be the biggest issue for investors
Economy

Election 2015: why Scotland could be the biggest issue for investors

No matter who gets into power in May, the question of Scottish independence will continue to cause constitutional turmoil. John Stepek looks at what …
10 Apr 2015
The myth of uniquely ’Scottish values’
Scotland referendum

The myth of uniquely ’Scottish values’

The latest Social Attitudes Survey shows that Scots think the same as the rest of the UK about pretty much everything, says Merryn Somerset Webb.
27 Mar 2015
The political rise of the Scots
UK Economy

The political rise of the Scots

Polls suggest the Scottish Nationalists will hold the balance of power after the general election. Simon Wilson looks at what this will mean for the U…
13 Mar 2015
Want a nice house in Scotland? The SNP wants it to cost you
Economy

Want a nice house in Scotland? The SNP wants it to cost you

The SNP's new stamp duty equivalent for Scotland, appears to have been designed to send a clear message to the well off in Scotland – expect devolutio…
22 Jan 2015
A warning to Scotland: 'Tax competition' matters
Economy

A warning to Scotland: 'Tax competition' matters

The Scottish government’s first use of a devolved tax was quickly revised, after being undercut by tax competition from the rest of the UK.
21 Jan 2015