Professor John Robertson OBA From: Scottish Social Attitudes | 25 years of devolution in Scotland: Public attitudes and reactions published last week: https://natcen.ac.uk/publications/scottish-social-attitudes-25-years-devolution-scotland 55-65% of under 34s, around 50% of under 54s and 40% of the over 55s with the latter climbing steadily now for 13 years. All three groups way up on 2014. What does this tell us? Support for independence in this survey is well above that in those privately run polls, with samples weighted to match the 2014 result, and to get a No majority. Can we trust the SSA? This is a proper survey, by University academics, all of whom have … Continue reading Proper academic survey reveals support for independence soaring among all age groups to levels well above private pollsters

Professor John Robertson OBA From: Scottish Social Attitudes | 25 years of devolution in Scotland: Public attitudes and reactions published last week: https://natcen.ac.uk/publications/scottish-social-attitudes-25-years-devolution-scotland As a result, in our latest survey, nearly three-quarters said that the Scottish Parliament should be responsible for at least all of the country’s domestic affairs, and to that extent the increase in the institution’s powers after the 2014 referendum was in tune with public opinion. Certainly, with just 15% wanting a parliament that did not deal with tax and only another 8% supporting the UK Government making all decisions, the view that the Scottish Parliament should not have the enhanced powers … Continue reading 75% of Scots want control of everything other than defence and foreign affairs and 50% are calling for that too

Professor John Robertson OBA From: Scottish Social Attitudes | 25 years of devolution in Scotland: Public attitudes and reactions published last week: https://natcen.ac.uk/publications/scottish-social-attitudes-25-years-devolution-scotland At 9% the view that Scotland should not have a parliament at all is, as it has always been, very much a minority one. Which parties or politicians wish to see Scotland return to direct rule from London? Reform UK Party deputy leader Richard Tice has described devolution as part of “failed” regional experiments. This aligns with the party’s roots in UKIP, which campaigned against devolution in the 1990s. Tories opposed Scottish and Welsh devolution referendums in 1997, positioning as the “anti-devolution … Continue reading 91% of Scots reject a return to direct rule

Professor John Robertson OBA From: Scottish Social Attitudes | 25 years of devolution in Scotland: Public attitudes and reactions published last week: https://natcen.ac.uk/publications/scottish-social-attitudes-25-years-devolution-scotland How much control does the Scottish Government actually have? By Public Expenditure By Revenue/Taxation You can support Talking-up Scotland at: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/checkout/help-talking-up-scotland-tell-truth-about-scotland/payment/nBQxjVzq/details or by direct bank transfer method – Bernadette/John Robertson, Sort code 08-91-04, Account 12266421 Continue reading By more than 3 to 1 Scots think Scottish Government should have most influence

Professor John Robertson OBA From: Scottish Social Attitudes | 25 years of devolution in Scotland: Public attitudes and reactions published last week: https://natcen.ac.uk/publications/scottish-social-attitudes-25-years-devolution-scotland Even under Labour, far more Scots tended to trust Holyrood rather than Westminster. Averaging out the peaks and troughs, it’s a bit better than 2 to 1 with the SNP Government doing far better at around 65% until the downward form of branch in 2023 which will soon be far behind us as Nicola and then Peter slide quietly off it. Is 65% unusual? Bad or good? See this: Sources: https://europa.eu/eurobarometer/surveys/detail/3253 https://www.oecd.org/gov/government-at-a-glance-2023.htm You can support Talking-up Scotland at: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/checkout/help-talking-up-scotland-tell-truth-about-scotland/payment/nBQxjVzq/details or by direct … Continue reading SNP Government amongst most trusted in Europe

Professor John Robertson OBA From inkl in October 2024: Households in Scotland are paying higher energy bills than they ought to keep prices down south of the Border, according to experts at the Fuller Treacy Money investment strategy firm. In a newsletter arguing against zonal pricing, the firm’s owner Eoin Treacy [above] says it is better for Scots to pay over the odds than those living in the English capital. Zonal pricing, which has been considered by the UK Government in the past, would see places like Scotland – where lots of energy is produced but there is lower demand – pay cheaper bills, … Continue reading As energy bills are set to rise again a reminder of the English financier who said ‘Scotland subsidises London energy bills’ and it’s ‘better for Scots to pay over the odds than those living in the English capital’