THE PUBLISHING of the latest Government Expenditure and Revenue Statistics (GERS) provides both sides of the independence debate the chance to give their view.
It will come as no surprise to learn that I strongly believe the latest statistics highlight the value of Scotland being part of the United Kingdom.
The deficit between what Scotland raised in taxes and spent on public services was over £15 billion last year, a rise of more than £2 billion from the year before.
That deficit is more than what the SNP Government spend on the health service north of the border.
What would First Minister Nicola Sturgeon do to fund every doctor, nurse and health worker if she was to achieve her independence goal?
Kate Forbes, SNP Finance Secretary, has now also dumped the economic case for independence.
If the Finance Secretary cannot argue the case on those grounds, then why should anyone believe there is one?
The UK Government has stepped up to support Scotland throughout this pandemic with 900,000 jobs protected by the furlough scheme, over 65,000 small businesses receiving a share of £1.8 billion worth of loans and the Scottish Government given an extra £6.5 billion through Barnett Consequentials.
Throw in initiatives like the 'Eat out to Help Out Scheme,' VAT cuts and the job retention scheme and the UK's value has been shown like never before.
With recovery the priority, the SNP must start delivering on their economic plans, rather than their constant misguided 'blame Westminster for everything' independence obsession.
