‘We cannae afford independence’

One outdated argument that deserves to be binned is the claim that “Scotland cannot afford independence,” a jibe as baseless as the idea that ‘Spain would veto Scotland’s EU membership’ or that ‘Scots could only protect their EU citizenship by staying in the Union’. The pursuit of independence transcends economic analysis, much like human rights cannot be reduced to mere numbers. The core of the argument is that viewing self-determination solely through a financial lens overlooks the essential principle of self-determination. Countries like Singapore, Estonia, Ireland, Norway, and Iceland have thrived not by being held hostage to impossible financial (Does England, with its £2Trillion debt?) criteria but through resilience, innovation, and governance that honours the right to self-rule.

Despite evidence of a solid and vibrant Scottish economy, critics often reference the discredited government GERS report, which presents a skewed financial narrative by including UK government expenditures supposedly for Scotland’s benefit. This Club UK membership report fails to account for the complete economic picture, particularly when discussing resources like North Sea Oil & Gas, which is treated as a geographic share.

Those unionists demanding economic justifications for independence willfully miss the point of sovereignty, focusing narrowly on financial viability while ignoring the more profound desire for autonomy, identity, and the right to self-determination. Such demands are tactics meant to divert and undermine the independence debate, reminiscent of past efforts to limit Scotland’s aspirations through legislative means. Remember the 40 per cent threshold in the 1979 referendum or Section 30 requests? They need you to accept their dominant approval, and guess what? We don’t require their approval.

This tediously delayed journey towards independence has nothing to do with financial capability (We have more oil and a more significant diverse manufacturing base than Norway, a similar sized country to us!) and more about a steadfast commitment to self-respect, freedom and dignity. Recognising self-determination and human rights as foundational to our humanity encourages a broader, more inclusive understanding of self-determination, emphasising the need to respect and support these endeavours beyond economic arguments. Independence is normal. Coercive control is not normal. The road to independence won’t be easy, but we can guarantee this; it will be worth it.