The Unspoken Pact: Devolution and the Redistribution of Scottish Subsidies

Strategic Insights -

The devolution of Scotland's parliamentary powers has led to a reevaluation of the Barnett Formula, which has automatically granted Scotland higher public spending per head than England. This shift has sparked a sense of unease and competition between Scotland and England, as English MPs begin to question the legitimacy of continued subsidies to Scotland. The author, Jim Sillars, argues that this change in policy is not driven by anti-Scottish malice, but rather by the normal conduct of representatives putting their nation's interests first.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Barnett Formula, established in 1978, automatically grants Scotland higher public spending per head than England.
  • Devolution has led to a reevaluation of this formula, sparking concern among English MPs about the continued subsidy to Scotland.
  • English MPs are reexamining their subsidies to Scotland, redirecting funds to their own constituencies in Manchester, Liverpool, Bristol, Birmingham, and inner London.
  • The author, Jim Sillars, argues that this change in policy is a result of England's legitimate state interests changing due to Scotland's devolution.
  • Scottish MPs, including some SNP and Lib Dem representatives, have been accused of boasting about Scotland's advantages in job creation and public spending, which has fueled English resentment.
  • The author calls for Scotland to take responsibility for its own failures and stop blaming England for its own shortcomings.

Statistics:

  • The Barnett Formula has been in place since 1978.
  • Scotland receives higher public spending per head than England due to the Barnett Formula.
  • English MPs have expressed concern about the continued subsidy to Scotland, with some redirecting funds to their own constituencies.
  • Scotland's devolution has led to a 20% increase in public spending in Scotland.
  • The author suggests that England's state interests will always come first in this unequal Union, until Scotland takes responsibilities for its own failures.

Sources:

  • "A prayer." By Jim Sillars. The Scotsman. No date mentioned.
  • House of Commons Select Committee report. No date mentioned.
  • CAPTION(S): PARLY TO BLAME..devolution has changed England's legitimate state interests.