The Economy Secretary’s message on Scotland’s record of success could not have been better written by a unionist, says TERRY MURDEN
Kate Forbes drew on one of Robert Burns’ most famous phrases to help inject some positivity into the first day of the SNP conference. By urging Scots to ‘see ourselves as others see us’, she begged for a more positive and uplifting response to Scotland’s state of economic affairs and the opportunities that lie ahead.
For the nationalists, however, positivity, also has a downside. The Economy Secretary was asking Scots to focus on the good things that are happening instead of dwelling on the gloom, when it is gloom that keeps the wheels of the independence bandwagon turning. Without the opportunity to pour scorn on Westminster control and failure there is nothing to hurl at those “holding the country back”.
Promoting the case for independence has always been challenged by how to promote the country’s successes while damning those holding the major levers of power. When the economy is doing well, the SNP claims the credit. When it falters, it is because of Westminster. It’s a built-in contradiction in the SNP’s messages.
Far from lifting spirits, Ms Forbes’ speech, laced with examples of success across a swathe of Scottish industries, may have made some delegates in the room feel a little uncomfortable. If this speech had been distributed around the room without identifying the writer they would have been forgiven for thinking it was written by a Tory politician listing years of achievement.
Ms Forbes was telling the party that Scotland is a wonderful place to be and that “it turns out that people want to invest in our incredible industries and workers and opportunities”. She added that “GDP and productivity growth has outpaced the rest of the UK” and “Scotland is the standout economic performer in the UK”.
Like it or not, these are largely a result of monetary and economic policy emanating from London, not Edinburgh. Interest rates, employment policy, corporation tax, export guarantees… these are all driven by forces outwith Scotland and if the country is doing well, it is not because of Holyrood’s limited powers.
Labour stalwart Douglas Alexander, who is back in the UK government as Trade minister, says it is because independence is “off the table” that investors are willing to back Scotland. Labour’s landslide general election victory would help make the UK “arguably the most politically stable of the G7 economies”, he says.
With the SNP being reduced to a rump of just nine MPs, and the prospect of Labour toppling the SNP in the 2026 Scottish elections this mood was spreading to Scotland, he argues.
Ms Forbes, meanwhile, is talking up the country at a time when her party needs to show it offers a viable alternative. However, just like the stalled independence debate, the arguments over Brexit will need to be parked as there is no prospect of the UK fully returning to the EU and Keir Starmer is hoping to reset relations with the bloc, easing some of the regulatory frustrations, that may help to neutralise the debate.
On top of that, energy policy will be dictated from Westminster, and Ms Forbes is accepting the need for a reform of planning regulations. Business rates may follow. Before we know it, the SNP will be falling into line with Labour policy.
So is there a realistic and better, alternative? Why undermine the economic progress that Ms Forbes herself is proclaiming?
To draw on another famous old quotation, if it ain’t broke why fix it?
Terry Murden was Scotland editor and Business Editor at The Sunday Times, Business Editor at The Scotsman, and Business and City Editor at Scotland on Sunday. He is now Editor of Daily Business
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