Scottish independence: 820,000 Scots 'living in poverty'

dryhat

http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/jul/03/independent-scotland-bitcoin-testbed

mayonnaise

dryhat wrote: »

http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/jul/03/independent-scotland-bitcoin-testbed

Good idea...Scotland adopting bitcoin

One day that haggis will cost us £2.99, the next day just 17p. Or vice versa :rotfl:

antrobus

ruggedtoast wrote: »

Maybe PS4 poverty could be a new economic indicator.

In time it probably will be. If it isn't already that is. And I'm not joking.

There is, in academic circles, what is known as the consensual method of measuring proverty. Which is to say, you go around and ask people what they consider the 'necessities' of life to be, and then define poverty as the inability to afford such 'necessities'. So if sufficient people are of the opinion that life isn't worth living unless you are in possession of a PS4, then those people who lacked a PS4 would indeed by classified as being in 'poverty'.

BigAunty

The SNP is one of the few pro-immigration parties in Europe - politicians are concerned about low birth rate increases.

The Yes website says 'Attracting younger workers is also part of the current Scottish Government’s policy for tackling demographic change and an ageing population.'

The Yes document proposes a points based system to meet Scotland's needs but it might be more pertinent to solve unemployment in Scotland for the native born - there is huge deprivation so I can't see how a points based system for non-EU migrants will help matters. Young migrants then become old so I also can't see how this resolves potential future pension deficit.

Also, the indepence white paper wants to reintroduce post-study work visas to attract more talented students to study and remain in Scotland but realistically, they cannot stop them migrating down to England/Wales. I believe there was a 'Talent Scotland' scheme for overseas graduates before and I'd love to know how many remained in Scotland.





But the expense of that gesture, coupled with a pro-immigration policy, leaves

robmatic

BigAunty wrote: »

The Yes document proposes a points based system to meet Scotland's needs but it might be more pertinent to solve unemployment in Scotland for the native born - there is huge deprivation so I can't see how a points based system for non-EU migrants will help matters. Young migrants then become old so I also can't see how this resolves potential future pension deficit.

A points-based system would be somewhat 'pointless' if independent Scotland has open borders with either the UK or Europe.

The only real reason for a points-based system is when you want to restrict immigration. Probably just another case of the SNP saying whatever they think people want to hear in order to get a yes vote.

IveSeenTheLight

BigAunty wrote: »

Also, the indepence white paper wants to reintroduce post-study work visas to attract more talented students to study and remain in Scotland but realistically, they cannot stop them migrating down to England/Wales.

I do not doubt the lure of the "Brain Drain" to London and the South East.

I do know of employees who were trained in England and now work in Scotland.

What would be interesting to see the nett balance.

CLAPTON

IveSeenTheLight wrote: »

I do not doubt the lure of the "Brain Drain" to London and the South East.

I do know of employees who were trained in England and now work in Scotland.

What would be interesting to see the nett balance.

alex wouldn't dare give target immigration figures:

for scotland to maintian it's present ratio of working age people to retired, would require about 2 million new immigrants over the next few years;
such numbers would totally change scotland for ever : probably leading to a new vote to re-unite with the 'now no longer hated' english.

danothy

CLAPTON wrote: »

alex wouldn't dare give target immigration figures:

for scotland to maintian it's present ratio of working age people to retired, would require about 2 million new immigrants over the next few years;
such numbers would totally change scotland for ever : probably leading to a new vote to re-unite with the 'now no longer hated' english.

Says the individual who argued that technological and medical advances would enable an existing population to be more productive for longer, thus negating any need to maintain the present ratio of working age people to retired.

IveSeenTheLight

CLAPTON wrote: »

alex wouldn't dare give target immigration figures:

for scotland to maintian it's present ratio of working age people to retired, would require about 2 million new immigrants over the next few years;
such numbers would totally change scotland for ever : probably leading to a new vote to re-unite with the 'now no longer hated' english.

LOL, once again, we do not hate the English as you try to implement into every post.

We stand with open arms for talented people to migrate to Scotland, regardless of nationality

Scotland has a different need for immigration than other parts
of the UK. Healthy population growth is important for Scotland’s
economy. One of the main contributors to Scotland’s population
growth is migrants who choose to make Scotland their home.
In future our enhanced economic strategy will also do more to
encourage young people to build their lives and careers within
Scotland and to attract people to live in Scotland.

Scotland’s differing demographic and migration needs mean that
the current UK immigration system has not supported Scotland’s
migration priorities. The current Westminster approach is
strongly focused on reducing the overall number of migrants

You have cited a good reason why Westminster Politics is not suitable for promoting economic growth in Scotland.

robmatic

IveSeenTheLight wrote: »

LOL, once again, we do not hate the English as you try to implement into every post.

We stand with open arms for talented people to migrate to Scotland, regardless of nationality

You have cited a good reason why Westminster Politics is not suitable for promoting economic growth in Scotland.

There are 60 million potential migrants due south of Scotland. Perhaps if the Scottish Government was truly welcoming to talented people, they wouldn't be discriminating against university students from the rest of the UK.