Quote:
Originally Posted by Damien
Wealth is a pretty key measure of success as it can directly impact people's lives and their cost of living. A low GDP means fewer, less well-paying, jobs. It limits the money the Government has at their disposal to improve the cost of living with what they subsidise, the Welsh NHS for example will be an expensive budget item for the newly independent Wales. As will their pension bill.
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It's not the only measure of success though. Well paying jobs in areas with high GDP equates to a higher cost of living. Steps like more affordable housing could change the lived experience of citizens despite lower GDP.
The NHS and pensions are expensive budget items for the UK. Unless England are funding this through sheer generosity these will be somewhat proportionate to the Welsh population in terms of resourcing and costs.
The idea that small countries cannot be successful is completely flawed. However they need the economic powers to stimulate investment. "Lower paid" jobs at outset can make these attractive opportunities for international companies looking for well educated, English language workforces at a fraction of the cost you could get in the South East of England.
With more service sector/office work moving online with remote working it's inevitably going to change the dynamics and gives the potential to attract investment and corporate tax receipts. Wales will never be able to do this while the game is rigged in favour of the UK.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Pierre
Probably a good place to start though.
You think that wont happen in an independent Wales or Scotland for that matter. Greed is not just an English trait it is a human trait and in any society there will be those more equal than others.
I remember at the last Indy Ref, that knob from Deacon Blue on Question Time pleading the case for a more "fairer" Scotland, like independence would deliver some kind of socialist utopia, bollocks, pull the other one it plays Flower of Scotland.
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It's certainly possible, but it's equally certain the current situation won't improve it.