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Subsidising Scots

Sir – Has anybody from the world of Scottish Unionist politics thanked the taxpayers of England? This week Labour, Tories and the Lib Dems have taken great delight in telling the Scots that they are subsidised by over £11 billion.

These figures are, of course, disputed by the independence movement in Scotland which can cite last week's report that independent Ireland will this year achieve a budget surplus of £3.97 billion while the London Chancellor has a £34.2 billion deficit. I wonder if Ireland would flourish in such a dramatic way if still governed from London?

However, accepting the Government figures, it seems that Westminster is applying just under a third of its total deficit to support Scotland. As a Scottish nationalist I would feel deeply ashamed if I believed these figures, but Labour and the Lib Dems are entirely satisfied, if not downright proud, believing that they are taking so much from England.

Eleven billion would go a long way in England towards introducing free care for the elderly and removing student tuition fees. While telling the Scots they are being subsidised, Labour, particularly, but also the Tories and the Lib Dems are shy of telling the English they are being robbed. I wonder why.

Angus MacNeil MP (SNP), London SW1

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