Scotland’s economic growth has been left behind other devolved nations by billions of pounds, new analysis has shown.
The figures, published by Scottish Labour, revealed that if Scotland’s economy had grown at the same pace as the UK as a whole btween 2012 and 2021 it would be £8.5 billion larger.
The analysis also shows that Scotlands economy is also lagging behind other regions of the UK.
North West England has an economy £11.5 billion bigger than Scotland, while the West Midlands is £9.6 billion bigger.
Scotland’s economic growth has been left behind other devolved nations by billions of pounds, new analysis has shown
PA
Wales’ economy is £9.6 billion larger.
Finance spokesman for Scottish Labour Michael Marra said Scots are “sick of paying the price for SNP failure”.
She said: “The SNP’s low growth economy has robbed billions of pounds from Scotland’s economy.
“While regions like the North West have thrived with the devolved mayors in Manchester and Liverpool, Scotland’s potential has been held back by an SNP government bereft of ideas or ambition.
“This growth gap has hammered public finances, and now the SNP is gearing up to slash frontline services and hike taxes once again.
“Scots are sick of paying the price of SNP failure – we need a government focused on growing our economy, creating quality jobs, and protecting public services.”
But the Deputy First Minster Shona Robinson of the SNP said: “Despite the impact of Brexit, the Scottish economy has been resilient – since 2007, GDP per person has grown by 9 per cent in Scotland, compared to 6 per cent in the UK.
“In 2022, Scotland’s GDP grew by 5.2 per cent compared to 4.3 per cent in the UK.
“We continue to do everything we can within our powers and budget to boost the economy further, but remain held back by an inadequate UK economic model.
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“With the powers of an independent nation we could use all the levers other governments have to grow an economy that supports people and public services.
“This would include building a migration system that is specifically tailored to Scotland’s needs – helping more people to live and work here and contribute to the economic and social wellbeing of our country.”
