1. I’ve had a few exchanges with some Welsh Nationalists, who seem to have popped up in Twitter these last few days. To be brutally honest they’re like an inferior version of Scots Nats with even woolier and more stupid ideas on the economy of an independent Wales.

2. Several have told me that because I’m not Welsh or Scottish (I’m actually more Scottish than English) it’s none of my business. Well last time I looked we were all still part of the U.K.

3. I’m not a rabid nationalist but the U.K. is the home of myself, my family and most of my friends and although it has it’s problems I believe it’s a great place to live and one of the most tolerant nations on the planet.

4. So when I see people advocating policies (A rushed Indy) that would cause huge economic problems and a serious drop in living standards, especially for the most vunerable, of those nations I wonder who the true patriots actually are.

5. Now I can see that within the U.K. there has been serious underinvestment in, and attention too, many regions and not just the other nations of the U.K. However although that might not be right it doesn’t alter the current financial situations of Scotland, Wales and NI.

6. And much as many Nats might hate the English and Westminster, removing themselves from the influence of the U.K. is not going to change the problems of a huge gap between income and expenditure.

7. Nor is claiming that this gap is only a result of being “under” Westminster or that the numbers are false (they’re not) and that with Indy all those problems will miraculously go away.

8. An Indy Scotland or Wales would pretty much have the same income and expenditure ( and leaving aside for now the other big problems like set up, trade, borders, currency) and not much clout in the world’s financial markets to borrow indefinitely to fill the gap.

9. So hard choices would have to me made. A severe reduction in things like health, education, social services, pensions etc and a large rise in taxes is almost certain. The problem with these being they would depress any economic growth.

10. The other issue with tax rises is that there is a country just across the border that would suddenly look very attractive to productive businesses and people. A shrinking tax base and take would only add to the problems.

11. I have no issue with Indy if that’s what is wanted, but I do have an issue with Nationalists who, rather than admit to the problems and be honest about it, choose to lie or make up fantasies about oil or water revenue. Or think unsubsidised farming and wind etc is profitable.

12. There is a way to Indy, and it would still be fraught with danger, but being honest is a start. Getting together and working with Westminster to improve the economic make up, especially whilst still receiving the benefit of Barnett would help This will take time however.

13. Producing anti-English hate, lying, using pathetic memes and fantasies isn’t going to help. Maybe they could win the vote but is the betrayal and impoverishment of the people they claim to represent something to be proud of?