Vince Cable warns independent Scotland would suffer poorer transport links

Date: 3/7/2013

A new report published by Business Secretary Vince Cable has warned that an independent Scotland would suffer poorer transport links - as well as worse job prospects and higher mobile phone bills.

Launching the Scotland Analysis paper in Glasgow, Mr Cable said that his comments are not an attempt at scaremongering, explaining that the arguments are designed to outline the problems Scotland would face if it opted to sever its ties with the UK.

According to the Business Secretary, splitting up the existing union could destabilise the economy and put jobs north of the border at risk.

Transport was one of four sectors targeted by Mr Cable as he outlined the areas in which Scotland may experience significant problems as part of any transition to independence, although his claims were rejected by Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon as she labelled them "seriously flawed".

Yet as he moved to defend the paper, the Business Secretary said the points he has made are "just a matter of logic".

He added: "These are questions which we raise. We are saying there are very considerable positive benefits from being part of a single market.

"If you chose to opt out of that arrangement then the corollary is that there are costs.

"We are not definitive about what these costs are, we're just saying these are things that you have to consider."

Scotland has undertaken a number of major transport projects in recent years - including constructing a new crossing at the Firth of Forth and introducing a tram network in Edinburgh.

What's more, with the Scottish Government aiming to ensure the nation's transport infrastructure is capable of coping with the increased number of travellers expected during next year's Ryder Cup and Commonwealth Games, Mr Cable's warning is relevant as the independence debate gathers momentum.

Posted by Sarah Bailey

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