Yes Edinburgh North and Leith (YENL) are a large, highly active independence supporting group formed in early 2013. We are very proud to say that our area voted Yes in 2014, including some parts which polled over 65%. We have focused our time since on trying to 'act like we own the place', plotting, planning and preparing for next time. At our Marc...

Renowned economists Jim & Margaret Cuthbert have produced an analysis of the Queen's Speech on behalf of the Jimmy Reid Foundation.

From Jim & Margaret:

Please find attached a copy of a paper we have written for the Jimmy Reid Foundation, dealing with the economic and fiscal arrangements relating to the Smith proposals. The paper is published on Tuesday, 26th May.

The paper is particularly relevant given that the Westminster government will this week be outlining its proposals for Scotland in the Queen’s Speech. Our paper argues that fundamental changes are required to the Smith arrangements in three main respects.

There has to be a recognition that fundamental constitutional change is required, not just in Scotland, but at Westminster. We argue that satisfactory implementation of Smith depends on implementing a properly federal system at UK level.There needs to be a recognition that Scotland requires much greater powers if it is to have a chance of making a success of increased fiscal responsibility: powers relating to tax, the economy, and control of natural resources.Various technical problems which surround the implementation of the Smith proposals need to be tackled.

Regards, Jim and Margaret Cuthbert.

We are currently circulating a leaflet through the doors in Edinburgh North & Leith. If you haven't already received it you can view it below, click on the images to enlarge.

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