Scotland’s economic growth has lagged behind other devolved nations by billions of pounds, new analysis has shown.
The figures, published by Scottish Labour, revealed that if Scotland’s economy grew at the same pace as the UK as a whole between 2012 and 2021, it would be £8.5 billion larger.
The analysis also shows that Scotland’s economy is also lagging behind other regions of the UK.
North West England has an economy £11.5 billion larger than Scotland, while the West Midlands is £9.6 billion larger.
Scotland’s economic growth has lagged behind other devolved nations by billions of pounds, new analysis has shown
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Wales’ economy is £9.6 billion larger.
Scottish Labour’s finance spokesman Michael Marra said Scots were “tired of paying the price for the SNP’s failure”.
She said: “The SNP’s low economic growth has stolen billions of pounds from Scotland’s economy.
“While regions like the North West have flourished with mayors moving to Manchester and Liverpool, Scotland’s potential has been stymied by a SNP government bereft of ideas or ambition.
“This growth gap has hit public finances, and now the SNP is preparing to cut frontline services and raise taxes again.
“Scots are tired of paying the price for the SNP’s failure – we need a government focused on growing our economy, creating good jobs and protecting public services.”
But Deputy First Minister Shona Robinson of the Scottish National Party said: “Despite the impact of Brexit, the Scottish economy has been resilient – since 2007, GDP per capita has grown by 9 per cent in Scotland, compared to 6 per cent in United kingdom.
“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 further boost the economy, but we continue to be hampered by the UK’s inadequate economic model.
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“With the strengths of an independent state, we can use all the tools other governments have to grow an economy that supports people and public services.
“This will include building an immigration system tailored to Scotland’s needs – helping more people to live and work here and contributing to the economic and social well-being of our country.”