UK | The economics of Scottish independence
A win for pro-independence parties at Scottish elections on May 6 will put Scotland’s exit from the UK back on the political agenda. But in our view, while the prospect of independence is real, it’s not the most likely outcome. A nationalist victory wouldn’t assure a referendum, as the UK government remains opposed.
What you will learn from this report:
- A nationalist victory wouldn’t assure a referendum, as the UK government remains opposed.
- Should Scotland secede, the UK would be shorn of around one-twelfth of its GDP.
- For Scotland, independence would lumber its small economy with a significant level of public debt.
Tags:
Related Services

Post
US-China relations improve, yet industrial recession remains likely
For the first time this year, our global industrial production outlook for 2025 has been upgraded. However, we still anticipate an industrial recession in Q2 and Q3.
Find Out More
Post
Positive tariff news does little to dispel overall uncertainty
We've nudged up our world GDP growth forecasts for 2025 and 2026 by 0.1ppt to 2.4%, in part to reflect the temporary but substantial reduction in tariffs between the US and China.
Find Out More