The ‘Yes’ side will only make progress if they can win the debate about the economics of Scottish independence

With eight months to go until Scotland’s independence referendum, John Curtice reviews the polls. He finds that most indicators continue to suggest that the verdict will be No. He also argues that although the debate will range far and wide in the coming months, the victory will ultimately go to the side that presents the most convincing economic argument.

In a separate blog (see related url): The referendum on Scottish independence is due to be held in Septtember 2014, however there is still speculation about the way the yes and no campaigns will evolve in the final months. In this article, James Mitchell argues that the extent to which the debate widens beyond the narrow terms it currently inhabits will affect levels of public engagement and ultimately turnout.

ESO: Background information: The road to secession: Estimating the costs of independence in advanced industrial states http://www.europeansources.info/record/the-road-to-secession-estimating-the-costs-of-independence-in-advanced-industrial-states/

ESO: Background information: Scotland's future: Your guide to an independent Scotland http://www.europeansources.info/record/scotlands-future-your-guide-to-an-independent-scotland/

ESO: Background information: Scottish Parliament Committee launches inquiry into the economics of Scotland’s constitutional future http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-scottish-parliament-committee-launches-inquiry-into-the-economics-of-scotlands-constitutional-future/

LSE EuroppBlog, 18.01.14: It remains open whether the September 2014 referendum will prove ‘historic’ in any meaningful way for most Scots http://bit.ly/Kj4yNN

United Kingdom: Parliament: House of Commons: Standard Note, 24.01.14: Economic aspects of Scottish independence: public spending and revenue http://www.parliament.uk/briefing-papers/sn06625/economic-aspects-of-scottish-independence-public-spending-and-revenue

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