The Union v's Independence. Letter to The Wrexham Leader 28 August 2019
Some Welsh political parties already have problems accepting one referendum result - Brexit, which didn't go the way they wanted. How many calls will they make for another vote until they get the answer they want. What happened to their commitment to democracy and the people. Perhaps they want to rethink the devolution vote but then that wouldn't suit them. So they'll keep quiet on that subject!
So for those who think that Independence from the Union will serve Wales well, let's look at the maths...
Wales generates less money in taxes than it gets back from the Treasury. The fiscal gap is £13.7 billion. That equates to £4,380 per person! Where would an independent Wales get this money from? I doubt the EU. would adopt another small country in deficit! Independence would make Wales poorer.
In addition we can't contemplate Independence without examining the current public sector funding formulae. For every £1 spent on public services in England, Wales receives £1.20. However it is left up to the Welsh Labour Government how this money is spent and this is where things go wrong!
And we shouldn't forget the odd bonuses we get from the UK Government, like the extra £110m Boris Johnson has just given for the Welsh NHS.
But it is not just about money. Living so close to the border we must consider the options people have as to where they live and work. What we don't want is a haemorrhage of skilled and professional workers migrating 10 miles down the road because they are attracted by better public services, lifestyles and prospects.
It is only the Conservatives that will stand up for Wales' place in the Union and uphold the benefits we get from it.
Sarah Atherton
Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Wrexham