Fact checks of direct relevance and specifically about matters of national importance in Scotland
It’s true that Scotland technically has a large budget ‘deficit’, but the level of the deficit is mainly due to decisions made by the UK Government not the Scottish Government. Read
Alister Jack told the House of Commons that there is “no desire in Scotland” for EU membership. Opinion polls suggest otherwise. Read
Although Scotland receives funds from the UK Government, it can spend them on any devolved services. Read
Posts on social media overcount and double count Scottish revenues while undercounting Scottish expenditure. Read
Economy, Business & Finance
Scotland produces about as much renewable electricity as the total amount of electricity it consumes—but it also generates electricity from nuclear power stations and fossil fuels. Read
Economy, Business & Finance
The level of public spending is higher than its level of contribution to the UK economy. Read
Environment
Scotland produces renewable electricity equivalent to its annual consumption, but some of this is exported. In 2020, 56% of the electricity consumed in Scotland came from renewable sources. Read
Economy, Business & Finance
A Facebook post claiming England has kept Scottish taxes ignores the money spent by the UK government for or in Scotland. Read
Economy, Business & Finance
Public spending per person in Scotland is higher than across the UK as a whole, and higher than the revenue raised in Scotland. Read
Health
An article in The Herald misleadingly suggested the 2006 Scottish smoking ban was behind a 74% drop in heart attacks since 1990. Read
Fact checking claims made by politicians, public figures and viral online content can give you the full picture backed by the evidence.
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