John Ferry
@johnferry.bsky.social
Occasional columnist covering Scottish politics and economics, and finance spokesperson for Scottish Liberal Democrats
Reposted by John Ferry
On bond issuance plan: John Swinney suggests Scottish independence would be shrugged off by the bond market, with an impact similar to that caused by the Wes Streeting briefing war. Absolutely ludicrous.
November 13, 2025 at 11:46 AM
On bond issuance plan: John Swinney suggests Scottish independence would be shrugged off by the bond market, with an impact similar to that caused by the Wes Streeting briefing war. Absolutely ludicrous.
Reposted by John Ferry
been watching lots of focus groups - clearly many young Scots believe we “send all our taxes to Westminster but get only a fraction back”
but Scottish Government’s own National Statistics show we consistently benefit from 9.1% of UK public spending while contributing less than 8.5% to UK revenues 🤷🏻♂️
but Scottish Government’s own National Statistics show we consistently benefit from 9.1% of UK public spending while contributing less than 8.5% to UK revenues 🤷🏻♂️
October 26, 2025 at 8:03 PM
been watching lots of focus groups - clearly many young Scots believe we “send all our taxes to Westminster but get only a fraction back”
but Scottish Government’s own National Statistics show we consistently benefit from 9.1% of UK public spending while contributing less than 8.5% to UK revenues 🤷🏻♂️
but Scottish Government’s own National Statistics show we consistently benefit from 9.1% of UK public spending while contributing less than 8.5% to UK revenues 🤷🏻♂️
Reposted by John Ferry
The most serious failure of the SNP’s latest independence paper is that it completely ducks the question of how an independent Scotland would get its public finances onto a sustainable footing.
October 10, 2025 at 9:17 AM
The most serious failure of the SNP’s latest independence paper is that it completely ducks the question of how an independent Scotland would get its public finances onto a sustainable footing.
Reposted by John Ferry
“They are seeking to turn this country into little MAGA Britain”
Former President of Global Affairs at Meta Nick Clegg says Elon Musk and JD Vance are interfering in European politics, which would “never” be tolerated stateside
#Peston
Former President of Global Affairs at Meta Nick Clegg says Elon Musk and JD Vance are interfering in European politics, which would “never” be tolerated stateside
#Peston
September 15, 2025 at 10:30 PM
“They are seeking to turn this country into little MAGA Britain”
Former President of Global Affairs at Meta Nick Clegg says Elon Musk and JD Vance are interfering in European politics, which would “never” be tolerated stateside
#Peston
Former President of Global Affairs at Meta Nick Clegg says Elon Musk and JD Vance are interfering in European politics, which would “never” be tolerated stateside
#Peston
At no point has Nicola Sturgeon or Humza Yousaf questioned whether actively working to create a divide that directly ties politics with identity might be socially detrimental.
From me for @thespectator1828.bsky.social ✍️
www.spectator.co.uk/article/its-...
From me for @thespectator1828.bsky.social ✍️
www.spectator.co.uk/article/its-...
It’s rich of Nicola Sturgeon to criticise flag-waving
That Nicola Sturgeon can come out with this stuff without even a hint of self-awareness is truly astonishing.
www.spectator.co.uk
September 11, 2025 at 6:46 AM
At no point has Nicola Sturgeon or Humza Yousaf questioned whether actively working to create a divide that directly ties politics with identity might be socially detrimental.
From me for @thespectator1828.bsky.social ✍️
www.spectator.co.uk/article/its-...
From me for @thespectator1828.bsky.social ✍️
www.spectator.co.uk/article/its-...
The SNP cynically split Scotland into two opposing camps: virtuous, culturally enlightened nationalists who are welcome to embrace the Saltire, and unionists who must be socially excluded from their Scottishness until they switch to the culturally superior camp ✍️
www.spectator.co.uk/article/its-...
www.spectator.co.uk/article/its-...
It’s rich of Nicola Sturgeon to criticise flag-waving
That Nicola Sturgeon can come out with this stuff without even a hint of self-awareness is truly astonishing.
www.spectator.co.uk
September 10, 2025 at 6:07 PM
The SNP cynically split Scotland into two opposing camps: virtuous, culturally enlightened nationalists who are welcome to embrace the Saltire, and unionists who must be socially excluded from their Scottishness until they switch to the culturally superior camp ✍️
www.spectator.co.uk/article/its-...
www.spectator.co.uk/article/its-...
Nicola Sturgeon and Humza Yousaf have been part of the illiberal process that has removed individuality and reasserted national identity as a political driver. Their hypocrisy on flags is astonishing.
New from me @thespectator1828.bsky.social
Get it read! ✍️👇
www.spectator.co.uk/article/its-...
New from me @thespectator1828.bsky.social
Get it read! ✍️👇
www.spectator.co.uk/article/its-...
It’s rich of Nicola Sturgeon to criticise flag-waving
That Nicola Sturgeon can come out with this stuff without even a hint of self-awareness is truly astonishing.
www.spectator.co.uk
September 10, 2025 at 3:26 PM
Nicola Sturgeon and Humza Yousaf have been part of the illiberal process that has removed individuality and reasserted national identity as a political driver. Their hypocrisy on flags is astonishing.
New from me @thespectator1828.bsky.social
Get it read! ✍️👇
www.spectator.co.uk/article/its-...
New from me @thespectator1828.bsky.social
Get it read! ✍️👇
www.spectator.co.uk/article/its-...
This is a self-serving twisting - of course! - of the reality, but the key thing is it's designed to deflect attention away from the SNP's many failures in government. Ignore it, and don't let them get away with not answering for their failures across education & health, the ferries fiasco etc.
Labour, Tories and Liberal Democrats are all on record stating that Scotland’s future should be Scotland’s choice.
So here’s the question every Scot deserves an answer to - what’s changed?
It's your right to decide - sign the declaration. www.yes.scot/decide
So here’s the question every Scot deserves an answer to - what’s changed?
It's your right to decide - sign the declaration. www.yes.scot/decide
September 8, 2025 at 4:48 PM
This is a self-serving twisting - of course! - of the reality, but the key thing is it's designed to deflect attention away from the SNP's many failures in government. Ignore it, and don't let them get away with not answering for their failures across education & health, the ferries fiasco etc.
Reposted by John Ferry
Using the latest GERS figures, @kevverage.bsky.social compares Scotland’s fiscal position with independent EU countries and argues that a fiscally autonomous Scotland would need to dramatically reduce investment in public services.
GERS 2025: Full Fiscal Autonomy?
Kevin Hague uses the latest GERS figures to compare Scotland’s fiscal position with independent EU countries and argues that a fiscally autonomous Scotland would need to dramatically reduce investment...
www.these-islands.co.uk
September 7, 2025 at 6:56 AM
Using the latest GERS figures, @kevverage.bsky.social compares Scotland’s fiscal position with independent EU countries and argues that a fiscally autonomous Scotland would need to dramatically reduce investment in public services.
Yes, it’s very frustrating when people whose politics you fundamentally disagree with appropriate your national symbols for their cause…
NEW: An SNP MSP has raised fears that the Scottish Saltire is being 'hijacked by far right'
John Swinney responds to concerns 'Saltire being hijacked by far right'
www.thenational.scot
September 5, 2025 at 7:48 AM
Yes, it’s very frustrating when people whose politics you fundamentally disagree with appropriate your national symbols for their cause…
Reposted by John Ferry
Fundamentally this latest ScotGov paper is just yet another demonstration that the SNP intends to fight yet another election on issues around independence rather than on their record in health, education, transport, crime and all the other things they have actually been responsible for for 18 years.
September 4, 2025 at 7:46 AM
Fundamentally this latest ScotGov paper is just yet another demonstration that the SNP intends to fight yet another election on issues around independence rather than on their record in health, education, transport, crime and all the other things they have actually been responsible for for 18 years.
The Scottish Government has put out a paper - written by British civil servants - making the case that SNP manifesto commitments are a matter not of politics but of law. This is obviously constitutionally wrong. Our civil service resources should not be used in this way. @johnswinney.bsky.social
September 4, 2025 at 8:46 AM
The Scottish Government has put out a paper - written by British civil servants - making the case that SNP manifesto commitments are a matter not of politics but of law. This is obviously constitutionally wrong. Our civil service resources should not be used in this way. @johnswinney.bsky.social
I see national identity culture war fighting is unfortunately becoming all the rage. I wrote this a couple of years ago, on how damaging this form of politics is.
www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/opinion/c...
www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/opinion/c...
John Ferry: It's time to end Scotland's national identity culture war
We're encouraged to assert Scottish identity and reject British identity.
www.pressandjournal.co.uk
August 26, 2025 at 12:41 PM
I see national identity culture war fighting is unfortunately becoming all the rage. I wrote this a couple of years ago, on how damaging this form of politics is.
www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/opinion/c...
www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/opinion/c...
Reposted by John Ferry
Defence spending in GERS. @kevverage.bsky.social explains how the Scottish Government is pushing a dishonest narrative.
Defence Spending in GERS: Anatomy of a Myth
The Scottish Government’s Finance Secretary’s latest attempt to spin the GERS figures is both incorrect and misleading.
www.these-islands.co.uk
August 20, 2025 at 7:37 AM
Defence spending in GERS. @kevverage.bsky.social explains how the Scottish Government is pushing a dishonest narrative.
Reposted by John Ferry
it’s GERS day 🎉🫤 - all you really need to know is this:
Scotland (inc N Sea) generated very similar revenue/head as UK avg (£91 higher)
but spending/head in and for Scotland was much higher (£2,669 higher)
and that higher spending is mainly explained by devolved (SG controlled) spending
(1/2)
Scotland (inc N Sea) generated very similar revenue/head as UK avg (£91 higher)
but spending/head in and for Scotland was much higher (£2,669 higher)
and that higher spending is mainly explained by devolved (SG controlled) spending
(1/2)
August 13, 2025 at 11:23 AM
it’s GERS day 🎉🫤 - all you really need to know is this:
Scotland (inc N Sea) generated very similar revenue/head as UK avg (£91 higher)
but spending/head in and for Scotland was much higher (£2,669 higher)
and that higher spending is mainly explained by devolved (SG controlled) spending
(1/2)
Scotland (inc N Sea) generated very similar revenue/head as UK avg (£91 higher)
but spending/head in and for Scotland was much higher (£2,669 higher)
and that higher spending is mainly explained by devolved (SG controlled) spending
(1/2)
Reposted by John Ferry
grateful as ever to the National for highlighting the important and impactful work @theseislands.bsky.social is doing to inform the constitutional debate - if you would like to support our ongoing efforts, you can donate to these Islands here > www.these-islands.co.uk/funding/d5/
August 9, 2025 at 8:49 AM
grateful as ever to the National for highlighting the important and impactful work @theseislands.bsky.social is doing to inform the constitutional debate - if you would like to support our ongoing efforts, you can donate to these Islands here > www.these-islands.co.uk/funding/d5/
Reposted by John Ferry
a masterclass in rhetorical deception
1. that a big new wind farm “could” be built has nothing to do with current electricity bills
2. Scotland is a “renewables superpower” because the “Westminster run” energy market offers price guarantees to wind farm developers (which impact all GB bill payers)
1. that a big new wind farm “could” be built has nothing to do with current electricity bills
2. Scotland is a “renewables superpower” because the “Westminster run” energy market offers price guarantees to wind farm developers (which impact all GB bill payers)
August 1, 2025 at 8:58 AM
a masterclass in rhetorical deception
1. that a big new wind farm “could” be built has nothing to do with current electricity bills
2. Scotland is a “renewables superpower” because the “Westminster run” energy market offers price guarantees to wind farm developers (which impact all GB bill payers)
1. that a big new wind farm “could” be built has nothing to do with current electricity bills
2. Scotland is a “renewables superpower” because the “Westminster run” energy market offers price guarantees to wind farm developers (which impact all GB bill payers)
This from Janan Ganesh is very good. Beware those insisting only a full system reset will work because 'can it really be any worse than this'.
www.ft.com/content/c34f...
www.ft.com/content/c34f...
Britain is not a broken society
The country has serious problems but the right’s vision of it has become hysterical
www.ft.com
July 30, 2025 at 1:53 PM
This from Janan Ganesh is very good. Beware those insisting only a full system reset will work because 'can it really be any worse than this'.
www.ft.com/content/c34f...
www.ft.com/content/c34f...
Reposted by John Ferry
Nationalism really is *fascinating*. Today we've seen (absolutely justifiable) protests against Trump during his visit, and people are praising "Scotland" for this. Meanwhile the actual elected FM of Scotland announced money for Trump's golf course and says the visit is an opportunity to be grasped.
July 27, 2025 at 11:01 PM
Nationalism really is *fascinating*. Today we've seen (absolutely justifiable) protests against Trump during his visit, and people are praising "Scotland" for this. Meanwhile the actual elected FM of Scotland announced money for Trump's golf course and says the visit is an opportunity to be grasped.
Reposted by John Ferry
I have seen quite a bit of b*!!*cks talked on @bsky.app about the issue of electricity pricing. This article from @staylorish.bsky.social is really useful in understanding what zonal pricing is really about www.these-islands.co.uk/publications... (1/2)
Zonal Pricing: What Happened?
Zonal pricing of electricity is not going to happen. At least not any time soon. The UK Government’s decision, part of the Review of Electricity Market Arrangements (REMA) process, which it inherited ...
www.these-islands.co.uk
July 13, 2025 at 9:50 AM
I have seen quite a bit of b*!!*cks talked on @bsky.app about the issue of electricity pricing. This article from @staylorish.bsky.social is really useful in understanding what zonal pricing is really about www.these-islands.co.uk/publications... (1/2)
Reposted by John Ferry
Everything you always wanted to know about zonal pricing. Plus why the SNP is incoherent and unserious on electricity market reforms.
Zonal Pricing: What Happened?
Zonal pricing of electricity is not going to happen. At least not any time soon. The UK Government’s decision, part of the Review of Electricity Market Arrangements (REMA) process, which it inherited ...
www.these-islands.co.uk
July 13, 2025 at 7:32 AM
Everything you always wanted to know about zonal pricing. Plus why the SNP is incoherent and unserious on electricity market reforms.
Decent start to the weekend
July 12, 2025 at 12:01 PM
Decent start to the weekend
I can't get my head around this. Extraordinary.
Peter Murrell granted legal aid after embezzlement charge www.heraldscotland.com/news/2528231...
Peter Murrell granted legal aid after embezzlement charge www.heraldscotland.com/news/2528231...
Peter Murrell granted legal aid after embezzlement charge
Taxpayers are set to foot the bill for former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell’s legal costs after he was charged with embezzlement, it has…
www.heraldscotland.com
July 2, 2025 at 9:46 PM
I can't get my head around this. Extraordinary.
Peter Murrell granted legal aid after embezzlement charge www.heraldscotland.com/news/2528231...
Peter Murrell granted legal aid after embezzlement charge www.heraldscotland.com/news/2528231...
Reposted by John Ferry
When I was elected to Holyrood in 2016 we had just 2 councillors in the capital. This is how city of Edinburgh council looks this morning.
June 27, 2025 at 6:13 AM
When I was elected to Holyrood in 2016 we had just 2 councillors in the capital. This is how city of Edinburgh council looks this morning.