Are we better together? Hugh Pennington talks independence and what it means for students in Scotland

In the final 5 months until the Scottish referendum, it is more important than ever for Scots to be carefully considering their decision for arguably the most influential decision of their lives.

In light of this we had a chat with Professor Hugh Pennington, a leading bacteriologist here at Aberdeen. He is strongly adverse to the notion of an independent Scotland. Pennington is particularly concerned that an independent Scotland will affect Scottish education. Currently Scotland is sitting in an extremely privileged position in regards to funding.

Considering we are such a small nation, Scotland is extremely successful in their world leading research. We claim 8.4% of the UK’s population however we are extremely privileged to receive 13% of British funding. Pennington is a vital player in the “Academics Together” Branch of the Better Together campaign. Currently, per student we are in an extremely comfortable position in regards to funding.

We are all students in a research university, alongside Edinburgh, Glasgow and St Andrews. Each year our institution produces cutting edge research, a direct result of the privilege of grants received from Research Councils UK.

What the SNP isn’t telling us, or indeed haven’t yet considered, is that if we go independent we would have to provide our own funding, and on top of this UK charities such as Cancer Research would have no obligation to provide the generous donations to Scottish research as they currently do. The Republic of Ireland receives significantly less funding for university research, and as a result fall far further behind in the research field. In consideration of the fact that UK, including Scotland, is able to produce sixteen times its per-capita share of the world’s best scientific research, a strong and successful nation like ourselves would be foolish to sacrifice this position.

Better together xoxo

Furthermore, there would be serious implications over the English fees. The university would no longer receive the £9,000 a year in fees from English students which it heavily depends upon to carrying on as a quality educational institution. Current plans involve English students being classed as EU internationals, therefore it would be seen as discriminatory to charge English, Welsh and Northern Irish students fees.

Whilst this will be beneficial for many students, as an institution run by government funding, Aberdeen will suffer without this income. Additionally, there would be no guarantee that an independent Scotland would be entitled to European Union membership. Whilst this would be beneficial in abolishing the dreaded EU law course, there would be more serious consequences. It would not be so easy, or so free, for European students to study in Scotland.

As a nation we can pride ourselves on having a great sense of cultural diversity, largely down to a large number of international students. This position would be greatly compromised if there was to be Scottish independence. These international students make up our peer group and contribute to our education.

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The notion of independence would bring us to a position of great loss. Furthermore, EU aid towards Scottish governments would be cut altogether. Currently this includes both funding opportunities for departments and grants, and so without this many students would be set to miss out.

Big “NAW” from Hughie

According to Pennington: “like all new members, a newly independent Scotland would have to face the gradual phasing in of support and benefits from the EU- a problem which the newest member Croatia is currently facing. “We are currently in a good position- however [as new EU members] we may have to pay back our current rebate which would financially cripple us”.

Vital services for Scotland such as education, emergency services and health care are run by a Scottish government which was encouraged and financially backed by the UK government. This form of devolution has allowed a degree of independence for Scotland, as we are reminded by Pennington, whilst still gaining a higher proportion of British funding than we are entitled to as a result of the Barnett formula.

This privilege would disappear with a yes vote come September, leaving the country in an economically vulnerable position. A huge argument from the SNP has been that the oil industry will act as the skeleton of an independent Scotland’s economy. However, Professor Pennington noted that our oil industry hit its peak in 2001 and has been in decline ever since.

This doesn’t mean that the industry is set to face huge problems any time soon, however whilst the referendum will be permanent, our reliance on oil can only be temporary. “The SNP focuses on independence – however do they have any other interests at heart?”, said Professor Pennington. “[Their focus] should be long term benefits to Scotland”. This is a once in a lifetime decision- and that there will be no going back should we choose to become independent.

A “no” vote doesn’t make a person any less patriotic to our wonderful Scotland

Independence will not prove one’s patriarchy to the nation, rather a romantic idea going back to our Scottish roots. By voting “no”, one will not be going against one’s country, instead backing a strong and united nation. Many thanks to Professor Hugh Pennington, and I urge all students to vote NO in this year’s referendum. Stations to register voters for the Referendum will be around campus on the 23rd and 30th of April- look out for these enthusiastic guys!

Jen Wilson and her team will be around campus for the next two Wednesdays