SNP sounds population warning
Scotland is suffering a population decline equivalent to losing a town the size of Alloa every year, according to the Scottish National Party.
The SNP described figures from the Government Actuary Department predicting a fall in Scotland’s population of 27 per cent over the next 70 years as a “depopulation timebomb”.
It said Scottish First Minister Jack McConnell’s claim that population decline had been reversed was misleading.
Figures obtained by SNP economics spokesman Jim Mather MSP show that Scotland’s population will fall from five million in 2004 to 3.6 million in 2073. Over the same period the UK’s population is expected to rise by 11 per cent. According to EU figures, Ireland’s population will have risen by 36 per cent by 2050.
Mr Mather said: “These figures are a frightening prospect and must be properly tackled. Scotland is losing a town the size of Alloa – that’s 20,000 people – every year. Only the SNP puts reversing our population decline through Scottish economic success at the top of our agenda.”
SNP depute leader Nicola Sturgeon added: “Unless Scotland gets an independent powerhouse parliament, it will be a case of, ‘will the last Scot to leave turn off the lights?’.”
Ms Sturgeon said the SNP had plans to grow Scotland’s economy and “provide real opportunities for young Scots to stay in their own country”.
To tackle depopulation, Scottish Ministers came up with the Fresh Talent initiative, which encourages people to consider coming to live and work in Scotland.
The Scottish Executive is also thought to be more open to immigration as a means to counter depopulation.
Launching the initiative last year, Mr McConnell said: “We need to attract and welcome new people. We need fresh talent.
“And a more diverse, more cosmopolitan country is good for Scots.”
