Ulster angle

AS AN Ulster Scot I am obviously anxious about the possible outcome of the independence ­referendum next year.

Should there be a Yes majority for Scottish independence then we in Northern Ireland, being closer in both distance and culture with Scotland, would have to decide whether to remain with England or remain with Scotland.

A major issue in the Scottish debate is public finance.

In reply to my parliamentary question this week the Treasury confirmed that some £30 billion of block grant was sent to Scotland in each of the past three years. Of course, an independent Scotland would lose this £30bn with resulting reduction in public funding for education, health, social services and transport. That is unless supporters of independence have a proposal to overcome the loss of this £30bn. I await their answer.

Lord Kilclooney

(Formerly Ulster Unionist MP John Taylor)

Armagh City

Northern Ireland