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Gordon Brown Launches Think-Tank to Map Scotland's Long-Term Future

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  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. ink-tank-to-map-scotland-s-long-term-future.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Wednesday, December 3rd 2025 at 2:04 GMT by The Scotsman

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Article Summary: “Gordon Brown: think tank ‘our Scottish future’ – SNP government” (The Scotsman)

The piece, published on The Scotsman’s website, chronicles former prime‑minister Gordon Brown’s recent engagement with a newly‑founded think‑tank dedicated to charting a long‑term strategy for Scotland amid the evolving political landscape under the Scottish National Party (SNP) government. While the headline focuses on Brown’s name and the “think‑tank” motif, the article quickly moves beyond a simple profile of the former leader to explore broader questions about Scotland’s future, the role of the SNP, and the potential for cross‑government collaboration.

1. Brown’s Rationale for a Think‑Tank on Scotland

The article opens with a brief background on Brown’s career – from his tenure as UK prime minister (2007‑2010) to his subsequent post‑office pursuits, which include the “Gordon Brown Think Tank” on UK politics and a series of talks on post‑Brexit governance. The new Scottish focus comes as part of a broader strategy that Brown has been championing: “the future of Scotland is a future we can build together.”

Brown argues that the political conversation in Scotland is now at a crossroads. “We are at a point where the SNP have established themselves as the dominant political force,” he says, “but the challenges facing the country are of a complexity that cannot be addressed by any single party alone.” The think‑tank is therefore positioned as a “neutral forum” that will bring together academics, policy experts, business leaders, and civil‑societal voices to produce evidence‑based recommendations for Scotland’s long‑term trajectory.

2. The Think‑Tank’s Mandate and Structure

The article describes the think‑tank’s charter: it will focus on five core pillars that Brown sees as crucial to Scotland’s future.

The think‑tank will convene quarterly “policy forums,” host public consultations, and produce an annual “Future Scotland Report.” Brown himself will chair the advisory board, with a core committee that includes figures such as Dr. Iain MacDonald (a former Scottish Labour minister), Professor Sarah O’Connor (a leading climate‑policy scholar), and Mr. Daniel Kerr (a senior executive from a renewable‑energy company). The article links to a separate piece that profiles the board members, offering readers deeper insight into their individual expertise.

3. Brown’s Views on the SNP Government

While the article is not an exhaustive critique of the SNP, Brown does not shy away from offering balanced commentary. He acknowledges the party’s achievements – particularly in public‑health outcomes during the COVID‑19 pandemic, and in maintaining a high standard of education – but also points out systemic pressures.

“The SNP government has been bold, but boldness alone does not guarantee sustainability,” Brown muses. “We must pair ambition with fiscal discipline and strategic planning.”

Brown cites the 2023 budget as an example where “the government tried to expand social services, but the fiscal implications were not fully accounted for.” He warns that any future expansion plans should be grounded in realistic revenue projections, a point that the think‑tank will take forward in its policy drafts.

The article notes that Brown has called for “a joint working group” between the Scottish and UK governments to discuss fiscal autonomy. He stresses that the SNP should “engage with Westminster on a constructive basis,” especially as the UK is expected to face economic turbulence in the coming years. This part of the article is enriched with a link to a BBC interview where Brown elaborates on the same idea, giving readers an expanded perspective.

4. The Constitutional Debate: A Second Referendum?

A recurring theme in the article is the question of Scotland’s independence. Brown frames the debate as a “political opportunity” rather than a crisis. He writes that the SNP’s track record shows a capacity to negotiate – but he stresses that the next step, should a second referendum be held, must be underpinned by a clear “constitutional architecture.”

Brown references the 2014 referendum as a learning point: “The referendum was a historic moment, but it lacked a comprehensive plan for the post‑vote scenario.” The think‑tank will, according to the article, produce a “constitutional roadmap” that will analyze scenarios ranging from full independence to a new form of devolution. The article includes a sidebar linking to a recent policy brief by the think‑tank on “Post‑Referendum Governance” for readers who want to dive deeper.

5. The Role of Civil Society and the Public

One of the article’s central messages is that the think‑tank will not operate in isolation. Brown explicitly calls for broad public engagement: “The voice of ordinary Scots – their hopes, fears, and aspirations – must shape the policy agenda.” In practice, this means:

• Public Forums: Quarterly town‑hall meetings in major Scottish cities.
• Digital Consultations: An online platform for citizens to submit questions and feedback.
• Youth Advisory Group: A panel of students and recent graduates providing fresh perspectives on education and job creation.

Brown notes that “public legitimacy” is essential for any long‑term plan, and the think‑tank’s structure is designed to ensure transparency. The article links to a separate “How We’ll Engage” page that details the mechanisms and deadlines for public contributions.

6. The Economic Landscape and the Post‑Brexit Reality

The piece concludes by situating Scotland’s future in a broader economic context. Brown acknowledges the “Brexit shock” that left many Scottish industries scrambling for new trade partnerships. He argues that the think‑tank’s research will provide evidence‑based recommendations for diversifying trade, particularly in renewable energy, agri‑tech, and digital services. The article cites a study by the Scottish Government that projected a 5% GDP growth by 2030 if the country successfully pivots to these sectors – a figure that the think‑tank will reassess and refine.

The article also includes a link to a recent report from the Office for National Statistics that tracks Scottish productivity trends, providing readers with a data backdrop to Brown’s narrative.

7. Take‑away Messages

• A Collaborative Vision – Brown sees the think‑tank as a neutral ground where diverse voices can co‑create a robust roadmap for Scotland.
• Balanced Critique of the SNP – He praises successes but urges fiscal prudence and deeper intergovernmental dialogue.
• Constitutional Clarity – A second referendum, if it occurs, must be underpinned by a clear post‑vote governance framework.
• Public Engagement – Policy must be informed by ordinary citizens, with mechanisms in place for widespread participation.
• Economic Adaptation – The focus on green and digital sectors signals a strategic pivot away from legacy industries.

In sum, the article uses Gordon Brown’s experience and credibility to spotlight a nascent yet ambitious effort to shape Scotland’s future. By weaving together commentary on the SNP’s current trajectory, the need for constitutional clarity, and the importance of inclusive public participation, the piece offers a comprehensive view of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the nation.