Issues

Scottish independence plans set out

scotlands future white paper launch With less than a year to the Scottish independence referendum, the Scottish Government has set out a detailed case for a ‘yes’ vote in its white paper.

The 670-word ‘Scotland’s Future’ document refers to several elements of continuity in the “social union” which would endure after independence. These include sterling, the monarchy, BBC services and free health care for UK visitors. The Common Travel Area would continue to link the British Isles together although Scotland would, like the Republic, have the freedom to adopt different immigration policies.

Specific consequences for Northern Ireland are not discussed. The province is grouped with England and Wales, while the white paper highlights the Republic’s progress since its own independence.

The UK Government has described the document as “a wish list with no price list” as Scotland has the “best of both worlds” in the union.

All local parties have emphasised that the choice rests with Scotland. DUP MP Sammy Wilson has described independence as a “myth” as Scotland would have so many continuing links with Westminster. Mike Nesbitt said that the UK nations are “better together”.

Sinn Féin described “national self-determination” for Scotland as “a matter for the people who live there as it should be for any country.” Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson said that the referendum was “similar to our principle of consent”.

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