30 November 2009
Source: LocalGov.co.uk ()

Scotland publishes independence white paper


Mark Conrad

The Scottish government has published its white paper on the country’s constitutional future, including plans for an independence referendum.

Scotland’s first minister, Scottish National Party leader Alex Salmond, believes residents should be able to vote for full independence for the country and has expressed a clear preference for a complete break from Westminster, although his party does not have enough support in government to force a ballot next year.

Mr Salmond’s white paper, published on 30 November, also outlines other options for a future constitution, including significant new powers that could be devolved by Westminster to the Scottish government.

A third option includes the effective implementation of the Calman Commission’s review of devolution, published earlier this year, which included a plan for moderate new income-raising powers for Holyrood.

The document also outlines the case for making no changes to the current constitutional arrangement, although Mr Salmond argued that is not a viable option.

‘It’s time for the people to have their say. The debate in Scottish politics is no longer between change or no change – its about the kind of change we seek and the right of people to choose their future in a free and fair referendum,’ he said.

Labour’s Scottish secretary, Jim Murphy, has warned the majority of Scottish voters do not want full independence, while Scottish Labour leader Iain Gray wants the country’s government to ditch the plan and focus on ‘more immediate’ problems, such as tackling the recession.



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