Tag: independence

First Minister sets out next steps in independence referendum

The next steps on securing a referendum on independence were outlined by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon during a statement to Parliament yesterday.

She said: “Independence is about equipping ourselves to navigate the future, guided by our own values, aspirations and interests.

“Now is the time – at this critical moment in history – to debate and decide the future of our country. Now is the time to get Scotland on the right path – the path chosen by those who live here. Now is the time for independence.

“This parliament has a clear, democratic mandate to offer Scotland that choice. The UK government, regrettably however, is refusing to respect Scottish democracy.

“The UK and Scottish Governments should be sitting down together, responsibly agreeing a process, including a section 30 order, that allows the Scottish people to decide. That would be the democratic way to proceed.

“The issue of independence cannot be suppressed. It must be resolved democratically. And that must be through a process that is above reproach and commands confidence. 

“That is why I am setting out today the actions the Scottish Government and the Lord Advocate will take, in the absence of a section 30 order, to secure Scotland’s right to choose.

“I can announce, first of all, that the Scottish Government is today publishing the ‘Scottish Independence Referendum Bill’.

“In common with the 2014 referendum – indeed, in common with the Brexit referendum and the referendum to establish this Parliament – the independence referendum proposed in the Bill will be consultative, not self-executing.

“The Bill states that the question on the ballot paper should be – just as it was in 2014 – ‘should Scotland be an independent country’.

“There has been much commentary in recent days to the effect that a consultative referendum would not have the same status as the vote in 2014.

“That is simply wrong, factually and legally.

“The status of the referendum proposed in this Bill is exactly the same as the referendums of 1997, 2014 and 2016.

“The Bill includes the proposed date on which the referendum should be held.

“I can announce that the Scottish Government is proposing that the independence referendum be held on 19 October 2023.

“We must seek now to accelerate to the point when we have legal clarity; legal fact. And crucially, in doing so establish and safeguard the ability of this Parliament to deliver a referendum on the date proposed.

“The Lord Advocate has agreed to make a reference of the provisions in the Bill to the Supreme Court.

“I can confirm that the reference will be filed with the Supreme Court this afternoon.

“Obviously, it is this government’s hope that the question in this Bill, proposing a referendum that is consultative, not self-executing, and which would seek to ascertain the views of the Scottish people for or against independence, will be deemed to be within the legislative competence of this Parliament.

“If that outcome is secured, there will be no doubt whatsoever that the referendum is lawful. And I can confirm that the government will then immediately introduce the Bill and ask Parliament to pass the it on a timescale that allows the referendum to proceed on 19 October 2023.

“It is, of course, possible that the Supreme Court will decide that the Scottish Parliament does not have power to legislate for even a consultative referendum. Obviously, that would not be the clarity we hope for.

“But if that is what the law establishing this Parliament really means, it is better to have that clarity sooner rather than later.

“Because what it will clarify is this: any notion of the UK as a voluntary union of nations is a fiction. Any suggestion that the UK is a partnership of equals is false.

“There would be few stronger or more powerful arguments for independence than that.

“And it would not be the end of the matter. Far from it. Democracy demands that people must have their say.

“I want the process set in train today to lead to a lawful, constitutional referendum and for that to take place on 19 October 2023.

“But if the law says that is not possible, the General Election will be a ‘de facto’ referendum.

“Either way, the people of Scotland will have their say.”

“To believe in Scottish independence is to believe in a better future. It involves an unashamedly optimistic view of the world. The belief that things can be better than they are now.

“The people of Scotland have told us that they want the right to decide.

“Today we have set out the path to deliver it.”

THERE HAS BEEN A PREDICTABLE RESPONSE FROM OPPOSITION PARTIES:

The First Minister[s statement to Parliament.

A letter to the Prime Minister has been sent to inform him of the content of the statement and make clear that the Scottish Government is ready and willing to negotiate the terms of a section 30 order.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon: ‘It’s time to talk about independence’

FIRST MINISTER FIRES STARTING GUN FOR INDYREF2

Setting out the fresh case for Scotland to become an independent country began today as First Minister Nicola Sturgeon declared ‘It’s time’ and published new analysis showing the prize of independence is a wealthier, fairer Scotland.

The Scottish Government analysis – Independence in the Modern World. Wealthier, Happier, Fairer: Why Not Scotland? – details how neighbouring countries such as Sweden, Ireland, Denmark and Finland use their powers of independence to achieve economic success, business dynamism and fairer societies.

The evidence shows that:

  • the comparator countries are all wealthier – some a lot wealthier – than the UK
  • income inequality is lower in all the comparator countries
  • poverty rates are lower in all the comparator countries
  • there are fewer children living in poverty in all the comparator countries
  • the comparator countries all have higher productivity – often significantly higher – than the UK
  • business investment tends to be higher in all the comparator countries     

It is the first in a series of papers called Building a New Scotland that will together form a prospectus for an independent Scotland to enable people to make an informed choice about Scotland’s future before any referendum takes place.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “Today, Scotland – like countries across the world – faces significant challenges. But we also have huge advantages and immense potential. The refreshed case for independence is about how we equip ourselves to navigate the challenges and fulfil that potential, now and in future.

“In their day to day lives, people across Scotland are suffering the impacts of the soaring cost of living, low growth and increasing inequality, constrained public finances and the many implications of a Brexit we did not vote for. These problems have all been made worse or, most obviously in the case of Brexit, directly caused by the fact we are not independent.

“So at this critical juncture we face a fundamental question. Do we stay tied to a UK economic model that consigns us to relatively poor economic and social outcomes which are likely to get worse, not better, outside the EU? Or do we lift our eyes, with hope and optimism, and take inspiration from comparable countries across Europe?

“Comparable neighbouring countries with different characteristics. Countries that, in many cases, lack the abundance of resources that Scotland is blessed with. But all of them independent and, as we show today, wealthier and fairer than the UK.

“Today’s paper – and those that will follow in the weeks and months ahead – is about substance. That is what really matters. The strength of the substantive case will determine the decision people reach when the choice is offered – as it will be – and it is time now to set out and debate that case.

“After everything that has happened it is time to set out a different and better vision. It is time to talk about making Scotland wealthier and fairer. It is time to talk about independence – and then to make the choice.”

Scottish Government Minister and Scottish Green Party Co-Leader Patrick Harvie said: “This paper sets out a detailed, evidence-based assessment of how the UK performs in comparison to a group of European countries.

“It shows how we are being held back environmentally, socially and economically by a UK Government that does not have the interests of the people of Scotland in mind. And it shows that with the powers of independence we could make different decisions than those made by the UK government, and build a more prosperous, equal and greener Scotland.

“As we seek to deliver the transition to a net-zero economy and address a cost of living crisis that is being turbo-charged by Brexit, there could not be a more important time to give the people of Scotland a choice over our future.

The Building a New Scotland papers will help ensure that choice is an informed one, and I hope that everyone will join us in a positive and constructive national debate about Scotland’s future.”

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Disabled Livingston support worker ‘feels alive again’ thanks to dog walking mobility scooter

The joy of owning dogs has remained for Lorraine, 61 from Livingston, thanks to a disability beating off-road TGA Breeze mobility scooter nicknamed ‘Daisy’.

Living near Edinburgh, Lorraine is a former support worker for those with additional needs, who owns two characterful Goldendoodles Katie and Sophie. Walking her dogs is a massive part of her life so when she started to have mobility difficulties following cancer treatment side effects, Lorraine worried how Katie and Sophie would get the exercise they needed.

The answer appeared to be a mobility scooter however Lorraine needed one that could cope with going off road in the countryside, especially in the winter. The Murieston Trail right next to her home was a favourite walk that was now not possible especially as severe fatigue was a problem. She was having to conserve energy and couldn’t risk not being able to get home. The search for a scooter with high ground clearance and good suspension led to the TGA Breeze.

Lorraine spent months shielding at home. She lost her freedom which was hard to cope with as she explains: “In 2020 my back garden becomes my world. Not anymore, I have my freedom back and I don’t feel disabled. Why should I? Cancer was a setback, but I’d say not being able to go out is a bigger set back.

“A scooter gives you your life back. With Daisy I can go anywhere, she often comes back covered in mud when we’ve been out. The Scottish term is bogging. It is so important to be able to escape from whatever is in your head. Going out and seeing things around you takes your mind off worrying.

“Being outside, hearing the birds singing, breathing fresh air, it all takes you to a positive place. My scooter makes me feel alive again.

“Before I had to choose whether I went for short walks with my husband around the shops or to take the dogs out. I didn’t have the energy to do both. Now I can save energy on my scooter and still do other things.

“I have more energy reserves. I can go out in the car knowing the dogs have had a good walk. Katie and Sophie got used to walking next to me on my Breeze really quickly, they weren’t bothered at all as it is quiet.

“What does it feel like to drive a Breeze? Well, it’s stress-free independence, accessibility and not getting tired. I can get home without worrying I won’t make it. I couldn’t do this without my scooter. If you also look at it from a safety point of view, I can get back home quickly if needed.”

The TGA Breeze is an 8mph scooter that has been involved with world record attempts and appeared on BBC Top Gear.

It is popular with ramblers who need power and stability to tackle mud, puddles and uneven ground.

This performance gives Lorraine confidence around the shops or in the countryside and tends to surprise most people as she adds: “I see people’s reaction when I’m coming along a woodland trail and they think they’ll need to get out of the way but no, no, no, I can drive around them on the grass no bother.

“Time and again they have been so surprised thinking that I’m going to get stuck, no chance with my Breeze. I love seeing their faces when I do a sharp turn into the undergrowth. They have no idea what this baby can do!

“I think the design of the Breeze is spot on, it ticks so many boxes that other scooters do not. I would add Harry from TGA who supplied the scooter was so good, no hard sell at all. He just left me to make my own decisions, there was never any chasing on the phone.

“So many companies harangue you these days and won’t leave you alone. This always makes me think they know their product is not good. It’s clear TGA have confidence in their products. When buying a scooter, it can be an emotional time for people. Often, they are vulnerable and the last thing they want is a salesman on their back with a high-pressure pitch. I had no phone calls chasing me, TGA have been brilliant.”

The future for Lorraine is looking bright as she is keen to ‘extend her horizons’. She is hoping to get a trailer for her Breeze so she can tow it to their caravan on the coast at Dunbar.

Lorraine is also pro-actively getting barriers and gates adjusted by her local council so fellow scooter owners can access the many picturesque walks around Livingston. This reflects many other initiatives across the UK including Miles with Stiles and Access the Dales – both supported by TGA.

Lorraine concludes: “Getting fresh air is so important. You can do it on a car boot scooter and that’s ok, but with dogs and wanting to go off road you need something more substantial. 

“People should never look at having a scooter as a negative, there is no loss of dignity, not at all. Exactly the opposite. It’s all about finding new capabilities and opportunities.”

Scrapped ‘Boris Bridge’ plan worth £1.4bn to Edinburgh’s economy

SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald has called on the Tory Westminster Government to make good on the money Scotland and Northern Ireland are owed as its share of the £20 billion from Boris Johnson’s ill-fated plan to build a bridge to Northern Ireland. Money which represents the equivalent of up to £1.4 billion for Edinburgh.

The project – promoted by Boris Johnson was costed at £20 billion, but since the plans for the bridge were canned the money has not been allocated for spending in Scotland or Northern Ireland.

Now, Gordon Macdonald MSP is demanding that the money be allocated to Scotland to be spent on worthwhile transport projects that could transform connectivity in Edinburgh.

Gordon said: “Whilst the crossing was a daft idea, the SNP will engage with ideas of how funding can be distributed to ensure worthwhile investment in transport links across Scotland which will benefit communities like Edinburgh. £20 billion for a transport project in Scotland and Northern Ireland is worth up to £1.4 billion for Edinburgh.

“The Tories are up to their old tricks again as we saw last time they had control of Scotland’s money. When they diverted cash from the Highlands to try to boost dwindling Conservative support in south-east England.

“What the people of Edinburgh need is proper commitments that will make transformational changes to connectivity across the area. Edinburgh’s share of the cash would equal up to £1.4 billion and the Tories owe the community that money which would make a significant difference in how people get around.

“This also shows once again how out of touch Boris Johnson really is with people in Edinburgh and across Scotland as he has his priorities all wrong to bring about real change for people here.

“We cannot trust the Tories to act in the best interests of Scotland and that is why the people of Scotland should have the choice of a different path towards independence.”

Johnson to Sturgeon: Let’s Talk

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has invited leaders of the UK’s devolved governments to a summit meeting to discuss joint working to ‘build back better’.

The invitation is a response to a remarkable Holyrood election result which saw the SNP come within one seat of outright victory. Despite just failing to secure an overall majority, the election of eight pro-independence Scottish Green MSPs ensures that a majority of MSPs will support a second independence referendum.

The PM is expected to telephone Nicola Sturgeon later today.

Alba: Creating a Supermajority for Indpendence?

‘Tipping the balance in Scotland’s favour’?

The Alba Party is looking for voters in May’s Holyrood elections to cast their votes for them on the regional list. They say this will deliver a ‘supermajority’ for independence. How would this work?

‘The more success a party has on the constituency vote, the less well it does on the regional list vote. That’s why in 2016 #BothVotesSNP led to 1 million wasted pro-independence list votes.

‘Voting Alba Party on May 6th will make sure no pro-independence vote goes to waste by securing a #Supermajority for independence.

‘Let’s tip the balance in Scotland’s favour.

‘The Westminster Government has already said it will not allow another independence referendum in Scotland.

‘The #Supermajority will be the only mandate needed to begin negotiating Scotland’s independence as a parliament, rather than just a party.

‘On May 6th you have two votes. On your constituency ballot paper, #voteSNP for your local SNP candidate. On your regional ballot paper, #voteAlba Party to ensure an independence #Supermajority.

‘The weight of these two votes combined, will tip the balance in Scotland’s favour and guarantee a #Supermajority for independence in the Scottish Parliament this year.‘

However The Scottish National Party says that if you want independence, you must vote SNP:

‘The 2011 Scottish election produced a result that was never meant to happen. A majority pro-independence government, against all odds. So how did voters in Scotland do it?

‘At the elections, the SNP won 53 constituency seats on the first vote. But it was the 16 seats won on the regional list, with voters second vote, that got the SNP over the line.

‘It was with people voting Both Votes SNP that secured the first majority government.

‘Other parties say that you don’t have to vote Both Votes SNP in order to vote for independence. They say people should vote for them instead. But they said the same in 2016 – and the SNP lost its majority.

‘Holyrood got less pro-independence MSPs, and Westminster used it as an excuse to question Scotland’s pro-independence mandate.

‘Their tactical voting gamble has failed.

‘This election really comes down to one question. Do you want to put Scotland’s future in Scotland’s hands, or those of Boris Johnson?

‘If you want to help build a better, more progressive future for Scotland, then make it #BothVotesSNP on 6 May.

‘This will be the most important election in Scottish history. Every single vote will count. Scotland’s future is in your hands.‘

While their political priority remains the climate change and the environment, the Scottish Greens also support Scottish independence.

The Conservatives, Scottish Labour and the Lib Dems all oppose independence and say recovery from the pandemic must take priority over constitutional issues.

Indyref2 Bill published

A draft independence referendum Bill has been published to give people in Scotland the right to decide their future, once the current health crisis is over.

Constitution Secretary Michael Russell said the draft Bill is being brought forward to offer Scotland the choice of who is best placed to lead the country’s post-pandemic recovery – the people who live here or a government based in Westminster.

The draft Scottish Independence Referendum Bill publication sets out a number of key issues for a vote including:

  • the timing of a referendum should be a matter for the next Scottish Parliament to decide. Ministers have separately made clear it should take place once the public health crisis is over
  • the question “Should Scotland be an independent country?” is the same one used during the 2014 referendum and it will be tested by the Electoral Commission
  • voting eligibility will be extended to match the franchise at Scottish Parliament and local government elections

The draft Bill has been published on the Scottish Government’s website. It will be for a future Scottish Government to consider whether it formally introduces a Bill in the Scottish Parliament.

Mr Russell said: “Our top priority will continue to be dealing with the pandemic and keeping the country safe, but we are optimistic that because of the incredible efforts of people across Scotland better times lie ahead.

“The Scottish Government believes it should be the people living in Scotland who have the right to decide how we recover from the pandemic and what sort of country we wish to build after the crisis.

“If Westminster maintains its control, recent history shows what Scotland can expect: an economic recovery hindered by a hard Brexit that is already taking a significant toll and the continued, systematic undermining of devolution, which is weakening our parliament’s powers to maintain food and environmental standards and protect the NHS from post-Brexit trade deals.

“Scotland’s recovery should be made by the people who live here and who care most about Scotland. That is why Scotland’s future should be Scotland’s choice.

“It should be for the next Scottish Parliament to decide the timing of the referendum. So that the recovery from the pandemic can be made in Scotland, the Scottish Government believes it should be held in the first half of the new Parliamentary term.

“If there is a majority in the Scottish Parliament after the forthcoming election for an independence referendum there can be no democratic justification whatsoever for any Westminster government to seek to block a post-pandemic referendum.”

Read the draft Scottish Independence Referendum Bill

Scot Lib Dem candidate for Northern and Leith slams SNP for prioritising independence over recovery

Scottish Liberal Democrat candidate for Edinburgh Northern and Leith, Rebecca Bell has criticised the Scottish Government for diverting their attention to an independence referendum instead of focusing on the pandemic.

On Monday 22nd March, the Scottish Government published a draft bill on a proposed second independence referendum which sets out the SNP’s plans to hold a referendum early in the next Parliament. 

The document states that the timing of a vote will give power to MSPs to determine the timing of another referendum on independence, rerunning the same question as used in 2014 “Should Scotland be an independent country?”.

Rebecca Bell said: “People are under huge pressure from the pandemic and after years of arguing about independence and Brexit, the last thing we need right now is another independence referendum.

“While families and businesses have been worried about their lives and livelihoods, the SNP have put civil servants and their resources up to the task of planning an independence referendum instead of planning for the recovery from the pandemic.

“We need a Pandemic Recovery Bill, not a Referendum Bill which distracts from our recovery. This should be our absolute priority. The Scottish Liberal Democrats will put the recovery first and use our strength and influence to build a fair, green recovery for everyone.”

Leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats Willie Rennie said: “Holy moly, they’ve had people working on the referendum instead of dealing with the pandemic.

“Dozens of civil servants could have been planning to get cancer services running full speed but they’ve been ordered to do this instead. Or they could have been working on getting funds to business, better mental health services or support for schools.

“We are still in a pandemic. Thousands have lost their lives, thousands more have lost their job.

“Reasonable people will think that this is the wrong moment to be pushing a referendum.

“We should put recovery first and bin this bill.”

PM Boris Johnson: Union stronger than ever

Marking one year as Prime Minister, Boris Johnson will today visit Scotland to reaffirm his commitment to supporting all parts of the UK through the pandemic …

  • Marking one year as Prime Minister, Boris Johnson will today visit Scotland to reaffirm his commitment to supporting all parts of the UK through the pandemic
  • During the visit, the PM will meet local businesses to discuss how they are getting back on their feet; entrepreneurs to see how green technology is driving innovation across Scotland and military to thank them for their efforts in the coronavirus response
  • Ahead of the visit, the Prime Minister pledged £50 million to Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to the union, marking one year as Prime Minister with a visit to Scotland and pledging further support for Scottish communities.

Ahead of the visit, the Prime Minister reiterated how the coronavirus pandemic has demonstrated, more than ever, that each part of the UK benefits from being together and the strength of the union has helped us through this crisis.

In Scotland, the UK Treasury has protected over 900,000 jobs and granted thousands of businesses loans; the UK’s armed forces has airlifted critically ill patients from some of the most remote communities, helped convert the temporary hospitals and ran mobile testing sites; and the Department of Health and Social Care has procured millions of pieces of PPE to keep Scottish frontline workers safe.

This is on top of £4.6 billion ‘we have given straight to the Scottish administration to help tackle coronavirus’.

The Prime Minister has also announced further support to Scottish communities, committing £50 million to Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles, to help develop the islands’ economic potential. The announcement means that every part of Scotland is now covered by the innovative growth deals and takes the UK Government’s investment in these to more than £1.5 billion.

The multi-million-pound pot for the islands will lead to investment in local projects, driving sustainable economic growth and creating jobs. Projects set to be supported by the Islands Growth deal could include those developing space technology and others researching new renewable energy systems.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “When I stood on the steps of Downing Street one year ago, I pledged to be a Prime Minister for every corner of the United Kingdom. Whether you are from East Kilbride or Dumfries, Motherwell or Paisley, I promised to level up across Britain and close the opportunity gap.

“The last six months have shown exactly why the historic and heartfelt bond that ties the four nations of our country together is so important and the sheer might of our union has been proven once again.

“In Scotland, the UK’s magnificent armed forces have been on the ground doing vital work to support the NHS, from setting up and running mobile testing sites to airlifting critically ill patients to hospitals from some of Scotland’s most remote communities. And the UK Treasury stepped in to save the jobs of a third of Scotland’s entire workforce and kept the wolves at bay for tens of thousands of Scottish businesses.

“More than ever, this shows what we can achieve when we stand together, as one United Kingdom.”

During the PM’s visit, he will meet with members of the military and their families based in Scotland to thank them for their ongoing work in the coronavirus response.

Following the Islands Deal announcement, Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said: “The City Region and Growth Deals will be crucial to our economic recovery from coronavirus.

“Today’s announcement means that every corner of Scotland will benefit from these and takes the UK Government’s investment in growth deals across Scotland to more than £1.5 billion.

“These deals are just part of the unprecedented support that the UK Government is providing to people and businesses in Scotland during this time. We have supported 900,000 jobs in Scotland with our furlough and self-employed schemes, including 11,600 across the islands.

“We look forward to working with our partners across the islands and the devolved administration in Scotland to develop innovative and effective proposals.”

The Prime Minister will not be meeting Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon during today’s flying visit.

Ms Sturgeon commented on Twitter: ‘I welcome the PM to Scotland today. One of the key arguments for independence is the ability of Scotland to take our own decisions, rather than having our future decided by politicians we didn’t vote for, taking us down a path we haven’t chosen. His presence highlights that.’

The Scottish Government is also investing £50 million in the Islands Deal.

Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity, Michael Matheson, said: “The Islands Growth Deal is the final regional growth deal to be announced and marks our commitment to invest across all of Scotland, which is something we have pushed for.

“This money will work to improve the quality of life for island communities, alongside the Scottish Government National Islands Plan we introduced to the Scottish Parliament at the end of 2019.

“This significant investment will support islanders’ ambitions to create world-class visitor destinations, lead the way to a low carbon future, support growth and future industries and help the communities thrive by attracting and retaining young talent, driving inclusive and sustainable economic growth and delivering long lasting benefits for people living across the three island authority areas.

“It is important that all deals take account of the unprecedented economic challenges created by coronavirus (COVID-19) and we are working with partners, to understand how best to move forward and respond to current circumstances.

“More than £1.8 billion has been committed by the Scottish Government to City Region and Growth Deals and related investments across Scotland, in addition to ongoing capital investment in Scotland’s islands across a range of policy areas.”

‘Democracy must and will prevail’: Scotland’s right to choose

The democratic case for Scotland having the ability to choose its own constitutional future has been published.

The paper – entitled “Scotland’s Right to Choose: Putting Scotland’s Future in Scotland’s Hands” – lays out the detailed case for how and why the country should be able to have the choice of independence in a referendum. Continue reading ‘Democracy must and will prevail’: Scotland’s right to choose