The Scottish Government

First Minister Alex Salmond

Friday, November 30, 2007

We in the Scottish Government believe that sovereignty in Scotland lies with its people.

That is why our manifesto for the Scottish Parliamentary elections this year promised to provide an opportunity for the people to consider the concept of Scottish independence in a referendum during this Parliament.

As First Minister, it is my responsibility to explore and lead discussion on the options for constitutional change. I lead the first Scottish National Party Government to be elected in a devolved Scotland, so I will put the case for independence, its benefits and opportunities.

However, I also recognise there is a range of other views in our country and represented in the Parliament. The national conversation on our future is to allow the people of Scotland to debate, reflect and then decide on the type of Government which best equips Scotland for the future.

It is 10 years since the referendum to establish the Scottish Parliament. We have seen the potential of a Scottish Parliament to respond to the wishes and needs of the people of this country. But we have also seen the limitations of its current responsibilities.

I believe it is now time for us, the people of Scotland, to consider and choose our own future in the modern world.

Alex Salmond, First Minister

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Comments

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• 131. Steve Dubious - Kyle of Lochalsh

  Tuesday, August 14, 2007 15:30

  I think you made up most of these posts.
  
  In fact, I bet you made this one up.

• 132. Alan MacBeth - Inverness

  Tuesday, August 14, 2007 15:30

  It should be the choice of the PEOPLE of Scotland whether or not we want an independent nation. Not the politicians and not the media. The PEOPLE.
  Give us a referendum. What are the Unionist parties scared of - Democracy????
  And the wording of the referendum question is important - let's not have scaremongering words like "divorce" and "separation". Call it what every other nation calls it - independence.

• 133. John - Argyll

  Tuesday, August 14, 2007 15:33

  Having been a labour voter for the best part of 15 years I was getting fed up. Even after the victory when we got power. I thought now we will see a change for the better. I listened to what I can only describe as propaganda much like the Tories. It was at this point I decided to leave them and look for something else. The lib-dems looked ok but seemed to have no backbone, I couldn't go back to the Maggie days the only thing that truly had the interests of my family at heart was the SNP. Now one must remember that when one votes it is for what they think is best for them and their family. So it had to be SNP. I am amazed at how fast things are moving within this new government, much faster than I would have expected. To open a debate I believe to be crucial. To block this debate because you may lose power is just Unionist parties looking out for themselves.
  I for one would never again vote for any Unionist party intent on denying me the right to chose what I believe to be the best path for me, my family and in my opinion Scottish people in general.
  I read here in amazement at how we should leave things as they are we will all be better off. I for one DO NOT feel better off.
  

• 134. Paul Cochrane - Paisley

  Tuesday, August 14, 2007 15:35

  In a time of globalisation and when big corporations have a greater say in sociaty than any individual does I feel it is time to address the democratic deficit and seek to be responsible and answerable to ourselves.
  Bring it on!

• 135. Paul Morris - Alloa

  Tuesday, August 14, 2007 15:41

  As a lifelong nationalist my views on the future of Scotland were only strengthened by my period living and working in Belgium 2001. During that time, the vast majority of those I spoke to couldn't understand why Scotland didn't take her place amongst the global community of nations.
  
  The process started today by the SNP Executive is the first step in our prgress towards finishing the powers of the Scots Parliament. I look forward to the Unionists trying to explain why, uniquely among the peoples of the world, Scotland is unable to run her own affairs for the benefit of all her people. With the stage set it is time for the people of scotland to engage and decide how WE would like our country to look and be governed in the future.
  
  Let's grab this chance with both hands and help to build the best future we can for our country.

• 136. steve - Hamburg

  Tuesday, August 14, 2007 15:48

  post 130 continued
  
  When I say facts, I dont mean the stuff I'm seeing in the scottish media these days (really poor show guys, not one journalist in scotland seems to be able to provide the nation with an unbiased view at the moment)Id like to see a ratified list of facts signed by all parties to be published showing the pros and cons of Independance or a continueing evolution of devolution.
  Give us the facts and let us decide its our country/region of the UK.

• 137. Frank Wilson - Glasgow

  Tuesday, August 14, 2007 15:49

  Get up off your knees Scotland and do something for yourself for a change. I have no idea how any Scot can say that they do not agree with being an independent, grown-up, adult nation that can think for itself, work for itself and generate wealth on its own, for its own people without being accused of begging, leeching or whatever other negative used to keep us hushed like a scared wee moose. If we have been living off England for all this time then we owe them an apology and should do the right thing and let them free to govern themselves without us as a burden. The rest of the UK can send us the bill for our troubles and we shall pay it off, no problem at all.We CAN build a nation and it is imperative that people understand this. WE CAN. Stop being Orvilles! It is growing up time folks, and about time too.

• 138. Michael S Goss - Carnoustie

  Tuesday, August 14, 2007 15:54

  I am willing to be persuaded on the issue of Independence: I am pleased the conversation has begun and trust that a full and open debate for the people of Scotland. Thanks Alex.

• 139. Concerned of Montrose - Stonehaven

  Tuesday, August 14, 2007 15:56

  Won't someone think of the children?

• 140. Philip Rice - England

  Tuesday, August 14, 2007 15:56

  The whole premise of this debate is flawed. SNP is not the largest party in the Scottish parliament because they promised a referendum on independence, but because of general disenchantment with Labour at the last election. Whenever politicians claim a mandate in these circumstances it always sounds ridiculous.
  As someone interested in peace & unity, I would urge you to consider building bridges instead of barriers. I fully support devolution & would emcourage the UK government to speed up devolution in all areas. Unfortunately, they have never had any perceptible strategy for constitutional change. One system in Scotland, another in Wales, another in Northern Ireland, another in London & yet anouther in other areas, with elected mayors. When the Scottish pattern is repeated across the UK we will have not only greater unity but an answer to the West Lothian question.

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