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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• 141. Brian S - LONDON

  Tuesday, August 14, 2007 15:57

  As a Scot living in England, I hope I'll be eligible to vote in any referendum. I believe passionately in our nation and the abilities of our people. I will gladly vote YES for independence.

• 142. Stephen Bowman - Cumbernauld

  Tuesday, August 14, 2007 16:02

  Today's whitepaper is a well written and thorough document. Unionist accusations that the SNP are not listening to the people simply do not stand up in the face of the paper. Whether we desire independence or not, it is fantastic that we are now able to have a mature and reasoned debate. Indeed, it is a significant development that independence is such a major and real issue. Its just a pity that the Unionist parties refuse to engage in serious discussion. Their negativity blinds them. Independence will not happen immediately, it might not even happen for a good number of years yet. But one thing is for certain, Scotland will be independent. It is the natural progression from where we are right now. Today marks another step on the road to Scottish independence. The Union is dying.

• 143. Gil - Cardenden

  Tuesday, August 14, 2007 16:04

   

• 144. Frank Wilson - Glasgow

  Tuesday, August 14, 2007 16:04

  If what the Unionist Parties tell us us true that Scotland cannot fend for itself then I would argue that they have been responsible for this atrocious state of affairs. Furthermore, if after all this time under their tenure we cannot survive economically then that is even MORE reason to change and get away from the status quo. Shame on them! Isn't it funny that the Unionists all clamor to declare they are the majority by number of votes when it suits them but still insist on first past the post? The Unionist idea is an old idea, a failing idea, a tired idea. It is NOT suitable for the needs of Scotland any more. Its Time. Time for Scotland. Lets do it!

• 145. John Brolly - Glasgow.

  Tuesday, August 14, 2007 16:08

  I just feel it's time to present the facts of this case. Can we please stop the posturing and the scare tactics and have a normal informed conversation? From reading this site and others on this issue of Scottish Independance it's clear to me that the Scottish people themselves want to have this conversation. So please let us have it. You Labour, Lib Dems and Tories do what your people want not what's in the best interest for yourselves! And also, I lived in London was 10 years, have been home for 2 and I couldn't believe the comments many English people were making on this issue. Racism may be illegal in the UK but that doesn't stop it from happening huh?

• 146. Peter - East Lothian

  Tuesday, August 14, 2007 16:11

  Tony, London & Paul Best, Glasgow -
  
  Ask anyone in Norway when their country's north sea oil will run out and they will tell you - never.
  
  They have done the sensible thing and salted away a proportion of the income from oil into a fund that is now really huge and will go on producing income long, long after the oil is gone.
  
  That could have been done with Scotland's oil (if we'd been independent) and could still be done with the oil still to be extracted.

• 147. Nick Mitchel - Edinburgh

  Tuesday, August 14, 2007 16:11

  The Union has long been a treasured part of the Scotland, regardless of wars and conflicts. Why now, in a time of presperity will the idea that Independence will bring further prosperity... I offer that the path of Independence is an untravelled, unkown and unforbidding road. Why would we want to dare our Nation, especially in such unstable economic periods, to go forth boldy into Independence when the first thing we should think about is strengthening our current position in local and international waters. Keep the Union, I'll keep my job, you'll keep yours and we'll all be happy....

• 148. Billy - Lanarkshire

  Tuesday, August 14, 2007 16:15

  I agree wholeheartedly with the posts refering to providing the people with the true facts and figures from our politicians. Unfortunately the Unionist parties Labour in particular and some sections of the media have used tired old scaremongering tactics which came back to bite them at the elections. Now I fear they are starting all over again. The fact that they will also not address the West Lothian question will I feel cause the union to implode. Please give us your reasoned arguments, not the "You won't be able to draw money from the cash machine in Blackpool if we are independant" number which was once said by a unionist politician (Now Lord) on television which I quite frankly found insulting.

• 149. Brian Grey - Glasgow

  Tuesday, August 14, 2007 16:15

  We need to rid ourselves of the English supression which has been all to real. I welcome this debate and hope the unionists will not block our attempt to stand tall as a nation and assume our rightfull place in the international arena.
  
  Bravo, Mr (sorry, the Right Honorable) Alex Salmond.

• 150. John Johnston - Aberdeen

  Tuesday, August 14, 2007 16:19

  Partion was bad for colonial India and it will be bad for the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

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