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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• 431. H Douglas - Western Isles

  Wednesday, August 15, 2007 08:59

  Let the debate begin look at Norway, Denmark, Ireland we will get no were if we do not take control of our own affairs all these countries have a very high standard of living. Nobody is saying its going to be easy but if it fails we (the Scottish people) can only blame ourself.

• 432. carol keenan - Greenock

  Wednesday, August 15, 2007 08:59

  Let us have a referendum. Give us the chance to decide what we the Scottish people want.
  

• 433. Andrew Richardson - Elgin

  Wednesday, August 15, 2007 09:01

  I believe a national debate followed by a referendum is the best approach to deciding Scotland's future. Independence would allow Scotland to have a voice on the international stage.

• 434. Barry Gordon - Edinburgh

  Wednesday, August 15, 2007 09:08

  There comes a time when everyone has to stand on their own two feet. Like a teenager leaving home for the first time, to discover the outside world: you have to learn what it takes to be independent. You might mistakes, but you'll be better for it in the long run. Scotland, as a nation, has to take that chance, too. I want a nation that thinks and governs itself. Here's to Scottish independence... it can't some soon enough.

• 435. Heather - Edinburgh

  Wednesday, August 15, 2007 09:08

  There are few unionists south of the border. I have worked in England for many years and have learnt that the English would like to be an independent nation. Like us they would like to live in a democracy. Devolution was our first step along the road. As Scotland is now the senior partner in the union, it is understandable that many Scots would wish to retain the union. But beware, the English may wake from their slumber and strive for English independence on their terms. Better that we seek Scotish independence on our terms and let the English find their own route to democracy.

• 436. Keith Campbell - inverness

  Wednesday, August 15, 2007 09:12

  Why if these so called other partys trust that we dont want independence, do they not want a referendum? if they are talking about drains on money,then surely having a parliament that still panders to a 'higher' UK parliament is a waste of money. Lets actually see what the people want

• 437. Bruce Page - London

  Wednesday, August 15, 2007 09:14

  As a Scot 'in exile' Ilook on at the proposal for independence with horror. It really requires everyone in Scotland to stand outside and look in. The concept is just not viable economically and in reality will mean nothing politically. It would put Scotland on a par with a Baltic state!
  
  The problem with a referendum is that a large proportion of the people currently resident in Scotland cannot claim any Scottish heritage anyway.

• 438. jimi - Kirkcudbright

  Wednesday, August 15, 2007 09:15

  Go on Alex you are showing the way the arrogance of the other parties is a real turn off.

• 439. Ken Stevens - Oxfordshire

  Wednesday, August 15, 2007 09:19

  248. Alanna - Kilmarnock, Ayrshire
  
  "..of every pound paid by taxpayers in the United Kingdom 80p goes to England while 10p comes to Scotland. That means that for every pound paid out by Scottish taxpayers they only see 10p coming back to help them.."
  
  Plus the 10p of every pound from the taxpayers of the rest of UK!!!!!!!!!!
  
  Whilst I support independence based on positive, forward-looking reasons, fallacious contentions such as this (and the guy who felt that having 'gov.uk' in this website title was somehow an anti-Scottish slur) make me wonder about their usefulness in an independent Scotland!
  
  Will they be like the East Africans chanting "Uhuru" [freedom]and then, upon gaining independence from the colonial tyrant, wondering where was the house, car & riches that Uhuru was bound to bring, without effort?
  
  

• 440. Neil McAdam - Switzerland

  Wednesday, August 15, 2007 09:20

  Going back to the very first comment on this blog by Johnny Bravo, I am mainly concerned that most of the "floating voters" are more worried about the economics of change rather than the principle. Even if we would be the poorest nation on the planet, the self-determination we are entitled to as an historically separate Nation, should be the only consideration.
  I am also concerned about those SNP supporters (some of the 48% in the last opinion poll) which do NOT support independence.
  Although the SNP can clearly run the country in a Devolved Parliament, surely the SNP have to convince these people that independence is the next step.
  

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