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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• 611. Neil Shaw - Edinburgh

  Wednesday, August 15, 2007 16:03

  Well done SNP for taking this important step on the road to normalising constitutional arrangements for our country. The Unionists' arguments are looking increasingly absurd and bankrupt - my recent favourite example was Des Browne's unblushing declaration that 'Being part of Britain allows us to do good in the world'. All they really have left now is fear.

• 612. Richard Tomlinson - West Tyneside

  Wednesday, August 15, 2007 16:10

  The hypocrisy of some unionists is absolutely breathtaking. The argument they use for maintaining Scotland within the UK is almost a complete parallel to the argument they use AGAINST the UK ceding sovereignty to the European Union.
  Which is it then, unionists? Are nations better off by pooling their sovereignty or not?
  If the former, then you should all be queueing up to promote a 'Federal Europe', with more power for Brussels.
  If the latter, then you ought to be pro-Independence for Scotland.
  This is the real 'West Lothian Question': the one the unionists dare not answer.
  
  

• 613. Douglas Osler - East Lothian

  Wednesday, August 15, 2007 16:12

  All political parties should be engaging actively in this conversation. If Scottish people vote for independence they should get it; if they vote against, the issue will be laid aside for a generation and increased powers for a devolved parliament can be sought instead. Michael Forsyth was right. What is the problem about letting this issue be discussed and resolved?

• 614. M. Quinn - Kilmarnock

  Wednesday, August 15, 2007 16:20

  The independance day cometh.
  Perhaps upon that day some true democracy will be delivered and we will no longer suffer the ill advisable actions of the current cabinet.

• 615. Colin McDonald - Walton-on-Thames

  Wednesday, August 15, 2007 16:21

  For all those who would argue that Scotland can't make it on her own, that we need the UK so that we can receive financial support, I ask you this.
  
  Are you happy to live your life in the full knowledge that you are a burden on others, that you and your countrymen (and women) are somehow incapable of providing for yourselves and your loved ones, that there are families South of the border going without services to ensure that you do not live in abject poverty?
  
  I would rather live my life with self belief, with pride and aspire to be a part of building my country such that it is a better place for future generations. I am sure it will not be easy, I am sure that mistakes will be made along the way, but is it not better to live your life with hope, vision and conviction than to live it in fear and self doubt?
  

• 616. Sally Welham - Carnoustie

  Wednesday, August 15, 2007 16:26

  I have been ploughing through the document and mus , first, comment on how well written and clear it is.
  
  I commend Mr Salmond for entering into a conversation with the people of Scotland. We have had far too long a time when politicians have dictated and not been prepared to listen to the people they are supposed to represent.
  
  Whatever the eventual outcome it can only be good for Scotland and all those who live in this lovely country to feel that they have a chance to at least express an opinion and maybe to vote.

• 617. B Blessed - Aviemore

  Wednesday, August 15, 2007 16:31

  #570. Mr Beadle - I would suggest that one the one hand Scotland's land mass is huge but on the other hand its population is tiny.

• 618. Alan MacIntyre - Ayr

  Wednesday, August 15, 2007 16:32

  Scotland will succeed as an independent nation. I believe in the Scottish people. Its about time we all started believing in ourselves instead of listening to a policy of scaremongering. Why are the other political parties so worried about giving the Scottish people their say in a referendum?

• 619. Andrew Sawers - Greenock

  Wednesday, August 15, 2007 16:41

  Whether you want an independent Scotland or not, you have the right to choose your constitutional future.
  A referendum is the only democratic way for this to be decided.
  At this moment in time, the unionists are quoting polls indicating Scotland would vote no. Seems strange to me if they are so sure of a no vote, they won't help pass a vote to hold a referendum. What are they afraid of ?
  
  On another note, as the unionists are prepared to quote polls. What about the poll that indicates 80% would favour a referendum ? Can I also say, no media outlet has quoted that particular poll, but just about every paper and TV report has quoted the Daily Mail poll at yesterday's launch of the "National Conversation"

• 620. Brian - London

  Wednesday, August 15, 2007 16:43

  I am for Scottish independence. Living in London I know that the focus for everything is here. No-one cares about Scotland (excpet if you live in islington and the edinburgh festival is on). As a Scot living in London I cringe at some of these comments, there is a lack of confidence. This is why independence is a must! Anyone who wants to be shackled to UK is just scared of the unknown. These people need to read more! If scotland were to become independent I would still work here and vote here (as the Irish do). Lets no forget that this is Europe, there will be little difference, except that Scottish foreign affairs will mostly be in your own hands! Never be scared of change, its whatkeeps us going. And as for the other parties in Holyrood - they disgust me. An intelligent debate is needed - good luck Mr Salmond.

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