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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• 71. John Wards - Oxford

  Tuesday, August 14, 2007 13:36

  Just reading the white paper (I'm possibly in a minority of the commenter).
  
  Those in the blue jumpers will be pleased the 1603 Union of the Crowns will remain in place under SNPs proposals for independence. Clever move in my opinion, taking lessons from the aussies.
  
  We would be come united kingdoms rather than the united kindom.
  
  No republic for now then :(

• 72. Liam Hill - Leith

  Tuesday, August 14, 2007 13:36

  Why no option for abandoning devolution altogether?
  The SNP would do well to remember they are very much a minority 'government'.
  
  For all of that though I'm confident the majority of voters in this country would vote to maintain the union.

• 73. Donald Young - Aberdeen

  Tuesday, August 14, 2007 13:36

  Just a thought, the three Unionist parties are shooting themselves in the foot by all this, as I would expect, If the planned referendum vote is an overwhelming NO it gives them a greater impetus to increase their powers in Scotland....well maybe not!!

• 74. Tom Nash - Gretna

  Tuesday, August 14, 2007 13:39

  The time has come for Scotland to once again become independent. Ever since the union, Scotland has been governed in the best interests of Westminster. In more modern times Scotland has had to endure the right wing dominion of the Tories - most at odds with the temperament and instincts of the Scottish people and until this year devolution has allowed the unionist Labour party an even greater and more direct control over Scottish resources and the people.
  This year the Scottish people have made an historic decision that they no longer wish to be governed by a London party. Everywhere in Scotland one feels a new found sense of energy, excitement and pride in being Scottish. We have a unique opportunity to advance and use our liberties in order to achieve complete liberty, for the greater good and prosperity of the nation. All democrats must surely abhor the arrogance and anti-democratic sentiment currently being displayed by Labour, the Tories and the Lib Dems in seeking to deny the Scottish people a voice on the most fundamental question that faces them, namely whether they desire to freely and without outside interference, govern themselves. Let us take that chance and may the opposition parties have the graciousness and dignity to allow us that chance.

• 75. Bob Gillespie - Paris

  Tuesday, August 14, 2007 13:41

  I suppose that Euroepean money and oil from Aberdeen has made us a bit cocky, hasn't it! But what will happen when our Euro development funds are channelled to Turkey or Bulgaria, and when the oil runs out?
  Can the nation really survive on Whisky exports and a spot of tourism?
  
  And what institution will protect Scotland's traditions as the crown has done in the past?
  Not everyone wants to be a crofter!

• 76. Gary Masson - Fraserburgh

  Tuesday, August 14, 2007 13:43

  I find it incredible that the anti-independence movement always cites the same reasons for not going it alone; i.e "we cannot afford it" and "we get a good deal out of London."
  How could we not afford it when other nations of similar and smaller size can? We have a an energy surplus in Scotland for our poulation which means cheaper running costs and export potential as well as a bounty of fisheries and other natural resources. Many, many nations would love to have Scotland's potential. As for handouts from London; well I was brought up to fend for myself and would prefer not to be labelled as a "sponger" thnk you very much.

• 77. Geoff R - Dumbarton

  Tuesday, August 14, 2007 13:43

  Alex Salmond is on a trip... an Ego trip, leading nowhere, but where he started - As a part of the UK, where we all belong and are succeeding.

• 78. Chris - Edinburgh

  Tuesday, August 14, 2007 13:44

  I would much rather be independent from Glasgow than independent from England. Any chance of that?

• 79. Linda McLean - Newarthill

  Tuesday, August 14, 2007 13:47

  Goodness me - we are all over the place; judging people,buildings and competence.
  We must remember the original words of the Declaration of Arbroath:
  "IT IS IN TRUTH NOT FOR GLORY, NOR RICHES, NOR HONOURS THAT WE ARE FIGHTING, BUT FOR FREEDOM - FOR THAT ALONE,WHICH NO HONEST MAN GIVES UP BUT WITH LIFE ITSELF"
  This is not about anti-English feelings. It is not about the competency or lack of it in those people(now deceased) involved in the design and build of the Scottish Parliament.
  This is about inspiring and empowering our people, who were great once, and with empowerment, can be so again.
  I look forward with anticipation to see who has the courage to make such a declaration again.

• 80. David Reid - Glasgow

  Tuesday, August 14, 2007 13:54

  just a few points!
  
  Roughly 30% voters voted for parties who support indepenence quite recently! There HAS been a conversation and that was the result.
  
  It is not in the interest of Scotland to have this debate when parliament is not sitting and when the minority government has failed and will continue to fail to implement most of it's policies.
  
  There is also this nonense about being governed by Westminster, where we clearly have our MPs sitting there who we've voted for.
  
  One page filled with hundreds of comments? This isn't a conversation!!!! it's someone's trash folder in a few weeks time

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