Scotland: White Paper on independence

On 18 September 2014 you will be asked to vote in a referendum on the question: ‘Should Scotland be an independent country?’ The Scottish Government believes you should vote Yes.
This guide sets out the gains of independence for Scotland – whichever party is in government – and this Government’s vision and priorities for action if we are the first government of an independent Scotland. It also explains the process by which Scotland will become independent following a Yes vote and how our newly independent Scotland will work. Scotland has many natural advantages. The foundations of our economy are strong. We have abundant natural resources.

Structure of this guide

Part one of the guide sets out an overview of the case for independence:

• why Scotland needs independence
• what Scotland will look like on independence
• what will happen between a Yes vote and Scotland becoming independent
• our financial and economic strengths
• the benefits of independence and the priorities for action of the current Government if it is the first government of an independent Scotland
• the consequences of Scotland voting No to independence

Part two describes the strengths of Scotland’s national finances over recent decades compared to the UK as a whole. It also estimates Scotland’s opening financial position at the point of independence – 2016/17 – and sets out this Government’s priorities for the first term of a Scottish Parliament.
Part three provides detailed analysis of the changes needed across Scotland, the opportunities that independence provides for any future Scottish government to make those changes, and the particular priorities for action identified by this Government.
These chapters cover:

• Finance and the Economy, including measures to boost the economy, create jobs and ensure we have a skilled, motivated and fairly-rewarded workforce, and proposals on our currency, the tax system, and financial regulation
• Transport, including proposals to strengthen connections within and to Scotland, support decarbonisation and reduce Air Passenger Duty
• Health, Wellbeing and Social Protection, including proposals to improve pensions, build a fairer welfare system in an independent Scotland, and continue to protect our NHS
• Education, Skills and Employment, including the opportunities for our schools, universities and colleges to flourish with independence, our transformational childcare proposals, and the need to address inequalities in educational attainment in our schools, protect free university education and strengthen Scotland’s academic research base
• International Relations and Defence, including Scotland’s transition to independent membership of the EU, and our proposals for Scotland’s armed forces and international representation
• Justice, Security and Home Affairs, including the opportunities to make our communities safe, protect ourselves against terrorism and other security threats, and establish a system of immigration and citizenship that meets Scotland’s needs
• Environment, Rural Scotland and Energy & Resources, including the opportunities for our food and drink, agriculture and fishing industries, and our rural and island communities, and proposals to support our energy industries – oil and gas and renewables – and manage our energy wealth for the future with the creation of a Scottish Energy Fund
• Culture and Communications, including the future of broadcasting and the Royal Mail in Scotland

Part four sets out the timescale and process for Scotland to become an independent country following a Yes vote in the referendum. It describes the transition that will take place and the negotiations that will be required on assets and liabilities, and to ensure continued delivery of public services.
It also sets out the opportunities for a modern democracy with our own written constitution and describes how equality and human rights will be protected and promoted on independence.
Finally, in Part five we answer detailed questions we have been asked about independence.

More information:
http://www.scotreferendum.com/information/