SNP sets out plan for independence

White paper says there are “three overriding reasons” for Scotland to leave the UK.

The Scottish Government has published its white paper on independence, outlining how it believes a Yes vote in next year’s referendum could pave the way for a new era for the nation.

The long-awaited document said there are “three overriding reasons” for Scotland to leave the UK and become a separate state.

It claimed independence will create a more democratic Scotland, as well as a country that is both more prosperous and fairer.

The 670-page paper sets out how independence could have an impact on all areas of life, including currency, taxation, childcare and education, pensions, welfare, defence and broadcasting.

The SNP administration also sets out a number of promises if it was elected as the first government of a newly-independent Scotland, with Nationalists pledging “transformational extension of childcare” to help working parents, a cut in corporation tax to boost business and a simplified and fairer tax system.

They also pledge to end controversial welfare reforms brought in by Westminster by axing the so-called “bedroom tax” and halting the roll-out of Universal Credit and personal independence payments.

The independence referendum, to be held on September 18 next year, gives voters “a choice between two futures”, the paper states.

A Yes vote will mean “the most important decisions about our economy and society will be taken by the people who care most about Scotland, that is by the people of Scotland”.

It adds that “the door will open to a new era for our nation. Scotland’s future will be in Scotland’s hands”.

But it claims a vote in favour of staying part of the UK would mean that “Scotland stands still”.

As a result of that, the paper states a “once-in-a-generation opportunity to follow a different path and choose a new and better direction for our nation is lost”.Download the full document here