Independence offers a break from Westminster’s control

Independence is essential to making Scotland a fairer country.

Amongst its neighbours in north west Europe, the UK languishes at the bottom of economic and social tables with the worst poverty and inequality. Plus the countries with populations similar or smaller than Scotland fare even better than others.

This is not new. It’s been happening for decades under Westminster governments regardless of whether they were Labour or Tory; and it’s only getting worse with the cost of living crisis.

Westminster still controls the main economic levers that seriously affect Scotland’s ability to grow the economy and create jobs. Westminster also still controls many social security benefits.

Independence offers Scotland the opportunity to escape this vicious Westminster circle to let Scotland emulate our more successful neighbours.

What would Scotland do differently to Westminster?

With independence we could build an inclusive, fair, wellbeing economy that works for everyone in Scotland. We would escape a Westminster economic model that concentrates wealth in London and the South East of England, while producing inequality, low investment, and low productivity.

With independence we could have lower energy prices and security of supply by increasing and diversifying the massive potential of our electricity-generating capacity, making better, greener use of Scotland’s abundant natural energy resources.

An independent Scotland would have the power to create a better, fairer working life, including improved access to flexible working, greater job security through strengthened workplace rights and, if you are a young person, the same minimum wage as everybody else.

Independence offers the opportunity to live in a country where decisions about how we use our assets, talents and resources reflect our values and democratic choices, allowing Scotland to develop the kind of inclusive, consensus-driven economic policies that serve other European countries so well.

You can get more answers to your questions on Scottish independence here.