What is the Scottish independence debate actually about?
The Scottish independence debate is about the future of Scotland as a nation, and who is best to decide that future.
We are often told Scotland is currently in a political union with the other 3 three members of the United Kingdom – England, Wales and Northern Ireland. In the 2014 referendum Westminster party politicians would claim it was a partnership of equals people were voting for.
There has been a long standing debate in Scotland about the merits of this historical creation, and also a movement stretching back to its beginning seeking to regain Scotland’s independence.
Today, the debate focuses on the right of people in Scotland to make decisions in our own best interests; and it is only in the last few decades the movement for independence has gathered pace as the UK lost its Empire as its countries became independent.
Today’s movement argues that the independence debate is about creating a fairer, healthier and happier nation, with an international outlook and a positive approach to our future as a nation. This is in contrast to a UK run by Westminster which lags behind its neighbours in north west Europe on wealth per person, poverty levels and inequality.
It’s about making decisions for ourselves like any other normal independent country, and improving the lives of the people who live in Scotland. To be like our more successful neighbours who have populations smaller or similar to Scotland.
It’s about who controls and benefits from Scotland’s assets and resources.
And it’s about the people who are most greatly affected by these issues – the people living in Scotland – today and in the future.