It contains:
- rejoining the European Union (EU) to benefit from and promote the vast European Single Market, helping to create a different route to the UK system
- reformed energy market, the goal of which is to provide safe and reliable cheap energy
- maintaining the free movement of people without a passport across the UK and Ireland and smooth enforcement of trade borders
- Using the British pound until the time is right to switch to the Scottish pound
- up to £20 billion for major infrastructure investment through the Building a New Scotland fund, including investment in more energy-efficient homes, greener transport, better digital and mobile connectivity and more affordable housing
- use full powers over employment law to help improve people’s pay and working conditions across Scotland, including the introduction of a minimum wage for all age groups and more flexible working
- a plan to improve industrial relations through a social-partner approach involving companies and trade unions
- An immigration policy tailored to Scotland’s needs, designed to increase the workforce
The paper outlines the new institutions that would be set up to manage the Scottish economy, including an independent Scottish Central Bank and a new Debt Management Agency. The Enhanced Tax Commission for Scotland independently assesses credible and accountable tax rules for borrowing and other key measures.
Speaking at the launch of the paper, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said:
“The UK economy is fundamentally on the wrong track and there is no real alternative to the Westminster system.
“The consensus on Brexit – despite the disadvantages it causes – shows that.
“For Scotland, independence means that we too are being pulled down the wrong path: one nation in Scotland did not vote for it.
“In building a more stable and sustainable economy – at the heart of justice and human well-being – independence is therefore essential.
“This is the fundamental point we make in this paper. Independence is not an abstract argument separate from people’s everyday lives.
“At its heart is the ambition – and most importantly, it equips us with the necessary tools – to build a fairer, more prosperous, greener and happier country.”
Background
Building a new Scotland: A stronger economy and independence
This is the latest in a series of publications to form a prospectus to help people make informed choices about Scotland’s future ahead of a referendum on independence.
The first paper the series was published on 14 June and features 10 independent countries comparable to Scotland in terms of economic and social performance compared to the UK.
Publications in the Building New Scots series are due to be published in the coming months, including a document detailing social security and pensions provisions and a more detailed document on Scotland’s relationship with the EU.
HT
Source: Scottish Government
Source: The Nordic Page