Building a New Scotland

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Building a New Scotland
Independence in the Modern World. Wealthier, Happier, Fairer- Why Not Scotland%3F.jpg
AuthorScottish Government
Country Scotland
Language English
Series13 separate series published as of January 2024
SubjectProposals for Scottish independence
Published2022–present
PublisherScottish Government

Building a New Scotland is a series of papers published by the Scottish Government that seeks to lay out a prospectus for Scottish independence. [1] The Scottish Government had proposed holding an independence referendum on 19 October 2023. [2]

Contents

History

On 7 September 2021, Nicola Sturgeon stated that she would resume the case for independence and restart work on a prospects for independence. [3]

On 13 June 2022, Nicola Sturgeon published the first independence paper. [4]

On 14 July 2022, Nicola Sturgeon published the second independence paper. [5]

Reaction

On 15 June 2022, Alyn Smith an SNP politician welcomed the release of the first independence paper as a breath of fresh air and stated that the paper proves that the UK does not work for Scotland. [6]

On 16 June 2022, Douglas Ross the leader of the Scottish conservatives stated that Nicola Sturgeon had her priorities wrong and should concentrate on recovery instead of independence. [7]

Series titles

NoSeries TitleRelease DateNo of PagesISBNCitation
1.Modern World: Wealthier, Happier, Fairer: Why Not Scotland?16 June 202275 ISBN   9781804353196 [8]
2.Renewing Democracy Through Independence14 July 202258 ISBN   9781804357293 [9]
3.A Stronger Economy with Independence17 October 2022110 ISBN   9781804359013 [10]
4.Creating a modern constitution for an independent Scotland19 June 202362 ISBN   9781804359013 [11]
5.Citizenship in an independent Scotland27 July 202340 ISBN   9781804359013 [12]
6.Migration to Scotland after independence3 November 202364 ISBN   9781835214992 [13]
7.An independent Scotland in the EU17 November 202381 ISBN   9781835212417 [14]
8.Our marine sector in an independent Scotland21 November 202347 ISBN   9781835213162 [15]
9.Social security in an independent Scotland6 December 202368 ISBN   9781835217450 [16]
10Culture in an Independent Scotland2 February 202455 ISBN   9781835219386 [17]
11An independent Scotland's Place in the World4 March 202463 ISBN   9781836010098 [18]
12Education and lifelong learning in an independent Scotland25 March 202434 ISBN   9781836010708 [19]
13Justice in an independent Scotland25 April 202440 ISBN   9781836011712 [20]

Series breakdown

Modern World: Wealthier, Happier, Fairer: Why Not Scotland?

The first paper in the series examines other countries in Europe of similar size to Scotland and compares economic and social indicators with the United Kingdom. [21] [22]

Renewing Democracy Through Independence

The second paper sets out the current context of Scotland within the United Kingdom, and why independence would allow for democratic renewal. [23] [24]

A stronger economy with independence

The third paper set out the economic case for independence, where the focus would be on building a inclusive, fair and wellbeing economy. The document set up a path for a new currency, re-joining the European Union and using remaining oil reserves to build a wealth fund. [25] [26]

Creating a modern constitution for an independent Scotland

First Minister Humza Yousaf launches paper four - Creating a modern constitution for an independent Scotland, June 2023 Building a New Scotland - Creating a modern constitution for an independent Scotland.jpg
First Minister Humza Yousaf launches paper four – Creating a modern constitution for an independent Scotland, June 2023

The fourth paper in the Building a new Scotland series sets out how people in Scotland can create a new independent country and how independence could transform where political power and decision is made in Scotland, by replacing Westminster sovereignty with the sovereignty of Scottish people resident in Scotland. It highlights how a written constitution could implement rights and equality, by proposing to secure the right to strike and giving constitutional recognition to NHS Scotland. Additionally, it demonstrates how a permanent written constitution could be developed by the Scottish electorate and the Scottish Parliament. [27]

Citizenship in an independent Scotland

Paper five of the series sets out the vision of the Scottish Government to adopt an inclusive model of Scottish citizenship following independence for the population, regardless of if they were born in Scotland or define themselves as primarily or exclusively Scottish, and identifies who would become a Scottish citizen at the point of independence, and who could become a Scottish citizen through a process of citizenship application. [28]

Migration to Scotland after independence

Published on 3 November 2023, the sixth paper focuses on migration to Scotland following independence and Scotland's migration policy. The paper sets out the Scottish Government's vision for a "humane and principled migration policy after independence, welcoming New Scots who want to contribute to our economy and our communities" as well as "describes how people seeking asylum and refugees would be welcomed and integrated into our communities, and treated with dignity and respect". [29]

An independent Scotland in the EU

Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, External Affairs and Culture Angus Robertson, at the launch of An independent Scotland in the EU, November 2023 Building a New Scotland An Independent Scotland in the EU (53344432301).jpg
Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, External Affairs and Culture Angus Robertson, at the launch of An independent Scotland in the EU, November 2023

Paper seven, one of three published in November 2023, focuses on Scotland's relationship with the European Union following independence. Scotland was a member of the European Union, as part of the United Kingdom, but left the union following the UK wide vote to leave the European Union, despite Scotland voting to remain in the European Union in the 2016 referendum.

This paper highlights the vision of the Scottish Government for Scotland rejoining the European Union in the event of independence. In the paper, the Scottish Government argues "the paper shows that joining the EU as an independent nation offers Scotland the chance to regain what has been lost because of Brexit and what devolution cannot deliver. For the first time, Scotland would be at the table advancing Scotland’s interests directly in the EU. An independent Scotland would contribute positively to the EU and its member states". [30]

Our marine sector in an independent Scotland

The eighth paper, the third and final paper published in November 2023, sets out the vision for the marine sector in an independent Scotland. With independence, Scotland "would be able to apply to rejoin the EU with access to the single market for its seafood products, enjoy the benefits of free movement and negotiate an equitable share of EU funding", and, further argued by the Scottish Government in the paper, "could negotiate for its own interests in international marine forums, without reliance on the UK Government to do so on its behalf". [31]

Social security in an independent Scotland

Paper nine, published on 6 December 2023, sets out the Scottish Government’s proposals, vision and objectives for the social security system in an independent Scotland. This paper "explains why the UK approach to social security needs urgent reform and identifies the early changes this Scottish Government would prioritise with independence", whilst it "sets out the Scottish Government’s vision for how social security could be fairer, more dignified and more respectful over the long term, and how a new approach could help deliver a stronger economy with independence". [32]

The Scottish Government's proposals for state pensions in an independent Scotland was not featured in this paper, but is expected to be included in a future publication focusing on the issue of pensions. [33]

Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture, Angus Robertson and Minister for Independence Jamie Hepburn launch paper 11 in the Building a New Scotland series, March 2024 Building a New Scotland - An independent Scotland's Place in the World.jpg
Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture, Angus Robertson and Minister for Independence Jamie Hepburn launch paper 11 in the Building a New Scotland series, March 2024

Culture in an independent Scotland

The tenth publication, Culture in an independent Scotland, publishes the Scottish Government's proposals looking specifically at how independence could provide opportunities to support and grow Scotland’s creative economy, and how an independent Scotland could build on the current and future potential of the culture and creative sectors within Scotland, primarily on the international stage. The Scottish Government commits to re-joining the European Union and "removing barriers for international performers". Additionally, the paper examines how the "public service broadcasting would be protected with independence, and build on the strength of the Scottish screen sector". [34]

An independent Scotland's place in the world

Paper 11 of the series, An Independent Scotland's place in the world, publishes the proposals of the Scottish Government for Scotland's membership of different organisations and trade pacts, including NATO and the United Nations. [35] This paper in the series advocates that independence for Scotland will allow the country to "take its place in the international community; alongside 193 other United Nations member states, able to join the European Union, with the powers necessary to protect its citizens and prosper in the global economy". The Scottish Government advocate that "an independent Scotland would be a good global citizen". [36]

Education and lifelong learning in an independent Scotland

The twelve paper in the series, Education and lifelong learning in an independent Scotland, was published on 25 March 2024 by Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills Jenny Gilruth. The paper acknowledges "Scotland’s distinct and independent education system predates the devolution era and the international excellence of Scottish education long predates the Act of Union". [37] The paper focuses specifically on the education system and lifelong learning sector within an independent Scotland. The paper "sets out how current policies provide the foundations for learning, through an approach to rights and wellbeing which gives children and young people the best opportunities to reach their full potential" [38] and explains "how we would build on this in an independent Scotland, describing what people in Scotland can expect as they move through the education and lifelong learning journey, and how we would be able to improve our educational offer". [39]

Justice in an independent Scotland

Paper thirteen of the series, Justice in an independent Scotland, was launched on 25 April 2024 by Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs Angela Constance. The paper establishes the vision of the justice system of an independent Scotland. [40]

See also

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References

  1. ↑ Stewart, Ward (13 June 2020). "Nicola Sturgeon to publish 'Building a New Scotland' paper on independence". The National .
  2. ↑ "Scottish independence: 19 October 2023 proposed as date for referendum". BBC News. 28 June 2022. Retrieved 13 July 2022.
  3. ↑ Campbell, Glenn (7 September 2021). "Scottish government to restart work on case for independence". BBC News .
  4. ↑ "Sturgeon to unveil first paper in Scotland's 'updated independence prospectus'". The Times . 13 June 2022.
  5. ↑ Webster, Laura (14 July 2022). "Nicola Sturgeon to publish next paper in Scottish independence prospectus today". The National .
  6. ↑ Cassidy, Jane (15 June 2020). "Alyn Smith: Why the new independence paper is a welcome breath of fresh airScotland". The National .
  7. ↑ McKenzie, Lewis (16 June 2022). "Ross insists Sturgeon's priorities are 'all wrong' after indyref2 push". STV News .
  8. ↑ Carey, Rebecca (16 June 2022). "Nicola Sturgeon outlines second Scottish Independence referendum plans - What this means". Herald Scotland .
  9. ↑ Bol, David (14 July 2022). "Nicola Sturgeon to set out strategy for independent Scotland to overhaul democracy". The Herald .
  10. ↑ Stephen, Phyllis (17 October 2022). "Building a New Scotland – third document published today". The Edinburgh Reporter.
  11. ↑ https://www.gov.scot/publications/building-new-scotland-creating-modern-constitution-independent-scotland/documents/
  12. ↑ https://www.gov.scot/publications/building-new-scotland-citizenship-independent-scotland/documents/
  13. ↑ https://www.gov.scot/publications/building-new-scotland-migration-scotland-independence/documents/
  14. ↑ https://www.gov.scot/publications/building-new-scotland-independent-scotland-eu/documents/
  15. ↑ https://www.gov.scot/publications/building-new-scotland-marine-sector-independent-scotland/documents/
  16. ↑ https://www.gov.scot/publications/social-security-independent-scotland/documents/
  17. ↑ https://www.gov.scot/binaries/content/documents/govscot/publications/research-and-analysis/2024/02/building-new-scotland-culture-independent-scotland/documents/culture-independent-scotland-paper-10/culture-independent-scotland-paper-10/govscot%3Adocument/culture-independent-scotland-paper-10.pdf
  18. ↑ https://www.gov.scot/binaries/content/documents/govscot/publications/research-and-analysis/2024/03/building-new-scotland-independent-scotlands-place-world/documents/independent-scotlands-place-world/independent-scotlands-place-world/govscot%3Adocument/independent-scotlands-place-world.pdf
  19. ↑ https://www.gov.scot/publications/building-new-scotland-education-lifelong-learning-independent-scotland/documents/
  20. ↑ https://www.gov.scot/publications/building-new-scotland-justice-independent-scotland/
  21. ↑ "At a glance: Scottish government publishes independence paper". BBC News . 14 June 2022.
  22. ↑ "Independence in the modern world. Wealthier, happier, fairer: why not Scotland?". www.gov.scot. Retrieved 2 September 2022.
  23. ↑ "Nicola Sturgeon to publish second paper in Scottish independence prospectus". MSN. Retrieved 17 July 2022.
  24. ↑ "Renewing democracy through independence". www.gov.scot. Retrieved 2 September 2022.
  25. ↑ "Economic arguments for independent Scotland set out". BBC News. Retrieved 18 October 2022.
  26. ↑ "Building a New Scotland: A stronger economy with independence - summary". www.gov.scot. Scottish Government. Retrieved 18 October 2022.
  27. ↑ "Creating a modern constitution in an independent Scotland" (PDF). www.gov.scot. Scottish Government. Retrieved 25 January 2024.
  28. ↑ "Citizenship in an independent Scotland" (PDF). www.gov.scot. Scottish Government. Retrieved 25 January 2024.
  29. ↑ "Migration to Scotland after independence". www.gov.scot. Scottish Government. Retrieved 25 January 2024.
  30. ↑ "An independent Scotland in the EU". www.gov.scot. Scottish Government. Retrieved 25 January 2024.
  31. ↑ "Our marine sector in an independent Scotland". www.gov.scot. Scottish Government. Retrieved 25 January 2024.
  32. ↑ "Social security in an independent Scotland". www.gov.scot. Scottish Government. Retrieved 25 January 2024.
  33. ↑ "Social security in an independent Scotland". www.gov.scot. Scottish Government. Retrieved 25 January 2024.
  34. ↑ "Building a New Scotland: Culture in an independent Scotland". www.gov.scot. Scottish Government. Retrieved 9 March 2024.
  35. ↑ "Supporting documents". www.gov.scot. Scottish Government. Retrieved 9 March 2024.
  36. ↑ "Supporting documents". www.gov.scot. Scottish Government. Retrieved 9 March 2024.
  37. ↑ "Education and lifelong learning in an independent Scotland" (PDF). Scottish Government. Retrieved 3 April 2024.
  38. ↑ "Building a New Scotland: Education and lifelong learning in an independent Scotland". www.gov.scot. Retrieved 3 April 2024.
  39. ↑ "Building a New Scotland: Education and lifelong learning in an independent Scotland". www.gov.scot. Retrieved 3 April 2024.
  40. ↑ "Supporting documents". www.gov.scot. Retrieved 26 April 2024.
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