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Scottish constitution White Paper launched by First Minister

Alex Salmond says it is time for the people to have their say on Scotland's future.

30 November 2009 14:00 PM

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The SNP has set out its vision for a referendum on Scottish independence.

First Minister Alex Salmond launched a White Paper, for a vote on constitutional reform - entitled Your Scotland, Your Voice - saying: "It's time for the people to have their say on Scotland's future."

The St Andrew's Day announcement was aimed at paving the way for the referendum which the Scottish National Party hopes to see next year, despite opposition parties in the Scottish Parliament saying that they will block the move.

The wording of the referendum is not disclosed in the White Paper, but it sets out four possible scenarios for Scotland.

Read the White Paper in full here >

Watch White Paper video presentation here >

These are the status quo, the reformed devolution as recommended by the Calman Commission, an enhanced form of devolution that would see most issues other than defence and foreign affairs devolved to Edinburgh, and full independence. 

Mr Salmond said: "The debate in Scottish politics is no longer between change or no change - it's about the kind of change we seek and the right of the people to choose their future in a free and fair referendum."

He added: "This historic document sets out the case for Scottish independence with unprecedented depth and clarity."

The First Minister said Scottish popular opinion had moved "far beyond" wanting no change and he insisted the Calman Commission on devolution - supported by Labour, the Tories, the Liberal Democrats, but not the Nationalists - fell short of public need.

Mr Salmond said Westminster was "refusing" to make any progress on issues like devolving control over airguns this side of an election and "substantial doubt" as to what would happen after an election.

He said: "This White Paper charts the route to progress for Scotland and we are calling on people of all parties and none who want real and substantive additions to the powers of the Parliament to rally to the referendum campaign.

"That is why we are open to including the option of such powers on the referendum ballot paper, alongside independence."

Watch First Minister's news conference here >

Watch STV News Political Editor Bernard Ponsonby's analysis here>

Last updated: 30 November 2009, 23:06

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  1. Avatar for MarvinSaysBelieve

    1. 30 Nov 2009 16:13MarvinSaysBelieve said

    As far as I'm concerned there's only 2 options. Independence or bin this whole Scottish Parliament thing altogether.

    What's the point of these half-assed measures? I'm tired of paying out to run two parliaments. If the Scottish Parliament aren't going to have full power to run Scotland i see no need for them.

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  2. Default avatar

    2. 30 Nov 2009 18:41skully said

    There is no need for a debate on this, the people will vote in the uk elections soon and the SNP will still be the minority party in Scotland.

    no need to waste cash on this bunkum.

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  3. Default avatar

    3. 30 Nov 2009 18:42truescot said

    mr salmond is trying to cover up the terrible job he is making of running the country from the big council in Edinburgh ,here we have someone who wants to up the taxes that we pay and make no mistake about it he will, for the privilege of being Scots . I am Scots and proud to be but what i don't want is to pay for more lay abouts like what we have in Edinburgh.

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  4. Default avatar

    4. 30 Nov 2009 22:53truth said

    @truescot

    We won't be paying for trident or ID cards or illegal wars. These all cost plenty £.

    Scotland already subsidises the UK considerably, this money could be better spent in Scotland, and we can choose how it is spent. Tax rises is therefore not a given. If anything taxes may be lower, especially business taxes. This will encourage and expand the private sector.

    Oh and those layabout you talk about, don't you think the UK just loves them? Voting for their paymasters. In an independent Scotland they'd have to get off their backsides.

    Don't believe all the claptrap about the bank bail out either. They are no more Scottish banks than they are British. Natwest was a vastly bigger bank when RBS took it over, as was Halifax with BoS. Scotland would only have been responsible for bailing out the Scottish parts, just like the Benelux countries did with Fortis.

    The Unionists conveniently forget the virtually unfailing taxes of approx 300 years of profits from the two "Scottish" banks. Never mind the many failed banks that RBS/BoS took over, over the years, guaranteeing savings and saving the Govt of the day bailouts.

    For goodness sake people. See through the bull you are fed. Why can't Scotland run her own affairs? Would you want your neighbour running your budget and deciding what car you can drive?

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  5. Default avatar

    5. 19 Dec 2009 11:29TURRA LOON said

    we must get the chance to prove the quislings wrong. we have a beautiful country and our people and our scottish government are quite capable of running our own affairs. return the tridents to portsmouth and see what the reaction is.

    turra loon

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