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Scottish independence: Holyrood debate marks one year to referendum Scottish independence: Holyrood debate marks one year to referendum
(about 11 hours later)
Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond will lead a debate at the Scottish Parliament, a year before voters take part in the independence referendum.Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond will lead a debate at the Scottish Parliament, a year before voters take part in the independence referendum.
On 18 September 2014, they will be asked the yes/no question: "Should Scotland be an independent country?"On 18 September 2014, they will be asked the yes/no question: "Should Scotland be an independent country?"
Mr Salmond said independence would help Scotland become a thriving, successful nation, free from Westminster ties.Mr Salmond said independence would help Scotland become a thriving, successful nation, free from Westminster ties.
The main opposition parties insisted Scotland's devolved parliament, as part of the UK, was the best of both worlds.The main opposition parties insisted Scotland's devolved parliament, as part of the UK, was the best of both worlds.
Ahead of the debate, the SNP ministers said Scotland, with its natural resources and talent, could "more than afford" to be independent. Ahead of the debate, the Scottish government's Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon told the BBC's Today programme that Scotland could "more than afford" to be independent.
They also claimed successive UK governments had created one of the most unequal economies in the developed world, while imposing policies on Scotland which had been rejected by its politicians. Watering down vision
'Head and heart' She added: "We are one of the wealthiest countries in the world.
Mr Salmond told the BBC: "I think the cause of independence - an independent Scotland - is a noble ideal. "We more than pay our way. If you take each and every one of the past 30 years, we have generated more tax per head than the UK as a whole so there's no question Scotland can be independent, the question is should we be independent and there my argument is simple - it's better to take decisions about Scotland here in Scotland."
"I think there's a huge passion behind that cause, but along with that we have to argue the country, with its independence, we'll use it for the benefit of the people, that it will be more successful and more equal as a society.
"So, it's an argument that carries the head and the heart."
The Scottish government's detailed case for independence will come in a white paper to be published in the autumn which has promised to "answer all the questions people reasonably have".The Scottish government's detailed case for independence will come in a white paper to be published in the autumn which has promised to "answer all the questions people reasonably have".
Opposition parties who support the Union - Labour, the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats, as well as the UK government - said Scotland currently benefited from being part of one of the world's most successful economies.Opposition parties who support the Union - Labour, the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats, as well as the UK government - said Scotland currently benefited from being part of one of the world's most successful economies.
And they claimed the SNP government was watering down its vision for independence to increase support among voters during a time when polls were indicating most people backed the Union.And they claimed the SNP government was watering down its vision for independence to increase support among voters during a time when polls were indicating most people backed the Union.
Opposition politicians pointed to SNP policies such as keeping the pound and the services of the Bank of England under a "currency union" with the rest of the UK, and retaining the Queen as head of state.Opposition politicians pointed to SNP policies such as keeping the pound and the services of the Bank of England under a "currency union" with the rest of the UK, and retaining the Queen as head of state.
For the UK government, Scottish Secretary Michael Moore, said of the referendum: "This is an absolutely defining moment and a once-in-a-lifetime choice. That's why I hope people will think carefully as they prepare for the vote.For the UK government, Scottish Secretary Michael Moore, said of the referendum: "This is an absolutely defining moment and a once-in-a-lifetime choice. That's why I hope people will think carefully as they prepare for the vote.
"I firmly believe that Scotland will be stronger, more secure and more prosperous if we remain as part of the UK."I firmly believe that Scotland will be stronger, more secure and more prosperous if we remain as part of the UK.
"Between now and next September I will continue to argue this case as well as providing what I believe will be robust and persuasive evidence.""Between now and next September I will continue to argue this case as well as providing what I believe will be robust and persuasive evidence."
Income tax powers
Scotland's opposition parties have been drawing up their own offers to voters, to counter independence, based on having a more powerful Scottish Parliament while remaining part of the UK.Scotland's opposition parties have been drawing up their own offers to voters, to counter independence, based on having a more powerful Scottish Parliament while remaining part of the UK.
The Liberal Democrat vision for Scottish home rule would see significant new financial and other powers devolved from Westminster, while a commission set up by Scottish Labour has suggested there was a "strong case" for Holyrood gaining full income tax powers.The Liberal Democrat vision for Scottish home rule would see significant new financial and other powers devolved from Westminster, while a commission set up by Scottish Labour has suggested there was a "strong case" for Holyrood gaining full income tax powers.
And, Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson has given her support to more financial powers for Scotland, signalling a significant shift in thinking for the party which previously opposed the idea of a devolved parliament.And, Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson has given her support to more financial powers for Scotland, signalling a significant shift in thinking for the party which previously opposed the idea of a devolved parliament.
Meanwhile, the official campaigns for independence and the Union - Yes Scotland and Better Together - will also be marking the day.Meanwhile, the official campaigns for independence and the Union - Yes Scotland and Better Together - will also be marking the day.
Yes Scotland chief Blair Jenkins, said: "Scotland has generated more tax per head than the UK as whole in each and every one of the last 30 years.Yes Scotland chief Blair Jenkins, said: "Scotland has generated more tax per head than the UK as whole in each and every one of the last 30 years.
"The question is, why more people in Scotland are not reaping the benefits of our wealth?"The question is, why more people in Scotland are not reaping the benefits of our wealth?
"With a 'Yes' vote next year, we can deliver financial and social gains for people and families across our nation because Scotland's future will be in Scotland's hands.""With a 'Yes' vote next year, we can deliver financial and social gains for people and families across our nation because Scotland's future will be in Scotland's hands."
Former chancellor Alistair Darling, leader of the Better Together campaign, countered: "Now that there is a year to go to the referendum, I hope that the nationalists will be prepared to give people answers to the many question that they have about the impact of going it alone on our jobs, our pensions and our public services.Former chancellor Alistair Darling, leader of the Better Together campaign, countered: "Now that there is a year to go to the referendum, I hope that the nationalists will be prepared to give people answers to the many question that they have about the impact of going it alone on our jobs, our pensions and our public services.
"Up until now every one of these legitimate questions has either been met with calls of 'scaremongering' or with a blind assertion.""Up until now every one of these legitimate questions has either been met with calls of 'scaremongering' or with a blind assertion."
Legislation setting the ground rules for the referendum is currently making its way through parliament.Legislation setting the ground rules for the referendum is currently making its way through parliament.
The arrangements have already been negotiated and agreed in advance between the Scottish and UK governments, under the terms of the Edinburgh Agreement, signed by Mr Salmond and Prime Minister David Cameron.The arrangements have already been negotiated and agreed in advance between the Scottish and UK governments, under the terms of the Edinburgh Agreement, signed by Mr Salmond and Prime Minister David Cameron.