Adam hails launch of new independence paper
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A NORTH-east SNP MSP has welcomed the publication of a new paper that outlines the opportunities of a written constitution for an independent Scotland.
Banffshire and Buchan Coast representative Karen Adam MSP described how the Scottish Government publication is a "defining moment" for the future of Scotland.
The paper is the fourth in the Scottish Government's Building a New Scotland, which aims to inform the Scottish independence debate.
Previous papers have compared other similar-sized neighbouring countries to Scotland which are all wealthier and more equal than the UK, posing the question "Why not Scotland?".
Launching the paper, First Minister Humza Yousaf said a written constitution can put "democracy, rights and equality at the heart of everything we do as an independent country".
Ms Adam commented: "This publication is a defining moment in progressing and safeguarding Scotland’s future as a prosperous and fair independent country.
"Scotland’s constitution will be shaped by the people of Scotland, for the people of Scotland, and can protect the things we hold dear to us such as our NHS which has been undermined at every level by the Conservatives and Labour at a UK level.
“I am delighted to see our First Minister Humza Yousaf launch the latest in the series of independence papers, informing the debate on Scotland's future and highlighting the opportunities of a written constitution for an independent Scotland.
"The opportunity to enshrine the protection of our NHS in public hands, the right to an adequate standard of living, the right of workers to strike and ridding Scotland of immoral nuclear weapons are just a handful of examples of the opportunities the full powers of independence bring.
"I'm looking forward to exploring these ideas with the people of Banffshire and Buchan Coast and speak to the opportunities that lie ahead for Banffshire and Buchan Coast, and Scotland more widely.
"Against the backdrop of a destructive Tory Brexit – supported by Labour – a damaging mini-Budget that crashed the UK economy and Westminster’s inaction on the cost of living crisis, the case for independence has never been stronger, but it's important that when the time comes to choose our future, people can make an informed choice.
"The time to engage in the substance of the debate on Scottish independence is now and I'm delighted that the Scottish Government is delivering this work for the people in Banffshire and Buchan Coast."
The Building a New Scotland series, including the new paper, can be viewed a https://www.gov.scot/newscotland
