ELECTION 2021: Full autonomy is 'only way forward' for Scotland, says SNP's Karen Adam

INDEPENDENCE is the only way Scotland can take charge of her own destiny, says Banffshire and Buchan Coast SNP candidate Karen Adam:

My argument for independence is one of democracy, of full autonomy, for a nation which is more than capable of running its own affairs fully, of being a perfectly normal independent country like many others.

The democratic will of the Scottish people has shown a trajectory away from that of the rest of the UK. Scotland hasn’t voted for a Conservative government for over 60 years but yet we are governed by one. Our government must reflect our choice.

Our devolved parliament has been a game changer, but still we are restricted in taking action in many ways. Without those levers which only come with independence, we are limited. We need bespoke policy for our own unique needs and circumstances in full.

Economically, Scotland is a land rich in resources. We have a population that contributes greatly to our economy. We have fishing, food and drink, forestry, renewable energy, textiles, tourism and many more abundant industries.

People work hard and raise taxes here. Countries borrow, that’s a normal thing for independent countries to do, much like the UK government borrows on our behalf, which we pay back. Why shouldn’t we have control over that borrowing, ourselves?

We are more than capable of running our own affairs. The UK government must stop infantilising us.

The Scottish Government continue to buffer the consequences of many UK policies, we try to mitigate the worst. We should not have to do that. It is not the policies we voted for. It is not a reflection of our political will.

The debate has not gone away. The Scottish people are entitled to debate it and are capable of making that decision. We should have a referendum when it’s appropriate to do so.

Full economic and democratic autonomy. To run our country, our own way.

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