MSPs welcome blueprint for post-independence economy
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THE launch of the latest Scottish Government paper on the possible shape of a post-independence economy has been welcomed by two local MSPs.
Building A New Scotland: A stronger economy with independence was launched by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon as a blueprint for an independent Scotland's economy.
Among the major points laid out in the document are: Re-joining the European Union (EU) to benefit from, and contribute to, the vast European Single Market; A redesigned energy market that aims to provide secure and reliable low cost energy; Retaining free movement of people, without a passport, across the UK and Ireland, with trade borders implemented smoothly; Using the pound sterling, until the time is right to move to a Scottish pound; Up to £20 billion in major infrastructure investment through the Building a New Scotland Fund; Using full powers over employment law to help improve pay and working conditions for people across Scotland; A migration policy tailored to Scotland’s needs and designed to boost the working population.
Karen Adam, SNP MSP for Banffshire & Buchan Coast, hailed the document as giving a "timely" focus on Scotland's economic future.
She said: “After the absolute chaos tumbling out of Westminster in recent weeks, a chaos that has cost us all so much in financial terms and trashed the UK’s international reputation, it was reassuring the see the First Minister set out the economic case for Scottish independence.
“It’s crystal clear that the choice facing us is not about change versus stability. It’s about control and opportunity versus extremism, gaslighting, incompetence and ruin.
“Point by point in [the] press conference, the First Minister outlined a clear path to a better nation with a stronger and more internationally-focused economy than the Brexit-beset UK with its trade barriers and red tape.”
Ms Adam went on to say the paper envisioned a very different type of economy to the one presently on offer as part of the union.
She continued: “Yes we can break from the low-productivity, high-inequality model foisted on us by Westminster and build an inclusive, fair wellbeing economy that works for everyone.
"With our renewable energy resources, a path back into the EU, an independent investment fund, our own currency and all the tools of a sovereign nation at our disposal, we give ourselves the platform to excel – a platform denied us by a union that treats us as an expendable fixture in its political game-playing.
“Scottish independence is no longer something that some people would just like to have. It’s an absolute necessity for all our futures.”
Moray’s SNP MSP also welcomed the publication of the Scottish Government’s blueprint for Scotland’s economy after independence.
Mr Lochhead commented said: “The UK economy is in decline – it is unstable, unsustainable, and unfair – and many people in Scotland are asking themselves if this is really the best we can do.
“With no real alternative on offer within the Westminster system, this paper sets out how an independent Scotland can build a strong economy, with fairness and wellbeing at its heart, and that works for everyone.
“The Scottish Government is ambitious for Scotland’s future and with the powers of independence we would be equipping ourselves with the tools we need to build a wealthier, fairer, greener country.
“I would encourage people to read the Scottish Government’s paper which outlines a positive vision for a better country for current and future generations, contrasting sharply with the financial and political instability and chaos of the UK.”
However, Moray Conservative MP Douglas Ross said the SNP’s economic case for independence is as “weak as ever” and failed to answer questions around issues such as currency, [pensions and the effects of a hard border.
He continued: “The SNP’s economic case for independence is as weak as ever.
"All the spin and bluster from Nicola Sturgeon cannot hide the fact that this latest economic white paper still fails to give any details on crucial questions on the economy in an independent Scotland.
“From the currency to pensions and the devastating effects of a hard border, Nicola Sturgeon has no answers for the people and businesses in Moray.
“They will be wondering what the point in publishing this paper alongside a self-indulgent press conference was when it still did not answer the questions that have always undermined the economic case for independence.
“It is time for Nicola Sturgeon to stop this relentless obsession with pursuing separation from the rest of the UK and focus on the real priorities of the people of Moray and across Scotland.
“Pushing another divisive referendum is the wrong priority at the worst possible time.
"Instead of trying to divide us all over again, Nicola Sturgeon should be supporting people and businesses in Moray through the cost-of-living crisis, restoring maternity services at Dr Gray’s and committing to fully dualling the A96.”
