Scottish independence

Scottish independence
Blank map of Europe (with disputed regions).svg: maix (talk) derivative work: Al · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Name	Scottish independence
Caption	The Flag of Scotland, a common symbol of the movement.
Leader	Nicola Sturgeon, Humza Yousaf, Alex Salmond
Ideology	Scottish nationalism, Civic nationalism, Social democracy
Country	Scotland

Scottish independence is the political movement advocating for Scotland to become a sovereign state, separate from the United Kingdom. The movement has been a significant force in British politics for decades, gaining substantial momentum following the establishment of the devolved Scottish Parliament in 1999. Key events include the 2014 Scottish independence referendum, where voters chose to remain in the United Kingdom, and continued debate following the Brexit referendum, where Scotland voted to remain within the European Union.

History

The origins of modern political nationalism are often traced to the founding of the Scottish National Party (SNP) in 1934, though sentiments of distinct nationhood date to the Union of the Parliaments in 1707. The discovery of North Sea oil in the 1970s fueled economic arguments, exemplified by the It's Scotland's oil campaign. The establishment of the Scottish Parliament through the Scotland Act 1998 created a platform for the issue, with the pro-independence Scottish Government led by First Minister Alex Salmond securing the Edinburgh Agreement with Prime Minister David Cameron to hold the 2014 vote. The Brexit vote, opposed by a majority in Scotland, reignited the debate, with successive First Ministers Nicola Sturgeon and Humza Yousaf pushing for a second referendum.

Arguments for independence

Proponents argue that independence would allow Scotland to fully harness its natural resources, such as North Sea oil and renewable energy, and make distinct policy choices on issues like nuclear disarmament, specifically the removal of Trident from the Firth of Clyde. They contend that an independent Scotland could rejoin the European Union, addressing concerns raised by Brexit, and build a more social democratic society distinct from the policies of Westminster. Key figures like Nicola Sturgeon have also emphasized the principle of self-determination and the right to choose a different constitutional future.

Arguments against independence

Opponents, including the Conservative, Labour, and Liberal Democrat parties, argue that the United Kingdom provides economic security, a stronger international voice, and fiscal stability through the pooling and sharing of resources. They highlight uncertainties over currency, with Scotland's continued use of the Pound sterling being contested, and the significant public spending deficit. Concerns are also raised about border arrangements, trade barriers with the rest of the United Kingdom, and the challenges of re-accession to institutions like the European Union and NATO.

Political parties and movements

The dominant pro-independence party is the Scottish National Party (SNP), which has formed the Scottish Government since 2007. Other supportive parties include the Scottish Greens, with whom the SNP has a cooperation agreement, and Alba Party, founded by former First Minister Alex Salmond. The independence movement also encompasses grassroots organizations like Yes Scotland and Business for Scotland. Unionist opposition is led by Scottish Labour, the Scottish Conservatives, and the Scottish Liberal Democrats, often campaigning collectively under banners like Better Together.

Referendums

The first major referendum was held on 18 September 2014 under the provisions of the Edinburgh Agreement between the Scottish Government and the Government of the United Kingdom. The question "Should Scotland be an independent country?" resulted in a 55% to 45% vote in favor of remaining in the United Kingdom. The Brexit referendum of 2016, where 62% of Scottish voters opted to remain in the European Union, led to calls for a second independence vote. In 2022, the Scottish Government sought a judgment from the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom on holding a referendum without a Section 30 order from Westminster, which was denied.

Economic considerations

Debate centers on Scotland's fiscal position, detailed in the annual Government Expenditure and Revenue Scotland (GERS) figures, which typically show a higher deficit than the United Kingdom average. Key issues include the management of revenues from North Sea oil and gas, the future of renewable energy projects, and the currency question—whether to adopt the Pound sterling, a new Scottish pound, or the Euro. Proposals for an independent Scotland also involve discussions about corporation tax rates, membership in the European Single Market, and the economic impact of a hard border with England.

International relations and status

Pro-independence advocates propose that an independent Scotland would seek membership of international organizations, primarily the European Union and the United Nations. The process for rejoining the European Union would involve negotiation under Article 49 of the Treaty on European Union, while continued membership in the Commonwealth of Nations has been suggested. The status of existing British Armed Forces bases, particularly HMNB Clyde, and the path to joining alliances like NATO are subjects of significant discussion. The position of the United States and other key allies like France and Germany is also considered a crucial factor in any recognition process.

Category:Scottish independence Category:Nationalism in Scotland Category:Secession in the United Kingdom