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Scottish independence: 'Transition plan' outlined. Scottish independence: 'Transition plan' outlined
(about 4 hours later)
  
The Scottish government has outlined a possible transition to independence in the event of a "Yes" vote in the autumn 2014 referendum.The Scottish government has outlined a possible transition to independence in the event of a "Yes" vote in the autumn 2014 referendum.
Independence day for Scotland would be in March 2016, with the first elections to an independent parliament in May.Independence day for Scotland would be in March 2016, with the first elections to an independent parliament in May.
First Minister Alex Salmond said the timescale was in line with previous international experience.First Minister Alex Salmond said the timescale was in line with previous international experience.
UK ministers said the SNP was failing to make the case for independence and focussing too much on "process".UK ministers said the SNP was failing to make the case for independence and focussing too much on "process".
The Scottish government wants to ask voters the yes/no question, "Should Scotland be an independent country", in autumn 2014, although it has yet to name the actual date.The Scottish government wants to ask voters the yes/no question, "Should Scotland be an independent country", in autumn 2014, although it has yet to name the actual date.
A 16-page document published by SNP ministers has set out a possible transition from a "yes" vote in the referendum to independence day in March 2016. A 16-page document published by SNP ministers has set out a possible transition from a "Yes" vote in the referendum to independence day in March 2016.
It envisages Scottish ministers joining other parties and civic groups to negotiate the terms of independence with the UK government, which would see the division of assets and liabilities, new global connections - including the EU - and Scotland's retention of the monarchy. It came before the UK government next week publishes an analysis on the impact of independence.
The Scottish government paper envisages ministers joining other parties and civic groups to negotiate the terms of independence with the UK government, which would see the division of assets and liabilities, new global connections - including the EU - and Scotland's retention of the monarchy.
There would then be a written Scottish constitution, "which reflects the values of the people of Scotland", according to the document.There would then be a written Scottish constitution, "which reflects the values of the people of Scotland", according to the document.
Alex Salmond's timetable for independence, in the event of a "Yes" vote in the referendum, seems to have shortened.Alex Salmond's timetable for independence, in the event of a "Yes" vote in the referendum, seems to have shortened.
In January 2012, the Scottish government said: "May 2016 will see the election of the next Scottish Parliament which would become the Parliament of an independent Scotland."In January 2012, the Scottish government said: "May 2016 will see the election of the next Scottish Parliament which would become the Parliament of an independent Scotland."
In other words, independence day would fall at some point during the 2016-2020 parliament.In other words, independence day would fall at some point during the 2016-2020 parliament.
By March 2012, Scottish Education Secretary, Mike Russell, told the BBC that independence could be negotiated in a "single year" following a "Yes" vote in the autumn 2014 referendum.By March 2012, Scottish Education Secretary, Mike Russell, told the BBC that independence could be negotiated in a "single year" following a "Yes" vote in the autumn 2014 referendum.
He predicted the "moment" of independence could arrive in time for the May 2016 elections.He predicted the "moment" of independence could arrive in time for the May 2016 elections.
Now the Scottish government intends that Scotland would become independent "in March 2016, just before the start of the 2016 election campaign".Now the Scottish government intends that Scotland would become independent "in March 2016, just before the start of the 2016 election campaign".
On this timetable, the devolved SNP administration would become the first government of an independent Scotland.On this timetable, the devolved SNP administration would become the first government of an independent Scotland.
Transferring powers before the election would also prevent the possibility that Scotland votes for independence and then elects pro-union parties to negotiate the terms.Transferring powers before the election would also prevent the possibility that Scotland votes for independence and then elects pro-union parties to negotiate the terms.
Or call a fresh referendum.Or call a fresh referendum.
Mr Salmond urged UK ministers to agree to joint talks on the process surrounding the referendum result, as recommended by the Electoral Commission watchdog.Mr Salmond urged UK ministers to agree to joint talks on the process surrounding the referendum result, as recommended by the Electoral Commission watchdog.
The first minister told BBC Scotland: "30 countries have gone through the process of having a referendum and then becoming independent.The first minister told BBC Scotland: "30 countries have gone through the process of having a referendum and then becoming independent.
"The average timescale for these 30 countries since the Second World War is 15 months - we've actually allowed a bit longer than that in the process.""The average timescale for these 30 countries since the Second World War is 15 months - we've actually allowed a bit longer than that in the process."
Turning to those campaigning to keep the Union, Mr Salmond said: "The question they've got to answer is, if 30 other countries managed to do it, then why couldn't Scotland?"Turning to those campaigning to keep the Union, Mr Salmond said: "The question they've got to answer is, if 30 other countries managed to do it, then why couldn't Scotland?"
The first minister said his government was setting out a range of proposals ahead of a substantive White Paper on independence, due towards the end of the year.The first minister said his government was setting out a range of proposals ahead of a substantive White Paper on independence, due towards the end of the year.
He said: "The 'No' side seem to think we're not doing anything until November - I think they've been taken a bit by surprise by the amount of work that we've been doing.He said: "The 'No' side seem to think we're not doing anything until November - I think they've been taken a bit by surprise by the amount of work that we've been doing.
"We're putting forward what we think is the best future for Scotland, the best way to do it. We're putting forward how the processes will unveil."We're putting forward what we think is the best future for Scotland, the best way to do it. We're putting forward how the processes will unveil.
"The 'No' campaign seem to think their role is to stamp their feet and say, 'you cannae do it'. Well, yes we can.""The 'No' campaign seem to think their role is to stamp their feet and say, 'you cannae do it'. Well, yes we can."
For the UK government, Scottish Secretary Michael Moore said it was already setting out views on the post-referendum process, and would spell out further thoughts in a series of analysis papers, the first of which is expected this month. For the UK government, Scottish Secretary Michael Moore said it was already setting out views on the post-referendum process.
Mr Moore said: "The Scottish government should be concentrating on the substantive issues of the independence debate, rather than endless distractions over process.Mr Moore said: "The Scottish government should be concentrating on the substantive issues of the independence debate, rather than endless distractions over process.
"Once again, they are devoting their energy to the picture-frame when they don't have a painting to put in it."Once again, they are devoting their energy to the picture-frame when they don't have a painting to put in it.
"We haven't even got a date for the referendum, let alone any detail on what independence would mean for people in areas like the economy, welfare, energy and financial services.""We haven't even got a date for the referendum, let alone any detail on what independence would mean for people in areas like the economy, welfare, energy and financial services."
The Scottish secretary added: "People in Scotland appreciate the benefits of remaining part of the United Kingdom family and that is why they remain strongly opposed to independence."The Scottish secretary added: "People in Scotland appreciate the benefits of remaining part of the United Kingdom family and that is why they remain strongly opposed to independence."
Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, speaking in the Commons, said the UK government's "dispassionate analysis" of the impact of Scottish independence would be a "powerful addition" to the debate, and the first in a series of papers on the issue.