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Scottish independence: UK government making Union case Scottish independence: UK government making Union case
(about 3 hours later)
The UK government is setting out its case for the Union, ahead of the 2014 Scottish independence referendum.The UK government is setting out its case for the Union, ahead of the 2014 Scottish independence referendum.
Westminster ministers say they will explain in detail why people and companies in Scotland benefit from its place in the UK.Westminster ministers say they will explain in detail why people and companies in Scotland benefit from its place in the UK.
Scottish Secretary Michael Moore will also urge SNP ministers to bring forward their case for independence.Scottish Secretary Michael Moore will also urge SNP ministers to bring forward their case for independence.
Mr Moore said the Scottish government had become too caught up in the "process" of the vote.Mr Moore said the Scottish government had become too caught up in the "process" of the vote.
He argued the constitutional debate had entered a new phase, where people wanted to hear more facts.He argued the constitutional debate had entered a new phase, where people wanted to hear more facts.
The Scottish secretary said Scotland, as part of the Union, meant companies could grow under a large, single market with no trade barriers or restrictions.The Scottish secretary said Scotland, as part of the Union, meant companies could grow under a large, single market with no trade barriers or restrictions.
He pointed out that two-thirds of Scottish exports go to the rest of the UK.He pointed out that two-thirds of Scottish exports go to the rest of the UK.
In what will be the first in a series of papers on the issue, Mr Moore will outline the UK argument along with Advocate General Lord Wallace - a former Scottish deputy first minister - and Scotland Office minister David Mundell.In what will be the first in a series of papers on the issue, Mr Moore will outline the UK argument along with Advocate General Lord Wallace - a former Scottish deputy first minister - and Scotland Office minister David Mundell.
In support of its case, the UK government has published in full the legal opinion it received on the international law aspects of Scottish independence.In support of its case, the UK government has published in full the legal opinion it received on the international law aspects of Scottish independence.
The experts consulted by Whitehall, Prof James Crawford of Cambridge University and Prof Alan Boyle of Edinburgh University, concluded that Scotland would become a new state after independence.The experts consulted by Whitehall, Prof James Crawford of Cambridge University and Prof Alan Boyle of Edinburgh University, concluded that Scotland would become a new state after independence.
They said the remainder of the UK would be considered the "continuing state" under international law.They said the remainder of the UK would be considered the "continuing state" under international law.
'Continuing state'
Alistair Darling of the Better Together campaign welcomed publication of the views of Prof Crawford and Prof Boyle.Alistair Darling of the Better Together campaign welcomed publication of the views of Prof Crawford and Prof Boyle.
He said: "This is a formidable legal opinion from two internationally respected lawyers.He said: "This is a formidable legal opinion from two internationally respected lawyers.
"Their opinions have to be taken very seriously and they just can't just be dismissed by the nationalists.""Their opinions have to be taken very seriously and they just can't just be dismissed by the nationalists."
The Scottish government has pointed out that other lawyers have taken a different view and claimed the legal opinion does not help the case for the Union.The Scottish government has pointed out that other lawyers have taken a different view and claimed the legal opinion does not help the case for the Union.
Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: "For the UK government to argue that the UK will be a 'continuing state' and that an independent Scotland would have no rights betrays a near colonial attitude to Scotland's position as a nation and gives lie to any suggestion that they see Scotland as an equal partner in the UK.Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: "For the UK government to argue that the UK will be a 'continuing state' and that an independent Scotland would have no rights betrays a near colonial attitude to Scotland's position as a nation and gives lie to any suggestion that they see Scotland as an equal partner in the UK.
"It also raises a very important question for the UK government - if they are prepared to lay claim to the assets of the UK are they also prepared to take on all of its liabilities, such as the UK national debt?""It also raises a very important question for the UK government - if they are prepared to lay claim to the assets of the UK are they also prepared to take on all of its liabilities, such as the UK national debt?"
Currency unionCurrency union
Meanwhile, the Fiscal Commission Working Group (FCWG) established by the Scottish government is to publish its paper on the monetary framework for an independent Scotland.Meanwhile, the Fiscal Commission Working Group (FCWG) established by the Scottish government is to publish its paper on the monetary framework for an independent Scotland.
Chaired by Crawford Beveridge, its role is to advise the Scottish government on monetary policy, financial stability and fiscal policy.Chaired by Crawford Beveridge, its role is to advise the Scottish government on monetary policy, financial stability and fiscal policy.
The FCWG is expected to support the idea of an independent Scotland retaining Sterling as its currency.The FCWG is expected to support the idea of an independent Scotland retaining Sterling as its currency.
The Scottish government is publishing a White Paper outlining the substantive case for independence towards the end of the year.The Scottish government is publishing a White Paper outlining the substantive case for independence towards the end of the year.
A bill setting out the terms of the autumn 2014 referendum - including the precise date - is expected to be introduced to the Scottish Parliament in March.A bill setting out the terms of the autumn 2014 referendum - including the precise date - is expected to be introduced to the Scottish Parliament in March.