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Scottish independence: SNP launches referendum blueprint Scottish independence: SNP launches referendum white paper
(35 minutes later)
The Scottish government has set out its blueprint for independence, ahead of next September's referendum. Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond has launched the SNP's independence blueprint, calling it a "mission statement" for Scotland's future.
The 670-page white paper promises to "build a more democratic, more prosperous, fairer society". The 670-page Scottish government white paper promised a "revolution" in social policy, with childcare at its heart.
On 18 September, Scots voters will be asked the yes/no question: "Should Scotland be an independent country?"On 18 September, Scots voters will be asked the yes/no question: "Should Scotland be an independent country?"
The document, launched by Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond, pledged to tailor economic policy to Scottish businesses and industry. It also pledged to tailor economic policy to Scottish businesses and industry.
He said independence would allow Scotland to harness its vast potential as a country. Launching the paper, "Scotland's future: Your guide to an independent Scotland", in Glasgow, the first minister said: "This is the most comprehensive blueprint for an independent country ever published, not just for Scotland but for any prospective independent nation.‬‬‬
The first minister went on: "Ultimately at the heart of this debate there's only one question - do we, the people who live and work in Scotland, believe that we are the best people to take the big decisions about our future?" "But more than that, it is a mission statement and a prospectus for the kind of country we should be and which this government believes we can be.
The white paper also pledged to extend child care and scrap controversial UK government housing welfare changes, described by critics as the "bedroom tax", should the SNP be elected as the first government of an independent Scotland in the event of a "Yes" vote. "Our vision is of an independent Scotland regaining its place as an equal member of the family of nations - however, we do not seek independence as an end in itself, but rather as a means to changing Scotland for the better."
The document, "Scotland's future: Your guide to an independent Scotland", also said it would be in Scotland's interest to keep the pound, but that would also benefit the rest of the UK, while the Bank of England would continue to be the "lender of last resort". As well as making the case for independence, the white paper also set out a series of policy pledges which the SNP said it would pursue if elected as the government of an independent Scotland.
Its pledges included: These included:
The Scottish government described the white paper as a "landmark document", with the case for economic growth and fairness at its heart. The Scottish government said Scotland's finances were healthier than those of the UK, providing a strong foundation to put the focus of the referendum campaign on Scotland's future.
The SNP has argued Scotland's finances are healthier than those of the UK, providing a strong foundation to put the focus of the referendum campaign on Scotland's future. Mr Salmond said the list of policies would help address what he described as the "damage caused by the vast social disparities which have seen the UK become one of the most unequal societies in the developed world".
The Scottish government's critics said the white paper would be judged on whether it tackled concerns over issues like financial challenges. "We know we have the people, the skills and resources to make Scotland a more successful country," he added.
"What we need now are the economic tools and powers to build a more competitive, dynamic economy and create more jobs.
"This guide contains policies which offer nothing less than a revolution in employment and social policy for Scotland, with a transformational change in childcare at the heart of those plans.
Our proposals will make it far easier for parents to balance work and family life and will allow many more people, especially women, to move into the workforce, fostering economic growth and helping to boost revenues - which will in itself help pay for the policy.
The SNP government's critics said the white paper would be judged on whether it tackled concerns over issues like financial challenges.
For the UK government, Scottish Secretary Alistair Carmichael said there were huge question marks over some of the policies already revealed by the SNP.For the UK government, Scottish Secretary Alistair Carmichael said there were huge question marks over some of the policies already revealed by the SNP.
He said it was "highly unlikely" the Scottish government's plan to keep the pound and retain the services of the Bank of England as part of a "currency union" with the rest of the UK would work, and said the SNP must set out a "Plan B".He said it was "highly unlikely" the Scottish government's plan to keep the pound and retain the services of the Bank of England as part of a "currency union" with the rest of the UK would work, and said the SNP must set out a "Plan B".
The Scottish government's critics have also questioned its plan to get rid of Trident nuclear weapons - currently based on the Clyde - while being a member of Nato.The Scottish government's critics have also questioned its plan to get rid of Trident nuclear weapons - currently based on the Clyde - while being a member of Nato.
And they have said other SNP promises, on issues like pensions and welfare, are uncosted.And they have said other SNP promises, on issues like pensions and welfare, are uncosted.