This article is from the source 'nytimes' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/27/world/europe/scotland-to-unveil-landmark-document-on-independence-from-britain.html
The article has changed 8 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 0 | Version 1 |
|---|---|
| Scotland Unveils ‘Landmark Document’ on Independence From Britain | |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| LONDON — The Scottish government unveiled what it called a “landmark document” on Tuesday on its plan to seek independence from Britain in a referendum next year that has stirred bitter opposition from many politicians in London. | LONDON — The Scottish government unveiled what it called a “landmark document” on Tuesday on its plan to seek independence from Britain in a referendum next year that has stirred bitter opposition from many politicians in London. |
| Alex Salmond, Scotland’s first minister, said independence would lead to “constructive working together” with Britain, including a common currency — the British pound sterling — and recognition of Queen Elizabeth II. But Scotland would take a larger share of North Sea oil and would order the removal of British nuclear submarines from their current Scottish bases. | Alex Salmond, Scotland’s first minister, said independence would lead to “constructive working together” with Britain, including a common currency — the British pound sterling — and recognition of Queen Elizabeth II. But Scotland would take a larger share of North Sea oil and would order the removal of British nuclear submarines from their current Scottish bases. |
| The 670-page document was published two days after the Scottish authorities said that a “yes” vote in next September’s ballot would lead to independence on March 24, 2016 — a date commemorating key steps in the fusion of England and Scotland centuries ago. | The 670-page document was published two days after the Scottish authorities said that a “yes” vote in next September’s ballot would lead to independence on March 24, 2016 — a date commemorating key steps in the fusion of England and Scotland centuries ago. |
| “If we vote no, Scotland stands still,” the document said. “A once-in-a-generation opportunity to follow a different path, and choose a new and better direction for our nation, is lost. Decisions about Scotland would remain in the hands of others.” | “If we vote no, Scotland stands still,” the document said. “A once-in-a-generation opportunity to follow a different path, and choose a new and better direction for our nation, is lost. Decisions about Scotland would remain in the hands of others.” |
| But approval would mean that “the most important decisions about our economy and society will be taken by the people who care most about Scotland, that is by the people of Scotland.” | But approval would mean that “the most important decisions about our economy and society will be taken by the people who care most about Scotland, that is by the people of Scotland.” |
| “The door will open to a new era for our nation. Scotland’s future will be in Scotland’s hands,” it said. | “The door will open to a new era for our nation. Scotland’s future will be in Scotland’s hands,” it said. |
| Danny Alexander, a senior figure at the British Treasury, has also said Scots would pay higher taxes in an independent Scotland to maintain public services. But Scottish authorities have responded by accusing the British government of squandering income from offshore oil reserves that could have brought greater prosperity. | Danny Alexander, a senior figure at the British Treasury, has also said Scots would pay higher taxes in an independent Scotland to maintain public services. But Scottish authorities have responded by accusing the British government of squandering income from offshore oil reserves that could have brought greater prosperity. |
| Scottish politicians have also spoken in favor of maintaining membership in the European Union, while Prime Minister David Cameron, a staunch opponent of Scottish independence, has promised a separate referendum on British’s membership of the 28-nation bloc if he wins the next election in 2015. | Scottish politicians have also spoken in favor of maintaining membership in the European Union, while Prime Minister David Cameron, a staunch opponent of Scottish independence, has promised a separate referendum on British’s membership of the 28-nation bloc if he wins the next election in 2015. |
| The document published on Tuesday was called “Scotland’s future: Your guide to an independent Scotland.” | The document published on Tuesday was called “Scotland’s future: Your guide to an independent Scotland.” |
| Independence would end a union dating to 1707. | Independence would end a union dating to 1707. |