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Scottish independence: Alex Salmond sets out post-Yes vision Scottish independence: Alex Salmond sets out post-Yes vision
(about 7 hours later)
Scotland would become independent "in more promising circumstances than virtually any nation in history", the first minister is to say.Scotland would become independent "in more promising circumstances than virtually any nation in history", the first minister is to say.
Alex Salmond will put forward his arguments for independence during a public meeting of the Scottish cabinet.Alex Salmond will put forward his arguments for independence during a public meeting of the Scottish cabinet.
His speech comes the day before the publication of a Treasury analysis paper.His speech comes the day before the publication of a Treasury analysis paper.
It will set out the amount the Treasury says will be saved by people in Scotland if they reject independence.It will set out the amount the Treasury says will be saved by people in Scotland if they reject independence.
The Scottish government will also unveil its own analysis, which it said would demonstrate "Scotland's financial strengths and the economic opportunities that only come with independence".The Scottish government will also unveil its own analysis, which it said would demonstrate "Scotland's financial strengths and the economic opportunities that only come with independence".
At the cabinet meeting in Rutherglen, South Lanarkshire. Mr Salmond will argue that the powers of independence would create "sustainable prosperity across the whole of Scotland".At the cabinet meeting in Rutherglen, South Lanarkshire. Mr Salmond will argue that the powers of independence would create "sustainable prosperity across the whole of Scotland".
Public finances 'Extraordinary potential'
"If we vote Yes in September then Scotland will become independent in more promising circumstances than virtually any nation in history," he will add."If we vote Yes in September then Scotland will become independent in more promising circumstances than virtually any nation in history," he will add.
Mr Salmond is expected to say that Scotland has contributed more in taxes, per person, than the rest of the UK for every single one of the past 33 years.Mr Salmond is expected to say that Scotland has contributed more in taxes, per person, than the rest of the UK for every single one of the past 33 years.
He will also say that Scotland's public finances have been healthier than the UK's by £8.3bn - or nearly £1,600 per person - over the past five years.He will also say that Scotland's public finances have been healthier than the UK's by £8.3bn - or nearly £1,600 per person - over the past five years.
The first minister will add: "We would be among the wealthiest nations in the OECD. Scotland would be 14th on the list, with the UK at 18th.The first minister will add: "We would be among the wealthiest nations in the OECD. Scotland would be 14th on the list, with the UK at 18th.
"Seven out of the ten wealthiest countries in the developed world have populations similar to, or smaller than, Scotland.""Seven out of the ten wealthiest countries in the developed world have populations similar to, or smaller than, Scotland."
Scotland also has "extraordinary potential" in areas such as engineering, life sciences and energy, Mr Salmond will say.Scotland also has "extraordinary potential" in areas such as engineering, life sciences and energy, Mr Salmond will say.
The referendum on Scottish independence will be held on 18 September, when voters will be asked the Yes/No question: "Should Scotland be an independent country?"The referendum on Scottish independence will be held on 18 September, when voters will be asked the Yes/No question: "Should Scotland be an independent country?"
UK government's view 'Best of both worlds'
On Monday, the UK Treasury challenged the Scottish government to provide estimates for the cost of independence as it prepared to publish its own price tag for a Yes vote in the referendum. Scottish Labour MSP Jackie Baillie said: "This is yet more of the same divisive and negative politics from Alex Salmond.
The Treasury claimed its analysis would put a figure on the amount which will be saved by people in Scotland if they "avoid the public spending cuts and tax rises that an independent Scottish state would have to undertake, in order to offset the fiscal impacts of independence by 2035/6". "He should spend less time telling us why he hates the UK and more time being honest about the consequences of separation. Maybe if the first minister had credible answers about what would replace the pound, how our pensions would be paid and what would happen to the funding for our schools and hospitals if we left the UK, his separatist campaign wouldn't be trailing so badly in the polls.
The figure would effectively represent the UK government's view of the cost of independence over the next 20 years. "As part of the UK we can have the best of both worlds - a strong Scottish Parliament, with the guarantee of more powers, backed up by the strength, security and stability of being part of the larger UK."
Treasury Chief Secretary Danny Alexander said: "The Scottish government is trying to leave the UK but it won't tell anyone how much the set-up surcharge is for an independent Scotland.
"As part of the UK, Scotland gains from a strong and stable tax and benefits system and our comprehensive analysis, published this week, sets out how much better off Scottish taxpayers are; that's why we're better off together."