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Building a New Scotland

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For the White Paper published by the Scottish Government in 2014, see Scotland's Future. For the proposed 2023 independence referendum, see Proposed second Scottish independence referendum.

Building a New Scotland
AuthorScottish Government
LanguageEnglish
Series13 separate series published as of January 2024
SubjectProposals for Scottish independence
Published2022–present
PublisherScottish Government
Publication placeScotland

Building a New Scotland is a series of papers published by the Scottish Government that seeks to lay out a prospectus for Scottish independence.[1] The Scottish Government had proposed holding an independence referendum on 19 October 2023.[2]

History

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On 7 September 2021, Nicola Sturgeon stated that she would resume the case for independence and restart work on a prospects for independence.[3]

On 13 June 2022, Nicola Sturgeon published the first independence paper.[4]

On 14 July 2022, Nicola Sturgeon published the second independence paper.[5]

Reaction

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On 15 June 2022, Alyn Smith an SNP politician welcomed the release of the first independence paper as a breath of fresh air and stated that the paper proves that the UK does not work for Scotland.[6]

On 16 June 2022, Douglas Ross the leader of the Scottish conservatives stated that Nicola Sturgeon had her priorities wrong and should concentrate on recovery instead of independence.[7]

Series titles

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No Series Title Release Date No of Pages ISBN Citation
1. Modern World: Wealthier, Happier, Fairer: Why Not Scotland? 16 June 2022 75 ISBN 9781804353196 [8]
2. Renewing Democracy Through Independence 14 July 2022 58 ISBN 9781804357293 [9]
3. A Stronger Economy with Independence 17 October 2022 110 ISBN 9781804359013 [10]
4. Creating a modern constitution for an independent Scotland 19 June 2023 62 ISBN 9781804359013 [11]
5. Citizenship in an independent Scotland 27 July 2023 40 ISBN 9781804359013 [12]
6. Migration to Scotland after independence 3 November 2023 64 ISBN 9781835214992 [13]
7. An independent Scotland in the EU 17 November 2023 81 ISBN 9781835212417 [14]
8. Our marine sector in an independent Scotland 21 November 2023 47 ISBN 9781835213162 [15]
9. Social security in an independent Scotland 6 December 2023 68 ISBN 9781835217450 [16]
10 Culture in an Independent Scotland 2 February 2024 55 ISBN 9781835219386 [17]
11 An independent Scotland's Place in the World 4 March 2024 63 ISBN 9781836010098 [18]
12 Education and lifelong learning in an independent Scotland 25 March 2024 34 ISBN 9781836010708 [19]
13 Justice in an independent Scotland 25 April 2024 40 ISBN 9781836011712 [20]

Series breakdown

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Modern World: Wealthier, Happier, Fairer: Why Not Scotland?

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The first paper in the series examines other countries in Europe of similar size to Scotland and compares economic and social indicators with the United Kingdom.[21][22]

Renewing Democracy Through Independence

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The second paper sets out the current context of Scotland within the United Kingdom, and why independence would allow for democratic renewal.[23][24]

A stronger economy with independence

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Further information: Economy of Scotland

The third paper set out the economic case for independence, where the focus would be on building a inclusive, fair and wellbeing economy. The document set up a path for a new currency, re-joining the European Union and using remaining oil reserves to build a wealth fund.[25][26]

Creating a modern constitution for an independent Scotland

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First Minister Humza Yousaf launches paper four – Creating a modern constitution for an independent Scotland, June 2023

The fourth paper in the Building a new Scotland series sets out how people in Scotland can create a new independent country and how independence could transform where political power and decision is made in Scotland, by replacing Westminster sovereignty with the sovereignty of Scottish people resident in Scotland. It highlights how a written constitution could implement rights and equality, by proposing to secure the right to strike and giving constitutional recognition to NHS Scotland. Additionally, it demonstrates how a permanent written constitution could be developed by the Scottish electorate and the Scottish Parliament.[27]

Citizenship in an independent Scotland

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Paper five of the series sets out the vision of the Scottish Government to adopt an inclusive model of Scottish citizenship following independence for the population, regardless of if they were born in Scotland or define themselves as primarily or exclusively Scottish, and identifies who would become a Scottish citizen at the point of independence, and who could become a Scottish citizen through a process of citizenship application.[28]

Migration to Scotland after independence

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Published on 3 November 2023, the sixth paper focuses on migration to Scotland following independence and Scotland's migration policy. The paper sets out the Scottish Government's vision for a "humane and principled migration policy after independence, welcoming New Scots who want to contribute to our economy and our communities" as well as "describes how people seeking asylum and refugees would be welcomed and integrated into our communities, and treated with dignity and respect".[29]

An independent Scotland in the EU

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Further information: European Union, Enlargement of the European Union, and Brexit
Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, External Affairs and Culture Angus Robertson, at the launch of An independent Scotland in the EU, November 2023

Paper seven, one of three published in November 2023, focuses on Scotland's relationship with the European Union following independence. Scotland was a member of the European Union, as part of the United Kingdom, but left the union following the UK wide vote to leave the European Union, despite Scotland voting to remain in the European Union in the 2016 referendum.

This paper highlights the vision of the Scottish Government for Scotland rejoining the European Union in the event of independence. In the paper, the Scottish Government argues "the paper shows that joining the EU as an independent nation offers Scotland the chance to regain what has been lost because of Brexit and what devolution cannot deliver. For the first time, Scotland would be at the table advancing Scotland’s interests directly in the EU. An independent Scotland would contribute positively to the EU and its member states".[30]

Our marine sector in an independent Scotland

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Further information: Marine Scotland

The eighth paper, the third and final paper published in November 2023, sets out the vision for the marine sector in an independent Scotland. With independence, Scotland "would be able to apply to rejoin the EU with access to the single market for its seafood products, enjoy the benefits of free movement and negotiate an equitable share of EU funding", and, further argued by the Scottish Government in the paper, "could negotiate for its own interests in international marine forums, without reliance on the UK Government to do so on its behalf".[31]

Social security in an independent Scotland

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Paper nine, published on 6 December 2023, sets out the Scottish Government’s proposals, vision and objectives for the social security system in an independent Scotland. This paper "explains why the UK approach to social security needs urgent reform and identifies the early changes this Scottish Government would prioritise with independence", whilst it "sets out the Scottish Government’s vision for how social security could be fairer, more dignified and more respectful over the long term, and how a new approach could help deliver a stronger economy with independence".[32]

The Scottish Government's proposals for state pensions in an independent Scotland was not featured in this paper, but is expected to be included in a future publication focusing on the issue of pensions.[33]

Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture, Angus Robertson and Minister for Independence Jamie Hepburn launch paper 11 in the Building a New Scotland series, March 2024

Culture in an independent Scotland

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Further information: Culture of Scotland

The tenth publication, Culture in an independent Scotland, publishes the Scottish Government's proposals looking specifically at how independence could provide opportunities to support and grow Scotland’s creative economy, and how an independent Scotland could build on the current and future potential of the culture and creative sectors within Scotland, primarily on the international stage. The Scottish Government commits to re-joining the European Union and "removing barriers for international performers". Additionally, the paper examines how the "public service broadcasting would be protected with independence, and build on the strength of the Scottish screen sector".[34]

An independent Scotland's place in the world

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Further information: International relations of Scotland

Paper 11 of the series, An Independent Scotland's place in the world, publishes the proposals of the Scottish Government for Scotland's membership of different organisations and trade pacts, including NATO and the United Nations.[35] This paper in the series advocates that independence for Scotland will allow the country to "take its place in the international community; alongside 193 other United Nations member states, able to join the European Union, with the powers necessary to protect its citizens and prosper in the global economy". The Scottish Government advocate that "an independent Scotland would be a good global citizen".[36]

Education and lifelong learning in an independent Scotland

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Further information: Education in Scotland

The twelve paper in the series, Education and lifelong learning in an independent Scotland, was published on 25 March 2024 by Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills Jenny Gilruth. The paper acknowledges "Scotland’s distinct and independent education system predates the devolution era and the international excellence of Scottish education long predates the Act of Union".[37] The paper focuses specifically on the education system and lifelong learning sector within an independent Scotland. The paper "sets out how current policies provide the foundations for learning, through an approach to rights and wellbeing which gives children and young people the best opportunities to reach their full potential"[38] and explains "how we would build on this in an independent Scotland, describing what people in Scotland can expect as they move through the education and lifelong learning journey, and how we would be able to improve our educational offer".[39]

Justice in an independent Scotland

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Main articles: Scots law and Police Scotland

Paper thirteen of the series, Justice in an independent Scotland, was launched on 25 April 2024 by Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs Angela Constance. The paper establishes the vision of the justice system of an independent Scotland.[40]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Stewart, Ward (13 June 2020). "Nicola Sturgeon to publish 'Building a New Scotland' paper on independence". The National.
  2. ^ "Scottish independence: 19 October 2023 proposed as date for referendum". BBC News. 28 June 2022. Retrieved 13 July 2022.
  3. ^ Campbell, Glenn (7 September 2021). "Scottish government to restart work on case for independence". BBC News.
  4. ^ "Sturgeon to unveil first paper in Scotland's 'updated independence prospectus'". The Times. 13 June 2022.
  5. ^ Webster, Laura (14 July 2022). "Nicola Sturgeon to publish next paper in Scottish independence prospectus today". The National.
  6. ^ Cassidy, Jane (15 June 2020). "Alyn Smith: Why the new independence paper is a welcome breath of fresh airScotland". The National.
  7. ^ McKenzie, Lewis (16 June 2022). "Ross insists Sturgeon's priorities are 'all wrong' after indyref2 push". STV News.
  8. ^ Carey, Rebecca (16 June 2022). "Nicola Sturgeon outlines second Scottish Independence referendum plans - What this means". Herald Scotland.
  9. ^ Bol, David (14 July 2022). "Nicola Sturgeon to set out strategy for independent Scotland to overhaul democracy". The Herald.
  10. ^ Stephen, Phyllis (17 October 2022). "Building a New Scotland – third document published today". The Edinburgh Reporter.
  11. ^ https://www.gov.scot/publications/building-new-scotland-creating-modern-constitution-independent-scotland/documents/
  12. ^ https://www.gov.scot/publications/building-new-scotland-citizenship-independent-scotland/documents/
  13. ^ https://www.gov.scot/publications/building-new-scotland-migration-scotland-independence/documents/
  14. ^ https://www.gov.scot/publications/building-new-scotland-independent-scotland-eu/documents/
  15. ^ https://www.gov.scot/publications/building-new-scotland-marine-sector-independent-scotland/documents/
  16. ^ https://www.gov.scot/publications/social-security-independent-scotland/documents/
  17. ^ https://www.gov.scot/binaries/content/documents/govscot/publications/research-and-analysis/2024/02/building-new-scotland-culture-independent-scotland/documents/culture-independent-scotland-paper-10/culture-independent-scotland-paper-10/govscot%3Adocument/culture-independent-scotland-paper-10.pdf
  18. ^ https://www.gov.scot/binaries/content/documents/govscot/publications/research-and-analysis/2024/03/building-new-scotland-independent-scotlands-place-world/documents/independent-scotlands-place-world/independent-scotlands-place-world/govscot%3Adocument/independent-scotlands-place-world.pdf
  19. ^ https://www.gov.scot/publications/building-new-scotland-education-lifelong-learning-independent-scotland/documents/
  20. ^ https://www.gov.scot/publications/building-new-scotland-justice-independent-scotland/
  21. ^ "At a glance: Scottish government publishes independence paper". BBC News. 14 June 2022.
  22. ^ "Independence in the modern world. Wealthier, happier, fairer: why not Scotland?". www.gov.scot. Retrieved 2 September 2022.
  23. ^ "Nicola Sturgeon to publish second paper in Scottish independence prospectus". MSN. Retrieved 17 July 2022.
  24. ^ "Renewing democracy through independence". www.gov.scot. Retrieved 2 September 2022.
  25. ^ "Economic arguments for independent Scotland set out". BBC News. Retrieved 18 October 2022.
  26. ^ "Building a New Scotland: A stronger economy with independence - summary". www.gov.scot. Scottish Government. Retrieved 18 October 2022.
  27. ^ "Creating a modern constitution in an independent Scotland" (PDF). www.gov.scot. Scottish Government. Retrieved 25 January 2024.
  28. ^ "Citizenship in an independent Scotland" (PDF). www.gov.scot. Scottish Government. Retrieved 25 January 2024.
  29. ^ "Migration to Scotland after independence". www.gov.scot. Scottish Government. Retrieved 25 January 2024.
  30. ^ "An independent Scotland in the EU". www.gov.scot. Scottish Government. Retrieved 25 January 2024.
  31. ^ "Our marine sector in an independent Scotland". www.gov.scot. Scottish Government. Retrieved 25 January 2024.
  32. ^ "Social security in an independent Scotland". www.gov.scot. Scottish Government. Retrieved 25 January 2024.
  33. ^ "Social security in an independent Scotland". www.gov.scot. Scottish Government. Retrieved 25 January 2024.
  34. ^ "Building a New Scotland: Culture in an independent Scotland". www.gov.scot. Scottish Government. Retrieved 9 March 2024.
  35. ^ "Supporting documents". www.gov.scot. Scottish Government. Retrieved 9 March 2024.
  36. ^ "Supporting documents". www.gov.scot. Scottish Government. Retrieved 9 March 2024.
  37. ^ "Education and lifelong learning in an independent Scotland" (PDF). Scottish Government. Retrieved 3 April 2024.
  38. ^ "Building a New Scotland: Education and lifelong learning in an independent Scotland". www.gov.scot. Retrieved 3 April 2024.
  39. ^ "Building a New Scotland: Education and lifelong learning in an independent Scotland". www.gov.scot. Retrieved 3 April 2024.
  40. ^ "Supporting documents". www.gov.scot. Retrieved 26 April 2024.
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