Scotland’s economic prospects could significantly improve as an independent entity rather than part of the UK. The Scottish National Party’s stance on independence, especially with a majority of MPs, has sparked controversy. Pledging to pursue freedom if they secure a majority in the upcoming election, the SNP, led by Nicola Sturgeon, initially floated the concept of a “de facto referendum.” Should the SNP secure most seats in next year’s election, they aim to kick-start negotiations regarding Scotland’s independence.
One more MP than any other party
The SNP has decided to initiate the separation proceedings should it secure a single additional MP over any other party. As reported by LBC on September 15, 2023, Humza Yousaf is set to propose a motion at the upcoming party conference, outlining that if the SNP secures just one more MP than its counterparts, it will embark on negotiations to enact Scotland’s independence democratically. The SNP aims to commence these negotiations with the occupants of No. 10, emphasising that their mandate hinges solely on having a solitary MP more than their political competitors.
The new strategy for Scottish independence
Politico said SNP members overwhelmingly approved the new strategy after an Aberdeen debate. The system will see the SNP attend the next general election in 2024. The party states that a vote for it is an independence vote. If the party wins just 29 of the 57 Scottish seats, it will claim this as a mandate for independence.
General Election as a de facto referendum
According to LBC (September 15 2023), the SNP wants to use the General Election as a de facto referendum. The de facto referendum would need the SNP and other pro-independence parties to win 50 per cent plus one of the share of the vote.
Along the same line, the National says SNP members have backed an independence strategy based on the party winning the most seats at the next General Election. First Minister Humza Yousaf and SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn jointly proposed the motion. The plan states that if the party wins the “most seats”, the Scottish Government would start negotiations for independence. The Government will “begin immediate negotiations with the UK Government to give democratic effect to Scotland becoming an independent country”.
SNP gradually shifting position
The SNP is actively pursuing Scotland’s liberation from Westminster’s authority and is exploring various avenues to establish a democratic governance system in an independent Scotland. As per the Notes on Nationalism website, over the past year, the SNP has undergone a progression in its stance:
- They started with an unlawful referendum (according to London’s Government).
- Then, a de facto referendum will be held where 50% of the votes will deliver a mandate.
- Then Yousaf suggested winning the most Scottish seats at a General Election would be enough.
- Finally, they say winning a majority of seats in that election would be enough.
Westminster to say no to Scottish independence
SNP’s stance on independence with a majority of MPs is a determining factor in the separation of Scotland from the UK. As Politico says, considering the next election a “de facto independence” referendum is a strategy Sturgeon once proposed. Veteran MP Pete Wishart says the new SNP strategy would give “Westminster something new to say no to.”
The SNP leader says that asking for another referendum is not a mandate. They aim to start the process of leaving the UK. However, if the SNP wins one more MP than any other party and the UK government does not pay attention, what then? The answer is clear. Scots have different options to get their democratic rights of independence.
As the National reports, Humza Yousaf says, “Westminster is running scared and denying democracy,” He adds, “Be in no doubt, this party will never shy away from or abandon our fight for Scotland’s independence.”
Social security in an independent Scotland
SNP’s stance on independence with majority MPs will guarantee a bright future for Scotland. According to Morning Star Online, the SNP-Green Scottish government published its policy paper about social security in an independent Scotland.
It is the ninth paper in a series commissioned by ministers and drafted by senior civil servants. It speculates on the policies that a government separated from Westminster may follow.
The paper’s title is ‘Social Security in an Independent Scotland’. The paper guesses how Scotland’s social security system may differ from the present one. Both UK and Scottish governments run the current social security system.
Some SNP social security commitments
As Morning Star Online reports, social justice secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville explains the SNP social security commitments. She says: “With the powers of an independent nation, Scotland could do more to make our system fairer and move away from the UK government’s system of benefit freezes, caps and punishment.” She adds, “We could move away from the UK government’s system.” She says the UK government’s system “offers inadequate financial support and pushes people into poverty.
Scottish Government says negotiations between the Scottish and UK governments would begin in the event of a vote for separation. The talks would be on detailed arrangements to transfer all the reserved social security powers. The Scottish Government would remove the two-child limit to increase family incomes and remove some families from poverty.
SNP paper refers to a humane and principled migration policy after independence. The policy welcomes new Scots who want to contribute to Scotland’s economy and communities.
As Horizon Pulse reports, the SNP-led Government is pledging to spend £250m on reforming Universal Credit if it comes to power in an independent Scotland. The Scotsman reports that the new paper says Scotland would improve Universal Credit in ‘five years of independence’.
To sum up, an independent Scotland will be free from the limitations and crises that Westminster has created for it. Scots will have to fight for their freedom and future if Westminster disagrees with a second referendum on Scottish independence.
