MY job as Finance Secretary means delivering for the Scottish economy each and every day. But I know Scotland can do better, achieve more and reach higher if we had the powers of independence.
I’ve been working on the economic case for independence, an evidence-based case, and welcome the opportunity at SNP conference to debate our economic plan for an independent Scotland.
The plan, which I have proposed alongside depute leader Keith Brown, builds on the work of the Sustainable Growth Commission, on which I served, and the contribution of the party membership through our National Assemblies.
READ MORE: Robin McAlpine: 10 questions on Growth Commission currency plan that must be answered
The case for independence is simple. Decisions about Scotland should be made by the people of Scotland. Independence empowers us, gives us choices and allows us to tailor economic policy to suit Scotland’s needs.
But to actually win independence, we need to put forward a plan that persuades a majority of voters that an independent Scotland can flourish. To deliver our social policies we must have credible economic policies. Currency of course generates debate. In my view currency serves the economy, not the other way about.
In believing that an independent Scotland should ultimately have our own currency, just as other countries have – including Denmark within the EU, or Norway inside the single market, preparations should be complete for the first independent Parliament to be able to adopt a new currency, if they determine that the timing is right. But that is the key point – timing that suits the Scottish economy, and the ability to have choices only comes with independence.
Decisions being made for our interests in Scotland, not against our interests by governments we didn’t vote for.
READ MORE: George Kerevan bids to change SNP's Scottish currency policy
Keeping the pound in the meantime is sensible, popular and allows us to choose the optimal point of change. Independence offers hope, and positive change, but our fellow Scots also want reassurance, and anyone who knocked doors in the 2014 referendum will know that.
I have confidence that a future independent Parliament would make the right call on timing for an independent currency. There’s no need to set out an arbitrary timetable.
We believe in a fairer, more equal country. The economic plan for independence shows we can do it, and sets out how. We can match the success of our independent neighbours, some have their own currencies, some don’t. The only thing other small advanced economies have that we don’t is independence, that’s why we need to win.
So I look forward to the debate ahead. To have the best economic case to put to the people, then win, securing the powers necessary to deliver the more prosperous and fairer Scotland we seek.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel