KATE Forbes has called for more "groundwork" to prepare for Scottish independence - arguing it's a "harsh truth" that too little preparation has been done.
The SNP leadership candidate said that public bodies have been "constrained" by devolution, and suggested creating new organisations to cover reserved matters to give the public confidence in Holyrood's abilities.
New bodies could be built to focus on issues like energy, finance and foreign affairs, she suggested, while calling for more preparation for a full Scottish civil service capable of running an independent country.
The leadership hopeful candidate also said more respect and co-operation is required within the wider Yes movement to ensure impactful campaigning.
READ MORE: Humza Yousaf Q&A on advancing independence, snap election and more
Forbes said: “As a party we must mobilise the expertise we need to properly prepare for independence and give the people of Scotland confidence we know what we are about. The harsh truth is the groundwork isn’t quite there.
“For example, we need to plan for the building of a Scottish civil service to cover all the functions of an independent country. A lot of our public bodies are currently constrained by devolution, and we also need new institutions for energy, financial regulation and foreign affairs.
“Let’s engage professionally with the international community so we can ensure we are given international legitimacy – that means serious dialogue with bodies like the UN and the EU.
“Learn the lessons of how the UK dealt with the EU and lost – so we need to identify and build the capabilities of negotiators so we are not left exposed and shortchanged.”
READ MORE: Actor Alan Cumming weighs in on Kate Forbes leadership campaign
Her comments came as Yousaf called for the creation of a Cabinet Secretary for Advancing Independence should he become the next first minister.
The Finance Secretary added: “I’m a democrat, and I know there are differences in political views amongst the Yes movement. But we need more respect across these differences if we are to build co-operation around our central purpose of independence.
“Just as I am very willing to work with those in the SNP who have slightly different policy priorities to me, as this leadership contest demonstrates, I will also work with those in the wider Yes movement – they deserve my respect too.
“If we are serious about independence, we need to ensure we maximise the impact of shared resources and campaign purposes.”
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