First Minister John Swinney has said independence would give Scotland the tools it needs to improve living standards and create a stronger, fairer economy.
A new paper published by the Scottish Government, A Fresh Start with Independence, outlines how full control over economic and social policy could help tackle long-standing issues such as the cost of living, NHS funding, pensions, and migration.
The First Minister said the document sets out how Scotland could use the powers of independence to create a more inclusive economy, grow wages, and better support families and businesses.
“I firmly believe that the people who live in Scotland are best placed to make decisions about Scotland,” said Swinney.
“That is the fundamental democratic and practical argument underpinning the case that we make.”
The report argues that, while the Scottish Government has introduced a range of policies under devolution, including free university tuition, the Scottish Child Payment, and the expansion of early learning, major economic levers still sit with Westminster.
“Too many people in Scotland today do not have a decent standard of living and are finding it difficult to make ends meet,” said Swinney.
“That is because standards of living in the UK have improved little in over 10 years, due to a failing economic system and Westminster decisions such as austerity and the disastrous decision to leave the European Union.
“Scotland did not support austerity and it did not support Brexit.
“The reality is Westminster is not working for Scotland.”
The paper outlines how an independent Scotland could take a new approach on economic priorities, migration policy, energy development, and defence.
It also sets out ambitions to improve public services and invest in long-term growth.
Critics of independence have previously raised concerns about currency, trade, and the financial cost of setting up new institutions.
But Swinney said Scotland had already shown it could make effective decisions when given the powers to do so.
“We have shown that when we have the power to decide for ourselves, we find solutions and make choices that best serve Scotland’s interests,” he said.
“I believe Scotland can and will become a successful independent country, with a more dynamic economy and a fairer society.”
The document is part of a series of independence prospectus papers published by the Scottish Government.
It follows earlier releases focused on citizenship, EU re-entry, and how an independent Scotland might structure its institutions and economy.
