Scotland After Independence

Scotland’s Future: from the Referendum to Independence and a Written Constitution

Scotland’s Future: from the Referendum to Independence and a Written Constitution

Contents
Foreword by the Deputy First Minister 1. A Written Constitution for Scotland 2. A Constitutional Platform for Independence 2 5 10

1

Scotland’s Future: from the Referendum to Independence and a Written Constitution

Foreword by the Deputy First Minister

The Scottish Government has an ambitious vision of the kind of nation Scotland should be - a thriving and successful European country, reflecting Scottish values of fairness and opportunity, and promoting prosperity and social cohesion. A Scotland with a new place in the world as an independent nation,
The preparation of a written constitution should commence after independence under the auspices of the independent Scottish Parliament. It should be for the newly independent Parliament to devise the process and timetable for the drafting of the constitution. The Government’s view is that the process of shaping the new constitution should be participative and command the support of the whole of Scotland. When the process of determining the constitution gets underway, the Scottish Government will be just one of many voices. However, the Scottish Government will propose provisions that encapsulate the collective expression of values that we hold dear in Scotland, as well as protect individual rights. These will include provisions to strengthen individual rights in areas such as homelessness and education; prevent weapons of mass destruction being based in Scotland; and prevent the government from engaging in illegal wars. Independence for Scotland 1.1 An independent Scotland will ensure that decisions about Scotland are taken by the people who care most about it – those who live and work here. The Scottish Parliament is already responsible for important issues such as the health service, education and the protection of the environment. Independence will complete the powers of the Parliament, making it fully responsible for the economy, welfare and international relations.
A National Forum (deliberative and participatory one-day forum of 950 Icelandic citizens) was held in November 2010. An Act of Icelandic Parliament was used to convene Icelandic Constitutional Assembly in 2010. 25 non-politician delegates were directly elected in 2010. The assembly spent almost 4 months drafting constitution (April to July 2011). A draft constitution was available online in April 2011 and citizens could comment on a social media site. The assembly posted status updates on social media sites. A final draft presented to Parliament in July 2011.

A referendum on draft proposals held in October 2012 (which was approved). The constitution is expected to be passed by the Icelandic Parliament in the spring of 2013.

1.10

The Scottish Government will be just one of many voices which will contribute to