Scotland’s Call for Independence: Self-Governance Success Amid Westminster’s Shadow
Scotland is a nation rich with immense potential and natural resources, yet many Scots today struggle to make ends meet. The root cause lies in Westminster’s decisions-such as austerity policies and Brexit-which have stalled living standards across the United Kingdom for over 15 years. Scotland did not support austerity, nor did it back Brexit. The stark reality is that Westminster is not working for Scotland.
Since the establishment of the Scottish Parliament in 1999, devolution has delivered significant achievements. Expanded early education and childcare, free university tuition for students, free NHS prescriptions for patients, and the introduction of minimum unit pricing for alcohol to tackle a longstanding Scottish issue are among the successes. Innovative measures like the Scottish Child Payment have reduced child poverty, setting Scotland on a distinct path from the rest of the UK.
However, these advancements occur against the backdrop of the UK’s weak economic performance and deep-rooted inequalities. Scotland must enhance opportunities for its people, communities, and businesses, building a stronger, more inclusive economy. It needs to harness its vast natural resources for the benefit of all its citizens. These possibilities, it is argued, can only be fully realized through independence.
Independence-becoming a sovereign nation-state-means trusting in Scotland’s people and its potential to succeed. It is about ensuring decisions about Scotland are made in Scotland by those who care most and know best: the people living, loving, working, and building their lives there. Every Scot has their own vision for what Scotland should be. Independence offers the chance to make those visions a reality, shaped by and for the people of Scotland.
The question remains: Can Scotland step out of Westminster’s shadow and chart its own course?