The Scottish Government has launched the latest in its series of independence papers and the latest deals with putting Scotland in place on the international stage.
Angus Robertson the Cabinet Secretary says that independence would be a huge boost not only for Scotland but also for Edinburgh as it could become a full diplomatic capital with all the inward investment that would result.
Mr Robertson said: “instead of having small consulates we would have significantly larger embassies. The range of countries that are important partners for us which are not represented here at all would come. Our neighbouring countries such as Denmark or Sweden have around 80 or 90 embassies and international organisations which are based there. That is exactly the scale that Edinburgh would be able to enjoy and it would be a boost for Edinburgh.”
The latest paper ‘An independent Scotland’s place in the world’ sets out the government’s policy proposals for international engagement and defence policy, including commitments to join the EU, NATO and the UN. The government envisages that independence would also lead to the establishment of a dedicated diplomatic network to promote and protect Scottish interests, provide consular support for Scottish citizens, and promote the country as a hub for innovation, trade and investment.
Mr Robertson said: “Scotland is already making a contribution on the world stage, where we can, to address global poverty, the climate and biodiversity crises and threats to human rights.
“But because we are not independent, Scotland has been forced into Brexit and contributing towards billions of pounds being spent on nuclear weapons. If Scotland had full participation in multilateral bodies such as the UN we could ensure our voice is heard on critical global issues, such as on the Israel-Gaza conflict.
“Full representation within associations like the UN and EU would also enable us to negotiate directly to become party to international treaties, conventions and agreements that reflect Scotland’s values and ambitions as a good global citizen.
“These associations and the benefits they would bring, such as regained access to the world’s largest single market and freedom of movement within the EU, would also bring opportunities overseas and at home – helping to develop a competitive economy and support education, skills and jobs with our strengths in our culture and innovation industries, as well as renewable energy.
“Our proposals also make clear that the armed forces of an independent Scotland, supported by a modern contract for personnel and strong support for veterans, would play their part to defend our national interests and contribute to global peace and security, given our strategic position in the North Atlantic.
“Ultimately, independence would enable Scotland to determine the kind of state it wants to be on the world stage. We firmly believe that the challenges of the 21st century are best faced through more, not less, co-operation and I look forward to engaging with as many people as possible on the opportunities highlighted in this paper as we look to Scotland’s future.”
Ross Greer MSP the Scottish Greens external affairs spokesperson said: “Over the last 150 days the UK has played an utterly shameful role in arming, supporting and enabling Israel’s genocide against the people of Palestine. Over 30,000 Palestinians have been killed, including 12,000 children, but Westminster has refused to act to stop the slaughter.
“The Scottish Government rightly took a very different position, but the huge constraints of devolution limit our voice on global affairs as well as the practical role we could play in pushing for peace.
“With the powers of independence, Scotland could finally move on from a failed British approach to foreign policy based on military aggression. We could end arms sales to human rights abusing regimes like Israel and Saudi Arabia while pushing for international sanctions against those who commit war crimes.
“If Scotland were an independent nation today I’m sure we would be working alongside others like Ireland, Spain and South Africa who are actively pushing for peace and justice in Palestine. Instead, we are stuck in a UK which is thoroughly complicit in the horrific crimes being inflicted on the people of Gaza.
“With independence we could remove the moral abomination of the Trident nuclear arsenal and use the billions being wasted on these weapons of mass killing to invest in public services like our NHS and in tackling the biggest security threat we will ever face, the climate crisis.”
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
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