Local MSP Ruth Maguire has welcomed the publication of a new paper by the Scottish Government that outlines the opportunities of a written constitution for an independent Scotland.
The paper is the fourth in the Scottish Government’s Building a New Scotland, which aims to inform the Scottish independence debate.
Previous papers have compared other similar-sized neighbouring countries to Scotland which are all wealthier and more equal than the UK – posing the question: why not Scotland?
Launching the paper at a press conference in Glasgow today (Monday), First Minister Humza Yousaf said a written constitution can put “democracy, rights and equality at the heart of everything we do as an independent country”.
Commenting, Ruth Maguire MSP said:
“The latest in the series of independence papers, launched by First Minister Humza Yousaf will inform the debate on Scotland’s future highlighting the opportunities of a written constitution for an independent Scotland.
“The chance for example for citizens to enshrine the protection of our NHS in public hands, the right to an adequate standard of living, the right of workers to strike and ridding Scotland of immoral nuclear weapons are just some examples of the benefits the full powers of independence can bring.
“I’m excited to explore these ideas with the people of North Ayrshire and speak to the opportunities that lie ahead for my constituency and Scotland more widely.
“Against the backdrop of a destructive Tory Brexit – which is supported by Labour – a damaging mini-Budget that crashed the UK economy and Westminster’s inaction on the cost of living crisis, the case for independence has never been stronger. We cannot continue to be governed on important matters where our voices go unheard, drowned out by our larger neighbour. The type of country we want Scotland to be should be determined by the people who live and work here, by all those who make Scotland their home.
“The case for Scottish independence is urgent – and I’m pleased that the Scottish Government is delivering this work for the people in my constituency of Cunninghame South.”
ENDS
Notes to editors:
Building a New Scotland: Creating a modern constitution for an independent Scotland – https://www.gov.scot/publications/building-new-scotland-creating-modern-constitution-independent-scotland-summary/
Building A New Scotland series – https://www.gov.scot/newscotland
Ruth Maguire MSP (SNP) 