Independence
Too wee, too poor for independence? Malta didn’t think so – lessons for Scotland
Author / Creator: Believe in Scotland
Media type: Article
Date published: 2022
Malta is a successful small independent country, the smallest in the EU. But when it sought its independence from Britain, it was told it was too wee and too poor to make a go of it.
Scottish Nationalism: History, Ideology and the Question of Independence
Author / Creator: Richard Finlay
Media type: Book
Date published: 2022
"SUPPORT for the Union in England can no longer be taken for granted and anti-independence messages around Scotland being “heavily subsidised” could backfire" The National
The Flag in the Wind: The Story of the National Movement in Scotland
Author / Creator: John M. MacCormick
Media type: Book
Date published: 1955
A classic narrative of early 20th century Scottish nationalism.
The Changing Role of Identity and Values in Scotland’s Politics
Author / Creator: Alex Scholes
Media type: Research Paper
Date published: 2021
Support for Scottish independence has become more entwined with a strong sense of Scottish identity, and with a more liberal outlook
Scotland: The New State of an Old Nation
Author / Creator: Murray Stewart Leith
Media type: Book
Date published: 2020
The country has transformed from the socially and politically conservative climate..to a nation contemplating a move to independence to achieve democracy and democratic legitimacy
Not up to the courts
Author / Creator: Ciaran Martin
Media type: Article
Date published:
It is unrealistic to think that Scotland will leave the Union without the consent of Westminster. This makes the key question a political one, which the courts cannot resolve.
Would Scots vote for indy? What’s the question…!
Author / Creator: Rob Ford
Media type: Article
Date published:
The form of the question on a referendum would make a difference in results.
Time for the SNP to get serious
Author / Creator: James Mitchell
Media type: Article
Date published:
“The issues are whether and how an independent Scotland would make the transition, at what cost, paid for by whom, over how long and, crucially, what policies would be needed to get to a position where people are at least no worse off. These are not insurmountable but they are challenging.”
The State of Scotland
Author / Creator: Neal Ascherson
Media type: Book
Date published: 2020
There can be no going back from devolution. But going forward from it could make the United Kingdom unrecognizable and project the old ‘British’ nations into a more modern and flexible relationship.
The Independence Referendum of 2014: Issues and Outcome
Author / Creator: Michael Keating
Media type: Book
Date published: 2020
An analysis of the issues of the 2014 independence referendum.
The Independence Question
Author / Creator: Coree Brown Swan
Media type: Book
Date published: 2020
The meaning of "independence" in the 2014 referendum was multifaceted. Its meaning has changed since then.
Westminster lies about independence and how to disprove them
Author / Creator: Believe in Scotland
Date published: 2021
Here are the Unionist arguments against independence … and how to demolish them
How the argument for Yes and UK intransigence are changing minds
Author / Creator: Believe in Scotland
Media type: Article
Date published: 2021
Disillusionment with the UK and the disastrous effects of Brexit are driving a series of high-profile expressions of support for Scotland’s independence.
George Monbiot: Independent Scotland could show a way out of climate crisis
Author / Creator: Spowart, Nan
Media type: newspaper article
Date published:
George Monbiot interview highlights the need for mass mobilisation to combat climate change. The 2014 Scottish Independence movement provides a good example of how to create a mass movement in the 21st century.
200 No to Yes voters tell us why they now believe in Scotland
Author / Creator: Believe in Scotland
Media type: Opinion poll
Date published:
A survey of 200 people who changed from "no" to "yes" showed multiple reasons. The main ones were:
- The effect of Brexit
- UK government incompetence
- Better Together lied
- Had come to have more belief in Scotland
- Felt NHS was not safe as part of the Union
What are the cost implications of setting up an independent Scotland?
Author / Creator: Common Weal
Media type: Briefing paper
Date published: 2021
Initial debts will be a matter of negotiation with the UK government. The set up costs are estimated at £25 billion of which £15 billion will be offset as a share of assets being transferred.
How would Scotland become independent
Author / Creator: Common Weal
Media type: Briefing paper
Date published: 2021
Scotland needs a "legal personality". It is usually accepted that membership of the United Nations is the best indicator of Nationhood. The key is a recognition agreement with the UK.
Scottish independence: could wind power Scotland back into the EU?
Author / Creator: Piotr Marek Jaworski
Media type: News Media
Date published:
Scotland’s competitive advantage in green energy ought to be an important part of the economic case for independence when the second referendum takes place.
Strength in Union: The Case for the United Kingdom
Author / Creator: Alister Jack
Media type: Collection of essays by a Conservative Think Tank
Date published: September 2021
Is Scotland a Nation or a Region. MP David Cameron called Scotland a Nation in September 2014 in the run up to the Referendum. In 2021, Alister Jack, Secretary of State for Scotland, refers to Scotland as a region.
Must Scots settle for cronyism and incompetence? Open Minds on Independence #21
Author / Creator: Believe in Scotland
Media type: News Media
Date published:
Scotland's ambition does not end with winning independence. That is just the start. It offers us the freedom to create the country we want to live in. The issues we should prioritise include: