Scottish independence is about self-determination: the ability of people to work together collectively, using the full range of powers available to sovereign states, to develop their economy, society, and the life chances of every citizen to their full potential.
This is not an abstract concept for citizens in EU member states. EU countries cherish their independence, their right to represent themselves in international institutions, their ability to take decisions which reflect their needs and values.
Scotland has been on a different political path to England for several decades. With just eight per cent of the UK’s population, the positions taken by the UK government, particularly on EU matters, on behalf of all four constitutive parts of the UK, consistently fail to reflect the Scottish position.
Westminster’s recent swing to the right has seen an even greater divide emerge between Scottish and English political feeling.
Independence allows us to choose our own destiny, not have that destiny determined for us by others.
Political decisions impacting upon Scotland would be decided by Scots, with the values and needs of Scotland front and centre, not relegated behind complaints of London-based financial services or south-east England’s transport requirements.
Scotland has much to offer our European family: more top universities, per head, than any other country; 25 per cent of Europe’s offshore wind and tidal potential; 60 per cent of the EU’s oil reserves; a flourishing life science sector; world-class food and drink and much more.
I look forward to the day when we can contribute as an equal partner to our European project.