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In brief

Sturgeon hopes new “optimistic” report on economy “restart” independence debate

Text argues independent Scotland could reach welfare standards comparable to countries such as Denmark, Norway or Finland

 
Nicola Sturgeon.
Nicola Sturgeon. Author: SNP
Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon is confident to “restart the debate” on independence with the publication of an economic report according to which an independent Scotland could enjoy standards of living similar to those in “the best small countries in the world over a generation”. The report —significantly entitled “Scotland – the new case for optimism”— has been prepared by the Sustainable Growth Commission, financed by Sturgeon’s party SNP and chaired by former SNP MSP Andrew Wilson. The document looks at “successful” economic policies applied by countries such as Denmark, Norway, Finland and New Zealand, and foresees that an independent Scotland could reach similar welfare standards to those enjoyed in such countries by adopting and adapting their most interesting policies.

The report has been unveiled when it is still unknown if Sturgeon will end up moving forward with her proposal to organize a second referendum on independence. In March 2017, the Scottish Parliament authorized the Scottish government to ask for the devolution of powers to organize such a vote, but London has not yet given any signal the demand will be accepted. Sturgeon says she wants to wait until the final Brexit exit agreement is known before making a decision on whether to move forward with the second referendum or not.

Scotland’s pro-independence camp argues that Brexit and a foreseeable re-centralization of the British state after leaving the EU are sufficient grounds to call the referendum. But the unionist camp says it was only four years ago that the issue was put to vote, with a clear enough result (55% against independence). Opinion polls suggest a new “no” win if the vote were to be held now.