Independence

Five things you need to know about Scotland’s most iconic document

Stephen Richard — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 11:34:10 +0000

Five things you need to know about Scotland’s most iconic document

Primary Author or Creator

Believe in Scotland

Stephen Richard Fri, 11/05/2021 - 11:34

Alternative Published Date

2021

Category

Independence

Fast Facts

Five things you need to know about the Declaration of Arbroath.

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1: What was it supposed to achieve?

The declaration was sent by Scotland’s barons from Arbroath Abbey to Pope John XXII on April 6, 1320, asking him to recognise Robert the Bruce as the lawful king of Scots. The Scottish victory over the English king Edward II at the Battle of Bannockburn in June 1314 had failed to convince Edward to drop the long-standing English claim to overlordship of Scotland. Neither Edward nor the Pope recognised Robert I as king of Scots. In November 1319 the Pope had summoned Robert and four Scottish bishops to attend the papal court after Robert had recaptured the border town of Berwick in 1318. They were excommunicated when they refused to attend. The declaration was part of their response and asked the Pope to recognise Scotland’s independence and Robert as its king.

2: Who wrote it?

The declaration’s content was probably planned at a meeting of the Robert and his council of advisers at Newbattle Abbey, just south of Edinburgh, in March 1320. It was written in Latin on sheepskin and is dated at the monastery of Arbroath in Angus, where the king’s chancery or writing-office was located. It was drawn up by Bernard, Abbot of Arbroath and written by one of the chancery scribes. It is about 1000 words long and includes short quotations from the Bible and from the 1st century BC Roman author and politician Sallust, re-phrased to emphasise the argument.

3: Is the document held by National Records of Scotland the real thing?

That document is actually what is regarded as the Scottish “file copy”, but it was undoubtedly written at the same time as the original letter.

This copy of the declaration was held amongst the Scottish national archives in Edinburgh Castle. It fell into private custody during building work there in the 17th century. In 1829, the declaration was restored to the national archives in the then new H M General Register House, Edinburgh. The first English translation of the declaration appeared in 1689 and it was brought to a wider audience by subsequent publications in either Latin or English.

Many of those who signed the US Declaration of Independence had Scottish ancestry. April 6 has been designated Tartan Day in the USA

The name “Declaration of Arbroath” is relatively modern, inspired by a perceived connection with the United States Declaration of Independence of 1776. The US Senate passed a resolution in 1998 stating that April 6 “has a special significance for all Americans, and especially those of Scottish descent”. The resolution said the Declaration of Independence had been modelled on the Declaration of Arbroath. Many of those who signed the US declaration had Scottish ancestry. April 6 has been designated Tartan Day in the USA.

4: What does the Declaration of Arbroath say?

The document emphasises Scotland’s long history as an independent Christian kingdom. It contains a brief account of the mythical origins of the Scots, overcoming many difficulties in their journey from Greater Scythia (to the north of the Black Sea) via Spain to Scotland. It explains that they had lived in freedom and peace until King Edward I (father of the then present King Edward II) invaded Scotland.

The declaration asserts that the Scots were saved by their then King, Robert Bruce. It pledges to defend him as king … unless he seeks to make their kingdom subject to the English king. It offers Scotland’s support for a crusade if the Pope persuades Edward II to leave the Scots in peace but adds that he would be answerable to God should war continue. Key quote: “As long as but a hundred of us remain alive, never will we on any conditions be brought under English rule. It is in truth not for glory, nor riches, nor honours, that we are fighting, but for freedom – for that alone, which no honest man gives up but with life itself”.

The treaty of Edinburgh-Northampton in March 1328 was supposed to affect a “final and perpetual peace”. It included the recognition of Robert I as king, and of Scottish independence

5: What happened after the declaration was delivered?

In his reply to the letter, the Pope urged a reconciliation between England and Scotland. Indeed, an opportunity arose to negotiate a settlement after the deposition of Edward II in 1327 and consequent discord in England. The treaty of Edinburgh-Northampton in March 1328 was supposed to affect a “final and perpetual peace”. It included the recognition of Robert I as king, and of Scottish independence. In 1329 the Pope issued a bull permitting the anointing and crowning of the king of Scots by the bishop of St Andrews as the Pope’s representative, hailed as a very important concession. Peace did not last and the Second War of Scottish Independence, also known as the Anglo-Scottish War of Succession, began in 1332.

Resource Address (URL)

https://www.believeinscotland.org/five-things-you-need-to-know-about-scotlands-…

Keywords

Declaration of Arbroath

Independence declaration

Language English

Westminster lies about independence and how to disprove them

Stephen Richard — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 11:26:46 +0000

Westminster lies about independence and how to disprove them

Primary Author or Creator

Believe in Scotland

Stephen Richard Fri, 11/05/2021 - 11:26

Alternative Published Date

2021

Category

Independence

Fast Facts

Here are the Unionist arguments against independence … and how to demolish them

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First Minister Nicola Sturgeon listed the Westminster tricks which will be used in the run up to indyref2 to hoodwink Scotland into believing that independence would not work.

In her speech at the final day of the SNP conference she urged activist to resists the Westminster tricks ‘’with all we’ve got’’. Here are the Unionist arguments she listed … and how to demolish them:

Brexit has been a disaster and independence would only make matters worse

This argument is the ultimate irony. It is true that Brexit has been a disaster and that its effects are continuing to cause chaos. It has devastated Scotland’s trade with Europe and is now causing food shortages in shops and restaurants all over the country and goods shortages in stores which are only expected to get worse in the lead up to Christmas.

All these problems are the direct result of Westminster incompetence. In the run-up to Brexit the Scottish government continually argued for a better form of Brexit, one which would keep Scotland within the single market and protect our trade with Europe.

Westminster dismissed these suggestions out of hand. It refused to even discuss the matter with the Scottish government and kept it completely out of EU negotiations.

Instead its intransigence made meaningful discussions with the EU impossible and it only cobbled together the worst possible trade deal when the deadline was almost up and Boris Johnson realised that crashing out of Europe without any deal at all would not be acceptable in Britain.

In effect Boris Johnson has severely wounded the British and Scottish economies and then warned us that ditching his disastrous government would somehow make matters worse

Most of the problems inflicted on Britain after Brexit have been the direct result of the incompetence of that deal, despite warnings that the deal would make all these problems impossible to avoid. In effect Boris Johnson has severely wounded the British and Scottish economies and then warned us that ditching his disastrous government would somehow make matters worse.

Far from signalling a repeat of those Brexit disasters, independence offers an escape from them. We could negotiate our own membership of the EU and restore the trade which has been so disastrously reduced because of the anti-Europe philosophy and the extreme British nationalism of Boris Johnson’s government,

Scotland is too poor to afford independence

Scotland is not a poor country. In fact it is one of the richest countries in the world and it is rich in the resources we need to prosper in the modern world.

Here are some facts: Scotland possesses …

26% of the UK’s renewable energy generation; 90% of UK’s hydropower capacity; 10% of Europe’s wave power potential; 25% of Europe’s offshore wind resources; 25% Europe’ tidal-energy resources.

Before Brexit, Scotland also exported £17,456 of goods per head, more than twice the UK figure. And we produce double our population share of the UK’s food – about 16.1% – including about 70% of the UK’s fish landings which are now threatened by the mess Westminster has made of Brexit.

No wonder Westminster doesn’t want to lose Scotland. At a time when the world has woken up to the desperate need to focus on renewables to tackle the climate crisis Scotland has the resources which are vital to save the world.

Because our trade with Europe has been cut we are now too dependent on the rest of the UK

There is nothing to stop an independent Scotland continuing to trade with the rest of the UK. That‘s not just a benefit for Scotland, it’s also essential for the rest of the UK. It would be an act of unforgiveable folly for Westminster to block it. However, only independence can allow Scotland to restore the European trade Brexit has lost.

The suggestion that Scotland is uniquely unable to manage its own affairs does not stand up to scrutiny. Many countries the same size as Scotland but without its natural resources survive perfectly well as independent countries. There is nothing which seriously suggests Scotland would not thrive.

Our population is ageing too fast to allow us to stand on our own feet

In common with many countries in the world, Scotland has an ageing population. One way to counteract the drop in the number of people living here would be to encourage immigrants to move here to build new lives and to contribute to our economy.

Independence would allow our economy to benefit from increased tax income and our society to benefit from the cultural advantages of a more diverse population

We can’t currently do that because of the UK’s restrictive immigration rules, which take no account of the very different needs of Scotland. Independence would allow our economy to benefit from increased tax income and our society to benefit from the cultural advantages of a more diverse population.

If we remain part of the UK those benefits will forever be denied us.

Resource Address (URL)

https://www.believeinscotland.org/westminster-lies-about-independence-and-how-t…

Keywords

Opposition to Scottish independence

Language English

How the argument for Yes and UK intransigence are changing minds

Stephen Richard — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 11:21:07 +0000

How the argument for Yes and UK intransigence are changing minds

Primary Author or Creator

Believe in Scotland

Stephen Richard Fri, 11/05/2021 - 11:21

Alternative Published Date

2021

Category

Independence

Type of Resource

Article

Fast Facts

Disillusionment with the UK and the disastrous effects of Brexit are driving a series of high-profile expressions of support for Scotland’s independence.

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Disillusionment with the UK and the disastrous effects of Brexit are driving a series of high-profile expressions of support for Scotland’s independence. Here are just five voices who believe pro-Union parties are failing to make their case.

1: Jon Worth, a journalist and visiting professor at the College of Europe

Mr Worth, an expert on EU affairs, said yesterday that Scots should “save themselves” from the Union, describing the UK as “irrevocably politically f*****”.

His comment was sparked by the Labour Party’s failure at its recent conference to support a proportionally representative voting system for general elections. He used social media to express his frustration with Labour, which he described as a “pile of such moribund hopelessness I now don’t know what the hell to do to save it”.

Really, Scotland, go. Save yourselves because you can

Mr Worth added: “Really, Scotland, go. Save yourselves because you can. And eventually Wales too. And Northern Ireland too, providing it doesn’t end in bloodshed. The UK is so irrevocably politically f**ked & Labour is no answer to Tory malevolence, and Greens and LibDems can’t be under [First Past the Post].”

2: Former Labour First Minister Henry McLeish

During a podcast by the Herald newspaper Mr McLeish told the host, former BBC Scotland political editor Brian Taylor: “Yes, I would support independence”. He said he was now “sceptical” about the Union being able to reform itself, adding: “I’m not an optimist about the possibilities of the Union changing.’’ He said: ‘’If it’s only economic fears that are binding us within the Union, that’s a pretty poor state of affairs. I believe that Scotland could be independent tomorrow.’’

3: Professor Ciaran Martin, the former constitution director at the Westminster Cabinet Office

Professor Martin was all over the media last month when he told the Edinburgh International Book Festival that he expected the Scottish governmentwould lose any court case over a right to hold a referendum.

But he clarified his position recently to The National newspaper, saying he had been “quite surprised” to see the focus of those headlines had not reflected the main thrust of his argument.

He stressed that even if Boris Johnson won the court case it would still help the Yes case. “The theatre and substance of a court wrangle may work in their favour,” he explained.

“The UK government will have to make very awkward arguments, such as that Scotland’s not really a nation with a right to self-determination. Something I heard time and again from convinced Unionists in Scotland is that they would vote passionately and campaign passionately to stay in the Union, but if anyone ever told them in all seriousness that Scotland had no right to leave, then that would be a different matter.”

4: Rock band Texas

Sharleen Spiteri, singer with one of Scotland’s biggest bands, was among the high-profile names backing the Union in 2014. She said at the time. “I think it’s very important to have a Scottish government who make decisions for Scotland but I can’t understand how Scotland would survive independently. ‘’

Now she has changed her mind. The Express newspaper recently wrote an article based on Spiteri’s 2013 comment headlined: “Sharleen Spiteri: Independent Scotland ‘can’t survive’ as ‘we don’t have the resources'”

After Brexit, Sharleen and the rest of Texas now support Scottish Independence

In response, the band’s official Twitter account issued a short post saying: “This is not true. After Brexit, Sharleen and the rest of the band now support Scottish Independence.”

That’s triggered a massive response, racking up more than 6000 likes and in excess of 150 comments.

5: Professor AC Grayling, author and philosopher

Professor Grayling was one of the 200 signatories of the so-called love bomb letter begging Scots to vote No in 2014. He has dramatically changed his mind.

He said recently: “I have now come to the view that it is unconscionable that Scotland, which voted to be in the EU, should be dragged out by England which pays so little attention, has so little interest and care really for Scotland, other than as a useful appendage.”

Resource Address (URL)

https://www.believeinscotland.org/how-the-argument-for-yes-and-uk-intransigence…

Keywords

Supporters of Independence

Language English

George Monbiot: Independent Scotland could show a way out of climate crisis

Vicky Fairley — Sat, 30 Oct 2021 10:04:33 +0000

George Monbiot: Independent Scotland could show a way out of climate crisis

Primary Author or Creator

Spowart, Nan

Vicky Fairley Sat, 10/30/2021 - 11:04

Publisher

The National

Date Published

Sun, 10/17/2021 - 12:00

Category

Climate change

Campaigning

Independence

Type of Resource

newspaper article

Fast Facts

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.

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Leading environmental campaigner George Monbiot criticises the lamentable ineffectiveness of the current climate change movement, stating that the current mass movement needs to grow substantially in order to effect the change required. He maintains that governments and big business will not act unless we make it impossible for them to maintain the status quo and to do that we need to ''mobilise, mobilise, mobilise.'' He cites the Scottish Independence campaign of 2014 as an example of effective mobilisation and posits that Scotland could lead the way in combatting the climate crisis.

Resource Address (URL)

https://www.thenational.scot/news/19652546.george-monbiot-independent-scotland-…

Keywords

Climate change

Environment

2014 independence referendum

Language English

200 No to Yes voters tell us why they now believe in Scotland

Stephen Richard — Mon, 25 Oct 2021 08:08:14 +0000

200 No to Yes voters tell us why they now believe in Scotland

Primary Author or Creator

Believe in Scotland

Stephen Richard Mon, 10/25/2021 - 09:08

Date Published

Sun, 10/24/2021 - 12:00

Category

Independence

Type of Resource

Opinion poll

Fast Facts

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

Resource Address (URL)

https://www.believeinscotland.org/200-no-to-yes-voters-tell-us-why-they-now-bel…

Keywords

Language English

What are the cost implications of setting up an independent Scotland?

Stephen Richard — Mon, 18 Oct 2021 21:11:08 +0000

What are the cost implications of setting up an independent Scotland?

Primary Author or Creator

Common Weal

Stephen Richard Mon, 10/18/2021 - 22:11

Alternative Published Date

2021

Category

Independence

Type of Resource

Briefing paper

Length (Pages, words, minutes etc...)

1pp

Fast Facts

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.

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What is the financial impact on Scotland of independence?

There are three aspects to this – the initial debts inherited, the cost of the work to become independent and the ongoing financial position of Scotland after independence. The last of these is not part of the process of establishing a new country and so has not been considered here.

So what is the debt aspect of this?

As was discussed under negotiations above, that is not something we can know until negotiations are complete, but there isn't really a scenario where Scotland's debt liability is any higher than it already is inside the UK and there are a number of scenarios where it could be less – and even significantly less. As we have seen through two periods of very large scale 'quantitative easing' right across Europe and indeed the wider world, debt size in comparison to the size of the economy when you are in charge of your own currency is not a major concern. The issue is the cost of servicing it which will not be higher than it currently is for Scotland.

But these questions reveal a lot of set-up costs do they not?

Yes, but this should be put into perspective. If you add up all of the above costs then the total comes to about £25 billion and this is not particularly large when we think about the bank bailout or the emergency Covid measures. And it is dominated by two major costs – the cost of setting up a Foreign Currency Reserve and cost of setting up a Scottish Defence Force. The first of these is a cost but it is also an asset (this is real money you can spend and invest) and the second would be spent over a decade and much of it would come from annual spending on defence which would actually be less than what we are spending at the moment as part of the UK. These are all one-off costs and in the end are no more than a small proportion of how much Scotland's share of the bank bailout cost.

So that is how much the national debt would rise by to become independent?

No, that is the total cost of the set-up and doesn't include Scotland's likely share of the UK's assets. About £15 billion of the £25 billion total would come to Scotland as a share of assets (or would be subtracted from debt). The additional cost to Scotland which would be borrowed is only £10 billion which, as a one-off, really isn't that substantial.

How would we pay for it?

To go back to the beginning, the National Commission would be given bond-issuing powers so would use this to borrow the money as it does its work. At the end this would be consolidated and added to the national debt.

What do we get for our money?

Well, our own country – and a giant economic stimulus. An awful lot of the money it would cost to set Scotland up as an independent country would be spent on goods, services and wages inside Scotland would would help to boost Scotland's economy.

And then?

What happens after all of this set-up is done?

Whatever we want. Then we will be a normal nation, nation number 196 – just like the other 195. The citizens of Scotland will vote for governments and whatever government we vote for will steer the nation until the next election. The possibilities are limited only by what we demand of our governments and we will have no-one else to blame for our decisions. In other words, we will be independent.

Keywords

Cost of independence

Scottish Debt

Language English

How would Scotland become independent

Stephen Richard — Mon, 18 Oct 2021 16:27:46 +0000

How would Scotland become independent

Primary Author or Creator

Common Weal

Stephen Richard Mon, 10/18/2021 - 17:27

Alternative Published Date

2021

Category

Independence

Type of Resource

Briefing paper

Length (Pages, words, minutes etc...)

1pp

Fast Facts

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.

More details

What is independence?

There isn't really a single, accepted international definition of 'an independent country'. It is really a feature of three aspects – the legal right to enter into internationally-binding contracts, the recognition of the country by other countries and the perception of it being independent by all concerned.

How do you get the power to sign internationally-binding contracts?

You need what is called 'legal personality'. That can happen immediately after a referendum vote as it can be granted by the UK Government. This should be absolutely the first thing Scotland asks for so it can start building a new nation – it doesn't need to wait for 'independence day'.

So how do you know if you're independent?

Most people generally see membership of the United Nations as being the best indicator of being a recognised independent country.

How do you join the United Nations?

It's a four-stage process but the key bits are that you must get the support of nine of the 15 members of the Security Council and then two thirds of the General Assembly.

Is there any barrier to that for Scotland?

The key to this is a proper recognition agreement with the rest of the UK. As a member of the Security Council, if the UK voted to recognise Scotland it is almost certain there would be no major objections.

And is that it?

Well no, to function as an independent nation there is a lot more that needs to be done (like set up a full tax system so you can pay for the services a modern country needs to provide). And there are others international organisations we'd want to join quickly (like with the World Trade Organisation so we could trade with other countries feely). But basically yes, once you have legal personality and you're a member of the United Nations, everyone's perception will be that you are an independent country and so you'll be able to behave like one.

[This is the whole document]

Keywords

Nationhood

United Nations

Language English

Scottish independence: could wind power Scotland back into the EU?

Stephen Richard — Tue, 12 Oct 2021 18:29:35 +0000

Scottish independence: could wind power Scotland back into the EU?

Primary Author or Creator

Piotr Marek Jaworski

Stephen Richard Tue, 10/12/2021 - 19:29

Additional Author(s) / Creators

Kenny Crossan, The Conversation

Date Published

Fri, 03/26/2021 - 12:00

Category

Green economy

Independence

Type of Resource

News Media

Fast Facts

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.

Resource Address (URL)

https://theconversation.com/scottish-independence-could-wind-power-scotland-bac…

Keywords

Renewable Energy

Green Economy

Independence referendum

Language English

Strength in Union: The Case for the United Kingdom

Olanna — Sun, 10 Oct 2021 22:22:26 +0000

Strength in Union: The Case for the United Kingdom

Primary Author or Creator

Alister Jack

Olanna Sun, 10/10/2021 - 23:22

Additional Author(s) / Creators

Andrew Bowie Editor; Centre for Policy Studies

Date Published

Tue, 10/12/2021 - 12:00

Alternative Published Date

September 2021

Category

National Borders

Devolution

Independence

Type of Resource

Collection of essays by Conservative Think Tank

Length (Pages, words, minutes etc...)

111 pages

Fast Facts

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.

More details

Collection of essays by 14 Conservative MPs with forward by Michael Gove and introduction by Theresa May on the Union with Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. Union is Strength, the motto of Glasgow’s Trades Hall since 1605, is is the Secretary of State for Scotland’s essay on Scotland as a region.

Resource Address (URL)

https://www.cps.org.uk/files/reports/original/211001211002-CPSUNIONESSAYCOLLECT…

Keywords

Language English

Must Scots settle for cronyism and incompetence? Open Minds on Independence #21

Stephen Richard — Sun, 10 Oct 2021 16:58:31 +0000

Must Scots settle for cronyism and incompetence? Open Minds on Independence #21

Primary Author or Creator

The National

Stephen Richard Sun, 10/10/2021 - 17:58

Additional Author(s) / Creators

Believe in Scotland

Date Published

Tue, 04/27/2021 - 12:00

Category

Independence

Type of Resource

News Media

Fast Facts

Scotland's ambition does not end with winning independence. That is just the start. It y offers us the freedom to create the country we want to live in.

The issues we should prioritise include:
healthy life expectancy,
enhancing feelings of personal security,
tackling the poverty which afflicts pensioners,
low-wage workers and children, and
ensuring our young people enjoy positive opportunities to forge fulfilling careers and happy lives.

Our economy should have strong world links:
We should help countries in need
Encourage immigration to build a strong, successful and diverse Scotland.
it should be built on Scotland's natural resources and establish it as a leader in sustainable and renewable energy

To build this new country is a challenging task. The benefits of real growth and prosperity need be more equally shared. We might not, of course, get everything perfect first time. We may make mistakes.

Resource Address (URL)

https://www.thenational.scot/news/19256304.open-minds-independence-21-must-scot…

Keywords

Scottish Independence

Language English