Features - Talking Independence

Why Independence?
What is Scottish Independence and Independence in Europe? We already have our own Parliament in Scotland - why do we need Independence?
Why Independence?
Why does the Parliament deserve more powers? Is it just the SNP who wants the Scottish Parliament to have more powers?
Why Independence?
What’s wrong with the way we’re governed just now? How would Independence be better for us? So who wants Scottish Independence?
Why Independence?
Why do opponents of Independence call it "separation"? Will an independent Scotland be run by the SNP?
Why Independence?
Is Scotland big enough to be independent? Why do you want Independence when most countries are moving closer together? What other European countries have gained their Independence?
Why Independence?
Isn’t nationalism a bad thing? Will I be a citizen of the new Scotland? What if I don't want to become a Scottish citizen?
Why Independence?
Will my taxes go up? How will my mortgage rate be affected? How will my pension be affected?
Why Independence?
What about all the jobs that depend on trade with England? What security is there for public sector jobs after Independence? Will large companies want to stay in Scotland after Independence? What will happen if I have a bank account in England?
Why Independence?
Can Scotland stand on her own two feet? What about claims Scotland would be in deficit? Is Scotland subsidised by the UK? Doesn’t the Barnett formula mean Scots get more than their fair share of UK spending?
Why Independence?
What does the SNP mean when it says it’s Scotland’s oil? What happens when the oil runs out?
Why Independence?
How will Independence affect schools, hospitals and other public services? Which areas of government will Scotland be taking over from Westminster? How will these departments be set up?
Why Independence?
How will Independence affect the taxation system? What will Scotland's currency be? Will there be extra costs in setting up embassies? How will Employment and Social Security Departments be established?
Why Independence?
How will things change for the BBC? What changes will there be for the railways? Can we afford our own armed forces? Would we need National Service to sustain Scottish Defence Forces?
Why Independence?
Will we be allowed to stay in the European Union? What if a European member state wanted to block Scotland’s EU membership? How will Scotland get a better deal out of the EU with Independence? Won't Independence mean losing the influence in Europe which comes from being part of the UK?
Why Independence?
Isn’t Independence in Europe just exchanging one union for another? Won’t everybody lose their sovereignty anyway when the Euro comes along? How will Scotland's relations change with England, Wales, and Ireland? Will I need a passport to get into England? How will Scotland's place in the world change?
Why Independence?
Who decides if Independence happens? Who calls an Independence referendum? Will the Scottish Parliament be allowed to hold an Independence referendum? What happens if the people vote "Yes" to Independence in a referendum? What if Westminster then tries to say "No"? This is all about Holyrood – so why do the SNP still stand in Westminster elections?
Why Independence?
Who will negotiate an Independence settlement? What will be up for negotiation? What UK assets and liabilities will be divided? Who gets the oil? How long will all this take? Who will govern Scotland during this period? What happens when Independence is declared?
Why Independence?
Who will decide the constitution of the new Scotland? Why do we need a written constitution? What rights will there be for me in the new constitution? What will the constitution say about how Scotland is governed? Will the Queen still be head of state? What will the laws of Scotland be?
Why Independence?
Why should Scotland be independent? How do we get our Independence?