Scottish independence

Scottish first minister Alex Salmond has launched his government's independence blueprint, calling it a "mission statement" for the future. The 670-page White Paper promised a "revolution" in social policy, with childcare at its heart. The launch came ahead of next September's independence referendum. Alistair Darling, leader of the campaign to keep the Union, branded the document a "work of fiction, full of meaningless assertions". On 18 September, Scots voters will be asked the yes/no question: "Should Scotland be an independent country?" Launching the paper - titled Scotland's Future: Your guide to an independent Scotland - in Glasgow, Mr Salmond said: "This is the most comprehensive blueprint for an independent country ever published, not just for Scotland but for any prospective independent nation.‬‬‬ Read more...