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Home-rule guide aims to clinch ‘Yes’ vote

Home-rule guide aims to clinch ‘Yes’ vote

The long-awaited blueprint for Scottish independence is published today with the promise it will answer hundreds of questions about the country’s future.

The Scottish Government’s official white paper will contain a Q&A section and explain the “opportunities” of independence, Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said.

“The guide and the answers it provides will show clearly the difference that we can make if decisions on Scotland’s future are taken by those who care most about Scotland – the people of Scotland,” she said on the eve of the launch.

“Our message is simple: read this guide, compare it with any alternative future for Scotland and make up your own mind.

“This guide will set out a vision for Scotland’s future, how we can use the powers of independence to build a wealthier and fairer Scotland and ensure that everyone benefits from our natural wealth and talent. This guide to independence will move the debate forward from how Scotland can become an independent country to the kind of country we can be.”

She will be with First Minister Alex Salmond to unveil the document, Scotland’s Future – Your Guide to an Independent Scotland, at the Glasgow Science Centre this morning. The blueprint runs to more than 200 pages and provides answers to 650 questions on independence, the Scottish Government said.

The answers, along with downloadable copies, will be available at www.scotre- ferendum.com and live coverage of the launch will be streamed online.

People in Scotland will be asked on September 18 next year whether the country should be independent, ending three centuries of political union with England. An opinion poll published on Sunday suggested 38% support a Yes vote and 47% back a No vote, meaning a swing of just 5% could lead to Scotland leaving the UK. The Scottish Government has already set March 24, 2016, as “independence day”.

Pro-union campaigners have long argued that the Scottish National Party has no firm answers to the toughest questions – including on issues such as how Scotland would keep the pound sterling as its currency and get through technical negotiations in just 18 months.

Scotland is likely to be the focus of worldwide interest today, with more than 200 journalists from as far afield as Japan, Australia and Russia registered to attend the launch.

There will be a formal meeting of the first minister’s Cabinet before the launch and ministers will later return to the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh for a statement to MSPs.