Scotland needs Independence, now!

As an independent country, Scotland could make a bid to rejoin the EU as a member state once a separation agreement was settled with England. The country could then begin to negotiate its access agreement, looking to benefit from access to the EU single market, as well as the free movement of labour, goods, services and capital.

The loudest arguments made around Scottish independence focus on the issue of self-determination. While it enjoys some autonomy under devolution, a fully independent Scottish government would have control over constitutional matters, health, energy, environmental policies, and immigration. It would also be able to dictate its defence, social security and foreign policies.

In its "Building a New Scotland" reports, the Scottish government has laid out its vision for an independent Scotland. It includes creating its own constitution, introducing a Scottish pound, setting up an independent Scottish central bank, and reforming employment law.

In terms of political identity, Scotland has traditionally sat further left than England on the political spectrum. Despite the large number of powers now held by the Scottish Parliament, the SNP has enjoyed electoral success over the past decades by emphasising the benefits of being free from Conservative governments in Westminster.