A MAJOR report to present new economic arguments to support the case for Scottish independence is expected to be unveiled between mid to late March. SNP sources told us that the final document is being proof read and a suitable timetable being looked for publication.
Nicola Sturgeon previously said the findings would be “published early next year” when she addressed a meeting of her party’s national council in Perth in December.
At the same event she stated the document would be used to restate the case for independence. It is now understood the highly-anticipated report may be made public shortly after a run of political parties Spring conferences next month.
The Scottish Greens spring conference on 17 March is the last one scheduled for next month, although the Liberal Democrats’s conference will take place on April 20 and 21.
“The report is being proofed and will have to go to the publishers. We are looking at a possible date towards mid to end of March, sometime when there are no clashes with parties conferences,” a SNP insider said.
The report’s findings and recommendations will provide further material for debate by candidates taking part in the SNP’s depute leadership contest, due to formally get underway early next month.
MSP James Dornan and former political eduction officer Julie Hepburn are the two contenders who to date have thrown their hats into the ring. MPs Philippa Whitford, Tommy Sheppard and Hannah Bardell are among others believed to be considering entering the race.
To date preliminary discussions among candidates and possible contenders has focused on the timing of a second referendum, the needs to renew arguments for independence and prepare the party for the prospect of a new Yes campaign as well as internal party reforms.
The Growth Commission was set up in September 2016 as part of plan to speak to undecided voters in an attempt to win over more support for independence in the wake of the EU referendum.
It is chaired by former MSP, Andrew Wilson and its membership includes business and academic figures.
A key part of its work is to make recommendations to boost economic growth and improve Scotland’s public finances – both under devolution and independence. It is understood the report, which runs to more than 100 pages, is divided into three sections, with one dedicated to fiscal policy, a second to inclusive growth and a third to currency. The Yes side’s currency position in 2014 – to hold onto Sterling – is regarded as a weakness after the then Chancellor George Osborne said an independent Scotland could not use it.
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