THE core issue suggested by some recently published letters is to quite reasonably define “independence”, so that not only can more than 85% of independence-minded activists accept it, but it delivers more than 50% of the electorate to Yes2, preferably 60%-plus.
Meanwhile Mr A Johnson (PM) highlights the number of Scots in rUK and presumably beyond, on the pretext that they should have a vote in the forthcoming indyref2, generating a potential “hostage”-type approach to be adopted, in discussions over passports, visas, currency and pensions, for rUK resident or even EU/non-EU resident Scots, who may/may no longer, be considered as rUK citizens should Scotland become an independent EU nation state.
What constitutes a citizen of Scotland? How long have they been a citizen of Scotland? Where are their taxes paid? Where are visas required for travel elsewhere? Where are passports required? And crucially, how are citizens are designated as such by the Scottish Government, how citizenship may be sought, and on what grounds?
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And there we have it. We need to answer the detailed unasked questions whilst hobbled by Covid-19, and with the required resources somewhat limited. However, such basic consultation with the citizens of Scotland (as currently defined as resident) for their views could lead to an official view, and a pre-indyref2 Scottish Government pronouncement.
So, before we get to seriously arguing about the detail of what independence is all about, discounting the incontinent, incompetent and morally/financially corrupt UK Government lies and misdirection, let’s define its foundation, in what constitutes a citizen of Scotland, and how it is defined for the purposes of, and for the benefit of, the sovereign taxpaying will of the people of Scotland, wherever they may be.
Stephen Tingle
Greater Glasgow
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