THERE are two sides to every argument, epitomised in Scotland by Kenny Dalglish with his “mibbes aye and mibbes naw” comment, although others may put it more eloquently.
In advocating for a Constitution for Scotland, we are familiar with folks’ eyes glazing over when you mention “constitution” and they imagine dry and dusty arguments at club AGMs they have attended over the years.
Our job is to illustrate how a written constitution is an essential part of the national structure that will underpin our daily lives, defining the country we are striving to build.
So here’s a topical example. Robert Burns has us sing: “Ye see yon birkie ca’d a lord, wha struts an’ stares an a’ that.”
Over the coming days, feelings will run high over the future of the monarchy, with its peculiar inherited rights, sometimes highlighted by land campaigners.
The White Paper produced before the last independence referendum proposed keeping the monarchy to avoid frichtenin’ the bairns. But do we not want to be a normal country that makes decisions for itself?
Should Scotland have a hereditary or elected head of state? To answer that question, our model constitution – which you can find in full at www.constitutionforscotland.scot – specifically allows people that choice.
Article 3 defines the role of the head of state, who would only be appointed following a referendum.
Article 3 also specifies the role of the appointed person, their powers, the required impartiality, how they are remunerated and the like, noting the possibility of recall.
The model constitution also requires referendums on other issues, such as the ending of life (Voluntary Euthanasia) (Article 2) and for international treaties (EU or Efta for example) (Article 7).
In other words, let’s get our independence then we can decide whether it’s to be EU, Efta or none.
Whatever we do, let’s not take any of these questions into the campaign as matters that divide the movement. Present them as opportunities. Independence first, then we can govern ourselves and make our own decisions.
Referendums to amend the Constitution (Article 10) require a higher bar and there are also powers for regional citizen referendums (Article 12). All referendums will be overseen by an electoral commission.
Our model is deliberately written in easily understood lay language, as are many other national constitutions, and we can foresee that it will be taught in schools, again as happens in other countries.
So take a look at what we offer at www.constitutionforscotland.scot and register to see what others say, make your own comments and propose changes to the draft and, most importantly, vote for your preferences.
We need to be campaigning all the time and so a constitution should be serving an immediate purpose for us.
It should be an excellent tool to help answer the doorstep questions such as: “How will an independent Scotland be different from now?” and “How would the new country be set up?”.
The independence movement is currently experiencing the downside of leaving constitutional matters to “someone else”. When it comes to deciding Scotland’s future, surely there is no-one else?
We will be happy to give a presentation to your local group.
Because the talk is basically a guided tour of the interactive platform, it really lends itself to a Zoom meeting and we have given around 25 of these around the country already.
l www.constitutionforscotland.scot is a registered Scottish Charity with the aim of advancing participative democracy within the community of Scotland.
You can read more than 1000 comments across 15 Articles and participate in preparing a Scottish Constitution. So why not join in and have your say in how you think an independent Scotland should be governed.
l For information on our “guest speaker” introduction, demonstration and Q&A session, please contact info@constitutionforscotland.scot
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