Are we Ready for Independence?

First things first, I’m venturing into the realm of politics where views are deep set, firmly held and vigorously defended. I am pro choice and I respect other views. My views are mine alone. I hope you enjoy the read whether you agree with me or not. I’m not trying to win a debate or change anyone’s mind. I simply had to get this down in writing.

Growing up ...

Independence is important. As individuals, it is an inevitable destination. As a child you grow up comfortable with the environment your parents (singular, plural or guardian) provide. You sleep in the room provided, with the décor chosen for you. You dress in the clothes bought for you and eat what is put in front of you. There may be an appearance of choice (parents will know what I mean) but, ultimately, money talks.

No matter how happy your home life is, the need for independence grows. It starts with the little things. Each of those little things adds another frustration. The big triggers can be the independent choice of education. You head out into the world to pursue your own learning path. Earning your own money is a big one too. You now have financial freedom and the choices that come with that. Not all family life is happy and the stressors and triggers can be many and varied.

The need for independence will grow from a whisper, to a firm demand, to a scream if you don’t get out soon enough. How strongly we feel that need varies, and timing varies too. Typically, from our late teens and into our early twenties, we take the leap. Do you remember the sheer joy of it (with a little bit of fear)?

As much as you love them, your parents are human. Flawed, obstinate, and they just don’t listen! You may think they got most of it right. Your model for independence may be Parents v.1.1. Maybe more radical changes will mean a reboot – Parents v.2.0. A complete rewrite and different model may be required. You will know what is right for you.

Independence is a long way away as a small child. You grow to meet it. Life for most of us is like a train journey with predictable stops along with way. There comes a point when the message speaks loud, “those wishing to forge their own path in the world, get off at the next stop, and mind the gap”. And you do.

Birth of a nation

We were reborn as a nation in July 1999 when the Scottish Parliament opened for business. From that time we have witnessed a steady decline in the traditional UK parties and a firm move to nationalism. The Independence Referendum was offered by our teenage parliament. At 15yrs old we were offered the chance of Independence. We were not ready, partly because we needed more evidence, and for the urgency to grow inside us. 

A lot has happened since 2014. We had the Brexit vote, of course, and the subsequent exit from the EU. I remember the argument that the only way for Scotland to remain in the EU is as part of the UK. The very same people who made that argument campaigned for Brexit. It was a shameful lie. For many, this is the justification for another vote, to look once more at the constitutional question. Our Westminster parent Government has embarrassed us on the world stage and fallen out with all our neighbours. We simply didn’t sign up for this.

I am not an Economist. I do my best to be informed and will deep dive as much as available time will allow. Covid has hit us hard, and Brexit has not helped. The UK has been hit hardest of all developed economies during the crisis. We also have one of the worst Covid death rates. Why? And I ask again, why? If you haven’t thought about it, you should. 

Conservative government austerity policies, post-Banking crisis, meant we went into Covid a weakened economy with weakened public services. If Conservative government instincts are to austerity then we are in big trouble. When we should be stimulating our economy and trading our way out of this, we have instead pushed up trade barriers with our biggest trading partners. 

And what can you say about the current government that isn’t splashed all over the front pages? In the case of our Westminster parent Parliament, a more substantial rewrite is required.

So, what next?

Our teenager parliament then, is now 21 years old. The “key to the door” as they said in the old days as a measure of trust given to us. As we recover from Covid, and deal with the damage of Brexit, we must ask ourselves, who do we want to be? 

We can look across the sea to friends like Norway and Denmark and think, “we could be just like them”. And we could, and it would be no bad thing. Strong, proud and independent – each choosing their own path. You only need to look at the list of the world’s happiest countries to see how well these nations are doing. I firmly believe we could, at the very least, be Norway. Norway+, if you like (with a gentle poke at Brexiteers).

The beauty of independence is the freedom to choose. That applies equally to individuals and nations. Whatever model you have in mind there is a nation somewhere in the world you can look at. You can learn from their successes and failures in the same way you learn anecdotally from your peers and parents. UK, EFTA, EU – we can decide. Pound, Euro, new currency – we can decide. Scotland, The Scottish Democratic Republic, The Peoples’ Republic of Scotistan, we can … no, it’s Scotland.

Independence is hard. It means making decisions and taking responsibility for those decisions. There will be a few bumps on the road. We will be stronger for it. The vast majority know the hunger for independence. We have felt it. We have grasped it as individuals and we can grasp it as a nation.

You can argue the case for and against Independence and you will never have a consensus on chapters that are not yet written. I have read various economic forecasts promising great prosperity and warning financial ruin and you will likely favour those that back your position. Rather than get into such debates I will pin my colours to a single mast, in two words, Human Capital. I believe in the people of Scotland.

The Scots are instinctively outward looking and welcoming. When I say people of Scotland I mean all our people. I mean those who were born here, those who came here, and those who will come to our great nation in the future. We readily share a common space and sense of community.

We have always been innovators and explorers. Our curiosity, intelligence and free thinking has made an indelible mark on the world in the fields of economics, engineering, global communications and much more. That is who we will be. The open arms of the world awaits.

I believe is us, individually and together. It is time for Independence.