The Independence Debate
1.10 Human Rights Framework
The core question is fundamental to the character of the independent state: how would human rights be protected?
The Peoples Future Scotland
The Independence Debate
1.9 Future of UK Supreme Court Appeals
What happens to cases that currently go to the UK Supreme Court? The core question is precise and consequential for the integrity of the Scottish legal system: what happens to cases that currently go to the UK Supreme Court? The short answer is equally precise. The UK Supreme Court'
The Independence Debate
1.8 Continuity of Scots Law and the Courts
What happens to Scots law and the court system? The core question is foundational to legal certainty: what happens to Scots law and the court system on independence? The short answer is continuity in full force. All existing legislation, common law, and court structures remain in place unless and until
The Independence Debate
1.7 Head of State (Monarchy or Republic)
Who would be Head of State? The core question is both symbolic and constitutional: who would be Head of State in an independent Scotland? The short answer is clear and sequenced. At independence, Scotland would remain a constitutional monarchy with the current monarch as Head of State. This provides maximum
The Independence Debate
1.6 Written Constitution (Interim and Permanent)
Would Scotland have a written constitution, and how would it be created? The core question is foundational: would an independent Scotland have a written constitution, and how would it be created? The short answer is yes. An independent Scotland would have a written constitution. The process would be deliberately staged.
The Independence Debate
1.5 Continuity of Government and Parliament
What happens to the existing Scottish Parliament and Government? The core question is institutional and practical: what happens to the existing Scottish Parliament and Scottish Government on the path to independence? The short answer is continuity without interruption. On Independence Day, the Scottish Parliament and the Scottish Government would become
The Independence Debate
1.4 Timeline from Yes Vote to Independence Day
How long would the transition take? The core question is practical and consequential: how long would it take to move from a clear Yes vote in a legally held referendum to Independence Day? The short answer is a realistic working target of 18 to 24 months. The 2013 White Paper
The Independence Debate
1.3 Negotiation Principles and Red Lines with the UK
On what basis would negotiations with the UK Government be conducted, and what are the non-negotiable red lines? The core question is practical and consequential: on what basis would negotiations with the UK Government be conducted after a clear Yes vote, and what outcomes would be treated as non-
The Independence Debate
1.2 Definition of a Clear Mandate
The core question is precise: what counts as a clear democratic mandate for independence? The short answer is equally precise.
The Independence Debate
1.1 Legal Route to a Referendum
The core question is straightforward and foundational: how can Scotland hold a legal independence referendum?
The Independence Debate
1. Constitutional Process, Mandate and Transition
Independence is a constitutional change of the first order. It cannot rest on assertion, improvisation, or contested authority.