Scottish independence is a “common sense position” that will be claimed by voters in the referendum next year, First Minister Alex Salmond has declared.
The Scottish Government leader speaking in a debate exactly one year from the historic ballot said independence is the best route to a more prosperous country.
“This Government’s argument, our most important contention, is that the people who live and work in Scotland are the people who are most likely to make the right choices for Scotland,” he said at the Scottish Parliament.
“It is not an argument that is subject to statistical manipulation, it is not an argument for a day’s headlines, it is not an argument born of fear. It is a common sense position based on experience.
“We have been on a constitutional journey in Scotland for more than a century. It has taken many forms as progressively we have moved forward as a country.”
A Yes vote in September next year is an extension of steps towards more devolved power at Holyrood, he suggested.
“Twice before the matter has been put to a referendum and twice the people have voted in favour once narrowly and once decisively,” he said.
“The essence of that assent has been based on people expressing confidence on the ability of this ancient nation to take decisions for itself.
“That is why independence is the best route to becoming a more prosperous country but also a more just society. And that is why exactly a year from today the people of Scotland will claim that opportunity with both hands.”
He held up the so-called ‘bedroom tax’ opposed by most Scottish MPs as an example of Westminster imposing unpopular policies on Scotland.
“The bedroom tax is a totemic issue now. The poll tax was a totemic issue in the 1990s,” he said. “It became a symbol of why devolution was necessary.”
Scottish Labour leader Johann Lamont, responding to Mr Salmond, said a No vote next year would allow politicians to “start dealing with the real challenges of life in modern Scotland”.
“Let’s make the case, stand up for the United Kingdom, refresh the opportunity to defeat nationalism, do the real job of politics, make and win the political case for the real change we need to make our society stronger and fairer,” she said.
“Not the tired and tedious, not the old songs, but honesty openness and coming together to deal with the real experience of Scots across this country.”
Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson, making her case for the UK, focused on the British armed forces.
“We are stronger together as part of the UK armed forces,” she said. “Scots around the world, proud to serve with the Union flag on the arm of their uniform, are part of the most professional fighting force on the planet.
“Our integrated land, sea and air platforms allow us to respond to conflicts and crises in all parts of the globe and I believe the defence of our allies, our response in the world, and the safety and security of our people at home are best served there.”
Liberal Democrat MSP Tavish Scott said people wanted answers on issues such as employment and pensions but, on every area of policy, independence was like “a walk in the dark”.
“It is opening a door into a pitch black room and trying to find the door on the other side,” he said.
“We may never come out, but the one certainty is the door marked UK will be locked forever. There is no way back.”