The “key strengths” of Scotland’s economy mean the country could more than afford to be independent, First Minister Alex Salmond has said.
Speaking at the launch of an economic paper on Tuesday, Mr Salmond pointed to strong financial foundations, a diverse economy and natural resources as proof that Scotland has more than enough resources to become a “wealthier and fairer country” in the event of a yes vote.
The paper attacks the UK Government and blames Westminster for “consistent economic mismanagement by successive UK Governments”, which it says is costing jobs and depressing growth.
However, Scottish Secretary Michael Moore branded the document “negative and backward looking” and said it “does not even try to answer any of the big questions that have been asked in recent months on pensions and currency”.
The report highlights Scotland’s core economic strengths in finance, the food and drink industry, creative industries, life sciences, oil and gas, green energy reserves, tourism, and the manufacturing sector.
Mr Salmond said: “Despite our strong economic foundations and excellent global reputation Scotland, with Westminster in control of our economy, is not reaching our potential as a nation and this report clearly lays out the ways in which UK Government economic policies have not worked in Scotland’s best interests.
“We need the powers to boost our competitive position, support greater innovation and investment, become more internationally-focused instead of threatening to leave the EU and to become a wealthier, fairer country.”
Mr Salmond said the road to the referendum “is a marathon, not a sprint” and predicted the yes campaign “will gain strength as we move towards September 2014”.
He added: “The no campaign bogey stories will dissolve in the light of day as time goes on.”
Mr Moore said the paper did not represent a plan of how independence would help Scotland, instead branding it “four chapters of contradictions with a glossy cover”.
He added: “It is a contradiction to highlight how well our important Scottish industries are doing and blame it on the UK. Our oil companies, food companies and life science companies are doing well and they doing well inside a strong UK.
“Being part of the UK gives Scottish companies the best of both worlds. That is why three-quarters of Scottish business leaders think independence would be bad for their business and they are the ones who know their business best.”
The latest Scottish Government paper came the day after the UK Government published a report raising concerns that savers and financial institutions could be hit under plans for independence.
Meanwhile, Mr Salmond has also come under fire for claiming during a radio interview that he has backed the use of Sterling as a currency for “more than a decade.”
While the SNP has given various types of backing to keeping the pound in an independent Scotland since 1999, the First Minister talked of his support for the euro in 2009, when he said Sterling was “sinking like a stone.”
Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson said: “He is resorting to further bluster and bravado when his independence plans are put under scrutiny. However, the public will not be fooled by Alex Salmond’s latest cynical attempt to re-write history.”