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Questions
1. What are your views on the proposed process for the Scottish Independence Bill, set out in Chapter 2?
What are your views on the proposed process for the Scottish Independence Bill, set out in Chapter 2?
I am happy with the process in general however think a degree of flexibility should be built into the actual date of independence to allow for, 'unknown unknowns' i.e things that might arise out of the blue that might have an impact on negotiations and timescales. The date of independence should be a proposed date at this stage to be confirmed as part of the negotiations with the UK Government however decided by the Scottish Parliament.
2. What are your views on the proposed content of the Scottish Independence Bill, set out in Chapter 1 and explained in Chapter 3?
What are your views on the proposed content of the Scottish Independence Bill, set out in Chapter 1 and explained in Chapter 3?
As the people are sovereign I think there is a conflict keeping the Queen and her successors as a head of state. There should at least be a referendum on the monarchy during the period of negotiations 2014-2016 PRIOR to independence.
While the Union of the Crowns may be a separate Act and part of the social union, an unelected feudal monarch as a head of state without any consent granted by testing popular opinion via a referendum would be a bad start for a new democracy.
This should be a 3 option referendum including a) elected head of state (President like the Republic of Ireland) b) the Queen/Royals c) no head of state (First Minister acts as head of state, Deputy First Minister could take on more ceremonial duties and state visits).
This referendum could be carried out by The Constitutional Convention. Further referendums on membership of the EU, IMF, NATO, etc should also be held. While the timescale to debate these issues may be limited prior to independence, The only membership body I believe does not require a referendum is the UN.
While the Union of the Crowns may be a separate Act and part of the social union, an unelected feudal monarch as a head of state without any consent granted by testing popular opinion via a referendum would be a bad start for a new democracy.
This should be a 3 option referendum including a) elected head of state (President like the Republic of Ireland) b) the Queen/Royals c) no head of state (First Minister acts as head of state, Deputy First Minister could take on more ceremonial duties and state visits).
This referendum could be carried out by The Constitutional Convention. Further referendums on membership of the EU, IMF, NATO, etc should also be held. While the timescale to debate these issues may be limited prior to independence, The only membership body I believe does not require a referendum is the UN.
3. What are your views on the proposed adjustments to the Scotland Act 1998, set out in Chapter 4?
What are your views on the proposed adjustments to the Scotland Act 1998, set out in Chapter 4?
Nothing to add, agree in principle. As long as House of Commons and House of Lords have no say legislation affecting Scotland, only changes to their own legislation and constitution.
4. What are your views on the constitutional status of the Scottish Independence Bill and renewed Scotland Act, and on the certification procedure for subsequent Bills, set out in Chapter 5?
What are your views on the constitutional status of the Scottish Independence Bill and renewed Scotland Act, and on the certification procedure for subsequent Bills, set out in Chapter 5?
Agree in principle
5. What are your views on the process for the development of a permanent written constitution by a Constitutional Convention, set out in section 32 of the Bill and explained in chapter 5? (e.g. membership, working procedures, time needed to complete its task)
What are your views on the process for the development of a permanent written constitution by a Constitutional Convention, set out in section 32 of the Bill and explained in chapter 5? (e.g. membership, working procedures, time needed to complete its task)
Agree on all however the date of independence should remain flexible to allow time to pass.
6. Do you have any other comments about the proposals in the Scottish Independence Bill?
Do you have any other comments about the proposals in the Scottish Independence Bill?
Should UN observers be called in to mediate from the moment there is a Yes vote to referee negotiations between the UK Government and Scottish Government?
Whether a member of NATO or not, the US will remain a key strategic alley of Scotland and perhaps they should also be asked to observe negotiations, along with neighbours the Republic of Ireland and the Nordic Council.
They will should not be asked to determine the outcome, merely that they are happy with the process and agree it is fair and democratic and that they will recognise Scotland as an independent state. This would also allow time to build up relationships and diplomatic ties with officials ahead of independence.
Whether a member of NATO or not, the US will remain a key strategic alley of Scotland and perhaps they should also be asked to observe negotiations, along with neighbours the Republic of Ireland and the Nordic Council.
They will should not be asked to determine the outcome, merely that they are happy with the process and agree it is fair and democratic and that they will recognise Scotland as an independent state. This would also allow time to build up relationships and diplomatic ties with officials ahead of independence.