Ideas for Independence

This is a page driven by ideas, so we want yours. Let's make this a positive page to drive conversation about Scotland's future.

[ideasforindependence]

Idea no 16

An independent Scotland should see arts and science spending as vital as health and education is to the wellbeing of it's people and the growth of it's economy.  Arts and science are areas we can truly excel in and can serve to bring tourists to Scotland, inspire future generations and create opportunities for new business, jobs and tax. 

[ideasforindependence]

Idea no 15

Move from Service based economy to a mixed economy, incl. Manufacturing quality items

We are probably not big enough to be a world leader in scale of manufacturing, but a country’s wealth is based on what it can sell. We need to catch up and go beyond competitors in terms of expertise. We can excel in Quality not quantity.

We should introduce the most competitive training streams for technical people, make professional career paths that meet their aspirations and in return a contract that they must work here for x years. In addition, innovation and start ups should be encouraged. Take risks. Invest in people and ideas, have a hothouse in every town. Expand business hatcheries and make sure we have agreements in place with international companies for partnerships. MAKE things.

[ideasforindependence]

Idea no 14

I'd like a separation from state and monarchy. I'd like the new Scotland to be a republic, where all lawmakers are elected. If an independent Scotland means anything, it means democracy for every person, equality as a right - and that cannot co-exist with a monarchy.

[ideasforindependence]

Idea no 13

Decisions on public health should be evidence based using multiple sources and double blind studies (where possible). There should be no reactionary policy or a repeat of the mmr fiasco and subsequent measles outbreak in an independent Scotland. Independent approval panel to be setup to judge policy and decisions on statistical evidence.

[ideasforindependence]

Idea no 12

A clear separation of church and state set within the constitution.  Scotland should be a secular, free country with no state religion which encourages our children to find their own path and experiences. This frees education to be set by those with children's best interests at heart and not directly influenced by religious lobbies.  It would mean a fully inclusive education system with no children being left out of activities.

[bishopbriggs]

Source - National Collective

[ideasforindependence]

Idea no 11.

An independent Scotland will have the power to scrap trident which the vast majority of Scottish people oppose. Scrapping trident would save billions of pounds which could be spent on welfare and investment. To replace the jobs lost by scrapping this nuclear fleet, we could invest in green energy manufacturing and collection or any other industry that Scotland needs. 

[ideasforindependence]

Idea no 10.

In an independent Scotland we should invest in digital infrastructure to connect rural areas with high speed broadband and 3/4g.  It would breath new life to areas far away from our main cities and enable them to compete worldwide.

[ideasforindependence]

Idea no 8.

Could we charge £1.00 for each prescription with a caveat that the funds are ring fenced for Scottish NHS

[ideasforindependence]

Idea no 7.

Like Norway, Cuba and other small countries; Scotland could act as an objective mediator between conflicting groups such as FARC and the Colombian government. We could also play a part in the middle east peace process by recognising Palestine as a state, refusing to play a part in the arms trade and having a real open dialogue with any nations that wish to do so. That is influence. When better together talk about influence, they mean using coercion and ignoring the democratic decisions of sovereign nations.

[ideasforindependence]

Idea no 6.

The new Scottish constitution should make it clear that nuclear weapons should not be manufacured, stored, used or deployed in Scotland. Like New Zealand, we could be a beacon of peace in the Northern Hemisphere. Scotland should also phase out use of nuclear power and instead invest in more green , renewable sources of energy.

[ideasforindependence]

We should legalize Cannabis. The number of industrial, medical and recreational uses for hemp are staggeringly vast and could make Scotland a leading force in the new "Cash Crop" until at least the rest of the world open their eyes to the many uses of the plant. We would also save a ton of money on needless prosecutions and wasted police time locking people in a cage for growing a simple plant which people have for thousands of years all over the globe.

Idea no 5.

[ideasforindependence]

Idea no 3.

A national Scottish bank with 51% of the shares held in trust for customers who hold savings accounts. Dividends shared equally between those customers and they each have a say in how it’s run. Bank should have responsible and conservative investment policy.

[ideasforindependence]

Idea no 4.

Have a Scottish constitution that enshrines workers rights, human rights and a clear separation of church and state. We could show the benefits of living in a smaller state by having real citizen participation in the planning of our constitution.

[ideasforindependence]

Idea no 2.

Take the £2.5 billion a year that is being proposed we spend on a Scottish Defence Force and spend it on education, welfare, culture and renewable energy.  We could lead as a truly progressive nation who spends it's money on things that matter, not tanks, guns and nuclear weapons.

[ideasforindependence]

Idea no 1.

Here's my idea, let's start a blog and a conversation for people to share ideas for independence.  It's the people who choose whether we stay part of the UK and so it should be the people that drive what happens in an independent Scotland with their ideas and passion. 

Even if Scotland votes to stay in the Union, these ideas could shape us into a truly progressive part of the UK who will influence policy across Britain by leading.