Stevenson Urges Locals to Have Their Say on Scotland's Constitution

Stewart Stevenson, SNP MSP for Banffshire & Buchan Coast has today (Monday) urged locals in his constituency to have their say on a draft Bill which will set out how an independent Scotland will be governed.

The Scottish Independence Bill is now open for public consultation until October 20, and sets out immediate arrangements for independence, such as the role of government, human rights and the rule of law, and would form the interim written constitution. The fundamental principle underpinning the Bill is that the people are sovereign, rather than Parliament, as is the case in the UK.

Mr Stevenson said:

“The debate about Scotland’s future is engaging and enthusing people across Banffshire and the Buchan Coast. It is an intensely practical debate about how independence can improve the lives of people in Scotland.

“Currently we don’t have a written constitution, and the UK is the only country within the European Union or the Commonwealth that does not have a written constitution or a Constitution Act.”

The interim constitution proposes advancement towards nuclear disarmament, the strengthening of human rights protection, the safeguarding of the well-being of children and protection for the particular needs of local government and island communities.

Mr Stevenson added:

“In the Yes campaign we believe that the Scottish people should be sovereign, rather than our parliament. We also believe that principle should be written into the basic building blocks of an independent Scotland, the constitution which will underpin what our country is like and how it protects and empowers its citizens.

“This is a very exciting time and I would encourage everyone to have their say on the Bill. It is an exciting and unique opportunity to shape our nation, celebrate and protect our values and commit ourselves to building a better country.”

To view the consultation, go to:
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2014/06/7881.