Scotland sets out blueprint for independence

Ben McConville | Associated Press

GLASGOW, Scotland (AP) — An independent Scotland would continue to use the pound sterling as its currency, remain in the European Union and join the NATO military alliance, Scotland's government said Tuesday.

In the first detailed outline of Scotland's political future as an independent country, First Minister Alex Salmond's administration set out the ways it said the nation would prosper if it left the United Kingdom. In a referendum on Sept. 18, 2014, Scots will be asked whether they want Scotland to become independent.

The document says independence will create a more democratic Scotland and a more prosperous country.

Scotland is part of the U.K. but it has had its own Parliament since 1999 and has its own set of laws. The governing Scottish National Party supports independence, while the opposition Labour and Conservative parties both oppose it. Independence day would be on March 24, 2016, if the people of Scotland vote 'yes' to going it alone.

"It will be a decision by the people of Scotland, Scotland's future is in Scotland's hands," Salmond said at the launch of the 670-page document setting out the terms of separation.

Political battles in the run-up to the referendum could come down to straightforward pocketbook politics.

The independence movement is strongly opposed by British Prime Minister David Cameron. The British government argues that people living in Scotland would pay an extra $1,600 a year in tax. However, Salmond said that if Scotland had had power of its finances over the past five years, each Scot would have been £2,400 better off.

Salmond called for the historic referendum after his Scottish National Party in 2011 won a one-seat majority in the Scottish Parliament, the devolved assembly in Edinburgh that has powers over health, education and law.

Polls have consistently put support for independence at between 25% and 30% over the past three years, with support for remaining in the union at between 45% and 50%. But the number of undecided voters is significant.

The vote is open to all residents of Scotland.

While the 'Better Together' campaign in favor of continued union has been criticized for lacking energy, the 'yes' camp has sought to capitalize on Scotland's tricky relationship with England.

In a theatrical nod to history, the March 24 date is also the anniversary of the 1603 Union of the Crowns of England and Scotland. Next year is the 700th anniversary of the 1314 Battle of Bannockburn when a Scottish army led by Robert the Bruce defeated a larger English army near Stirling.