A new white paper is progressing its' way through the Scottish Parliament seeking views and then perhaps powers for Independence for Scotland. This could mean amongst other things that the Scottish Parliament could set the date for Easter, if they wish they could choose 5th November! What a novel idea. Alternatively they could set lower/higher Pension and Unemployment Benefits rates and raise Income Tax to whatever level they choose, to support any increase in benefits . Here is a list of the items of power they could grab:-

Control of the Higher Courts, The Security Service, The Registration and Funding of Political Parties, Foreign Affairs, International Relations and Representation, The Scottish Civil Service and control of Scotland’s Defence.

For the economy, control over monetary policy and the production of coinage, legal tender and bank notes. Perhaps we could have a new currency. The Haggie, there being one hundred haggis to the Haggie or perhaps we could pip the English to the post and adopt the Euro first! It would give the politicians authority to set up a Bank similar to the Bank of England. It could be called the Royal State Bank of Scotland. Do you have any ideas for a name? They would be responsible for Firearms, Data Protection (perhaps they could stop those naughty credit agencies and financial institutions from recording inaccurate information about us!)

It would give the Parliament control of measures that relate to Emergency Powers, National Security and Terrorism. Additionally control of Trade and Industry, Energy (including the Nuclear industry), Social Security, Health, Employment, Media and Culture and the catch all (Miscellaneous items) that includes Equal Opportunities and Invading Outer Space.

 

Article by Charles Litster