Ian McKee

Dr Ian McKee is an MSP for Lothians.

'The most successful nations in Europe are not the largest. The advantages of economy of scale are more than offset by other factors. But when you look at the reasons for success of small to medium size countries, you may at first be confused. This country is rich in oil, that country has few natural resources. One successful country levels high taxes whilst yet another prospers by providing a low tax, business friendly environment. The consistent formula for success does not seem to exist.

Yet it does. Because what all these countries have in common is their independence. They can speedily make decisions regarding tax, investment or social policy that suit their own circumstances. Norway invests its oil revenues in a fund for future generations because that is what its citizens wish to happen. The Republic of Ireland has invested heavily in the education of its people so that it now attracts hi-tech investment from overseas.

We are told by unionists that we are the only country that cannot benefit in this way. That, despite having massive natural resources, Scotland needs the protection of the United Kingdom. Yet they admit that years of dependence have left us with some of the worst poverty in Europe and areas in which life expectancy is worse than for citizens of the Gaza Strip. It is time to regain our self-respect, to take our future in our own hands and work to create an independent Scotland that truly serves the needs of its own people.'