Scottish Independance Paper

The Scottish Government has launched a White Paper on an independent Scotland that promises that the country’s farmers would be better-off if there is a ‘yes’ vote in next autumn’s referendum.  The paper, called  ‘Scotland’s Future’ covers agriculture in chapter 8.  This states that an independent Scotland would be able to secure a better deal in CAP negotiations for Scotland that DEFRA has managed.  The document also states that it should be possible to reduce the burden of European livestock regulation.  Independence would also see levies collected retained within the country, and a future administration would look to use fiscal powers to support new entrants into the industry.  The White Paper has been criticised by supporters of the Union as containing a wish-list of unaffordable promises whilst also offering un-tested reassurances that none of the things that Scotland likes about the UK (the Queen, the BBC, the Pound) would be lost.  The full 670 page document can be found at – http://www.scotreferendum.com/