Scotland releases draft constitution

The Scottish government has set out the first draft constitution for an independent Scotland in advance of the upcoming September 18 referendum.

Deputy First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon started the public outreach on the draft Scottish Independence Bill while giving a speech at Edinburgh University on Monday.

In the case of a “Yes” vote in the independence referendum a temporary constitution will first be used, then it will be replaced by a permanent one.

If the draft legislation is passed by the parliament, it will take effect from March 24, 2014.

Sturgeon said, “A written constitution can be the foundation on which we can build that better Scotland. A written constitution is an important part of a nation’s identity – it defines who we are and sets out the values that we hold dear.”

“The Bill also sets out the framework for the Constitutional Convention that will follow independence and will develop Scotland’s permanent written constitution.”

The temporary constitution states:

• Scotland’s people are sovereign, rather than parliament or government.

• Scotland functions as an independent parliamentary democracy with a government and the Queen as head of state.

• The national flag of Scotland continues to be the Saltire.

• The Scottish Parliament can choose a national anthem for Scotland.

• The rule of law applies from day one of independence.

• Rules for Scottish citizenship.

According to recent opinion polls, there has been a surge in support for a “Yes” vote in the upcoming referendum on Scotland’s independence.

SRK/AS/MAM

Source Article from http://www.presstv.ir/detail/2014/06/16/367274/scotland-releases-draft-constitution/

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