10.
But Liberal Democrats always recognised that devolution would only ever be a halfway house to a more permanent modern constitutional framework.
A strong, positive future for Scotland 11.
The Scottish Parliament and the devolved assemblies have changed the UK constitutional picture permanently.
12.
The key question that faces our nation is whether Scotland should remain part of the United Kingdom. This question must be resolved so that the people of Scotland can focus on the challenges that face our society, whether economic, social or environmental.
13.
Scotland benefits from being part of the UK and the UK benefits from having Scotland within it. For over 300 years, the United Kingdom has brought people together in a successful multi-national state.
14.
The United Kingdom is one of the biggest economies in the world and our combined strength has helped us to weather the recent economic turmoil. As part of the United Kingdom, Scotland itself is better protected from economic shocks. The United Kingdom enabled the creation and funding of the NHS and the pensions and benefits system; this enables Scots to move throughout the United Kingdom to live, work and retire without worrying about the availability of social protection. In cultural terms Scotland is part of a complex web, including institutions such as the BBC and shared interests in sport, that binds all parts of the United Kingdom together in a way that would not be possible if Scotland were separated.
15.
As internationalists we believe that, as part of the UK, Scotland benefits from a prominent role on the world stage: represented at a permanent seat on the UN Security Council; part of one of the leading members of the European Union, G8 and NATO; reserved positions on the International Monetary Fund and World Bank. Through the UK, Scotland is able to have meaningful impact on issues as diverse as climate change, the fight for international justice, the operation of the global trading system and arms control. Scotland’s voice is louder through the UK than it would be alone: we have the weight to argue our case and fight for a fair deal for ourselves and others. Even in non-political international organisations, such as those concerned with sport, science or culture, the combined weight of the United Kingdom will always be greater than the sum of its parts.
Scottish Liberal Democrats 2012
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