Consultation 'would be priority'

Jan 16 2013

Establishing a written constitution would be one of the first duties of an independent Scottish Parliament, the First Minister has said.

The process for writing a constitution in the event of a Yes vote in the 2014 referendum would involve politicians from all political parties as well as the Scottish people, according to Alex Salmond.

He set out some of the Scottish Government's proposals for measures which could be included as he addressed the Foreign Press Association in London. These include enshrining the right to free education and a home, banning possession of weapons of mass destruction and setting out what terms would have to be met to go to war.

The first independent Parliament would be formed by May 2016 if a Yes vote is returned in autumn 2014, said Mr Salmond.

"We will make it one of the first duties of the Parliament of an independent Scotland to establish a convention to draw up that written constitution. And we will return to our older constitutional tradition of the people's sovereignty by making sure the people are directly involved in that process," he said.

"Scotland's constitutional convention will provide an opportunity for everyone to express their views. All political parties will be involved, together with the wider public and civic Scotland. Since no single party or individual has a monopoly on good ideas, all parties and all individuals will be encouraged to contribute.

"There are some recent and inspiring examples of constitutional renewal involving citizens as well as politicians. In particular, Iceland is an example of modern technologies being used to harness enthusiasm of citizens as well as politicians in the renewal of their constitution. After wide consultation, its new constitution was approved by the people last October."

Other issues which could be explored are natural resources, ensuring economic growth is sustainable and Scotland's responsibilities as a member of the international community, Mr Salmond said.

Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson dismissed the First Minister's speech as "little more than political posturing".

She said: "Instead of grandstanding in London, he should be getting on with running the country and using the powers he already has to help improve the daily lives of the people of Scotland."