Revisiting home rule sparks calls to let voters choose a third way
Scots must be given a third option if and when voters are asked if Scotland should be independent, according to the author of a book detailing a new model of home rule.
Ben Thomson, an Edinburgh financier and founder of the Reform Scotland thinktank, described the current debate about Scotland’s political future as “very aggressive” and “polarised” between unionism and nationalism.
Mr Thomson said an option of extra powers such as full control over taxation and spending could help close the divide between the two sides.
He said: “I think it has become very aggressive and very polarised between the two extremes of unionism versus nationalism. I don’t think that sort of politics is particularly healthy.”
Earlier this month First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced plans for a draft Bill for a second independence referendum.
But, under the Scotland Act 1998, Westminster must agree to a referendum before it can legally be held. Boris Johnson, however, has repeatedly said he would not agree to a vote while he is Prime Minister.
Mr Thomson, chairman of Edinburgh-based investment company Inverleith, said if there was a pro-independence majority at the Holyrood election in 2021 it would become harder for Westminster to ignore calls for a referendum.
Mr Thomson’s book Scottish Home Rule – The Answer to Scotland’s Constitutional Question covers the history of Home Rule from late 19th Century and how he believes it may be the best option for Scotland.
He said the ballot paper should ask voters whether they want independence, home rule or the status quo.
“We have to be more adult than just you’ve got to be on the left-hand side or the right-hand side,” he said. “Let’s have a choice which actually gives people an alternative option.”
Mr Thomson proposes Scotland remains in the UK, continuing to share the pound while running its own economy and social welfare system.
“It would only really work long-term if it has its own currency,” he said. “It would be natural to assume that an independent Scotland would look to rejoin the European Union.
“The weakness of both of those things is 60% of Scotland’s trade is with the rest of the UK, whereas only 19% of Scotland’s trade is with the rest of Europe. We do three times more trade with the rest of the UK, and therefore it seems very natural for us to be part of the Sterling Zone.”