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Announcement
Benefits of the UK to be examined in detail
From:
Scotland Office, Office of the Advocate General for Scotland, The Rt Hon Michael
Moore, The Rt Hon David Mundell MP, The Rt Hon Danny Alexander and HM Treasury
First published:
20 June 2012
Part of:
Scottish constitution
This news article was published under the 2010 to 2015
Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government
The UK government will undertake a programme of work to inform and support the debate on
Scotland's future within the UK.
The UK government will undertake a programme of work to inform and support the debate on
Scotland’s future within the UK.
Ahead of a proposed referendum on independence the UK government will produce detailed
evidence and analysis to assess the benefits of Scotland remaining part of the United Kingdom,
the Secretary of State for Scotland Michael Moore told the House of Commons today.
This analysis will be carried out across the UK government and will be undertaken in
conjunction with respected academics, think-tanks and other expert bodies who will provide
expert support and challenge to the work.
Mr Moore informed MPs at Scottish Questions that the work will report in stages over a number
of months once the detailed arrangements for the independence referendum have been agreed
between the UK and Scottish Governments. He said that the analysis will provide clarity and fact
to inform the debate in the run up to the referendum.
The work will evaluate the benefits of Scotland remaining in the UK to both Scotland and the
rest of the UK across a number of key themes including:
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our position in the world - our currency and monetary policy; financial services; and
membership of the EU and international institutions
the protection of our citizens - our defence capability and the way we secure our borders
the economic benefits of the UK - our economic performance; our public services; our
welfare system and our shared energy sector
Michael Moore said:
“The government’s position is clear. We believe Scotland is stronger in the UK and the UK is
stronger with Scotland in it. Leading up to the referendum the government will produce detailed
evidence and analysis to assess the benefits that Scotland gains from being part of the United
Kingdom and the contribution that Scotland makes to our United Kingdom.
“It is right that this debate is fully informed by thorough evidence and analysis to address many
of the key questions facing people in Scotland.”
Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander said:
“This work will be a careful and detailed analysis of the benefits to Scotland of being part of the
UK. It will look at some of the key questions in this debate, questions that the Scottish people
have a right to know the answers to. Scotland is a great place to live and that is in no small part
because of its partnership with the rest of the UK.”
The Scotland Office Minister David Mundell said:
“As the Prime Minister has made clear we believe passionately in the United Kingdom and the
benefits that it has brought to all of its citizens. This work programme will provide the robust
analysis and evidence that the people in Scotland need to make an informed decision in the
referendum.”
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Published:
20 June 2012
From:
Scotland Office
Office of the Advocate General for Scotland
The Rt Hon Michael Moore
The Rt Hon David Mundell MP
The Rt Hon Danny Alexander
HM Treasury
Part of:
Scottish constitution
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