While the Constitutional Commission takes the view that any constitutional settlement is for the people of Scotland to decide, we think it is important to help examine what form any such settlement may take. To this end a Draft Constitution for an independent Scotland is now available on-line for viewing and comment.  Take part in a conversation to help shape Scotland's constitutional future and improve our democracy.

 

In 1995 the Scottish Constitutional Convention presented “Scotland’s Parliament, Scotland’s Right” to the people of Scotland. That led directly to the devolution referendum and the Parliament at Holyrood. The eleven or so years since have seen many changes, some of them for the better. However, contrary to the expectations of many, devolution has not diminished the desire for more autonomy for Scotland. When this is coupled with a corresponding desire south of the border for “English votes for English matters”, there can be little doubt that both Scotland and the UK are in constitutional crisis.
The last Scottish General Election was dominated by the constitutional debate, and there are compelling reasons for a fundamental rethink about Scotland’s constitutional future. The political process is inadequate and inappropriate for such a major rethink, partly because it tends to be self-serving and opportunistic, but also because it has not shown itself able to think constitutionally and strategically, which is precisely the kind of thinking that Scotland most needs at this point in her history. The time has come for a very different kind of debate about Scotland’s constitutional future, a debate that is not the sole province of politicians. That is why we have set up a Constitutional Commission for Scotland.  Before saying more about the Commission, it is worth outlining briefly why we felt it necessary to set it up. There are five compelling reasons for doing so.