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National Conversation taken to Europe
23/04/2008
First Minister Alex Salmond today brought the National Conversation to Brussels; continuing the democratic, consultative approach that defines Scotland's international potential.
Opening the discussion in Scotland House, the First Minister told a gathered audience of policy-makers, politicians, business representatives and think-tanks that a new political culture is emerging in Scotland - based on building consensus.
Developing this consensual approach to define Scotland's aspirations in foreign policy, and building on the International Framework published yesterday, the First Minister set out his ambition for Scotland to take a leading role in global humanitarian and peacekeeping missions.
The First Minister said:
"This Scottish Government was elected to explore the options for constitutional change. We have done that by opening the debate to the people of Scotland, engaging civic leaders and encouraging discussion and reflection.
"Today there is broad acceptance across the Scottish political spectrum that the powers we have are not enough, that Scotland wants, needs and desires greater decision-making responsibility. The question has become not whether we should assume more powers in Edinburgh, but what powers and within what timescale.
"This open and discursive approach to decision-making, together with the policies that the Scottish Government is pursuing - both for our economy and our society - are striking a chord with the people of Scotland. They speak to their ingrained spirit of fairness, of justice and of compassion.
"It is these values which define Scotland's natural place on the international stage - firmly in Europe's social democratic mainstream. That is why the conversation about Scottish independence is not just an opportunity to move Scotland forward, but a chance for us to give something back - to meet our global responsibilities.
"Yesterday we launched the Scottish Government's International Framework - an outward looking, progressive plan for international engagement. It is a plan that seeks to make the most of all of Scotland's opportunities and assets. But we need to think now about how to meet the global responsibilities that come with international relationships.
"What is clear is that we need to find the best way to strengthen Scotland's role in Europe and beyond. Our national conversation is bigger than than any party and goes beyond our boundaries. It goes to the heart of who we are and who we want to be. My firm belief is that Scots want to be responsible, self-governing, and peaceful members of the international community."
The National Conversation was launched in August 2007 with the launch of Choosing Scotland's Future, a document built on the premise that the people of Scotland are sovereign and should be allowed a referendum to decide how they are governed.
The second phase of the National Conversation was launched in March 2008, when the First Minister welcomed representatives from Scotland's civic institutions to an in-depth discussion about the implications of constitutional change for life in Scotland.
The public are invited to join the National Conversation by logging onto a dedicated website where they can add comments.
To date, Scottish Government's National Conversation website has had some 353,000 hits, with the white paper attracting 28,000 call-ups.