Scottish independence: MSPs vote for independence in ‘symbolic’ move

MSPs have for the first time voted in favour of Scotland becoming independent.

First Minister Alex Salmond hailed the vote, by 69 to 52, as a “milestone” in the country’s history.

• Alex Salmond hails ‘milestone’ as MSPs vote in favour of independence by 69 to 52

• Pro-Union motion tabled by Scottish Labour leader Johann Lamont defeated in Parliament

• Mr Salmond announces 15,000 people back declaration that Scotland fundamentally better if independent

• Opposition leaders emphasise advantages of Union to Scots

He also revealed that 15,000 people have backed a declaration stating it is “fundamentally better” if decisions about the country’s future are taken by the people of Scotland.

The declaration is a key part of the Yes Scotland cross-party campaign for independence, which officially got under way just six days ago.

At the time of its launch Mr Salmond declared that if one million voters put their names to it “then we shall win an independent Scotland”.

The SNP leader revealed 15,000 people had already given it their backing as Holyrood debated the country’s constitutional future.

Labour, Tories and the Liberal Democrats all united round an amendment put forward by Johann Lamont, the Scottish Labour leader.

It argued that it was in Scotland’s best interest to remain part of the United Kingdom and that the country was “stronger together and weaker apart”.

But that was defeated, with MSPs instead backing Mr Salmond’s motion, which said: “The Parliament agrees that Scotland should be an independent country.”

While the vote is largely procedural, it will have symbolic significance for Nationalists, who can now state that independence is “the will of the Scottish Parliament”.

Mr Salmond said: “Today, for the first time since the beginning of the political union, the elected representatives of the people of Scotland have agreed that this nation should be an independent country.”

He said the establishment of the Scottish Parliament in 1999 had a been a “milestone in Scotland’s journey” and added: “The motion today marks another.”

While he said Holyrood had “achieved much in its short life span” - such as the ban on smoking in public places - he added: “This Parliament is not yet able to make many of the key decisions which affect the lives of our fellow countrymen and women.”

Mr Salmond added: “Independence is now the settled will of the Scottish Parliament. In Scotland sovereignty rests with the people and in the autumn of 2014 the people will have their say in Scotland’s independence referendum.”

But Ms Lamont argued that most Scots did not want independence.

“We, as a nation, were never conquered,” the Labour leader said.

“The United Kingdom has not been imposed upon us, it is the choice of Scots.

“It is the choice of Scots to share power with our neighbours in these small islands.”

She added: “Had Scotland been a separate country right now, I believe we would be seriously looking at creating the type of union we currently enjoy, the type of social, economic and political union that has brought us 300 years of peace and stability.

“The type of union that allows us to weather the worst economic crisis of our lifetime when the banking sector collapsed.”

Tory leader Ruth Davidson also suggested Scotland would want to join the UK if they were not already part of it.

She argued that being part of Britain gave Scots trading opportunities, the advantages of an integrated economy and safety and security through a joint defence force.

“Who but the most starry-eyed of Nationalists would deliberately not choose these advantages?” the Conservative said.

“But these are precisely the advantages that the First Minister and its Government are calling on the Scottish people to surrender.

“This debate is about the future. We are stronger together than apart.”

Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie said he believed in devolving more power to Scotland but added: “That doesn’t mean I want to be separate.”

He said areas such as the international development budget and the UK’s defence forces were examples where Scotland benefited from maintaining its influence as part of the UK.

Mr Rennie added: “It’s much better to have an influence on what our neighbours are doing. That is what is great about the United Kingdom.”