Scottish independence ‘could help reduce poverty’

AN INDEPENDENT Scotland could have a “dramatic impact” on improving lives in the developing world, according to the external affairs minister.

Humza Yousaf said countries of a similar size to Scotland already lead a league table on tackling poverty. Picture: TSPL

Humza Yousaf said countries of a similar size to Scotland already lead a league table on tackling poverty.

He will set out how he thinks Scotland could be a world leader in international development during a speech to MSPs today.

Mr Yousaf said: “We know that countries of Scotland’s size can make a huge difference to the lives of people in the developing world. Independent countries such as Norway, Sweden, Finland and Ireland all rank higher than the UK in the Centre for Development’s tables.

“An independent Scotland can have a dramatic impact in reducing poverty and improving lives in the developing world.

“The Scottish Government has an ambitious vision of the role Scotland could play as a global citizen. We have a unique contribution to offer the world and are already making a real difference through our people’s expertise on climate change and energy, education, health improvement and research along with our innovative approach to international development.”

He is also expected to say how he believes staff already employed by the Department of International Development in East Kilbride and those working for international aid agencies, mean Scotland is “well placed to make a significant difference”.

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