I have campaigned vigorously for Northern Ireland to remain an integral part of the UK, and with that same commitment to unity, I believe Scotland made the right decision ten years ago when it voted to stay within the Union.
The separatists in Scotland just as in Northern Ireland have sought to destroy the United Kingdom. A decade on, we can see that remaining in the Union has brought significant benefits to Scotland, not just in economic terms, but socially, politically, and internationally. Today, I want to highlight five ways in which Scotlandās place within the UK has made it stronger and better equipped for the future.
Firstly, one of the most compelling reasons Scotland remains stronger within the Union is economic stability. Over the past decade, the world has been rocked by financial crises, the COVID-19 pandemic, and more recently, the challenges of energy insecurity and inflation caused by geopolitical tensions. Through it all, Scotland has been able to draw on the economic resilience of the UK.
The British pound has remained a stable and reliable currency, protecting Scots from the volatility and uncertainty that a smaller, independent currency might have introduced. Had Scotland chosen independence, it would have had to navigate turbulent global markets, establish new financial systems, and create its own central bank. The Unionās broad shoulders allowed Scotland to weather these storms more confidently and ensured access to the wider UK market, which remains Scotlandās largest trading partner. This level of economic security is crucial for businesses, families, and individuals across Scotland, particularly in times of global upheaval.
Secondly, Scotlandās infrastructure has benefited immensely from being part of a broader, UK-wide investment strategy. From new roads and railways to broadband expansion, Scotland has received significant capital investment that would have been harder to come by as an independent nation. Major projects like the Borders Railway and the Queensferry Crossing were funded with UK resources, ensuring that Scotland stays connected, both internally and with the rest of the UK.
In addition, public services like the National Health Service (NHS) have been shielded from the kind of cuts that could have occurred in an independent Scotland. While the NHS in Scotland is devolved, it benefits from the pooling of resources and expertise across the UK, particularly during the pandemic when vaccine procurement and the swift rollout of COVID-19 vaccinations were coordinated centrally. This united approach to public health not only saved lives but showcased the strength of cooperative governance within the UK.
Thirdly, as part of the UK, Scotland continues to enjoy a political influence that punches well above its weight on the international stage. The collective influence of the United Kingdom on the global stage is far more significant, than a small independent state. As part of a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, a leading member of NATO, and a G7 nation, Scotland is represented in decisions that affect global security, trade, and diplomacy.
Moreover, within the UK, Scotland retains a unique voice in the corridors of power. Devolution has given Scotland autonomy over crucial areas like health, education, and justice, while remaining part of a Union that amplifies its international influence. With MPs in Westminster and representation in key international negotiations, Scotland is both local and globalāa balance that would be difficult to replicate as an independent nation.
Fourthly, the cultural ties that bind Scotland to the rest of the UK are rich and enduring. Over the past ten years, weāve seen these bonds strengthened, rather than weakened. The freedom to celebrate a distinct Scottish identityāwhether through the arts, sport, or languageāhas only grown within the Union, supported by shared cultural institutions that promote diversity across all four nations.
Sport is one such unifying force. While Scotlandās national teams compete separately, the shared pride during international events like the Olympics is palpable. Scottish athletes benefit from UK-wide funding for Olympic sports, allowing them to train and compete at the highest level, with the full backing of one of the worldās most successful sporting teams. Such cooperation enriches Scottish culture and ensures that Scots remain at the forefront of the arts, sciences, and athletics.
Finally, staying within the Union has allowed Scotland, just like Northern Ireland, to contribute to and benefit from the diversity of the UK. Each nation within the UK brings something unique to the table, and together, we are stronger for it. Scotland has made significant contributions to the political, cultural, and social fabric of the Union, while also benefiting from the ideas, talents, and resources of its fellow nations.
In times of national crisis, such as during the pandemic, we saw this unity in action. Whether it was through cross-border medical support, shared research on vaccines, or the collective effort to protect jobs and livelihoods, the four nations of the UK worked together for the common good. This collaboration has strengthened bonds and underscored the importance of working together for the future.
As we reflect on the 10th anniversary of the Scottish referendum, itās clear that Scotland has benefited enormously from remaining within the UK. Economic stability, shared infrastructure, political influence, cultural unity, and strength through diversity are just a few of the many advantages Scotland continues to enjoy today. The Union is not without its challenges, but it remains the best way forward for Scotland and the other constituent parts of the UKāa nation that is stronger, more prosperous, and more influential within the framework of a United Kingdom.