A written constitution for Scotland

The United Kingdom has no written constitution, no clear set of absolute rules available freely and easily to all. It is a State ran by legislation, precedent, common law and dusty documents. It’s fair to say that the number of true constitutional experts could probably fit in your average village hall . (No your MP is not a constitutional expert by default)

An unwritten constitution is not a bad thing in itself. The longevity of the UK has proven it can stand the test of time. However, without a written document stating the absolute rights and liberties of the people and the limits of the powers of State how can we measure our freedoms? Anyone can look up legislation and common law but where do they access the interpretations Westminster uses to work within the constitution? People who work at Westminster still refer to vellum scrolls on shelves so how can we audit the legality of the UK governments work?

The main benefit of a modern day written constitution is that everyone can have access to every word instantly. With technology the actual meaning of each article is explainable by those who are writing the constitution. A written constitution no longer needs to be hand written with a quill on dead animal skin.

Our rights have never been more important as the UK’s involvement in our daily lives has never been more intrusive. The UK will never have a written constitution as this would involve documenting the true limits of its power versus what it is actually doing. But Scotland has a choice that will protect its people from a closed off, elitist UK State. Independence will allow Scots a chance to have their rights spelt out for all to see and understand. It will list the powers of the State and the limits that we Scots will bestow upon it. A written constitution will lay the ground work for an open, free and just independent Scotland. One ready to rejoin the international community as an equal partner.