The first in a National Collective series looking at support for independence amongst New Scots and those from migrant backgrounds.
Callum Cyrus was born in Wolverhampton and lived in Scotland for some time as a child and from 2008:
“I will be voting YES in 2014 because I believe in a strong and equal partnership between the two countries I have lived in throughout my life; Scotland and England. As a third-generation Jamaican immigrant, I understand the empowering impact of self-determination in defining a nation.
“I believe that the importance of nationhood in the 21st century transcends the usefulness of an antiquated union. The lack of economic levers held in Scotland prevents us achieving the full ambitions we have for our nation.
“Scotland is a country with the resources and knowledge to succeed and a culture to be proud of. I would dearly like Scotland to grasp this opportunity to assert its self confidence and become a country prosperous and inclusive for all.”
Chris Ferguson was born in Gourock, Scotland and lived in the USA between the ages of 1-16:
“Independence is an opportunity for Scotland to develop a more accountable and responsive democracy. I believe that foreign policy, taxation, energy policy, industrial policy and others should be controlled in Scotland, and doing so would encourage a distinctly progressive and green hued politics to shape government policy. A diversity of thought across the British Isles should be seen as a good thing.
“I imagine Britishness persisting upon independence, but as a cultural entity, something which those in the Commonwealth, Scots, and even Irish and Americans can find much in common with. But that broad cultural heritage shouldn’t stop a representative democracy in Scotland from having power over the most important issues to Scots.
“Opponent of independence often talk about the ‘strength’ of the UK as reason to maintain the status quo, but I think it’s more important to deal with the things that affect us in day to day life. I imagine a Scottish democracy measuring its success on equality, good health, civil liberties, education and commerce – not how many aircraft carriers or nuclear weapons we have.”
Lucas McGregor-Pass is a Scot with a German father who was educated in a German Kindergarten, moving to Scotland at school age:
“As a Scot with a German father I was educated in a German Kindergarten moving to Scotland at school age. I am a proud FC Schalke supporter and a regular at Murrayfield stadium. Although I have lived almost all my life in Scotland – Stirling, Fife and now Edinburgh – I still take a keen interest in Germany, and it is clear to me that Scotland as a Nation is denied the rights that German states take for granted.
“Although Scotland has control over some devolved powers the Westminster system can still be damaging, with Westminster governments being elected without popular support in Scotland and the House of Lords remaining undemocratic and unrepresentative. In comparison to Germany, where each state has rights protected by the Constitution and an elected Upper House, the UK system seems completely out of date.
“The lack of control over our own industry and economy holds us back, when we have the potential to be world leaders in areas like renewable energy. Scotland is all too often ignored by Westminster. We are a Nation capable of great things, which is reflected by our achievements in the past. Now is the time for our voice to be heard.”
Dan Paris
Youth and Students for Independence
scotyouth.wordpress.com
