How would an independent Scotland be politically different from the UK?

[politicus]

Trying to restart this again, since the thread on IG is beyond salvage.

What would change in the politics? How would the foreign policy be different? How about domestic policies?

UK is generally liberal - even the Conservative party is more or less in line with US Democrats while the Scots politically feel much more Scandinavian than British.

[politicus]

Generally Scotland would be more Social Democratic, since Labour would be stronger and SNP would pursue mainly SD policies. In general the Scottish centre-right would be much more moderate than the British Tories are today. A lot would obviously depend on the country's economy, since SD policies are costly.

Immigration: Much more positive towards labour immigration because of shrinking and ageing population. More humanitarian refugee policy.

Defence: Nuclear free and with a small military.

Education: Lower tuition fees, would try to make tertiary education free if it could afford so. Higher focus on vocational training.

Environment: Would generally be greener and try to make renewable energy a priority, but with some notable exceptions, such as fish farms and the oil sector. 

Business: Would try actively to use public funds (oil money) to re-industrialize the country.

EU: Much more positive attitude - might even join the Euro if it gets back on track.

Foreign policy: Would try to develop a partnership with the Nordic countries. Lower profile in international military operations than Britain.

Welfare: Would try to develop a better social safety network, to the extent it could afford so.

There would be more differences, but that's what I can think of top of my head.

[Blue3]

Thanks