The Libertarian candidate for The Borders visited Smailholm Tower in rural Scotland on Tuesday. Afterwards, he livestreamed a short Q&A in the nearby village and discussed the Libertarian position on unionism and devolution.

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"Anyone who knows me well will know I love local history and rural Scotland. The tower here in Smailholm, a stunning part of The Borders, offered protection from English raids launched from across the border. So, what a great place to talk about the value of unionism and the process of devolving powers from Westminster to Holyrood.”

 

"I endorsed a boycott of the recent welfare referendum. Not because I oppose devolving more powers to Scotland, but because I believe devolution should be based on consensus of both parliaments, not by expensive referendum every few years and not by a First Minister with eyes only for independence by the backdoor."

 

"However, the Scottish people voted in favour of the referendum and I respect their decision, but I want to see more than just welfare devolved. I support the British government in finding a new settlement for all four home nations and have campaigned on a platform of devolving far more tax powers, and, the ability of Holyrood to dictate Scottish energy policy. I want to see the Scottish government simplify the tax codes of Scotland and cut them when it's possible; and I want to see a energy policy which works. Naturally, this will only become possible under a Libertarian government. Either way, I think it's plain to see the benefit of sensible devolution."

 

"I will always support the continued existence of the union and will campaign against Scottish independence, but there is a clear need and desire to move more and more decision making from London to Edinburgh. The union makes Scotland stronger whilst making the United Kingdom stronger. There is absolutely no benefit of Scotland breaking off from Britain."