The Russian invasion of Ukraine has compelled many European international locations to reassess their defence insurance policies.
The violent actions of Vladimir Putin have been a surprising reminder that wars can occur near residence.
Finland and Sweden have for many years chosen to not be members of NATO - the defence alliance solid between Western nations within the aftermath of the Second World Battle.
However the struggle in Ukraine means each international locations at the moment are desirous to sign-up.
The UK is after all already a member of NATO in addition to being one of many 9 international locations to own nuclear weapons.
Some may argue it’s irrelevant - given the instant points confronted by Ukraine - to invest on the defence coverage of an impartial Scotland.
However the truth stays the Scottish Authorities is dedicated to holding a referendum.
So it’s as much as the SNP and Scottish Greens to inform the general public how independence would work - and the way the nation would defend itself.
Patrick Harvie argues an impartial Scotland wouldn't must grow to be a member of NATO.
It’s a place that merely doesn’t make sense given the carnage we're witnessing in Ukraine.
Even the SNP ditched its opposition to NATO as way back as 2012.
The Greens co-leader is now a authorities minister and must face the truth of the damaging world we live in.
Ukraine has known as to be allowed NATO membership.
It’s a privilege the nation clearly understands because it fights for survival
Nato membership is just not one thing that Scotland’s leaders ought to be taking part in politics with - particularly as Europe faces struggle on a scale not seen since 1945.
Push the passes
Giving younger Scots free bus passes was a typical sense concept that ought to have been launched years in the past.
Not all youngsters are lucky sufficient to have dad and mom in a position to ferry them round in a automotive.
With no entry to move, it will probably make discovering work or a spot in school or college tougher.
However whereas the free bus go scheme works in concept it has thus far failed to achieve its potential in follow.
Work out at the moment present 70 per cent of younger Scots who're eligible for the scheme have thus far did not register.
Critics blame an excessively sophisticated software course of that may be off-putting.
It’s clear one thing wants to alter if the bus go scheme is to essentially make a distinction to the lives of younger Scots.
Colleges might do extra to assist pupils apply earlier than they head off to the world of labor or additional training.
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