Scottish government says independence for good of the people EDINBURGH, Scotland, Nov. 15 (UPI) -- Scottish Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said his government views independence as a net benefit to the Scottish people. "This government believes independence will benefit everyone in this nation, and that having decisions taken here by the people who live and work here will help us create a fairer and more prosperous society," he said in a statement Thursday. Scottish lawmakers passed a measure that clears the way for a Sept. 18 referendum for independence. The bill, passed Thursday, states the vote will be preceded by a 16-week campaign period and governed according to international standards. Voters next year will answer the question: "Should Scotland be an independent country?" Sturgeon said the government will publish a draft paper in December outlining the benefits and opportunities for an independent Scotland. "People want to know what the gains of independence will be for their families and communities," he said. We already take decisions here on a wide range of devolved issues, and these have led to real gains for communities all across Scotland. The British government has questioned Scotland's readiness to go it alone on economic and defense issues.