Scottish independence: White Paper key extracts 26 November 2013 Last updated at 18:46 Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond has launched the SNP's independence blueprint, which argues the nation would prosper should there be a "Yes" vote in next September's referendum. Here are key extracts from the executive summary of the 649-page White Paper, called Scotland's Future: Your guide to an independent Scotland, with analysis from BBC Scotland reporter Marianne Taylor. PDF download Scotland's Future - executive summary[1.06KB] On defence Analysis: This part of the document makes clear the SNP's commitment to removing the UK's Trident nuclear weapons, which are currently based on the Clyde, from Scotland. The pro-Union Better Together campaign has said Scotland would be "safer" within the UK, and that defence jobs would be lost in Scotland if Trident was removed. The UK government has also suggested that an independent Scotland should bear part of the cost of any removal. This section also refers to "significant investment" to support industries such as shipbuilding. In November, BAE announced that the next generation of UK warships would be built on the Clyde. Scottish Secretary Alistair Carmichael has said it would be "difficult to see how the work would go to Scotland" if it was independent, a suggestion described as "preposterous" by the Scottish government. On childcare Analysis: The Scottish government has described this increase in universal provision as "transformational." Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the policy would give many more women in particular the chance to work, thus creating economic growth and tax revenues. The Family and Childcare Trust welcomed the commitment. Childcare cost in the UK is high in comparison to the rest of Europe. Parents in Scotland spend around 27% of household income on childcare, compared to the OECD average of 12%. Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson challenged the Scottish government on costs and why the policy has not already been introduced, given that childcare is already devolved to Holyrood. On tax Analysis: The statement that it will not be necessary to raise the general rate of taxation is disputed by the pro-Union campaign. A recent report by the Institute for Fiscal Studies claimed an independent Scotland would need to raise taxes, cut spending, or both, to create a sustainable economy over the next 50 years. Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander said Treasury analysis suggested taxpayers would have to pay 8% more - around £1,000 per year - on the basic 20% rate if Scotland voted for independence. On the state pension Analysis: The Scottish government has retained a pledge to review the UK government's plan to increase the state pension age to 67, and from 6 April 2016, new pensioners will receive a Scottish single-tier pension, set at the rate of £160 per week - £1.10 a week higher than the rate currently expected for the UK. The paper says the state pension will be" triple locked," meaning pensions will increase by average earnings, CPI inflation or 2.5% - whichever of these is highest. However, the Institute for Fiscal Studies has pointed out that Scotland faces additional challenges with regard to population change, in particular that the number of people who are of working age - and thus paying tax - is projected to reduce here. In other parts of the UK that number is expected to rise. Meanwhile, the National Association of Pension Funds said in a recent report that more information was needed about how the new single-tier state pension would affect employers. On private and public service pensions Analysis: A recent report by the National Association of Pension Funds said independence would have "substantial implications" for pensions. Pensions were likely to be more costly and some schemes may have to close, said the report, which called for greater clarity from both sides of the independence debate. The pro-Union campaign said the report was a "devastating indictment of the SNP's failure to provide credible and costed answers." On broadcasting Analysis: The paper envisages that the SBS would continue to co-commission, co-produce and work on programmes with the BBC network. Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson has said she believed independence would lead to the loss of popular TV programmes or result in households paying more for big sporting events. She added that creating and running a new broadcaster would mean "something has to give." The UK government has said that any bid from an independent Scotland to use existing BBC services or content would have to be negotiated. All images: Crown copyright