Politician calls for Scottish independence

EDINBURGH, Scotland, Sept. 3 (UPI) -- Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond said Thursday his country needs to earn its independence to avoid a "competitive disadvantage" in the world.

Salmond said in a statement to Scottish Parliament members that Scotland's constitutional status must be changed to allow the United Kingdom country to have full access to economic and financial efforts, The Scotsman reported.

"I want Scotland to have the same responsibilities and opportunities as similar nations," the first minister said.

"Until we can use all the economic and financial levers available to every other government in the world, Scotland will always be at a competitive disadvantage."

Salmond said the Scottish government is planning on holding a referendum on the independence proposal.

"It is time for the people of Scotland to have their say. Not everyone will agree with our vision for the future, we know that," he said.

"But the people of Scotland must be heard. This Parliament should not stand in their way -- let the people speak."