GREENLANDERS VOTE FOR MORE POWERS

GREENLANDERS VOTE FOR MORE POWERS

GREENLAND TO GET GREATER SHARE OF OIL WEALTH

Jamie Hepburn, SNP MSP for Central Scotland, has welcomed the results of a referendum in Greenland, in which 75% of voters favoured proposals for greater autonomy from Denmark.

Jamie Hepburn today congratulated the people of Greenland on the result highlighting their enthusiasm for taking on greater responsibility under changing economic circumstances. Mr Hepburn called on Scotland's opposition parties to follow Greenland's example and support a referendum on Scotland's constitutional future.

Commenting, Jamie Hepburn said:

“I welcome the fact that the people of Greenland voted overwhelmingly for greater autonomy from Denmark in a peaceful and democratic referendum.

“Greenland has a population of only 57,000, and yet they have had the confidence to take a step closer to the normal status of independence.

"Far from the current economic situation pushing Greenland back to Denmark, it has encouraged them to take more responsibility for their own affairs. Jim Murphy and the UK Government should take note.

“This decision will transfer a greater share of oil wealth and a say in foreign policy directly to the people of Greenland.

"Clearly Greenlanders have no worries about their country’s ability to adapt to changing global economic circumstances.

"This is a positive step for Greenland, Denmark and one I hope the people of Scotland will follow to full independence."