Scottish Independence: Holyrood to endorse independence

The Scottish Parliament is to formally to endorse plans for independence, in a vote by MSPs.

The move will come as First Minister Alex Salmond leads a Holyrood debate, setting out his vision for the future.

The vote has no legal significance, as the issue will be decided in a referendum expected in autumn 2014.

Mr Salmond's opponents will argue that Scotland would be stronger within the Union, a position they say is currently backed by most voters.

The SNP, which has an overall majority of seats at Holyrood, will ensure a government motion backing independence is passed.

Last week saw the launch of the cross-party "yes" campaign for independence, which is asking one million Scots to sign a declaration of support by the time of the referendum.

The first minister will confirm plans to set out his government's detailed vision for an independence Scotland, in 2013.

He said parliament would continue as it is, with a single chamber, a first minister and cabinet elected by members, retention of local councils and national elections held under a proportional representation system.

The High Court, he said, would become the Supreme Court in Scotland, while the country would be an EU member with the Queen as head of state and Sterling as its currency.

"On our first day as an independent country, this is how Scotland will be," Mr Salmond will say.

He will say the current Scottish Parliament is often limited to "mitigating" decisions taken by the UK government, such as current welfare reforms, which were opposed by the SNP and Labour.