As a resident of Scotland, I am deeply moved by the experiences of countless hard-working individuals who are struggling to continue working beyond the age of 65, despite having contributed to our society and economy for decades. This struggle seems unfair, unnecessary, and it is disheartening to witness the anxiety and exhaustion faced by many who simply want to retire with dignity.

The current policy in the UK  of raising the pension age fails to acknowledge the lifetime of hard work and dedication these citizens have given to our nation. Instead of allowing them to enjoy the fruits of their labor, it places an undue burden on them by extending their working years. In the spirit of fairness and respect for the contributions of our citizens, I am calling on the Scottish Government to restore the retirement age to 65 with a full state pension.

Doing so will not only honor the social contract between the state and its people but will also send a powerful message for fairness and unity as part of the ongoing campaign for Scottish independence. By implementing this change, it represents a step towards a fairer future for Scotland, where every citizen can look forward to a retirement that reflects their years of service to the community.

Statistics show that the average life expectancy in Scotland, as reported by the National Records of Scotland, is around 77 years for men and 81 years for women. Working beyond the age of 65 means many individuals spend a significant portion of their remaining years in employment, rather than enjoying a well-earned retirement. This is especially concerning given health issues that often arise with aging.

In this crucial moment for Scotland's future, we have the opportunity to create a policy that truly serves the people, emphasizing fairness and dignity in retirement. Let us show our support for those who have built our communities and ask our government to reflect these values in their policy.

I urge everyone who believes in a fair and just retirement system to sign this petition. Let's advocate for change and ensure that all Scottish citizens have the chance to retire at 65 with a full state pension, allowing them to enjoy their later years with the respect and dignity they deserve.