Staunch independence supporter Alex Scott concedes now is not the time to push for a split with the UK as Bermuda gets to grips with its economic, crime and social problems.But Mr Scott believes Premier Paula Cox will have enough trust from the public to make it a genuine possibility when she enters her second term as leader of the Country.Mr Scott put the issue on the front burner by launching a series of debates when he was Premier in 2005, resulting in a string of recommendations from the Bermuda Independence Commission.Earlier this week, the United Nations General Assembly complained many of those suggestions such as holding more public meetings and parliamentary discussions had fallen by the wayside.The Warwick South East MP yesterday told The Royal Gazette he would have liked to continue the momentum of the independence push, but added: “Events and time overtook my efforts in my period in office and I can understand also why my successor and probably the current Premier feel that they had their plate full.“That was an issue that probably was best put aside while they address the economy and now crime and other issues which I think preoccupy the consciences of Bermudians.“I can see Bermudians being hesitant to take such a significant step at this time. But I think it certainly can be and probably will be at some time in the future an issue for Bermuda to soberly discuss.“We cannot go forward with the Island without a strong public concensus. That requires education on the subject, understanding very clearly what it means.“It’s not an anti-British stance, it’s a pro-Bermudian consideration.When you consider the initiatives we put in place as Premier and Cabinet, they were all about the individual gaining more and more rights and responsibilities: sustainable development, PATI, governance, the ombudsman.“All these things were trying to institutionalise change and a natural consequence would be to move to independence.”Ms Cox has said she supports independence but says it’s more likely to be on the agenda during her second term as Premier.Mr Scott said: “I have great faith in her sense of authority and responsibility.“I would certainly yield to what she feels should be the priority. I think she would be possibly conservative at this time on the notion of independence.“The public must have trust in their Government if their Government is to entertain a serious move towards sovereignty.“I think Premier Cox has the ability and the potential for engendering that type of trust in Bermudians for both a short and long time.”He said the first term should be long enough for Ms Cox to build trust, continuing: “Once that point is reached she will have a very strong position to bring the notion on the table if and when she wants to. Trust is the key.”Mr Scott said he had no regrets over the way he approached the independence issue as Premier. “The time has not yet come, but it certainly will come,” he said. “I came in rooted in the school of Dame Lois Browne-Evans and Fred Wade.“It was almost an expected responsibility and requirement for me to put it before the people when I became Premier. Bermudians certainly cherish their freedom. People are not totally free as long as the major decision can be taken in another parliament.”