New Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson issues independence referendum warning
Three days into her job, new Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson went to Downing Street on Monday for talks with Prime Minister David Cameron — then warned Alex Salmond must not be allowed to ''rig'' the independence referendum.
The two leaders meeting in Downing Street.
- Published in the Courier : 08.11.11
- Published online : 08.11.11 @ 07.46am
She challenged the First Minister to name the questions that will appear on ballot papers and name the date of the referendum.
''We recognise that the parties of the UK coalition government secured more votes in Scotland than those who backed Alex Salmond for First Minister in May and that the SNP does not hold the only mandate to speak for Scotland,'' said Ms Davidson.
''We agreed that Alex Salmond's uncertainty and dither over a referendum is not in Scotland's best interests.
''He must not be allowed to rig the referendum. Our country needs certainty and stability.
''The ball is in the SNP's court to name the question and name the day. But we cannot and will not allow Scotland to be hoodwinked into independence.''
Mr Cameron said: ''Our Scottish party has, for the first time, a leader of the entire movement in Scotland and I look forward to working with Ruth to tackle the big challenges and opportunities facing the country.
''I am proud that it is the UK Government which is enacting a new Scotland Bill which will transfer significant extra powers to Holyrood and place the responsibility for raising billions of pounds of public spending in the hands of the Scottish Parliament.
''This will meet the demands of the Scottish people for more say over how Scotland is run, and clear the way for a straightforward and clear-cut referendum on 'yes or no' to Scotland in Britain.''
Photo © Lefteris Pitarakis/PA Wire
09.08am - 08.11.2011 Jock Ferguson - Newburgh, Scotland Report This
Flea bites dog. Leader of irrelevant fringe party in Scotland issues 'warning' to party given overwhelming mandate at last election. Ho-hum.
12.12pm - 08.11.2011 Robert G. - Dundee, Scotland U.K. Report This
The latest polls says that less than 3 in 10 Scots favour leaving Britain. This is why Alex Salmond stalls on a date. Yet uncertainty isn't good for the country. Typical of the SNP, party before country.
07.38pm - 08.11.2011 Fairness - Dundee, city of, UK Report This
About time everyone woke up! It's clear to see that Fm Salmond wants 3 questions when 2 is enough, yes and no. A further question on extra powers should be addressed later, and not allowed to muddy the waters to allow the no vote to split to help the SNP. That wouldn't be fair.
03.46pm - 10.11.2011 bigal - perth, scotland Report This
I would also like to see the option of abolishing the Scottish Parliament included on the ballot paper. I reckon this would probably get as many votes as independence.
06.02pm - 10.11.2011 Trevor - Fife, Scotland UK Report This
Tail seeks to wag dog. Alex Salmond can't call a referendum, only Big Davie Cameron at Westminster can.
11.30am - 12.11.2011 Stuart Allan - Dundee, Scotland Report This
#Robert G; If you accept Devo Max as being "all but independence" (sans defence and foreign affairs), then the status quo is ounumbered 2:1. An informed debate prior to a simple yes/no referendum could see independence take the bulk of Devo Max votes. Are the Tories willing to risk it? Hmm ...
11.16pm - 15.11.2011 Robert G - Dundee, Scotland UK Report This
Stuart, bit obvious this . Everyone now knows that Devo Max lark is really what the SNP wants. You know it has no chance in a straight yes/no, and you know that defeat would create a schism!! Why the silence about, ssshhh, independence, whatever that is? Lol
11.19pm - 15.11.2011 D.M.Y. - Perthshire, Scotlsnd Report This
It shows you how far the SNP have shifted that tHeir supporters are now touting something less than full independence. To see the SNP demand powers and powers, then meekly be prepared to settle for something less is, frankly, embarrassing.
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