Campaign to give expats a vote in independence referendum
A Labour MSP says expat Scots should be given the right to vote in the independence referendum.
The debate has stared on who should be eligible to vote in the referendum.
- By David Clegg, political editor
- Published in the Courier : 19.01.12
- Published online : 19.01.12 @ 08.07am
Elaine Murray wants to give the vote to around 800,000 Scots who are currently outside Scotland.
The rules on overseas voting mean you can continue to have a say in your home constituency for up to 15 years after you move abroad.
Ms Murray says it is unfair that Scots who have gone to England for work should not get the same chance.
She raised the matter in a member's debate at Holyrood on Wednesday after constituent James Wallace launched an internet campaign for a vote. He will not be allowed a vote after he moves to London for work next month.
Backing his campaign, Ms Murray said: ''For generations Scots have taken up opportunities to work in other parts of the UK and beyond and many have subsequently returned to Scotland to use the skills and experiences that they have gained elsewhere.
''Scots working outwith Scotland at the time of the independence referendum will not be eligible to vote on Scotland's constitutional future whereas anyone eligible to be on the electoral register in Scotland will be entitled to vote.
''Scots working outwith Scotland at the time of UK general elections are allowed to vote, so why should they be banned from voting in one of the most important decisions in Scotland in over 300 years? It seems massively unfair.
''The fact is, with youth unemployment in Scotland rising, more young Scots are being forced to look outwith Scotland for jobs. It seems hugely unfair that they should be stopped from having a say in Scotland's future.''
Mr Wallace said: ''I was born in Scotland, I have lived there for my whole existence of 23 years, it will always be home and if Scotland becomes independent I will have to get a Scottish passport. But I have no say on the future of my country. Surely this is unfair?''
Last week, Scottish Secretary Michael Moore announced a consultation on the referendum. He said he was proposing that the same electorate should vote in the referendum as a Scottish Parliament election — and that means you have to live in Scotland to have a say.
First Minister Alex Salmond has said he will hold the historic poll in autumn 2014.
► Mr Salmond will hold talks on the independence referendum with the Scottish Secretary next Friday. The discussions come after the First Minister wrote to Michael Moore about a meeting.
The Scotland Office confirmed the two men will meet in the Scottish Parliament on January 27.
The discussions will take place two days after the Scottish Government launches its consultation document on its referendum plans.
08.45am - 19.01.2012 Scottish but not Independent - Dundee, Angus Report This
If they don't live in Britain, or contribute, they should not have a say.
09.28am - 19.01.2012 Max - Dundee, Scotland Report This
''For generations Scots have taken up opportunities to work in other parts of the UK and beyond", says Labour MSP Elaine Murray. The right question to ask was why are there no such opportunities in Scotland? Doesn't that show Scotland needs to have full economic powers to create jobs for all Scots.
09.34am - 19.01.2012 Tom - Dundee, Scotland Report This
As Jamie Hepburn did well to point out on the radio, what would happen if ex-pats swung the vote either for or against? That would precipitate a major constitutional crisis.
09.40am - 19.01.2012 Gregor - Dundee, Scotland Report This
Nice to see the balance in the debate, accurately portraying just the one side. Do we want to turn this into a debate about identity and 19th Century notions of nationalism? Or about the future of the 5.2million people from all over the world who have decided to call Scotland home?
12.19pm - 19.01.2012 Michael P. - Dundee, Scotland Report This
@ Tom You mean, the SNP expect them to vote against so will move Heaven and earth to exclude them?
01.00pm - 19.01.2012 Brydon - Forfar, Angus Report This
If they don't stay in Scotland then they should not have a say. Unless they are going to pay for the privillege.
02.06pm - 19.01.2012 mark - dundee, scotland Report This
gregor we already know what the future would hold for an independent scotland - we would be slaves to the EU as alex salmond has already said. goodbye pound, hello euro. So much for independence.
02.26pm - 19.01.2012 Tom - Dundee, Scotland Report This
@ Michael P. I don't think there's any reliable evidence to suggest that ex-pats will vote for or against. Jamie Hepburn's point was simply that we need to very carefully consider whether we want to potentially undermine the whole referendum if it is decided by those not resident in Scotland.
02.28pm - 19.01.2012 Brian - Dundee, Scotland Report This
Ex-pats don't get a vote in Scottish Parliament Elections. Ex-pats didn't have a vote in the referendum which gave us the Scottish parliament. So why now?
02.30pm - 19.01.2012 Gary - UXBRIDGE, England Report This
As a patrotic Scot who has served Queen and Country for 30 years, currently living south of the border should I not get a vote, regardless of which way? . Do we have to live in Scotland to get the vote, anyone who appears on the Scottish Electoral Roll gets to vote whatever nationality? Can, Worms.
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