First Minister to lay out independence referendum plans
Alex Salmond will publish his much anticipated consultation on the Scottish independence referendum today.
- By David Clegg, political editor
- Published in the Courier : 25.01.12
- Published online : 25.01.12 @ 08.45am
The First Minister will outline his proposals for the crunch constitutional vote planned for autumn 2014 in the Scottish Parliament this afternoon.
The statement follows weeks of speculation and angry debate over the form of the ballot, which has been described as the biggest decision Scots will make in 300 years.
The publication of the consultation will again cast the Scottish constitutional question into the international media spotlight, with newspapers and broadcasters from around the world expected to attend a press conference in Edinburgh Castle.
Mr Salmond told an audience in London on Tuesday evening that an independent Scotland would champion the welfare state and health service and be a ''beacon of progressive opinion'' for those in England.
In his first major speech since the referendum debate ignited two weeks ago, he cited free university tuition, free prescriptions and the smoking ban as example's of Scotland's approach.
He added: ''That is a far more positive and practical Scottish contribution to progressive policy than sending a tribute of Labour MPs to Westminster to have the occasional turn at the Westminster tiller — particularly as the opposition's policy is increasingly converging with that of the coalition on the key issues of the economy and public spending.''
But Scottish Labour leader Johann Lamont said Mr Salmond should implement progressive ideals in Scotland. ''The future of the United Kingdom is about more than David Cameron versus Alex Salmond and conservatism versus nationalism.''
The proposed referendum has been a source of conflict between the Scottish and UK governments, with Westminster insisting any attempt to co-ordinate the poll from Edinburgh would be illegal.
However, Scottish Secretary Michael Moore has offered to transfer the power to the Scottish Parliament if certain conditions are met.
Today's statement will give more detail on the SNP's preferred vision for the referendum, including details on when it will be held, how many questions there will be and who will be allowed to vote.
The Courier revealed last week that the consultation document will include a proposal for the ballot to be held on a Saturday in a bid to increase voter turnout. It is understood a date for the vote will not be revealed until actual legislation is lodged with the Scottish Parliament.
Today's document is also expected to confirm the SNP administration's preference for a single vote on independence, but willingness to include a further question on the possibility of further devolution.
Hotly debated topics such as the voting age and whether or not the electoral commission should oversee the arrangements will also be addressed.
Mr Moore will meet Mr Salmond on Friday to discuss the referendum. He said: ''The Scottish Government have shed more light on their referendum plans in the past two weeks then they did in the previous two years."
10.02am - 25.01.2012 Celteh - Dundee, Scotland Report This
'...Scotland would champion the welfare state and health service and be a ''beacon of progressive opinion'' for those in England.' Oh dear lord we're doomed. If this is his vision of an independent Scotland, he can keep it to himself.
10.14am - 25.01.2012 g salt - st maurice la girard, france Report This
all of the uk voters should take part in a referendom vote of yes or no only to scottish independance
12.37pm - 25.01.2012 Harry W. - Dundee, Scotland UK Report This
Am I putting too much faith in the first minister in expecting that this will have some detail on it? Everything from the SNP has been vague adn, critics would rightly argue, mostly half baked.
12.40pm - 25.01.2012 Peter - Dundee, city of, Scotland Report This
Everything from the SNP thus far has been too vague, perhaps that is for a reason. I'm hoping that Mr Salmond sets out fully what his vision is, but not the braveheart nonsense. We deserve to be informed of all the facts, not just the points the SNP want us to hear.
12.42pm - 25.01.2012 Doubting Thomas - Edinburgh, Scotland U.K. Report This
i honestly doubt that Mr Salmond knows what he wants, or prefers to muddy the waters. he speaks of being positive, but hasn't been clear about his thoughts, even though he's had 4 years to do so.
12.47pm - 25.01.2012 Denny R. - Fife, Scotland UK Report This
At the risk of being accused of being negative, Mr Salmond and his cronies predictable answer to those who disagree with his policies, why doesn't he call his referendum now. Why wait?
08.49pm - 25.01.2012 Martin - Dundee, Scotland Report This
The SNP are predictable in two things - hold a referendum when they will wrap themselves in the Saltire and pander to the Bannockburn nationalists. And telling as little as possible about what a post-independence Scotland will really be like. Arc of prosperity? More like arc of insolvency.
07.43am - 26.01.2012 Still Not Decided - Bonnie Dundee, Scotland Report This
I am surprised to see no comments from this favouring independence. I have a question for them or anyone else for that matter. Alex Salmond has set a straightforward question. Why did it take him nearly five years to do it?
10.50am - 26.01.2012 Ken - The Ferry, Dundee, Scotland UK Report This
@ SND. I have asked the same question on another thread. Ten simple words, but it has dragged out to nearly five years? It suggests the SNP didn't want to hold this and Mr Salmond's hand has been forced. We need a more +ve approach than this.
08.30pm - 26.01.2012 Stuart Allan - Dundee, Scotland Report This
Why are unionists so focused on the trivialities? We all knew the question was going to be whether you wanted Scotland to be independent or not. Does the exact wording matter that much? Perhaps when unionists eschew the specious reasoning, obfuscation and fear mongering, we can have a real debate
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