Independence referendum — First Minister reveals his question for a nation
Do you agree that Scotland should be an independent country? These are the 10 words that could lead to the break-up of the United Kingdom.
Flags flying in Edinburgh on the day Alex Salmond published his referendum consultation.
- By David Clegg, political editor
- Published in the Courier : 26.01.12
- Published online : 26.01.12 @ 08.12am
Alex Salmond finally revealed the question that will appear on the ballot paper as he launched a consultation on his plan for a £10 million independence referendum.
The First Minister pledged that Scots will be given a "short, straightforward and clear" choice to decide the future of the United Kingdom in the crunch poll scheduled for autumn 2014.
He added: "The question is: 'Do you agree that Scotland should be an independent country?'."
In an afternoon of carefully coordinated political theatre on Burns Day, the SNP leader first outlined his plans to MSPs before addressing a thronged gathering of international media in Edinburgh Castle.
He said: "The referendum will be held in autumn 2014 on the same terms as any Scottish election, to the same standards and with the same guarantee of fairness. We will decide our future in a vote which is beyond challenge or doubt."
Turning to the case for leaving the UK, he added: "Independence matters because without it we do not have the powers to reach our potential. We are limited in what we can do to create jobs, grow our economy and help the vulnerable.
"To achieve this we shouldn't have a constitution that restrains us, but one which frees us to build a better society."
The 122-page consultation document — Your Scotland, Your Referendum (PDF link) — outlines the proposed mechanics of the referendum, the campaign rules and what would happen in the event of a 'Yes' vote. It says the poll will cost the public purse in the region of £10 million, a figure said to be "in line" with similar referendums.
Under the proposals the eligibility to vote would be determined by residency, but could be extended to include 16- and 17-year-olds.
Meanwhile, the referendum could include the option of greatly enhanced powers for Holyrood — an option sometimes dubbed Devo Max.
The Coalition Government and opposition parties in Scotland want voters to be given a straight choice on remaining in the UK or becoming independent. They have also called for the referendum date to be brought forward, claiming that autumn 2014 is too far away and will cause uncertainty in the economy.
However, Mr Salmond has argued that autumn of 2014 is "the soonest that the referendum could be held in a way that meets the high standards which the people of this country have a right to expect".
But he predicted a compromise would be reached with Westminster over the outstanding issues, saying he does not envisage "insuperable difficulties".
UK ministers have insisted that the Scottish Parliament cannot legally hold the referendum unless the power is transferred from Westminster. But in another sign the Edinburgh and London administrations are closer to striking a deal, Scottish Secretary Michael Moore said there was ''much to be welcomed'' in the consultation.
He added: ''Clearly, the UK Government still believes that it is in the interests of the Scottish people and economy to have a referendum sooner rather than later. But we also agree that this is the biggest decision facing Scotland in 300 years and there is no better argument for making it fair, legal and decisive.
''I will be discussing all of these points with the First Minister when I meet him in the near future, and I look forward to what I think should be a constructive meeting.''
Scottish Labour leader Johann Lamont said the consultation was one of ''political calculations and assertions''.
Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson said: ''Alex Salmond must now provide the Scottish electorate with answers to what a separate Scotland would look like if his referendum plans are to have any credibility.''
John McCormick, Electoral Commissioner for Scotland, welcomed the consultation.
''Our priority is to ensure any referendum is well run, transparent and focused on voters,'' he said.
The consultation will close on May 11.
The timetable set by Mr Salmond means the May 2016 Holyrood election could be the first to vote in an independent Scottish Parliament.
- For full coverage and analysis, see Thursday's Courier
10.03am - 26.01.2012 speugie - Dundee, Great Britain Report This
Trust Alex Salmond to cash in on Burns Night to get maximum publicity for his plans.The man is a master manipulator just as he intends to influence and manipulate 16 yr. olds to back him. I hope that they, and others see him as a threat to their future and Scotland's future.
10.04am - 26.01.2012 Tony - DUNDEE, SCOTLAND Report This
YES let us reap our own harvest and ring our own till
10.47am - 26.01.2012 Ken - The Ferry, Dundee, Scotland, UK Report This
'Do you agree that Scotland should be an independent country?'. It took five years to think of that? Is it any wonder the majority are opposed, given this excuse?
10.56am - 26.01.2012 Steve Scott - Dundee, Scotland Report This
"Do you agree" is a loaded question. Drop the first four words and it's a perfectly fair one.
11.54am - 26.01.2012 David - Dundee, Scotland Report This
We constantly here from our fellow English "We are fed up subsidising Scotland". If that's the case and we cost too much, why not let us go our own way? Fair question, perhaps we contribute too much to the UK?
01.03pm - 26.01.2012 mark - dundee, scotland Report This
independence? i thought he was signing us up to the euro ASAP. wonder if he will give us a referendum on that subject as well?
04.43pm - 26.01.2012 Callum - Dundee, Scotland Report This
.......... and what is the positive case for the Union now that we are headng for a double dip recession and a decade or more of austerity? Answer came there none. Only independence makes sense now, the Union has failed Scotland for the last time.
07.24pm - 26.01.2012 Jonathan Hawk - Dundee, Scotland Report This
The problem for " Independence is too many of my Kinsmen are " Gutless, Meaningless, Spineless, and need lead by the hand 45% of Scots can't run their household affairs never mind work out is independence is able to work... 70% are affraid 'O' change no matter what mode is comes in.
08.22pm - 26.01.2012 Stuart Allan - Dundee, Scotland Report This
#Mark; what makes you think Scotland would join the Euro if it was not advantageous? The Scot. gov. has made it clear that an independent Scotland would not join the Euro unless it was. Or is this one of these cases where the unionists pretend a question hasn't already been answered?
11.36pm - 26.01.2012 Wendy - Dundee, Scotland GB Report This
@ David, turn that on its head. If Salmond is so desperate to get away, why is there no hurry to break? The 'we must consult' excuse doesn't wash, given the £ms spent on his NatCon he has all the answers. Just not the ones he wants. What does that say about a fm who puts party before country?
Add a comment