Gordon MP fears that second referendum question will cause confusion
January 10, 2012 6:45 PM
In the House of Commons today Gordon MP Malcolm Bruce called for any Scottish referendum on independence to be a single question in order to avoid any confusion for the electorate and to the interpretation of the results.
During a statement to the House of Commons, the Secretary of State for Scotland and Scottish Liberal Democrat, Michael Moore MP announced that the UK Government is prepared to change the law so that the Scottish Parliament can hold a legal referendum on independence and how it is now to consult the people of Scotland on the best way to facilitate a legal, fair and decisive referendum.
Raising the issue of the referendum question process in the House of Commons today, Malcolm Bruce said (afterwards):
"It is imperative that the referendum question and the process which oversees it is independently determined. The Electoral Commission is clearly best placed to do this.
"The granting of additional powers to the Scottish Parliament is part of the continuing and developing relationship of Scotland within the UK. This is a principle that the Liberal Democrats have consistently fought for and delivered on, and one we will continue to fight for but it must be a separate process which shouldn't be confused by tying it up with an independence referendum.
"It is a matter for our continuing relationship that further devolution powers should not be used to confuse the simple matter of whether or not Scotland should be in the UK."
Malcolm Bruce then added:
"The Scottish Government has now confirmed it intends to hold a referendum in Autumn 2014. They have not stated whether it will be under the legal powers offered by the UK Government: if it is not it will be challenged in the courts, adding to the uncertainty."
Speaking in the statement Mr Moore said:
"This Government believes passionately in the United Kingdom. For over 300 years our country has brought people together in the most successful multi-national state the world has known. This Government is clear that independence is not in the interests of Scotland. The United Kingdom brings strength to Scotland; Scotland brings strength to the United Kingdom.
'We recognise that this is not a view shared by all. But politicians from both sides of the debate owe it to everyone in Scotland to ensure that the referendum is delivered in a legal, fair and decisive way. The future of Scotland must not be worked out in secret, behind closed doors. Nor determined by wrangling in the courts. It is my task to ensure this referendum is made in Scotland, by the people of Scotland, for the future of Scotland."
The UK Government has now invited the Scottish Government to hold talks on trying to agree a way forward.
The UK Government consultation will run until March 9 after which the UK Government will announce how it intends to proceed.
ENDS
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