Scotland’s Referendum on Independence

Many residents have asked me what my position is on the forthcoming referendum on independence. My position is very clear – I believe in the United Kingdom and recognise the benefits the Union brings to all its citizens.

However the people of Scotland must not be denied a referendum on this extremely important issue.

On 10 January, the UK Government published a consultation paper, Scotland’s constitutional future: A consultation on facilitating a legal, fair and decisive referendum. The consultation sets out the UK Government’s clear view that it’s not within the powers of the Scottish Parliament to legislate for a referendum on independence. Ministers have been advised that any referendum on independence brought forward by the Scottish Government is likely to be challenged in court and that the Scottish Government would lose.

The consultation document sets out the options for legislating on a referendum. It makes clear that Westminster is prepared to provide the Scottish Parliament with the powers to hold a referendum that is capable of inspiring the trust and confidence of people on either side of the independence debate.

The consultation is asking such questions as: what are your views on which people should be entitled to vote in a Scottish independence referendum; what are your views on the timing of a referendum; what are your views on the question or questions to be asked in a referendum?

To read and respond to the consultation please see the Scotland Office website, www.scotlandoffice.gov.uk. You can send your submissions either by email to reply@scotlandoffice.gsi.gov.uk or by post to Referendum Consultation, Scotland Office, 1 Melville Crescent, Edinburgh EH3 7HW.

I would like to encourage you to take part in this very important and influential consultation – the deadline for your submission is Friday 9th March 2012.