Having an additional question beyond a simple “yes or no” in the referendum on Scottish independence would be an “upfront admission of defeat” for the Scottish Government, the Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale MP David Mundell told the House of Commons yesterday (Tuesday 10 July).
Speaking at a Westminster Hall debate, Mr Mundell said the current Scottish Government had won a majority at the 2011 election on “the basis of a manifesto commitment to an independence referendum, not one on further devolution, and it is on that single question they can claim to have a mandate”.
He added that if there was a “u-turn and demand for a second question on the ballot paper, it would be an upfront admission of defeat – an acknowledgement that the First Minister believes he cannot win a single question referendum on separation”.
Mr Mundell said the referendum had to be legal, fair and decisive and that the UK Government was prepared to facilitate the process in order to produce a clear result which would not be disputed by either side.
He said: “To do that we need a single question on separation.
“Scotland leaving the UK and the powers of the Scottish Parliament are two completely different issues. An independence referendum is not the place to consider further devolution. The Scotland Act 2012 and the Calman Commission demonstrate the evolving nature of the devolution settlement and that there are other opportunities where further devolution can be discussed.
“But given the seriousness of the issue, the government’s clear position is that following the Scotland Act 2012, there can be no change to the devolution settlement until the independence referendum is concluded. First and foremost, we must conclude – fairly and decisively – the Scottish Government’s campaign to break-up our United Kingdom.
“The UK referendum consultation also showed a strong majority in favour of a single question and robust reasons why that should be the case. 75% of respondents agreed with the UK Government that a single question would ensure a decisive outcome.
“The support for a single, clear question is mounting rapidly.
“All three pro-UK parties have made clear their support for that single-question referendum. Both campaigns in Scotland are in favour of a single question. Margo MacDonald and now the Greens have joined the call for a single question on independence. The Coalition Government is offering the Scottish Government the opportunity to deliver a legal referendum by giving the latter the legal power that they do not currently hold.
“We are making a once in a lifetime decision – with profound repercussions for the generations who will follow in our wake.
“This decision should, indeed must be taken with an understanding of the threat that those who propose independence are making to the economic prosperity of Scotland and the UK.
“We will provide the detailed analysis that voters will need to understand the benefits of the United Kingdom.
“And we will set out why we are all better off within the uniquely successful fiscal and monetary union that is the United Kingdom.”