'Futile' independence bill won't stand a chance, vows opposition

Published on Sunday 30 August 2009 22:42

OPPOSITION parties last night vowed to kill off the Scottish Government's flagship vote on independence before it even introduces its long-awaited Referendum Bill.

Labour, Tory and Liberal Democrat officials pledged to vote down the bill when it is published, reaffirming their opposition to any kind of national vote on separation.

The bill is one of 13 pieces of legislation set to be unveiled by First Minister Alex Salmond to the Scottish Parliament on Thursday. Other significant bills include proposals on minimum pricing on alcohol, patients' rights and a third Forth bridge.

But opposition parties – who have previously vacillated on whether they are opposed to an independence vote – told The Scotsman that even bringing a bill on independence would be a waste of parliamentary time and taxpayer money.

Mike Rumbles, chief whip for the Lib Dems, said: "The SNP's Referendum Bill is dead in the water. This is a futile waste of taxpayer money and parliamentary time. We already know that there is strong cross-party, majority opposition to the Referendum Bill.

"This looks like another SNP legislative programme that isn't worthy of the Scottish Parliament. It is further proof of the failure of the SNP's minority government.

"Ministers bring very little of substance to the parliament, because they have repeatedly failed to get anything substantial through the parliament."

The Conservatives said they would continue to address the legislative programme on an issue-by-issue basis – except on the topic of a referendum.

A spokesman said: "Our position is unchanged. We will not back Alex Salmond's Referendum Bill, and recent events have shown there are far more important things to deal with, such as dealing with Labour's recession and restoring Scotland's reputation in the aftermath of the release of the Lockerbie bomber."

The Labour Party said the SNP had its priorities all wrong by focusing on independence and also vowed to defeat the proposed legislation. The Scottish party leader, Iain Gray, said: "Just about the only policy he has left is a referendum on independence. Over a year ago, Labour offered the SNP a referendum on a straight question, and they ran away. Alex Salmond will only ever consider a referendum that is rigged.

"Of course people want a say in how the country is run, but right now I think they are saying that their top priority is economic recovery and protecting jobs."

The statement on Thursday will be Alex Salmond's third legislative programme as First Minister, and he insisted the SNP had delivered on more than half of their "headline manifesto commitments".

A spokesman said: "We are confident we will be able to persuade our parliamentary colleagues that it is simply unacceptable not to allow the people of Scotland to choose their own future.

"The government's Referendum Bill will place the issue of Scotland's future – and the powers we need to succeed as a nation – at the heart of political and public debate. The SNP government have the confidence to put the question fair and square in a referendum, and we are equally confident that people will choose independence and equality for Scotland."

Topping the bill in Holyrood's up-and-coming legislation

THE legislative programme to be announced this week will include 13 bills. It is expect to include:

&#149 Referendum Bill

The legislation is earmarked to go before parliament in early 2010. Even with the support of the Scottish Green Party, the three unionist parties have vowed to defeat this core SNP policy.

&#149 Alcohol Bill

It is expected to include controversial minimum pricing rules. The SNP have said their proposals are backed by the UK's four chief medical officers.

&#149 Patients' Rights Bill

This was one of the SNP's election promises in 2007, including the rights to safe and effective care, to appropriate information and to waiting times guarantees.

&#149 Children's Hearings Bill

A draft copy of the bill published earlier this summer provoked opposition from local authorities, but the Scottish Government insisted last week they had only delayed the proposals into next year.

&#149 Forth Crossing Bill

This will be needed to acquire land to build the new crossing across the river. The bill will not address the vexed issue of how the government will fund the project.

&#149 Budget Bill

The recession and tightening finances for the Scottish Government and local authorities could make the battle to pass a budget even harder than this year.