Independence referendum: Alexander challenges Salmond to bring vote forward

Published on Thursday 8 May 2008 14:48

SCOTTISH Labour leader Wendy Alexander today challenged Alex Salmond to bring forward his planned referendum when he announces his legislative programme next week.

She laid down the challenge at First Minister's Questions where she faced mockery from Mr Salmond over her public demands for an early referendum.

"The First Minister is the problem when it comes to resolving this issue in the nation's interest," she said.

"The First Minister has a statement next week on his programme for government.

"The question is simply – will he bring forward a referendum Bill in next year's legislative programme next week?"

Mr Salmond shot back: "The answer is, we'll stick to what was laid out in the SNP manifesto on page eight and 15.

"While I would not say Wendy Alexander is the only problem the Labour party has, I think quite convincingly after the last few days that she is not the answer."

The clashes at First Minister's Questions began with Mr Salmond inviting Ms Alexander "to coin a phrase, bring it on" – a reference to a TV interview last Sunday in which she called for an early referendum.

She told MSPs: "The First Minister has been a Nationalist all his political life.

"I'm giving him the opportunity to resolve the issue.

"Why won't he take it?"

Mr Salmond acknowledged the "progress" that Labour leader had made over the last week.

"She now accepts the right of this Parliament to decide the future in terms of a constitutional referendum put to the people of Scotland," he said.

He told MSPs that Labour backbencher Duncan McNeil had said Labour would not vote down any referendum Bill that came to the Parliament.

"When we bring forward that Bill, knowing that the Labour Party will support it, as stated in our manifesto in 2010, we will expect the support of every Labour member in this Parliament," said the First Minister.

"Given the progress that Wendy Alexander has made in the last few days, who knows what side she'll be campaigning on?"