Lib Dems reconsider opposition to independence referendum

Published on Thursday 8 October 2009 16:14

THE Liberal Democrats are to rethink their policy of opposing a referendum on Scottish independence.

A review of the stance will be carried out by MSP Ross Finnie and debated in private at a special session at the party's conference on October 30 in Dunfermline.

The news was welcomed by the SNP who stand little chance of getting a referendum bill through Holyrood without the support of another major party.

The support of the Lib Dems' 16 MSPs would give the SNP a combined voting strength of 63 – just two votes short of a majority.

A spokesman for Alex Salmond said: "The Liberal Democrats' UK conference took place in a seaside resort and it's very clear that their position on a referendum is built on shifting sands.

"This indication of another possible change in the Lib Dem policy towards supporting a referendum is extremely welcome."

The Lib Dem UK conference in Bournemouth last month heard one activist, Kevin Lang, of Edinburgh North and Leith, call for the party to allow a referendum, saying it could settle an issue "haunting" Scottish politics.

Delegates to the Dunfermline conference have been told by organisers: "The session will give members the opportunity to consider the issues and arguments around the SNP's current proposals for an independence referendum.

"This work is in support of a wider consultation of members' views being co-ordinated by Ross Finnie MSP at the request of (party leader) Tavish Scott."

A party spokeswoman said today: "Tavish always wants to hear what party members on the ground have to say.

"We think this is the best forum to start marshalling the arguments against independence and to let everyone have their say."