Lib Dems pave the way for U-turn on referendum poll

Published on Thursday 8 October 2009 10:06

LIBERAL Democrats have launched an official review of their opposition to an independence referendum after the leadership was challenged on the issue at their UK conference.

A U-turn could pave the way for a referendum next year, as proposed by the Scottish Nationalists.

Former Lib Dem minister Ross Finnie has been appointed to carry out an internal consultation among party members after public calls for a change of policy.

Delegates to the Lib Dems' Scottish conference later this month will debate the subject in a special closed-door session which has been added to the agenda.

If the Lib Dems decided to back the SNP's bill to allow a referendum on Scottish independence, the party's 16 MSPs would be just enough, along with the 47 SNP MSPs and two Greens, to get it through the Scottish Parliament.

Kevin Lang, Lib Dem candidate in Edinburgh North & Leith at the next general election, broke ranks with the party leadership at last month's conference in Bournemouth to argue it was time to take the SNP head-on in a referendum.

He told the delegates: "I passionately believe in the Union, in the benefits of the Union and believe we must do all we can to preserve it. I believe that cause is best served by having an open debate on the Union to defeat those who attempt to destroy it."

He claimed a referendum would "allow us to settle an issue that is haunting Scottish politics and settle it for a generation".

His call was supported by former MSP and minister George Lyon, now a member of the European Parliament.

However, Scottish party leader Tavish Scott sought to play down the issue at the time, dismissing "conference chatter" on the issue and insisting: "There is going to be no change in the position."

The change of tack was revealed in an e-mail from party headquarters in Edinburgh to conference delegates.

It said: "Tavish Scott and the party office bearers, in consultation with the conference committee, have agreed to an additional session at our autumn conference.

"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 Tavish Scott.

"The session will be designed to give as many people as possible the chance to have their say on the 'hard questions'."

Mr Lang today welcomed the review. He said: "I am delighted Tavish Scott and the leadership are to consult members of the party formally at the autumn conference. Since I spoke in Bournemouth I have been inundated with messages of support from across Scotland.

"And a number of people have joined the party and got involved in my campaign directly as a result of me raising the issue."