Scott warns of 'independence by back door'

Published on Wednesday 27 August 2008 13:27

NEWLY-ELECTED Lib Dem leader Tavish Scott today played down talk of his party supporting a multi-option referendum on Scottish independence.

He said the Lib Dems would do nothing which might bring about independence "by the back door", and said no decision would be taken until well into the future.

Mr Scott, a fierce opponent of a referendum during last year's election campaign, sparked speculation about a softening of his stance when he said yesterday: "We will see what legislation the SNP comes forward with".

His comments, which came after winning the Scottish Lib Dem leadership race, were seized on by the SNP as a shift in position. But asked today about the principle of a referendum offering the choices of independence, no change, or other options, he said: "I'm not sure how you could have a multi-option referendum in that sense.

"I think there's a real danger of independence getting in through the back door in that kind of construction of a referendum and I will not do anything that allows that."