Scottish independence: Governments strike deal over the referendum

By ANDREW WHITAKER
Published on 13/10/2012 00:00

A DEAL has been struck by governments from Holyrood and Westminster over the independence referendum, ahead of Monday’s talks between Alex Salmond and David Cameron.

A joint statement issued by Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Scottish Secretary Michael Moore said they had “resolved the issues that remained outstanding”.

On Monday, the “Section 30” deal to transfer power from Westminster to Holyrood will be agreed. The deal is expected to include an agreement for a single “yes” or “no” question on independence in 2014 and to extend the vote to 16 and 17-year-olds.

Ms Sturgeon and Mr Moore’s statement said: “We have resolved the issues that remained outstanding between us and reached a positive conclusion to our discussions. The full agreement, including the terms of the Section 30 order, will now go to the First Minister and the Prime Minister for their discussion and approval.”

Mr Moore last night praised Ms Sturgeon for her role in a series of talks with UK ministers in the run up to the meeting between Mr Salmond and Mr Cameron.

He said: “I would like to thank Nicola Sturgeon for the constructive manner in which she has conducted these negotiations over recent weeks. I am very satisfied with the position we have arrived at.

“I am confident this agreement will be approved by the Prime Minister and First Minister on Monday and that Scotland will have a legal, fair and decisive referendum to decide whether we remain part of the United Kingdom.”

Labour has accused the Scottish Government of ignoring the 26,000 responses to the referendum consultation, by not publishing the results before striking the deal.