Referendum lives to fight another day after election

Published on Thursday 11 February 2010 22:16

FIRST Minister Alex Salmond has tried to sidestep his political opponents and keep alive plans for an independence referendum.

The bill will now be published in draft form, which will allow it to go out to consultation and extend its life beyond the "febrile" atmosphere of the forthcoming general election.

He said yesterday: "It was the intent, in my estimation, of the Labour, Tory and Liberal Democrat parties to grab control of the Referendum Bill and dispose of it as quickly as they possibly could.

"Therefore I think it's far better that the people of Scotland get the opportunity over the next two to three months or so to look at the shape of the bill, in legislative terms, and to consult people on what is the remaining question that we have on the bill."

The proposals could feature two distinct questions: one on support for independence and one on support for devolving more power to Holyrood.

The second could include proposals from the Calman Commission, set up by Unionist parties to consider the way ahead for devolution, or so-called "devolution max", with extended powers.

Mr Salmond's tactics were prompted by "clearly telegraphed" moves by opposition parties to take control from the SNP, he said.

If the bill was published in its final form, as expected until yesterday, it would have gone to a special committee for consideration.

But with opposition parties all vehemently opposed to the SNP's referendum, it could have been killed off within weeks.

Mr Salmond also described Wednesday's Holyrood vote to set up an ad-hoc committee for Margo MacDonald's assisted suicide bill as evidence of opposition trickery.

"In this case, the manoeuvring around the (referendum] bill will be thwarted by putting forward a draft bill for consultation. I think this is the right way to proceed and I look forward to a vigorous consultation and I look forward to the presentation of the bill."

Labour leader Iain Gray has said his party is not against the principle of a referendum and argued the plans were a distraction from efforts to improve the economy.

The Scottish Government wanted to publish its bill early this year and Mr Salmond said it could still be put to the people in November.

Under the new timetable, the draft will be published in the next few weeks and allow about two months for consultation before it is presented to Parliament.

Mr Salmond said: "That would be perfectly possible in the timetable that I've outlined. But I do accept that the eventual day of the referendum will be decided by Parliament."

Announcing the plans at Bute House, his official Edinburgh residence, Mr Salmond said the decision was made by the Cabinet.

Labour leader Iain Gray MSP said:

"It is time for the First Minister to treat the electorate with respect. He should put up or shut up on the referendum."

Tory leader Annabel Goldie MSP said: "This is a desperate attempt by Alex Salmond to divert attention from the troubles swamping his government. His independence bill is doomed to failure, is a waste of taxpayers' money and parliamentary time.

"He needs to start acting like a First Minister. He should stop dithering and either ditch the bill or introduce it."

Liberal Democrat chief whip Mike Rumbles MSP said: "After three years of rhetoric, millions of pounds of taxpayers' money and a public roadshow, people will find it impossible to believe that the SNP still doesn't know what to say on independence."