SNP to publish independence referendum Bill in draft form 'to avoid early death'

Published on Thursday 11 February 2010 11:45

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

• Alex Salmond wants to ensure his referendum Bill is not defeated by opposition parties at the first hurdle

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

Last month Mr Salmond ditched his plans to publish the bill to coincide with Burns Night.

Today Mr Salmond said: "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 question could include Calman Commission proposals, set up by Unionist parties to consider the way ahead for devolution, or so-called "devolution max" which would extend power.

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 today, it would have gone to a special committee for consideration.

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

Mr Salmond also described yesterday'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.

"I also believe it's entirely possible, given the number of changes of position that we've seen in the Labour party and the Liberal Democrat party about the idea and concept of consulting the people on the constitutional future, that once we get beyond the febrile atmosphere in the run-up to a UK general election, then it will give MSPs across the chamber a better opportunity to look at the concept and principle.

"That is whether or not the people of Scotland should be consulted on their own constitutional future."

Labour leader Iain Gray has said that his party is not against the principle of a referendum and argued that the plans are a distraction from attempts 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.

According to 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 Cabinet on Tuesday.

He said the timing of today's announcement was not designed to deflect attention from Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, who was called on to resign because she wrote a letter to the courts in support of a fraudster.