Canon Wright attacks insulting Downing St diktat

One of the architects of devolution has branded it “insulting” the Westminster government should be “dictating” what questions go on the ballot paper.

Canon Kenyon Wright, a leading figure in the Scottish Constitutional Convention, insisted the Scottish Government should not be cowed in the power struggle over the referendum.

“The idea the Scottish Government has somehow to go cap in hand to London for permission to consult the Scottish people seems to me to be totally unaccpetable,” he said.

“What’s more unacceptable is that London can dictate what question or questions or how many questions should be on asked – that’s insulting.”

A multi-option referendum could be more decisive than a straight “yes or no” which could “disenfranchise” many Scots, according to the cleric, who wants to see a third option on more powers included.

With Prime Minister David Cameron due in Scotland for talks tomorrow, Canon Wright believes the Tory leader has taken a back-seat to avoid a Margaret Thatcher-style backlash from the 1997 vote.

“The day before the referendum Maggie Thatcher came up to Scotland and the headline in one newspaper was ‘Here’s another reason to say yes’ – with a picture of her,” he said.

“Cameron has realised it would be counterproductive for him to take the lead in this.”

SCOTT MACNAB