Double inquiry into independence vote

A DOUBLE inquiry has been launched by a Commons committee into a “referendum on Scottish separation”, as pro-Union parties attempt to take on the SNP.

The inquiries confirmed yesterday by the Scottish affairs committee will look at the mechanics and legalities of a referendum and the issues which voters will need to face.

As revealed in The Scotsman last month, the first inquiry will consider which government should run the referendum, the legal and moral base for having one, who should be allowed to vote and whether the Electoral Commission should run it.

The second will address issues such as what would happen to the currency, bank regulation, defence, membership of international bodies, pension payments and the cost of Scotland leaving the Union.