Doubts cast on consultation

DOUBTS have been cast on Westminster claims that 70 per cent of respondents to its consultation back a referendum next year, after an academic said he had been misrepresented.

The results of the consultation into giving Holyrood temporary powers to hold a referendum are due to be published on Wednesday. But an early release suggests 70 per cent of respondents support Liberal Democrat Scottish Secretary Michael Moore’s line, that the referendum should be held in Sepember next year rather than autumn 2014 as preferred by the SNP.

However, Alan Trench, an academic who specialises in devolution and was named as one of the 70 per cent, insisted he prefers 2014.

He told The Scotsman: “I wish they [the Scotland Office] had read my submission properly.”

Mr Trench believes a 2014 vote will allow more time to develop a devo-max alternative. The SNP said his inclusion in the list cast doubt on the UK government consultation.

DAVID MADDOX