Scottish independence: Westminster may ‘impose its will’ on referendum

THE UK Government may look to “impose its will” on the independence referendum if Alex Salmond “gets too clever” over arguments about its terms and timing, according to leading Scottish Conservatives.

Tory constitution spokesman David McLetchie said the “nuclear option” of a Westminster-led referendum “may be necessary”, while former presiding officer Alex Fergusson said Alex Salmond “will do everything in his power” to ditch the poll if he predicts it will not go his way.

Speaking at the party’s conference in Troon, former leader Mr McLetchie said: “The SNP clearly try to run a line that they are being dictated to by Westminster. It’s not dictation, it’s just actually making sure that you can deliver a legal referendum.

“I actually think we’re making some progress and are beginning to win that particular argument, and if we win it decisively then Alex Salmond will end up having to back down and the nuclear option will not be necessary.

“In the last analysis it may be necessary, but I actually think if we prepare the ground properly it won’t be necessary because it will be accepted that a single question - in or out - is what we should have.”

Mr Fergusson said: “I do believe that there will be a stage, if necessary, that the UK Government has the absolute right to step in and impose its will if Alex Salmond tries to get too clever, as he’s very inclined to do on many occasions, with the feelings of the people of Scotland, with the terms of the referendum and indeed with the timing.

“I think the Government should hold that in reserve, because I think there could conceivably come a time when I believe the UK Government would have the backing of the people of Scotland to come in and say we’ve had enough of this shilly-shallying.”