First Minister John Swinney has published a draft independence referendum bill, intensifying pressure on the UK Government. The bill sets out the question and franchise for any future vote, fulfilling a commitment made in the Scottish Government’s 100 days programme. The proposed question repeats the wording used in the 2014 referendum: “Should Scotland be an independent country? Yes or No.”
Bill details and franchise
As well as confirming the question, the draft bill defines who would be eligible to vote. A date would be included once the bill is formally introduced. The move comes as new Prime Minister Andy Burnham has flatly rejected calls for another referendum. Labour insiders say there is no chance of Burnham changing his mind on a second vote.
Swinney’s case for independence
Speaking on the bill’s publication, Swinney said: “The world has changed fundamentally since 2014. So has the UK, and so has Scotland.” He argued that while people in the UK endure flatlining living standards and economic damage from Brexit, other countries enjoy a higher quality of life and more wealth for public services.
Swinney noted that in May, the largest number of pro-independence MSPs in history voted to support devolving powers to hold a referendum to the Scottish Parliament. He described the draft bill as “simple, straightforward and direct”, proposing a clear question, setting out who can vote, and including a date once agreed.
He added: “What is now needed is the UK Government to respect the voice of the Scottish people and Parliament and transfer the necessary powers. Scotland is ready. The Scottish people are ready. It is time the UK Government delivered.”
Swinney said he would have more to say about Scotland’s constitutional future in the coming weeks, stating: “Fundamentally, nobody will take better decisions about Scotland’s future than the people who live here. That future belongs to the people of Scotland – and no one else.”
