The Scottish Government has published draft legislation to hold a second independence referendum. The draft Independence Referendum Bill defines the franchise for a vote and will include a date upon introduction.
The Bill also sets out that the question for the referendum would ask: “Should Scotland be an independent country? Yes or No.” The Government said the Bill will be introduced at Holyrood once the necessary powers are secured.
First Minister's statement
First Minister John Swinney said: “The world has changed fundamentally since 2014. So has the UK, and so has Scotland.
“While people living in the UK endure flatlining living standards and the economic damage caused by Brexit, countries all around us are enjoying a higher quality of life and have more wealth to invest in their public services – often without a fraction of the abundant resources and economic strengths that Scotland enjoys.”
Political context
Mr Swinney had said during the Holyrood election campaign earlier this year that he would seek to push forward with plans to achieve independence if the SNP was voted back into power.
In the days after the SNP Government was re-elected in May, a motion in the Scottish Parliament to call on Westminster “to make a Section 30 order under the Scotland Act 1998 to devolve the powers to the Scottish Parliament to hold a referendum on Scottish independence” passed by 72 votes to 55.
Swinney's call to Westminster
Mr Swinney said: “In May, the largest number of pro-independence MSPs in history voted to support the call for powers to hold a referendum on Scottish independence to be devolved to the Scottish Parliament.
“This draft Bill is simple, straightforward and direct. It proposes a clear, unambiguous question, sets out who can vote in the referendum, and, once agreed, will include the date.
“It provides people with certainty. 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.
“I will have more to say about Scotland’s constitutional future in the coming weeks. 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.”
UK Government response
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said he will not consider agreeing to a second referendum on Scottish independence.
A UK Government spokesperson said: “The Prime Minister made clear to the First Minister in their first meeting that another referendum on independence was off the table.
“It would take our focus away from growing the economy and helping families with the cost of living.
“We will continue working with the Scottish Government and other partners to build a fairer country for everyone.”
