GRAY FAILS REFERENDUM TEST TEN TIMES

POLL SHOWS INCREASING SUPPORT FOR INDEPENDENCE

Figures released in a BBC ICM poll show an increasing number of voters favouring Scotland’s independence as a majority of voters call for a referendum on independence and on full taxation powers for the Scottish Parliament. The results are released as Labour leader Iain Gray refused
ten times in an interview to support a referendum or to explain his opposition.

SNP Business Convenor Angus Robertson welcomed the results which show 42% of people in favour of the Scottish Parliament negotiating on a settlement with the Government of the United Kingdom so that Scotland becomes an independent state – an increase of 7% on the same poll conducted in 2007.

The poll also shows a clear majority, 57% in favour of a referendum to decide Scotland’s constitutional future.

When asked on this morning’s Good Morning Scotland Labour leader in the Scottish Parliament Iain Gray was asked ten times if the Scottish public should have the right to decide Scotland’s constitutional future in a referendum and refused to allow the people their say.

Mr Robertson said;

“Ten years ago the Scottish Parliament reconvened at the wish of the Scottish people.

“A decade later, for Labour to deny the people of Scotland their right to decide, not just once, but ten times in one interview shows an appalling lack of respect for the Scottish public and the principle that Scotland’s sovereignty lies with the people.

“Today’s poll figures are incredibly encouraging as they show people increasingly turning toward the SNP and Scottish independence with those in favour of negotiating for Scotland’s independence continuing to increase.

“The Scottish Government’s National Conversation has put the public at the heart of the debate over Scotland’s future.

“As we mark ten years of devolution this poll shows the clear desire of the Scottish public for the Scottish Parliament to take more responsibility and for the Scottish people to have their say over
Scotland’s constitutional future.”