TORIES URGED TO BACK REFERENDUM BILL

DEMOCRATIC SUPPORT SHOULD REPLACE TORY PLOTS AND PLANS

Scotland’s Conservative MSPs were today urged to back the Scottish Government’s referendum bill after media reports in the Daily Mail that senior UK Tories wish to hold a referendum on Scottish Independence if they form the next UK Government.

This follows reports in the Sunday Times that former Scottish Secretary Lord Forsyth has urged David Cameron to back a referendum.

SNP MSP Dr Alasdair Allan said;

“It is clear Tories in England and Lord Forsyth are in favour of a referendum on Independence. Scotland’s Conservatives should follow their lead.

“Instead of waiting for an election they have not won, the Tories could get the referendum ball rolling by backing the SNP Government’s proposals.

"The Scottish Government has made clear it will introduce a referendum bill this year for a vote in 2010. The easiest way for the Tories to get their independence vote is to back the SNP Government's bill - not to hatch secret plots and plans in London.

“Regardless of who is in Government in London all MSPs should value the right of the Scottish people to determine their own constitutional future and support the Scottish Government’s referendum bill when it comes to Parliament later this year.”

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.”

LABOUR PROMISE OF DEMOCRATIC RENEWAL BECOMES DEMOCRATIC DENIAL

LABOUR PROMISE OF DEMOCRATIC RENEWAL BECOMES DEMOCRATIC DENIAL

SNP Westminster Leader, Angus Robertson MP, took both the Secretary of State for Scotland and the Prime Minister to task today (Wednesday) over the UK Government’s refusal to give the people of Scotland their say over Scotland ’s constitutional future.

Commenting, Mr Robertson said:

“Last week, Gordon Brown called for democratic renewal but just a week later and the Prime Minister and Scottish Secretary are denying the people of Scotland their chance to have their say on the country’s constitutional future.

“The Calman Commission has recommended limited additional powers for the Scottish Parliament and the First Minister has offered to test that proposition and independence in a referendum.

“The best way to resolve the debate about improving Scotland 's governance is the free and fair referendum that the Scottish Government propose for next year, offering people the opportunity to choose independence and equality for Scotland .

“While the Labour Party are insistent on limiting the debate and denying Scots their say, the SNP are taking an inclusive approach - the Scottish Government’s National Conversation is considering all options with the intention of taking this discussion to the people of Scotland .

“Together with the SNP, Scotland has what it takes to thrive as a successful, equal, independent nation.”

POLL SHOWS REFERENDUM THERE “TO BE WON”

POLL SHOWS REFERENDUM THERE “TO BE WON”

Commenting on the latest opinion poll by TNS System Three published in the Herald which shows the number of people supporting or open to negotiating with the UK Government so that Scotland becomes an independent state at 36% in favour, while 25% are undecided and only 39% -compared to 50% in August 2007, currently opposed Angus Roberston MP, SNP Business Convener said;

“This is a very encouraging poll, which confirms that support for independence and equality for Scotland is extremely strong. The 15-point gap in the summer of 2007 is now only 3 points, with an increasing number of people positive about Scotland's potential as an independent nation.

"As this week's European elections show, voters want a strong SNP voice to speak up for Scotland and they are increasingly putting their trust in the SNP. With increased powers for the Scottish Parliament, we could do even more.

“The SNP Government will bring forward a bill for a referendum in 2010 with a full debate on Scotland's constitutional future, and challenge the London parties not to stand in the way of the people’s right to choose Scotland’s future. This poll shows that support for independence is high
enough and strong enough for that referendum to be won.”

SNP MEP and Party President Ian Hudghton, who topped the European ballot in Scotland added;

“This poll adds to recent polling showing that when people are asked if they want Scotland to be a member of the EU in our own right – as opposed to being represented by the UK government – the answer is positive. Voters want Scotland to have a strong independent voice in Europe, a result emphasised with the SNP’s electoral success this week.”