Linda Fabiani MSP for East Kilbride has called for people of the town to play their part in shaping the forthcoming referendum on Scottish independence by taking part in the Scottish Government consultation launched today by the First Minister.
A copy of the Scottish Government’s independence referendum consultation can be found at http://www.scotreferendum.com/consultation/ , along with details of how to respond. Alternatively, people can write to: Referendum Consultation, Elections and Constitutional Development Division, Area 3D (South), Victoria Quay, Edinburgh, EH6 6QQ.
Alex Salmond yesterday set out his full consultation document and announced definitive plans to hold the referendum in Autumn 2014, and the question will be a simple "yes/no" one - "Do you agree that Scotland should be an independent country?".
Support for independence seems to be on the rise. A recent poll carried out by The New Statesman/ICD showed 44% of Scots would vote for independence in a straight Yes/No ballot, compared to 45% against. The other 11% were "don't knows".
The survey also revealed 51% of Scots would vote for full control over tax and spending – the so-called devo-max option.
Linda said “A decision as important as the independence referendum clearly needs to involve and engage everyone in Scotland. The referendum should be built in Scotland, by the people of Scotland rather than limited by the strings and conditions of Westminster.
“That is why I want to see as many people as possible take part in the Scottish Government’s consultation and help to shape the way the referendum in 2014 will be held.
“This is an opportunity to have a huge impact on the most important decision that Scotland has faced for 300 years and I hope large numbers of people of East Kilbride will play their part.
“To do more to improve Scotland and build a better country we need the full range of powers available to an independent country. Nobody cares more about making Scotland a success than people in Scotland and independence will give us all the ability to meet the aspirations we all hold for this country.”
