News / Urquhart on referendum
HIGHLANDS and islands list SNP MSP Jean Urquhart has urged people in Shetland to actively join the debate over Scottish independence.
Welcoming first minister Alex Salmond’s announcement that an independence referendum will be held in autumn 2014, she said that holding it any sooner would deny people the right to consider the importance of constitutional change properly.
“It is also right that 16 and 17 year olds should be allowed to vote in the referendum,” she said.
“The SNP has long believed that people who are entitled by law to work full time, get married and pay taxes should have a say in how their country is run and in the future of that country.”
Mrs Urquhart, who came third in the vote for Shetland’s seat at Holyrood last May, will be in the isles this weekend to participate in the Alting debate on the pros and cons of independence, to held at the Tingwall primary school, on Saturday evening.
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.