Carmichael welcomes referendum

ISLES MP Alistair Carmichael welcomed his government’s offer of a Scottish independence referendum within 18 months with full legal authority.

The MP said: “As things stand, any referendum held by the Scottish Parliament would not be binding as the legal powers that would allow a poll to be held are not in place.

“The Secretary of State made clear that the Scottish government could be given these powers. If they are acting in good faith then they should now engage with ministers at Westminster to work out how this can best be done.

“I hope that we can now see progress towards an early resolution of Scotland’s constitutional future. There is nothing to be gained at a time of economic difficulty from delay but there is a lot to be lost.

“A straightforward question asking whether or not Scotland should be independent is what is required. I hope that once the sound and fury has died down our two governments will work together to deliver that.”