News / Independence question
THE QUESTION of Scottish independence should be raised above party politics by allowing the Electoral Commission to run the referendum, according to northern isles MP Alistair Carmichael.
Mr Carmichael was speaking after Westminster’s Scottish affairs committee reported that the Scottish governments proposed question on independence is biased in favour of separation.
The Scottish government wants the question to be put to voters in 2014 to be: “Do you agree that Scotland should become an independent country?”
However independent researchers found such a question was more likely to elicit the “yes” vote the Scottish Nationalist Party wants.
The researchers also said the Scottish government should not be both player and referee and called for the Electoral Commission to adjudicate, an idea the SNP said was “devoid of credibility”.
The Scottish affairs committee argued against the SNP’s suggestion of creating a one-off commission to regulate the poll reporting back to the Scottish Parliament.
Mr Carmichael said: “Although some might suggest that arguing over the phrasing of the referendum question is simply splitting hairs it is clear that changing the way we ask a question can have a significant impact on the answer.
“UK government ministers have made clear throughout this process that what we need is a referendum that delivers a clear, unambiguous and binding result for the people of Scotland.
“Allowing the Electoral Commission to oversee this process rather than the SNP would be one means of ensuring that we elevate the debate beyond party politics and focus on the issues.
“Once the question of whether Scotland wishes to remain as part of the UK is settled discussions over the future of devolution and the transfer of additional powers to Holyrood can continue.’
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.