A referendum, not an election

ISLES MP Alistair Carmichael has warned that there is no going back should the union with England, Wales and Northern Ireland be severed after the September referendum.

With six months to go, the Scottish secretary urged voters to get involved and consider what is best for their future.

He said a referendum was not an election: “You cannot change your mind in five years’ time if you do not like the choice you make.

“Once the union with England, Wales and Northern Ireland has been unpicked there will be no going back.”

And, speaking for the status quo, the LibDem politician added that in his view it was a gamble to “to leave a successful union”.

“The UK has been the most successful social, political and economic union that the world has ever seen. The decision to end it is not one that any sensible person would want to take lightly.

“It’s important to realise that a vote for independence is a gamble – there are simply too many unanswered questions, particularly regarding currency, pensions and the economy,” he said.