Moray SNP News

MORAY MSP WELCOMES ROUTE MAP TO SCOTLAND'S INDEPENDENCE REFERENDUM

Richard Lochhead MSP has welcomed the route map towards Scotland’s independence referendum set out by the First Minister in the Scottish Parliament today. 

The First Minister has confirmed that the Independence Referendum Bill has now been published and sets out plans for a consultative referendum on independence, should the UK Government continue to refuse to agree a section 30 order.

The Bill proposes that the people of Scotland are asked the same question as in 2014 and that the referendum should be held on 19 October 2023.

Commenting Richard Lochhead MSP said:

“The fact that the Scottish Government has a mandate to hold a referendum on Scottish independence is beyond doubt – with a majority of MSPs in Holyrood in favour of a referendum in this parliamentary term.

“That democratic mandate should be respected and in an ideal world the UK Government would be sitting down with Scottish Government Ministers to agree a process, including a section 30 order, to allow the people of Scotland to decide our future.

“But this UK Government – which does not have the support of the people of Scotland – continue to try to block a referendum, which increasingly looks like a position based on fear and their inability to make a convincing case for Scotland to remain in the union.

“The process set out by the First Minister is welcome and I am pleased that the Lord Advocate has immediate referred the bill to the Supreme Court in order to secure absolute clarity on the legality of the plan being pursued by the Scottish Government. I agree wholeheartedly with the First Minister that Scotland’s referendum must be lawful.

“With all that has happened in recent years, no would could argue that we live in the same world we did in 2014 and it is right that the people of Scotland are given the opportunity to once again have their say on the future of our country. We have huge potential and the powers of independence would give us the opportunity to transform our country, building a Scotland that is fairer, richer, and greener. I for one look forward to the people of Scotland having their say.”