Lamont says Salmond’s vote date is a leap too far
Selkirk’S Tory MSP John Lamont has welcomed Alex Salmond’s preference for a single question in Scotland’s independence referendum – but said it must be held sooner rather than later.
The First Minister said the poll will be held in 2014 and his government plans extending voting rights to 16 and 17-year-olds.
Mr Lamont commented: “I am pleased to see that the SNP agree that there should be a single and decisive question in the referendum on whether Scotland should break away from the UK. We need a clear outcome from this vote and only a straightforward yes or no question will suffice.
“It is now time that we got on with holding the referendum. The SNP’s proposed date of autumn 2014 is too far away, and the uncertainty this issue is causing is damaging our economy. The people of Scotland need and deserve an answer sooner rather than later.”
The SNP’s South of Scotland list MSP, Paul Wheelhouse, also welcomed Mr Salmond’s announcement: “I truly believe we are on the brink of making history in Scotland, and it was an honour for me to sit in the chamber of the Scottish Parliament and listen to our First Minister set out the consultation on the referendum. The eyes of the world are on Scotland as we consider our future and as we make that decision as a nation.”
“This consultation needs to hear the views of as many folk as possible, so I would invite all constituents, interest groups and organisations in the Scottish Borders to respond and take part in this hugely-important debate.”
The consultation document ‘Your Scotland, Your Voice’ can be found at www.scotreferendum.com.
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Thursday 24 May 2012
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