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I welcomed the statement which was held in Parliament last month confirming that the responsibility for the referendum on Scotland’s constitutional future should rest with the Scottish Parliament. I’m pleased that the agreement, known as
a Section 30, has been reached and that we can now start to get beyond the process of the referendum and into debating the future of Scotland
and
whether we remain part of the UK. As we look
at the detail of this deal, I am looking to make sure that it provides the people of Scotland with the fair and decisive referendum that many have been calling for. There are a number of contentious issues including votes for 16 and 17 year olds. If votes at 16 and 17 are to be introduced, legislation should be introduced across the UK for every election, not just a one off referendum.
Also, there are concerns surrounding
campaign finance. I feel very strongly about this - the Scottish Government cannot be the referee and a player. The Electoral Commission will act as an independent overseer of the process including finance and the wording of the question. It’s important to remember that no previous Government has overruled
the
Electoral Commission and I hope that Alex Salmond and the Scottish Government don’t ignore that precedent. We need independent external oversight
of
campaign finance from the Electoral Commission
to
ensure fair play. Last but not
least, the question
itself. We want a clear and unambiguous question that provides a fair choice for the Scottish people. Any question should be thoroughly tested by the Electoral Commission.
Click the play button above to watch the exchange between myself and the Scottish Office Minister
Click the play button above to watch my question and the response from the Government
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