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10 Jul 2012
Alex Salmond has come under further pressure from within his own party to support a single referendum question on separation.
Two of his MPs, Eilidh Whiteford and Mike Weir, today confirmed in a Westminster debate that there should be just one question on the ballot paper.
Their stance is similar to that of SNP Deputy Leader Nicola Sturgeon.
Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson MSP said:
“Alex Salmond’s stance in agitating for a second question is clearly causing splits and tensions within his own party.
“Two of his own MPs today joined his Deputy Leader in supporting a single question on whether Scotland remains within the United Kingdom.
“Alex Salmond made a manifesto commitment to holding a referendum on separation and nothing else, and his own supporters must surely wonder why he is acting all coy about holding such a vote.
“It’s not in the gift of any politician or party to frame this single question and that is why this task has been handed to a panel of relevant experts and eminent academics.
“With polls showing that a majority of Scots want to remain in one of the most successful political and economic unions in the world, it’s clear the electorate are fed up with Alex Salmond’s bluster and assertions.”
Notes to Editors
Speaking in Westminster Hall during today’s Private Member’s debate, “The economic consequences of Scottish separation”, Eilidh Whiteford MP said:
“I’ve always been very clear that I want one question on the ballot paper and I’m happy to have that debate.”
Mike Weir MP said: “If the Honourable Member had been listening to my response to the Honourable member for Livingston, he will have heard my preference for a single question.”
He added: “I don’t understand both the Unionist Parties obsession with this issue. Since the SNP have made clear our position is for a single question.”
Nicola Sturgeon’s support for a single question:
It was reported in the Daily Record that she told BBC Radio Scotland’s Good Morning Scotland: “The SNP’s preferred option is independence. That’s the option we want to see on the ballot paper, it’s the outcome we will be campaigning for.”
http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/politics-news/2012/01/25/scottish-independence-first-minister-alex-salmond-set-to-unveil-referendum-plans-at-holyrood-86908-23719637/
