Draft Independence Referendum Bill published
FM: Nobody will take better decisions about Scotland’s future than the people who live here.
The draft Referendum Bill has been published asking 'Should Scotland be an independent country? Yes or No.'
The Bill, which will be introduced into Parliament once the necessary powers are secured, was a commitment in the Scottish Government’s 100 days programme.
It sets out the question, defines the franchise for the vote, and will include a date upon introduction.
First Minister John Swinney said:
“The world has changed fundamentally since 2014. So has the UK, and so has Scotland.
“While people living in the UK endure flatlining living standards and the economic damage caused by Brexit, countries all around us are enjoying a higher quality of life and have more wealth to invest in their public services – often without a fraction of the abundant resources and economic strengths that Scotland enjoys.
“In May, the largest number of pro-independence MSPs in history voted to support the call for powers to hold a referendum on Scottish independence to be devolved to the Scottish Parliament.
“This draft Bill is simple, straightforward and direct. It proposes a clear, unambiguous question, sets out who can vote in the referendum and, once agreed, will include the date. It provides people with certainty. What is now needed is the UK Government to respect the voice of the Scottish people and Parliament and transfer the necessary powers.
“Scotland is ready. The Scottish people are ready. It is time the UK Government delivered.
“I will have more to say about Scotland’s constitutional future in the coming weeks. Fundamentally, nobody will take better decisions about Scotland’s future than the people who live here. That future belongs to the people of Scotland – and no one else.”
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