The SNP wants to hold a referendum towards the end of the five-year parliamentary term UK ‘won’t block’ Scots referendum
The SNP wants to hold a referendum towards the end of the five-year parliamentary term The UK government will not move to block a referendum on Scottish independence, the Secretary of State for Scotland has said.
Liberal Democrat MP Michael Moore said there would not be constitutional questions raised about the rights or wrongs of holding a referendum.
The newly-elected majority SNP Scottish government intends to bring forward a referendum later in its five-year term.
The Conservatives, Labour and Lib Dems all oppose independence.
Mr Moore said: “As a UK government we will not be putting obstacles in the way of any referendum.
“When we get to the point of a referendum actually taking place, as a Liberal Democrat, I will obviously campaign against it.”
Scottish Conservative deputy leader Murdo Fraser said the UK government should give “very serious consideration” to launching its own referendum on the future of the UK constitution to prevent a “damaging” long-running debate.
However, Mr Moore said: “We will not be bringing forward a referendum ourselves, it’s entirely a matter for the Scottish government.”
Analysis
It’s all very well for the UK government to say it won’t stand in the way of an independence referendum.
But the bottom line is this is happening, whether the coalition likes it or not.
The minority SNP government in the last parliament tried to win support for a Referendum Bill at Holyrood – even offering an olive branch to include an extra question on more powers for Scotland – but the parties didn’t go for it and, in the end, the plan was dropped.
But the SNP will shortly be in majority government. That means no more bartering – the party’s MSPs will simply vote through the bill, no matter which way Labour, the Lib Dems and Tories go.
The opposition parties say the SNP has played down the issue, so as not to scare the horses.
And a vote for the SNP doesn’t necessarily mean a vote for independence.
But, the SNP, in the wake of its stunning and decisive election win, is still committed to the vision of a free and just Scotland.
The UK government would become involved in the event of a referendum “Yes” vote.
Such a result would not mean automatic independence, but a mandate from the people would provide a rock-solid platform on which to negotiate a settlement with Westminster – albeit one it would be unable to refuse.
He added: “We’re not going to be raising any constitutional questions about the rights or wrongs of holding a referendum on this particular issue.
“How it’s actually structured will need to comply with the law to avoid challenge.”
Mr Moore also ruled out inserting clauses such as the “40% rule” in the 1979 independence referendum, which required 40% of the total Scottish electorate to vote yes.
He said: “That won’t be for us to do that. It will be for the people of Scotland to have that argument.
“It’s a matter for the Scottish Parliament and the Scottish government to determine.”
Turning to his own party, Mr Moore said the Scottish Lib Dems should not allow disquiet over the coalition, election defeats in Holyrood and English local authorities, the failure of their AV referendum, and the resignation of Scottish leader Tavish Scott to create a rift with the UK party.
He also said it was “absolutely” appropriate for him to continue as Secretary of State for Scotland despite the rejection of his party north of the border.
Mr Moore is steering the Scotland Bill through Westminster with the aim of giving Scotland greater financial accountability.
He confirmed Holyrood would not be able to alter the bill once it comes back from the Lords, but acknowledged they could refuse legislative consent.
On being returned to power on a landslide, the SNP was quick to indicate it wants an urgent reassessment of the Scotland Bill to increase financial powers for Scotland.
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