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09/01/2012
SNP Slam Cameron's Independence Offer
The Deputy First Minister in Scotland has hit out at David Cameron over his offer for a referendum on independence, with the proviso it takes place within 18-months.
Responding to the Prime Minister's offer on Monday morning, the Scottish National Party's (SNP) Nicola Sturgeon said the format and timing of an independence referendum was a matter for the Scottish Government, and accused the PM of "interfering".
Ms Sturgeon said: "This is a blatant attempt to interfere in the decision that is really one for the Scottish Government in terms of the timing of the referendum and for the Scottish people in terms of the outcome.
"We were elected on the basis of our commitment to have a referendum in the second half of this parliamentary term.
"This is about Westminster seeking to interfere."
It emerged on Monday that Downing Street would set a time limit for the vote – a key election pledge from the SNP - possibly to take place within the next 18 months.
Ms Sturgeon added: "We said very clearly in the election that our immediate priority if elected would be to seek to strengthen the Scotland Bill, currently going through the Westminster Parliament, to give the Scottish Parliament important economic job-creating powers, a referendum on independence in the second half of this parliamentary term.
"The decision on the future of Scotland should be for the Scottish people. That's democracy.
(DW/GK)
Responding to the Prime Minister's offer on Monday morning, the Scottish National Party's (SNP) Nicola Sturgeon said the format and timing of an independence referendum was a matter for the Scottish Government, and accused the PM of "interfering".
Ms Sturgeon said: "This is a blatant attempt to interfere in the decision that is really one for the Scottish Government in terms of the timing of the referendum and for the Scottish people in terms of the outcome.
"We were elected on the basis of our commitment to have a referendum in the second half of this parliamentary term.
"This is about Westminster seeking to interfere."
It emerged on Monday that Downing Street would set a time limit for the vote – a key election pledge from the SNP - possibly to take place within the next 18 months.
Ms Sturgeon added: "We said very clearly in the election that our immediate priority if elected would be to seek to strengthen the Scotland Bill, currently going through the Westminster Parliament, to give the Scottish Parliament important economic job-creating powers, a referendum on independence in the second half of this parliamentary term.
"The decision on the future of Scotland should be for the Scottish people. That's democracy.
(DW/GK)
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Scottish Voters Reminded Of Referendum Vote Registration Deadline
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Scottish Voters Reminded Of Referendum Vote Registration Deadline
Residents of Scotland, who wish to vote in the 19 September Scottish Independence referendum, have until midnight on Tuesday to register. Campaigners both for and against independence have urged people to register to vote before tomorrow's deadline. It is understood that 4.1 million people have already registered to vote.
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