Menu
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)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
11 January 2012
Scottish Independence Referendum Plans Announced
The Scottish Government plans to hold an independence referendum in the autumn of 2014, First Minister Alex Salmond said following a meeting of the Cabinet yesterday afternoon.
Scottish Independence Referendum Plans Announced
The Scottish Government plans to hold an independence referendum in the autumn of 2014, First Minister Alex Salmond said following a meeting of the Cabinet yesterday afternoon.
09 June 2014
100 Days Until Scottish Independence Referendum
Campaigners have marked the 100 days milestone until the 18 September, when the Scottish independence referendum will take place. Currently, opinion polls are suggesting a victory for the pro-Union vote, but First Minister Alex Salmon has said there is still enough time for the "Yes" campaign to close the gap on opponents.
100 Days Until Scottish Independence Referendum
Campaigners have marked the 100 days milestone until the 18 September, when the Scottish independence referendum will take place. Currently, opinion polls are suggesting a victory for the pro-Union vote, but First Minister Alex Salmon has said there is still enough time for the "Yes" campaign to close the gap on opponents.
27 September 2013
PM Rejects TV Debate Offer With Alex Salmond
Prime Minister David Cameron has turned down an offer of a TV debate with Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond. Mr Salmond had invited Mr Cameron to debate Scottish Independence but the PM refused, saying instead that Mr Salmond should debate Alistair Darling, head of the pro-Union campaign group Better Together.
PM Rejects TV Debate Offer With Alex Salmond
Prime Minister David Cameron has turned down an offer of a TV debate with Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond. Mr Salmond had invited Mr Cameron to debate Scottish Independence but the PM refused, saying instead that Mr Salmond should debate Alistair Darling, head of the pro-Union campaign group Better Together.
11 December 2012
Scottish Government Contacts EC Over Independence
The Scottish government has contacted the European Commission to call for talks over the independence referendum. The announcement follows EC president Jose Manuel Barroso's comments to the BBC that any newly-independent country would have to reapply to join the EU.
Scottish Government Contacts EC Over Independence
The Scottish government has contacted the European Commission to call for talks over the independence referendum. The announcement follows EC president Jose Manuel Barroso's comments to the BBC that any newly-independent country would have to reapply to join the EU.
01 September 2014
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.
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.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, soon followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
